U.S. patent number 3,699,734 [Application Number 04/825,715] was granted by the patent office on 1972-10-24 for partitioning system having removable panels.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Anning-Johnson Company. Invention is credited to Robert D. Craig, Richard O. Evans, Gerald F. Grant.
United States Patent |
3,699,734 |
Craig , et al. |
October 24, 1972 |
PARTITIONING SYSTEM HAVING REMOVABLE PANELS
Abstract
A system for partitioning an existing room having a floor, a
ceiling and walls into smaller room units comprising at least one
vertically extending framing member formed to provide an elongated
recess; means for providing a partitioning panel formed with an
elongated recess in confronting relationship with the support
recess; means for connecting the panel to the framing member; and
means for releasably biasing the connecting means into engagement
with one of the recesses. The connecting means includes an
elongated member interposed between the panel means and the framing
member having a first portion slidably received within the recess
of the framing member and a second portion slidably received within
the recess of the panel means. Desirably, a vertically extending
support member is disposed adjacent to each of the opposed end
portions of the panel means with the biasing means of each end
portion arranged both to urge the connecting means of each end
portion into engagement with the adjacent framing member recess and
to urge the panel toward the framing member adjacent to the
opposite end portion. Additionally, the connecting means includes
means for receiving a tool for moving the connecting means against
the biasing means to a position wherein the connecting means will
be out of engagement with one of the recesses formed in either the
framing member or the panel means, thereby to permit removal of the
panel means.
Inventors: |
Craig; Robert D. (Lisle,
IL), Evans; Richard O. (Glenview, IL), Grant; Gerald
F. (Wood Dale, IL) |
Assignee: |
Anning-Johnson Company (Melrose
Park, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
25244743 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/825,715 |
Filed: |
May 19, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/127.6;
52/204.599; 52/241; 52/481.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
2/78 (20130101); E04B 2/82 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
2/82 (20060101); E04B 2/76 (20060101); E04B
2/78 (20060101); E04b 002/74 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/127,122,238,241,242,402,397,401,400,393,586,281 ;287/20.92 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,530,016 |
|
1968 |
|
FR |
|
363,460 |
|
1962 |
|
CH |
|
251,840 |
|
1967 |
|
OE |
|
Primary Examiner: Murtagh; John E.
Claims
We claim as our invention:
1. In a partitioning system for partitioning a room having a floor
a ceiling and wall into smaller room units, comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed in a
spaced-apart relationship, each said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein;
means for securing an uppermost end portion of said framing member
to the ceiling of the existing room.
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending, vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end edge portions in
confronting relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members;
a pair of upstanding, elongated connecting members respectively
connecting said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge
portions of said panel means.
each said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close the
gap,
each of said connecting members being configured relative to said
recesses to be closely received therewithin for preventing relative
lateral movement between said panel means and said framing
members;
concealed biasing means urging at least one of said connecting
members outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting member against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means.
2. A partitioning system as defined in claim 1, wherein said means
for securing an uppermost end portion of said framing member to the
ceiling of the existing room comprises:
an L-shaped bracket having a first planar leg portion and a second
planar leg portion disposed at right angles to said first leg
portion;
said first leg portion being attached to the ceiling; and
said second leg portion being secured to said framing member.
3. A partitioning system as defined in claim 2 further
characterized by:
said recess of said framing member formed with a pair of inwardly
opening, opposed, undercut slots in an uppermost end portion of the
framing member for receiving opposed edge portions of one of said
leg portions of said means for securing said framing member to the
ceiling.
4. In a partitioning system for partitioning a room having a floor
a ceiling and walls into smaller room units, comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed is a
spaced-apart relationship, each said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein;
means for elevating a lowermost end portion of said framing member
above the floor of the existing room to prevent carpeting which is
placed on the floor from being depressed by supporting said framing
member
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending, vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end portions in confronting
relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members;
a pair of upstanding, elongated connecting members respectively
connecting said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge
portions of said panel means,
each said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close the
gap,
each of said connecting members being configured relative to said
recesses to be closely received therewithin for preventing relative
lateral movement between said panel and said framing members;
concealed biasing means urging at least one of said connecting
members outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting members against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means.
5. A partitioning system as defined in claim 4, wherein said means
for elevating said lowermost end portion of said framing member
includes:
a plate member having a planar configuration with a lowermost end
portion thereof formed to provide at least one downwardly
extending, tapered projection for passing through said carpeting
and for engaging the floor of the existing room;
said recess of said framing member formed with a pair of inwardly
opening, opposed, undercut slots in a lowermost end portion of the
framing member for receiving opposed edge portions of said planar
plate member; and
means for fixedly attaching said plate member to the lowermost end
portion of said framing member with said projection extending
therebelow.
6. In a partitioning system for an existing room having a floor, a
ceiling and walls, the system comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed in a
spaced-apart relationship, each of said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein;
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending, vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end edge portions in
confronting relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members;
a pair of upstanding, elongated connecting members respectively
connecting said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge
portions of said panel means,
each of said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close the
gap,
each said connecting members being configured relative to said
recesses to be closely received therewithin for preventing relative
lateral movement between said panel means and said framing members,
and
each said connecting member including means for receiving a tool to
move said connecting member against said means for releasably
biasing said connecting member to a position wherein said
connecting member is out of engagement with said recess of one of
said panel means and said framing member;
concealed biasing means urging at least one of said connecting
members outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting member against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means.
7. In a system for partitioning a room having a floor, a ceiling
and walls into smaller room units, comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed in a
spaced-apart relationship, each said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein;
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending, vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end edge portions in
confronting relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members;
a pair of upstanding, elongated connecting members respectively
connecting said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge
portions of said panel means,
each said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close
said gap,
each of said connecting members being an elongated, vertically
extending member having a configuration in transverse cross-section
including a recess, said recess having a medial bottom portion with
a pair of side portions laterally extending outwardly from opposite
side edge portions of said medial bottom portion and arranged at
generally right angles thereto for preventing relative lateral
movement between said panel means and said framing members;
concealed biasing means positioned between said panel means and
said recess in said connecting and engaging said medial bottom
portion member urging at least one of said connecting members
outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting member against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means.
8. A partitioning system as defined in claim 1, further
characterized by:
said recess of said framing member providing a pair of opposed,
planar wall surfaces spaced apart a distance to fittingly receive
said connecting means.
9. A partitioning system as defined in claim 8, further
characterized by:
said recess of said panel means providing a pair of opposed, planar
wall surfaces spaced apart a distance to fittingly receive said
connecting means.
10. A partitioning system as defined in claim 9, further
characterized by:
said pair of opposed planar wall surfaces of said recess of said
panel means disposed co-planarly with said pair of opposed planar
wall surfaces of said recess of said framing member.
11. A partitioning system as defined in claim 7, further
characterized by:
said connecting means including an elongated, vertically extending
member with said first portion thereof providing a pair of
parallel, laterally disposed wall surfaces spaced apart a distance
to fittingly engage said recess of said framing member, and with
said second portion providing a pair of parallel, laterally
disposed wall surfaces spaced apart a distance to fittingly engage
said recess of said panel means.
12. A partitioning system as defined in claim 10, further
characterized by:
said connecting means including an elongated, vertically extending
member having a H-shaped configuration in transverse cross-section,
i.e. having a planar medial portion with a pair of laterally
extending side bars disposed on opposed edge portions of said
medial portion and arranged at right angles thereto;
said pair of side bars being spaced apart a distance to provide a
pair of laterally disposed, outwardly facing, parallel wall
surfaces for fittingly engaging said parallel wall surfaces of said
recess of said framing member and said parallel wall surfaces of
said recess of said panel means.
13. A partitioning system as defined by claim 7, further
characterized by:
said means for releasably biasing said connecting means outwardly
of one of said recesses and into engagement with a bottom wall
surface of said other recess includes at least one coiled spring
interposed between said connecting means and a bottom wall surface
of said recess of said panel means.
14. A partitioning system as defined in claim 7, further
comprising:
said panel means being disposed with an uppermost edge portion
thereof spaced from the ceiling to provide an opening between the
panel and the ceiling; and
means for closing said opening between said uppermost edge portion
of said panel means and the ceiling of the existing room.
15. A partitioning system as defined in claim 14, and further
characterized by:
said connecting member including tool-engagement notches formed on
at least one laterally projecting face thereof at a position
disposed in alignment with the gap between said framing members and
said opposite end portions of said panel means, thereby enabling
the engagement of a tool in said connecting member for member the
same against the urging of said biasing means to facilitate
assembly and disassembly of a partition.
16. In a partitioning system for an existing room having a floor, a
ceiling and walls, the system comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed in a
spaced-apart relationship, each said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein;
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending, vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end edge portions in
confronting relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members;
said panel means being disposed with an uppermost edge portion
thereof spaced from the ceiling to provide an opening between the
panel and the ceiling; and
means for closing the opening formed between said uppermost edge
portion of said panel means and the ceiling includes an elongated,
horizontally disposed member secured to the ceiling and formed with
a downwardly opening channel; and
said uppermost edge portion of said panel means being fittingly
received within said channel
a pair of upstanding, elongated connecting members respectively
connecting said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge
portions of said panel means,
each said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close the
gap, and
each said connecting members being configured relative to said
recesses to be closely received therewithin for preventing relative
lateral movement between said panel means and said framing
members;
concealed biasing means urging at leas one of said connecting
members outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting member against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means.
17. In a partitioning system for partitioning a room, having walls,
a ceiling and floor, into smaller units, the system comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed in a
spaced-apart relationship, each said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein,
with at least one of said framing members being disposed adjacent
an existing wall and having vertically elongated sockets opening
toward the existing wall; and
a flexible sealing strip carried in said vertically elongated
sockets and being urged into firm engagement with the existing wall
by the compression provided by said concealed biasing means,
whereby said flexible ceiling strip conforms to the configuration
of the existing wall to provide a seal between said framing member
and the existing wall,
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending, vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end edge portions in
confronting relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members;
a pair of upstanding, elongated members respectively connecting
said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge portions of
said panel means,
each said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close the
gap,
each of said connecting members being configured relative to said
recesses to be closely received therewithin for preventing relative
lateral movement between said panel means and said framing
members;
concealed biasing means urging at least one of said connecting
members outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting member against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means.
18. In a partitioning system for partitioning a room, having walls,
a ceiling and floor, into smaller units, the system comprising:
a pair of parallel, upstanding framing members disposed in a
spaced-apart relationship, each said framing member having an
inwardly extending, vertically elongated recess formed therein;
panel means forming at least one partitioning panel extending
between said framing members, said panel means having opposite end
edge portions spaced from, and disposed adjacent to said framing
members, thereby to form a gap between each of said framing members
and the adjacent, confronting end edge portions of said panel
means,
said panel means having an inwardly extending vertically elongated
recess formed in each of said opposite end edge portions in
confronting relationship with said recesses of said pair of framing
members, and
each of said recesses having a pair of planar, vertically
extending, spaced-apart sidewalls of an interconnecting bottom
wall;
a pair of upstanding, elongated connecting members respectively
connecting said pair of framing members to said opposite end edge
portions of said panel means,
each said connecting member being partially received in each of
said confronting recesses respectively formed in said pair of
framing members and in said panel means and being substantially
vertically co-extensive with said panel means, thereby to close the
gap,
each said connecting members being configured relative to said
recesses to be closely received therewithin for preventing relative
lateral movement between said panel means and said framing
members;
each said connecting member having a planar medial portion and a
pair of side bars extending laterally of, and disposed on opposite
end edges of, said medial portion and arranged at right angles
thereto in an H-shaped configuration,
said pair of side bars being spaced apart a distance to provide a
pair of laterally disposed, outwardly facing wall surfaces for
fittingly engaging said sidewalls of said recesses, thereby to
provide lateral support for said panel means;
concealed biasing means urging at least one of said connecting
members outwardly of one of its associated recesses and into firm
engagement with a bottom wall portion of the opposite one of its
associated recesses, thereby to apply a compression force for
holding said panel means in firm assembly and permitting movement
of said connecting member against the urging of said biasing means
to a position for enabling the removal of said panel means,
said concealed biasing means including at least one coil
compression spring having opposite end portions operatively
engaging said bottom wall of one of said recesses and said medial
portion of said connecting member and being contained between, and
concealed by, said pair of side bars of said connecting member.
19. In a system for partitioning an existing room having an floor,
a ceiling and walls into smaller room units, comprising:
at least one vertically extending framing member formed to provide
an elongated recess;
means forming a partitioning panel having an elongated recess in
confronting relationship with said recess of said framing
member;
means connecting said panel to said framing member, said connecting
means being interposed between said panel means and said framing
member and having a first portion received within said recess of
said framing member and a second portion received within said
recess of said panel means; and
means for securing an uppermost end portion of said framing member
to a ceiling of an existing room, said means including
an L-shaped bracket having a first planar leg portion adapted for
attachment to the ceiling and a second planar leg portion disposed
at right angles to said first leg portion and being adapted to be
secured to said framing member, and
said recess of said framing member being formed with a pair of
inwardly opening, opposed, undercut slots for receiving opposed
edge portions of said second planar leg portion.
20. In a system for partitioning an existing room having a floor, a
ceiling and walls into smaller room units, comprising:
at least one vertically extending framing member formed to provide
an elongated recess;
means forming a partitioning panel having an elongated recess in
confronting relationship with said recess of said framing
member;
means connecting said panel to said framing member, said connecting
means being interposed between said panel and said framing member
and having a first portion received within said recess of said
framing member and a second portion said within said recess of said
panel means; and
means for elevating a lowermost end portion of said framing member
above a floor of an existing room to prevent carpeting which may be
placed on the floor from being depressed by supporting said framing
member, said means including
a plate member having a planar configuration with a lowermost end
portion thereof formed to provide at least one downwardly
extending, tapered projection for passing through the carpeting and
for engaging the floor of the existing room,
said recess of said framing member being formed with a pair of
inwardly opening, opposed, undercut slots for receiving opposed
edge portions of said plate member, and
means for fixedly attaching said plate member to said framing
member with said projection extending below a lowermost end of said
framing member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a partitioning system, and more
particularly refers to a system of readily assembled cooperating
support structures for supporting and retaining panels disposed in
open spaces formed by a unique framing structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore in the development of partitioning systems various
limitations and disadvantages have been found to exist preventing a
single system from serving many uses or being architecturally
acceptable apart from specific installations. For maximum
versatility, a partitioning system must be able to accept
partitioning panels of various configurations, including--for
example--wood panels, glass panels and doors.
Architecturally, a partitioning or panelling system must present
clear and uncluttered lines with finished joints and edges to blend
in with modern office interiors. Prior art panelling systems have
not provided the necessary clean, modern lines, but rather have
included miscellaneous, exposed connecting elements such as screws,
bolts and the like.
Additionally, most partitioning systems heretofore proposed have
been unsatisfactory because they required skilled workmen and the
use of many tools for the assembly and disassembly thereof.
It should be appreciated that the existing walls of a structure are
normally neither square nor perfectly flat. Therefore, a
partitioning system should be designed to compensate for these
variations in squareness and flatness for providing a partition
which neatly fits into the existing corners formed between the
walls of the building and for providing a panel which fits flush
against both the wall and the ceiling. Partitioning systems
heretofore proposed have not provided this desirable feature.
Moreover, most modern office buildings are provided with carpeting
to cover the floor surface. It should be appreciated, that it is
economically desirable to carpet one large room prior to
partitioning the same into smaller room units or offices. Prior art
partitioning systems have not provided a means for preventing the
formation of permanent depressions in the carpeting caused by
partitions which extend from the floor to the ceiling. Therefore,
when the prior art partitions were removed to enable the office
configurations to be changed, a permanent depression remained in
the carpeting where the panel was previously positioned.
Also, many prior art partitioning systems require apertures to be
formed in the existing wall surfaces to receive means for securing
a support bracket to the existing wall, whereby requiring repair of
the wall when the partition is removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The features of the present invention are applicable to a
partitioning system including a variety of panel
configurations--for example--wood panels, glass panels, and doors.
The panels may be formed to extend from an existing floor to an
existing ceiling of the building or to extend to any lesser
height.
In accordance with the present invention, a partition which extends
between a pair of opposed, parallel existing walls of a building
includes an identical framing member disposed adjacent to each of
the opposed walls. To compensate for any variations in the flatness
of the existing wall of the building, a flexible sealing means is
interposed between each framing member and the adjacent wall. A
panel, or a series of interconnected panels, extend between the
opposed support members.
A spring biased connecting means is interposed between at least one
of the outermost, vertically extending edge portions of the panel
and the adjacent framing member for interconnecting the edge
portion of the panels to the adjacent framing member. For receiving
the connecting means, each of the framing members is formed with an
elongated, vertically extending recess therein which is in
confronting relationship with a corresponding, elongated recess
formed in each of the outermost end portions of the partitioning
panel. Each connecting means includes an elongated member
interposed between the outermost end portions of the partitioning
panel and the adjacent framing member. The elongated member is
formed with a first portion which is slidably received in the
recess of the framing member and which engages a bottom surface
thereof, and a second portion which is slidably received within the
recess of the panel.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a
biasing means is provided between a bottom surface of the recess of
the panel and the connecting means for urging the latter outwardly
of the panel and into engagement with the bottom surface of the
recess of the framing member. It should be noted, that the biasing
means urges the framing member and the sealing means associated
therewith into snug engagement with the existing wall of the
building, while at the same time exerting a clamping force on the
opposed outermost end portions of the panel. The spring biasing
means should be of sufficient strength to create a frictional force
between the sealing means and the adjacent existing wall surface to
retain the panel in an upright position.
Additional lateral support may be provided for the panel by
securing the framing means to the existing ceiling. It is
contemplated by the present invention that the means for securing
the framing member to the ceiling include an elongated,
horizontally extending member attached to the ceiling and formed to
provide a downwardly opening channel for receiving an uppermost
edge portion of the panel in overlapping relationship therewith.
The elongated ceiling support member may be secured to the ceiling
by conventional means. It should be noted that due to the
overlapping relationship between the securing means and the
uppermost edge portion of the panel, any waviness in the ceiling
and any deviation in the squareness between the ceiling and the
wall is automatically compensated for by the securing member.
An additional feature of the present invention contemplates
providing means for slightly elevating both the vertically
extending framing members and the panels above an existing floor of
the building to permit a carpet to be interposed between lowermost
edge portions of both the framing members and the panels and the
existing floor. The means for elevating the panels and the framing
members generally includes downwardly extending attachments affixed
to both the framing members and the panels. The downwardly
extending attachments provide a series of tapered projections which
pass through a nap of the carpeting and engage the floor surface in
a manner to permit the weight of the partition to be directly
carried by the floor without depressing the nap of the carpeting.
Therefore, a partition construction is in accordance with the
present invention may be removed without leaving a permanent
depression in the carpeting to reveal where the partition was
previously positioned.
It is also contemplated by the present invention that the
connecting means be provided with means for receiving a tool to
permit the connecting means to be moved against the biasing means
and out of engagement with the recess formed in the wall support
member for permitting disassembly of the partitioning panel.
Moreover, it is contemplated by the present invention, that
intermediate framing members may be interposed between a series of
adjacent panels to provide an interface between panels of different
configurations--for example--between a wood panel and a glass
panel. The intermediate framing members may also be supported on
elevating means in a manner similar to the wall framing members.
Additional support may be provided for a partition consisting of
several individual panels by fixedly securing the intermediate
framing members to the ceiling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification
and in which like reference characters are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a partition assembly extending
between a pair of opposed, existing wall structures and constructed
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line II--II of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line III--III of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken line IV--IV of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket utilized for securing
vertically extending framing members to an existing ceiling
structure;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a means for elevating a lowermost
end portion of vertically extending framing members slightly above
an existing floor structure to prevent permanent damage to
carpeting laid on the floor;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII--VII of FIG.
1;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII--VIII of
FIG. 1; and
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a framing member to be utilized
on an existing wall structure formed with an exterior corner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, the features of the present invention
are applicable to a partition having a wood panel 21, a glass panel
22, and a door 23, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The partition, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, is shown as laterally extending between
existing walls 26 and 27 and vertically extending from an existing
floor 28 to an existing ceiling 29.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a frame
is constructed in an abutting relationship to the parallel,
existing walls 26 and 27 and to the ceiling 29. The frame provides
means for supporting partitioning panels, such as the wood panel
21, and generally includes a pair of identical, vertical framing
members 31, 31 disposed to abut against the existing walls 26 and
27, a vertically extending intermediate framing member 32
interposed between the wood panel 21 and the glass panel 22 and a
pair of horizontal framing members 33, 33 suspended from the
ceiling and disposed to extend to outwardly in either direction
from the intermediate framing member to each of the pair of
vertical framing members. Additionally, separate frames, generally
designated as 36 and 37, are provided, respectively, for both the
door 23 and the glass panel 22.
It is contemplated by the present invention that the door frame be
a rigid three-piece structure providing means for interconnecting
the door frame with other panels or with vertical framing members
such as 31. The frame 37 for the glass panel 22 covers all four
edges of the glass panel and provides means for interconnecting the
glass panel with either adjacent panels or adjacent framing
members, such as the intermediate framing member 32. To facilitate
mounting a door, such as 23, within the door frame 36, the frame is
formed to provide a door jam, mounting means for hinges 39, 39, and
an appropriately formed socket for receiving a door latch operated
by the door handle 41.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a
partition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may be constructed by first
erecting the vertical framing members 31, 31 adjacent to the
existing walls 26 and 27. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the vertically
framing member 31 disposed adjacent to the existing wall 26 for
supporting the left-hand portion of the door frame 36 is formed
with a channel shape in transverse cross-section. In particular,
the vertical framing member 31 provides an outwardly facing medial
portion 44 and a pair of leg portions 46, 46 extending from
terminal ends of the medial portion toward the wall surface 26.
Desirably, sealing means are interposed between the vertical
framing member 31 and the existing wall 26 to compensate for
variations in the flatness of the existing wall. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the
drawings, the sealing means includes a pair of elongated sealing
members 48, 48 each having a substantially rectangular
cross-section. The seals 48, 48 are fitted into sockets formed in
the vertical framing member 31 by a pair of ribs 49, 49 and a
portion of each of the leg portions 46, 46. Each rib portion 49 is
formed co-planar with the other rib portion and extends inwardly at
right angles to the leg portion 46 toward the opposed rib portion.
Each sealing member 48 is fitted into the socket formed by one of
the rib portions 49 and has a width to permit the sealing member to
extend beyond the terminal end portions as at 51 of the leg
portions 46 of the framing member 31. When the framing member 31 is
firmly urged toward the existing wall 26, the sealing members 48,
which are formed of a flexible rubber, for example--neoprene, are
pushed into tight engagement with the existing wall surface and
conform to the configuration thereof, thereby closing any small
cracks or gaps which may be formed between the terminal end
portions 51 of the leg portions 46, 46 of the framing member 31 and
the existing wall 26.
The vertical framing members 31 are held in an upright position by
means of support brackets 54. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the support
bracket 54 has a substantially L-shaped configuration and in
particular provides a first planar leg portion 56 and a second
planar leg portion 57. The first planar leg portion includes at
least one aperture, such as 58, passing therethrough and formed to
receive an attachment means for securing the bracket 54 to the
existing ceiling 29. The second leg portion 57 of the L-shaped
mounting bracket 54 is formed to engage the vertically framing
member 31 and retain the same in an upright position and in a tight
fitting relationship with respect to the existing wall 26.
The medial portion 41 of the vertical framing member 31 is formed
to provide means for engaging the bracket 54 and also means for
engaging a connecting member 59 to connect the vertical framing
member to the door frame 36 or to a panel such as 21. To provide
the means for engaging the connector 59, the medial portion 44 is
formed with a channel-shaped recess in an outwardly facing surface
thereof. The recess 61 is formed with a pair of parallel, opposed
wall portions 62, 62 and a planar bottom wall portion 63 extending
between the parallel wall portions. The means for engaging the
bracket 54 includes a pair of opposed, undercut grooves 64, 64
shaped to fittingly engage opposed edge portions of the second
planar leg portion 57 of the ceiling mounting bracket 54.
In erecting the vertical framing member 31, the second leg portion
57 of the ceiling mounting bracket 54 is fitted into the grooves
64; the vertical framing member is positioned against the existing
wall 26; and a conventional attachment member is inserted through
the aperture 58 and into the ceiling 29.
It is contemplated by the present invention that the door frame 36
be constructed with a pair of upright members 66, 66 interconnected
at uppermost end portions thereof by a horizontally extending
member 67. The upright members 66, 66 and the horizontal member 67
of the door frame 36 are formed to have identical configurations in
transverse cross-section. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the lefthand
upright member 66 of the door frame 36 is formed with a
substantially box-like configuration in transverse cross-section
with an elongated opening in an outwardly facing wall thereof. The
opening is formed to provide a recess 70 for receiving the
connecting member 59 to interconnect the door frame with the
vertical framing member 31. In particular, the recess 70 is formed
by a pair of spaced-apart, parallel ribs 71, 71 which extend
inwardly of the upright member 66. Additionally, each rib 71 has a
short projection extending from a terminal end portion thereof
toward the opposed rib 71 to form a partial bottom surface for the
recess 70. The pair of ribs 71, 71 forming the recess 70 in the
upright member 66 are spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing
of the parallel surfaces 62 of the recess 61 formed in the medial
portion 44 of the vertical framing member 31.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the
connecting member 59 is interposed between the vertical framing
member 31 and the upright member 66 of the door frame 36 to form a
connection therebetween. The connecting member 59 provides a pair
of parallel surfaces 76, 76 which are spaced apart a distance equal
to the spacing of both the ribs 71 and the parallel surfaces 62,
respectively, of the recess 70 and the recess 61. Accordingly, with
the connecting member 59 engaging both the recess 61 of the
vertical framing member 31 and the recess 70 of the door frame 36,
the door frame is secured in an upright position by the vertical
framing member.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in the drawings, the connecting member 59 has an elongated
configuration with an H-shaped cross-section. The connecting member
desirably extends from the existing floor 28 upwardly between the
vertical framing member 31 and the door frame 36 a distance to
allow an uppermost edge portion thereof to fit against a lowermost
edge portion 78 of the ceiling bracket 54 disposed within the
undercut grooves 64 of the vertical framing member 31. In
particular, the connecting member 59 includes a medial web portion
79 and a pair of parallel side bars 81, 81 arranged on opposed end
portions of the medial web 79 and disposed at right angles thereto.
The parallel surfaces 76 which engage the recesses 61 and 70
respectively of the vertical framing member 31 and the door frame
36, are formed by the parallel side bars 81.
It should also be understood that the upright frame member 66 on
the righthand side of the door frame 36, as viewed in FIG. 1, is
also provided with a recess similar to recess 70 described
hereinabove. It is contemplated by the present invention that the
frame 36 encircling the glass panel 22 be also provided with a
recess for accepting a connecting member of similar configuration
to connecting member 59. The frame 36, encircling the glass panel
22, is formed of four framing members which engage side, top and
bottom edge portions of the glass panel. Each of the four framing
members has an identical configuration in transverse cross-section,
and, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the righthand upright framing member
84 of the frame 37 has a configuration similar to the configuration
of the upright member 66 of the door frame 36. The upright framing
member 84 differs from the upright framing member 66 in that the
framing member 66 for the door frame 36 provides an outwardly
extending projection 86 to form a door jam, whereas the upright
framing member 84 of the glass frame 36 provides a short rib
projection 87 against which the glass panel 22 is secured by means
of the glazing compound 88 which extends into a groove 89 formed
adjacent to the rib 87.
In accordance with the present invention, the upright framing
member 84 of the glass frame 37 has a substantially box-like
configuration in transverse cross-section and provides a recess 90
having a configuration identical to the configuration of recess 70
of the upright member 66 of the door frame 36. The glass frame 37
is interconnected with the door frame 36 along adjacent edge
portions thereof by means of a connecting member 59 which is
fittingly received within the recesses 70 and 90, respectively, of
the door frame and the glass frame. Additionally, as illustrated in
FIG. 7, an outermost edge portion of the glass frame 36 is
supported by the intermediate framing member 32.
The intermediate framing member 32 has an elongated configuration
and is of a length to extend from the existing floor 28 upwardly to
the existing ceiling 29. Additionally, the intermediate framing
member is characterized by substantially box-shaped transverse
cross-section providing four outwardly facing web portions, as at
91, disposed perpendicularly one to the other. Each web portion 91
of the intermediate framing member 32 is formed to provide a recess
92 for receiving a connecting member such as 59, therefore, the
intermediate framing member provides a configuration for supporting
four panels disposed at right angles one to the other. In
particular, the recess 92 formed on each web portion 91, is
characterized by a pair of opposed, parallel side wall surfaces 93,
93 and a bottom wall surface 94. In a manner identical of the
recess 61, the recess 92 also includes a pair of opposed, undercut
grooves 96 for fittingly receiving the second leg portion 57 of the
ceiling mounting bracket 54. Desirably, the intermediate framing
member 32 is secured to the ceiling by at least a pair of ceiling
brackets 54, but it should be understood that it is not necessary
to individually support each intermediate framing member interposed
between adjacent panels, such as between the panels 21 and 22.
Instead of individually supporting each intermediate framing member
32, it is contemplated by the present invention that the connecting
means interconnecting the wood panel 21 with both the right-hand
vertical framing member 31 and the intermediate framing member 32
be provided with spring biasing means for creating a compressive
force to hold the various components of the partition in tight
engagement with the connecting members, such as 59, and to force
the vertical framing members 31 into tight engagement with the
existing walls 26 and 27 for creating a sufficient frictional force
between the existing walls and the sealing members 48 to retain the
partition both in an upright position and in an assembled
configuration.
The connecting means for providing the compressive force includes
an H-shaped, elongated connecting member 101 having a configuration
similar to the connecting member 59, a channel-shaped recess 102
formed in an outermost edge portion 103 of the wood panel 21, and a
spring biasing means for urging the connecting member 101 outwardly
of the recess 102. The channel-shaped recess 102 is characterized
by a pair of parallel, opposed wall surfaces 106, 106
interconnected by a bottom wall surface 107. The connecting member
101 includes a medial web portion 109 and a pair of parallel side
bars 111 attached to opposed end portions of the medial web 109 and
arranged at right angles thereto. The parallel side bars 111
present a pair of opposed, outwardly facing parallel surfaces 112
which are spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing between both
the parallel surfaces 62 of the recess 61 formed by the vertical
framing member 31 and the parallel surfaces 93 of the recess 92
formed by the intermediate framing member 32. Also, the parallel
wall surfaces 106 formed by the recess 102 in the panel 21 are
spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of the parallel
surfaces 112 presented by the side bars 111 of the connecting
member 101. Therefore, the connecting member 102, as well as the
connecting member 59, is capable of being fittingly received within
any of the recesses 61, 70, 90, 92 or 102 formed, respectively, in
the vertical framing members 31, the door frame 36, the glass panel
frame 37, the intermediate framing member 32 or the wood panel 21.
Accordingly, it should be noted that either the connecting member
59 or the connecting member 101 can be used to interconnect any
combination of framing members or panels.
The connecting member 101 also includes an aperture passing through
the medial web portion 109 thereof for receiving the pilot pin 116
which also engages into the wood panel 21. A coil spring 117 is
piloted on the pin 116 and has one end portion thereof engaging
against the medial web portion 109 of the connecting member 101 and
has another end portion thereof engaging against the bottom wall
surface 107 of the recess 102 formed in the wood panel 21, thereby
urging the connecting member 101 outwardly of the recess 102. The
extent of travel of the connecting member 101 outwardly of the
recess 102 is limited by an enlarged head portion 118 formed on the
pin 116 which engages against the medial web 109 on a side thereof
opposite to the side engaged by the spring 117. Also, it should be
noted that the recess 102 is of a sufficient depth to permit
substantial inward movement by the connecting member 101
thereinto.
It should be understood that any number of spring biasing means,
including a pin such as 116 and a coiled spring such as 117, may be
provided in vertically spaced relationship along the connecting
member 101, depending upon the required spring force and upon the
amount of space available. The spring force provided by the spring
biasing means should be sufficient to hold a partition, such as
illustrated in FIG. 1, in an upright position without the necessity
of providing ceiling brackets, such as 54, to secure the framing
members to an existing ceiling.
Desirably, a connecting member 101 including a biasing means is
associated with each of the opposed, vertically extending edge
portions of the wood panel 21. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
right-hand edge portion of the wood panel 21 also includes the
connecting member 101 having at least one pilot pin 116 passing
through the medial web portion 109 and into engagement with the
wood panel 21 and having a coil spring 117 piloted thereon.
When it is desired to remove a partition constructed in accordance
with the present invention, it is merely necessary to move the
spring biased connecting members 101 associated with the panel 21
inwardly of the recesses 102 against the biasing force exerted by
the spring 117 to a position wherein the connecting members will be
out of engagement with the recesses formed in the adjacent framing
members. To facilitate moving the connecting member 101, a slot 120
is provided on one, or both, of the side bars 111 of the connecting
member 101 and is shaped for receiving a tip of a screw driver, or
similar tool. The slot 120 is positioned to be accessible through a
small vertically extending space provided between a vertically
extending edge portion of the panel 21 and the adjacent framing
member. To remove the panel 21, the screw driver is inserted in the
slot 120 and the connecting member 101 is moved inwardly of the
panel 21 to a point wherein the connecting member will clear the
adjacent framing member; then the panel may be pivoted out of
position and removed. Subsequent to the above described operation,
the remaining framing members and the glass panel 22 and the door
23 may be disassembled by merely sliding these members laterally to
a point wherein the connecting members 59 may be removed. It has
been found desirable to insert a metal shim between the framing
member and the connecting member 101 when the latter has been moved
out of engagement with the recess of the framing member to prevent
the connecting member from reentering the recess.
It may be desired to close any gap left between an uppermost edge
portion 121 of the wood panel 21 or an uppermost edge portion of
either the door frame 36 or the glass panel frame 37 and the
existing ceiling 29 by the horizontally disposed framing member 33,
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The horizontal framing member 33
presents a downwardly opening channel 122 characterized by a pair
of opposed, parallel surfaces 123 spaced apart a distance to
fittingly receive the uppermost edge portion 121 of the wood panel
21 or the uppermost edge portion of either the door frame 36 of the
glass panel frame 37. In this regard, it should be noted that both
the door frame 36 and the glass panel frame 37 include a stepdown
portion, respectively, 124 and 126, having a thickness equal to the
lateral thickness of the wood panel 21.
The horizontal framing member 33 also includes apertures as at 127
adapted to receive means for securing the framing member to the
ceiling 29. The securing means may be any one of a number of
conventional means for attaching members to existing ceiling
structures, but in a preferred embodiment of the present invention
the securing means includes a first series of narrow, equally
spaced parallel slots formed in the ceiling and a second series of
narrow, equally spaced parallel slots formed in the ceiling at
right angles to the first series. One such slot is illustrated in
FIG. 3 and is represented generally by the reference character 131.
It should be appreciated, that in a newly constructed building the
ceiling may initially be formed with the matrix of slots as
hereinabove described to facilitate erecting partitions in various
configurations.
To align the horizontal framing members 33 with the slots 131, a
pair of spaced apart, elongated projections 132, 132 are provided
along an upper edge portion 133 of the horizontal framing member.
The projections 132 are spaced apart a distance to fittingly engage
opposed, parallel surfaces presented by the ceiling slots 131. The
horizontal framing members 33 are secured to the existing ceiling
29 by an attachment strip 134 which is disposed in abutting
relationship with an uppermost surface of the ceiling and which is
connected by means of bolts as at 136 passing through the apertures
127 of the horizontal framing member 33 and aligned apertures 137
formed in the attachment plate, thereby to clamp the horizontal
framing member to an underneath side of the ceiling 29.
In constructing a partitioning system, it may be necessary to
extend a partition outwardly from an outside corner such as 141, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, formed by the existing building structure.
It is contemplated by the present invention that a vertical framing
member 142 be provided for engaging an outside corner such as 141.
The framing member 142 has an elongated configuration with a
substantially box-type cross-section with one corner of the box cut
off to provide an opening into which the outside corner 141 may
extend. The vertical framing member 142 for use with an outside
corner, such as 141, is similar in configuration to the
intermediate framing member 32 described hereinabove, and in
particular includes a pair of recesses 143, 143 for receiving
connecting members such as the connecting member 101, as
illustrated in FIG. 9. The recesses 143, 143 are identical in
configuration to the recess 61 described hereinabove for the
vertical framing member 31. Additionally, in accordance with the
present invention, a pair of projections 144, 144 are provided on
the framing member 142 to form a pair of sockets 146, 146 adapted
to receive the sealing members 48, 48.
It should be noted that the three different configurations of
vertical framing members, namely the vertical framing member 31 for
abutting against a flush wall, the intermediate framing member 32
and the vertical framing member 142 for engaging in outside corner,
may be formed by altering an extruded member having one initial
configuration. To accomplish this desirable objective, it is
contemplated by the present invention to provide an extruded member
having a transverse cross-section substantially as described for
the intermediate framing member 32 and as illustrated in FIG. 7. To
form the intermediate framing member 32 an extrusion having the
configuration as hereinabove described is merely cut-off to the
desired length. Additionally, a pair of vertical framing members,
such as 31, for abutting against a flush wall may be formed by
splitting an intermediate framing member along the phantom line 151
illustrated in FIG. 7, whereas the vertical framing member 142 may
be formed by cutting one corner portion from an intermediate
framing member in a manner to provide the projections 144 in their
proper disposition.
Since many modern office buildings are provided with carpeting to
cover the existing floor structure, is has been found to be
desirable to elevate the lowermost end portions of both the
vertical framing members and the partitioning panels a sufficient
distance above the flooring surface to prevent the nap of the
carpet from being permanently matted down by the weight that would
be exerted thereon if the partitioning panels and framing members
rested directly upon the carpeting. Accordingly, the present
invention contemplates that a means be provided for elevating the
lowermost end portion of the vertical framing members 31 or 32
above the floor surface 28. Desirably, the elevating means for the
vertical framing member includes an attachment plate 152
characterized by a series of downwardly tapered projections formed
along a lowermost edge portion thereof as at 153. The attachment
plate 152 is further provided with an aperture 154 formed to
receive means for securing the attachment plate to a vertical
framing member--for example--the vertical framing member 31, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. The attachment plate 152 is secured to the
vertical framing member 31 with opposed edge portions thereof
engaging the undercut grooves 64, 64 and with the projections 153
extending below a lowermost end portion of the vertical framing
member 31, as at 156. The projections 153 pass through the
carpeting and engage the floor surface 28 while holding the framing
member 31 above the carpeting, thereby to prevent causing permanent
damage to the carpeting.
Additionally, the present invention contemplates providing
elevating means for both the glass panel 22 and the wood panel 21
whenever a carpeting covers the floor surface 28. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, the elevating means for the wood panel 21 includes a
plurality of downwardly extending projections, as at 159, which are
attached to a lowermost edge portion 161 of the wood panel 21. Each
projection 159 has a substantially conical configuration with an
apex thereof projecting downwardly and engaging the floor surface
28. The conical projections 159 are of a sufficient height to
elevate the wood panel 21 above the carpeting 163, thereby to
prevent the carpeting from being permanently depressed by
supporting the weight of the panel. The conical projections 159 do
not permanently damage the carpeting, but merely form small conical
depressions in the carpeting which are quickly concealed when the
panel 121 is removed.
Although various minor modifications might be suggested by those
versed in the art, it should be understood that we wish to embody
within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such
modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of
our contribution to the art.
* * * * *