`;<
`""'-··-
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`Bureau des brevets
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`et Corporations Canada
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`Ottawa, Canada
`K1A OC9
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`Consumer and
`Corporate Affairs Canada
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`Patent Office
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`(11)
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`(C)
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`(22)
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`(43)
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`( 45)
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`(52)
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`2,002,674
`1989/11/08
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`1991/05/08
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`1993/03/02
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`20-24
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`U1
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`.. 0
`-...3
`CXI
`...
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`5
`(51) INTL.CL. E04B-2/00
`
`(19) (CA) CANADIAN PATENT (12)
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`(54) Sandwich Panel Unit for Use in a Partition Wall
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`stanley , Canada
`(72) Price, R.
`Thorsell, stanley E.
`, Canada
`
`(73) Thorsell Holdings Ltd.
`Mudlake Holdings Ltd.
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`, Canada
`, Canada
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`(57) 22 Claims
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`Canada
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`· ..
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`(.
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`"'.··
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`·· ..
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`·.'.
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`:
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`CCA 3254 (10·89) 41
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`ALLSTEEL INC.
`Exhibit 1002
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`2002674
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`"SANDWICH PANEL UNIT FOR USE IN A PARTITION WALL"
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`ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
`A sandwich panel unit is provided comprising gypsum
`board panels suspended from cross-members of a rectangular
`frame.
`The panels are latched to the frame by suitable
`brackets. The sandwich panel unit can be de-mounted and re-
`located as a cohesive unitary assembly.
`It can also be
`disassembled and re-located in pieces.
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`
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`2002674
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to a sandwich panel unit for
`use in a partition wall and to a wall assembly incorporating
`a plurality of such sandwich panel units.
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`In modern office buildings, the space is commonly
`sub-divided by removable partition walls.
`As stated, these walls are not permanent in nature.
`From time to time, the wall assembly may be removed totally
`or disassembled and re-located in a new position.
`So the ease or simplicity with which a removable
`partition wall may be erected or disassembled is an important
`If the wall is easy to install and re-
`feature of the wall.
`locate, then the degree of skill required of the installation
`workers becomes less and the man-hours required to install
`the wall diminishes.
`In disassembling the wall, some of the components
`making up the wall may be damaged, with the result that they
`must be replaced if the wall is to be re-assembled. These
`walls commonly have gypsum board panels as a major component.
`Gypsum board is a relatively delicate material that can be
`easily damaged when being separated from other components.
`As stated, the wall typically incorporates side-by-
`side, vertically extending gypsum board panels. These panels
`have "joints" where the side edge of a panel comes close to
`or abuts the.next element in the wall. These joints in some
`known wall systems are unsightly because of gaps left between
`the elements and/or jointing hardware and it is common to
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`In recent years, wall
`mask them with protruding battens.
`systems have been developed which are adapted to permit of
`the wall elements being drawn close together to create a
`"pencil-line joint", thereby eliminating the need for a
`protruding batten. The resulting appearance of the segmented
`wall is described in the trade as being "monolithic".
`In summary then, it would be desirable to provide a
`removable partition wall system which has the following
`characteristics:
`That it can quickly be assembled and
`disassembled;
`That it lends itself to assembly and
`disassembly by relatively unskilled workers;
`That the gypsum board panels can be
`disassembled with little damage; and
`That it has pencil-line joints and a
`monoli·thic appearance.
`These desirable characteristics of a partition wall
`system will be better apprecia·ted by shortly describing some
`of the prior art commercial systems currently being used and
`identifying their shortcomings in these respects.
`One prior art system involves providing a frame of
`laterally spaced, vertical channel studs extending between
`ceiling and floor channels or "tracks". Gypsum board panels
`are secured to the two sides of the studs by screws or
`adhesive. This involves fitting and levelling difficulties
`which, in turn, requires the use of skilled workers.
`In
`addition, there are usually vertical gaps left between the
`side edges of adjacent gypsum board panels. As a result,
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`protruding battens must be used with the system.
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`If the gypsum
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`board panels are removed, they commonly must be discarded, due
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`to damage incurred when detaching them from the studs.
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`Another prior art wall system incorporates what are
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`referred to in the trade as sandwich panels. Each such sandwich
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`panel comprises a pair of steel or gypsum board facing panels
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`secured by adhesive to a central lightweight core of material
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`such as paper honeycomb or foam plastic. When the components are
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`so secured, the assembly provides a discrete integral and rigid
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`unit. The sandwich panels are normally assembled in a factory
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`and shipped to the work site. Here they are inserted between
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`floor and ceiling channels.
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`They are secured together and
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`maintained in alignment by sui table clamping brackets. Some
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`undesirable features of this system are:
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`That the sandwich panels have to be assembled in
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`a factory and shipped in the assembled state.
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`They are heavy and unwieldy and consequently easy
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`to damage. The entire unit mus·t be discarded if
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`it is damaged;
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`The unit, being heavy,
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`typically requires the
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`services of at least
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`two workers when being
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`handled;
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`Due to the use of adhesive to unite the core and
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`panels, the components cannot be disassembled in
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`order to accommodate future changes to wiring or
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`other services normally buried in the wall cavity;
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`and
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`2002674
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`Because of the rigid glued sandwich panel
`construction, there is extended contact
`between the backs of the facing panels and the
`core material. This close and rigid contact
`promotes the transmission of sound through the
`sandwich panel and an inefficient sound
`barrier is the result.
`However, the sandwich panels do have the advantage that they
`easily may be de-mounted, re-located, and re-erected.
`A third prior art system, to which the present
`applicants were contributors, is shown in U.S. Patent
`3,948,011. This system involves providing a framework
`comprising floor and ceiling channels, vertical stud
`channels, and horizontal suspension channels extending
`through and being supported by the stud channels intermediate
`the latters' ends. Suspension assemblies are attached to
`each gypsum board panel at its rear surface. The suspension
`assemblies are arrayed in vertically spaced, horizontal lines
`that will correspond with the vertically spaced suspension
`channels.
`Each suspension assembly comprises a gang nail
`plate having tangs which embed in the gypsum board panel.
`The gang nail plate is shown in u.s. Patent 4,128,979.
`It
`forms a slot assembly, intermediate its ends, for receiving a
`spring steel clip having a downwardly angled cam portion. A
`"1 ine of weakness" or crease line extends laterally across
`the plate just above the clip-receiving slot assembly. When
`the clips are inserted into the slots and the gypsum board
`panel is lowered so that the cam portions of the downwardly
`extending clips engage the upwardly projecting leg of the
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`2002674
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`suspension channel, the panel will be suspended from the
`channel.
`The angled clips function to draw the panel in
`firmly against the framework.
`The line of weakness enables
`the upper and lower portions of the gang nail plate to crease
`slightly along the line, to angle the tangs into clinching
`engagement with the core of the heavy gypsum board panel, so
`that it will not tear away.
`This third system is characterized by the following
`advantages:
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`There is lateral adjustability of the panels
`along the suspension channels, to enable close
`abutment to adjacent elements of the wall,
`thereby achieving a pencil-line joint and a
`monoli·thic appearance;
`The gang nail plates may be attached in the
`field;
`The panel may be lifted away and separated
`from the frame, without damage to the panel;
`The wall may be assembled and disassembled
`quickly by relatively unskilled workers; and
`The facing panels are resiliently attached to
`the panel framing members and consequently
`provide an efficient barrier to the passage of
`sound through the completed panel and frame
`assembly.
`It is an objective of the present invention to
`incorporate some of the features and advantages of the third
`system into a sandwich panel unit system.
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`2002674
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIQN
`In accordance with the invention, a rectangular frame
`is provided, formed of top, bottom, and side members and at least
`one suspension channel extending horizontally be·tween the side
`members.
`The suspension channel preferably has a V-shaped
`configuration. The frame members are substantially rigidly but
`disengageably secured together by connectors. Preferably, screw
`splines are used as the connectors, as they are particularly
`useful in ensuring the rigidity and plumbness of the frame. Two
`gypsum board panels are mounted to the frame. Each panel has at
`least one linear array of suspension assemblies secured to it at
`its rear surface. Each suspension assembly preferably is of the
`gang nail plate/cam clip type.
`The panels are mounted to the
`frame by suspending them from the suspension channels using the
`suspension assemblies.
`The panels preferably have the same
`perimeter dimension as the frame and the suspension channels and
`suspension assemblies correspond in their positioning, so that
`the panel edges end up flush with the edges of the frame when
`assembled.
`The
`suspension assemblies cooperate with
`·the
`suspension channels to draw the panels in tightly against the
`frame so
`that the
`former bear evenly against
`the latter.
`Disengageable bracket means are provided for locking with the
`frame and simultaneously clamping each panel tightly against the
`frame. Thus the clamping action of the bracket means contributes
`to the dr~wing in tightly of the panels against the frame. The
`bracket means are preferably further adapted to extend across and
`bear against the panel's upper and lower edge surfaces. As a
`result of drawing the panels in tightly against the frame, and
`the edge supporting action of the bracket means, the panels in
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`2002674
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`essence become unitary with the frame. As a result, the panels
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`reinforce the frame and a cohesive, rectangular, substantially
`non-racking unitary assembly is provided.
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`It will be noted that:
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`"
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`The frame is preferably "knock-down" in nature
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`and the suspension assemblies can be attached at
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`the erection site. Thus the components of the
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`sandwich panel can be shipped in a disassembled
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`form and assembled and erected on site;
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`Once assembled, the sandwich panel unit can be
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`moved without disassembly, if sufficient workmen
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`are available. But, if necessary, the sandwich
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`panel unit can be disassembled, usually without
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`damage, and moved in pieces by one worker;
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`If one of the gypsum board panels is damaged, it
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`can be removed from the unit and a new panel
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`substituted;
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`If a gypsum board panel is riding a little high
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`on the frame, there is some give in the spring
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`clip and suspension channels, which will usually
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`permit one to drive the panel downwardly far
`enough so that its top and bottom edges are flush
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`with the corresponding edges of the frame; and
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`A monolithic appearance can be well achieved if
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`the following requirements are met:
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`the gypsum board panels and frame members
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`are of consistent thickness,
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`2002674
`a plurality of lines of suspension assemblies
`and V-channels is used and they cooperate to
`pull the panels of a unit into even contact
`with the frame, and
`levelling means are provided and adjusted to
`bring the panel unit into a plumb condition.
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`Broadly stated, the invention is a discrete sandwich
`panel unit for use in a partition wall, comprising:
`a pair of
`gypsum board panels having front and rear faces; a plurality of
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`suspension assemblies of the gang nail plate/cam clip type
`secured to each panel at its rear face to form at least one
`transverse linear array located between. the upper and lower ends
`of the panel; a rectangular frame formed of top, bottom and side
`members detachably secured together by connectors at the corners,
`said frame further comprising at least one horizontal suspension
`channel detachably secured by connectors at its ends to the side
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`members, each such channel being positioned to correspond with
`an array, each such suspension channel having upwardly projecting
`means for supporting and engaging the suspension assemblies, said
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`connectors and frame members cooperating to form a substantially
`rigid and plum frame; the rear face of each panel abutting a main
`face of the frame, said panel being suspended from the suspension
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`channel by the suspension assemblies, whereby said panels bracket
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`the frame; said suspension assemblies being adapted to draw the
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`panels in tightly against the frame as the panels are suspended
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`from the suspension channel; and disengageable bracket means,
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`adapted to ·lock with the frame, for clamping each panel against
`the frame; so that the drawing of the panels in tightly against
`the frame, the clamping action of the bracket means, and the
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`2002674
`rigidity of the frame itself combine to provide a cohesive,
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`rectangular, substantially non-racking, unitary assembly.
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Figure 1
`is a perspective front view showing a
`plurality of abutting sandwich panel units positioned between
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`ceiling and floor channels, with one sandwich panel unit partly
`broken away to show the internals and frame;
`Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the sandwich panel
`unit engaging a ceiling channel and a floor channel;
`Figure 3 is a top plan view showing a pair of adjacent
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`sandwich panel units held together in aligned formation by
`brackets;
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`Figure 4
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`is a perspective view showing a single
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`suspension assembly engaging a V-shaped suspension;
`Figure 5 is a plan view of a suspension· assembly;
`Figure 6 is an end view of a V-shaped suspension
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`channel;
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`member;
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`.member;
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`Figure 7 is an end view of a horizontal frame bottom
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`Figure 8 is an end view of a vertical frame side
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`Figure 9 is an end view of a post cap jointer or
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`alignment bracket;
`Figure 10 is an end view of a clamping bracket; and
`Figure 11 is a perspective view of a spacer used to
`support the panels.
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
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`The sandwich panel unit 1 comprises a rectangular frame
`2 formed of channel-like aluminum extrusions. More particularly,
`the frame 2 comprises top and bottom members 3 & 4 respectively,
`a pair of side members 5, and a plurality of horizontal, V-
`shaped suspension channels 6. The members 3,5 and 4,5 are joined
`together at the corners by screw splines 7, which are screwed
`into receptacles 7a formed on the members
`themselves.
`The
`suspension channels 6 are similarly connected by screw splines
`7 to the side members 5 at vertically spaced locations.
`The
`resulting frame is quite rigid and plumb, however it still has
`some tendency to rack.
`Each
`A pair of gypsum board panels 8 are provided.
`panel 8 has a plurality of horizontally extending, linear arrays
`9 of suspension assemblies 10 secured to it at its rear face 11.
`Each suspension assembly 10 is of the known gang nail plate/cam
`clip type. More particularly, it comprises a gang nail plate 12
`having tangs (which are formed by punching out sections 13 of the
`plate 12), which may be embedded in the panel 8. The gang nail
`plate 12 further forms a clip-engaging slot assembly 14 and has
`a pair of scored lateral lines 15 of weakness located just above
`and below the slot assembly 14. The upper portions 16 of the cam
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`clips 17 may be inserted into the slot assemblies 14, as shown.
`The lower, downwardly angled cam portions 18 of the clips 17,
`when dropped into engagement with the suspension channels 6,
`function to co-act with the lips 19 of the channels to draw the
`panel 8 in tightly against the frame 2. When the panel 8 is hung
`from the suspension channels 6 in this way, the upper and lower
`portions 16, 18 of the gang nail plates 12 bend slightly about
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`the weakness lines 15, so that the tangs clinch into the panel
`material at a slight angle.
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`One panel 8 is mounted on each side of the frame 2 so
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`that the rear face 11 of each panel abuts a main face 21a of the
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`frame 2. The panels 8 thus bracket the frame 2.
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`Spacers 37 are suspended from the suspension channels
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`6, to bear agains·t the rear faces 11 of the panels 8 at 24"
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`spacings.
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`Stated otherwise,
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`the spacers 37
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`function
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`like
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`vertical studs at 24" spacing to lend support and rigidity to the
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`easily flexed panels.
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`Conventional sound-proofing material 20 may be stuffed
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`into the space between the panels 8.
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`The panels 8 are sized so as to substantially conform
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`to the perimeter of the frame 2.
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`The arrays 9 of suspension
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`assemblies
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`10 are positioned on
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`the panels 8
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`so as
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`to
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`substantially correspond with the
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`locations of the V-shaped
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`suspension channels 6. The arrays 9 may be deliberately located
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`a trace high. When this is done and the panel 8 rides a little
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`high, it may be forced downwardly a short distance -
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`the "give"
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`of the channel lip 19 and the cam clips 17 will permit this to
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`occur. When this is done, the panels 8 are drawn in particularly
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`tightly against the frame 2, thereby contributing to forming the
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`sandwich panel uni·t 1 into an integral cohesive article.
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`A pair of L-shaped bayonet members
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`21 project
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`downwardly and outwardly from the bottom surface
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`22 of the
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`bottom frame member 3. A similar pair of L-shaped bayonet
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`2002674
`members 23 project upwardly and outwardly from the top
`surface 24 of the top frame member 3. The lower bayonet
`members 21 cooperate with the surface 22 to form a slot 25.
`Similarly, the upper bayonet members 23 cooperate with the
`surface 24 to form a slot 26. Upper and lower clamping
`brackets 27 are provided to cooperate with each of the
`bayonet members 21, 23 to clamp and lock each gypsum board
`panel 8 tightly to the frame 2. More particularly, each
`clamping bracket 27 is generally L-shaped in configuration
`and comprises a vertical portion 28 and a pair of spaced
`apart, horizontal portions 29, 30.
`The horizontal portions
`29, 30 form a socket 31, for receiving the appropriate
`bayonet member 21 or 23. The horizontal portions 29, 30 each
`have inwardly projecting ratchet-type teeth 32 for locking
`onto the enlarged head 33 of the pertinent bayonet member 21
`or 23. When each clamping bracket 27 is secured to the
`pertinent bayonet member 21 or 23, it cooperates with the
`vertical side wall 34 of the adjacent top or bottom frame
`member 3 or 4 to form a vice, which receives, clamps and
`supports the end portion of the panel 8.
`From the foregoing description, it is seen that the
`clamping brackets 27 lock with the frame 2 by means of the
`bayonet members 21, 23 and are operative to clamp the panels
`8 tightly against the frame 2.
`As a result of the combination of:
`the interaction of the cam clips 17 and the
`channel lips 19, and
`the interaction of the clamping brackets 27
`with the bayonet members 21, 23,
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`the two gypsum board panels 8 in essence become integral and
`cohesive with the frame 2, to produce a unitized assembly
`which is adequately resistive to racking and which may be
`moved about as a unit.
`The frame 2 is provided with a pair of laterally
`spaced, vertically extending, threaded bolts 38 projecting up
`through openings formed in the horizontal web 39 of the frame
`bottom member 4. Each bolt 38 has a large hexagonal head 40
`at its lower end, which may be turned to level and plumb the
`sandwich panel unit 1.
`A plurality of the sandwich panel units 1 are used
`in conjunction with floor and ceiling tracks 41, 42,
`alignment brackets 43 and jointer members 60, to form a
`partition wall 45.
`More particularly, a channel-like ceiling track 42
`is suspended from the building ceiling by aT-bar 46. The T-
`bar 46 has secured to it a downwardly extending threaded bolt
`47. The ceiling track 42 is secured to the T-bar 46 by a nut
`48 threaded onto bolt 47. Sound-proofing material 49 may be
`provided between the T-bar 46 and the track 42.
`The ceiling track 42
`has an outwardly projecting
`bayonet member 50 on each side. A pair of
`elongated L-
`shaped alignment members 43 are provided, each having a
`vertical portion 51 and spaced apart, parallel, horizontal
`portions 52, 53.
`The portions 52, 53 have inwardly
`protruding, ratchet-type teeth 54.
`The alignment ~rackets
`43, when snapped on·to the bayonet members 50, function to
`align adjacent sandwich panel units 1 in linear formation and
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`to support them laterally at their upper ends so that they
`are prevented from toppling over.
`The floor track 41 is provided on its underside
`with a strip 55 of carpet hook fastener, which secures it to
`the carpet. An inverted channel-like member 56 is positioned
`within the track 41 to laterally support the levelling bolt
`38. A pair of elongated base trim members 57 clip onto the
`track side legs 58 and extend up to the base portions of the
`panels 8, to mask the assembly at the foot of the unit 1.
`Adjoining sandwich panel units 1 are joined
`together by a jointer member 60. More particularly, the
`frame side members 5 are formed with bayonet members 61. The
`jointer member 60 has inwardly projecting members 62, 63
`which form sockets that snap onto the bayonet members 61 to
`hold the units 1 together.
`The system shown in the drawings is a specific form
`of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by
`the claims now following.
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`THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
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`PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
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`A discrete sandwich panel unit for use in a
`1.
`partition wall, comprising:
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`a pair of gypsum board panels having front and rear
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`faces;
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`a plurality of suspension assemblies of the gang nail
`plate/cam clip type secured to each panel at its rear face to
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`form at least one transverse linear array located between the
`upper and lower ends of the panel;
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`a rectangular frame formed of top, bottom and side
`members detachably secured together by connectors at the corners,
`said frame further comprising at least one horizontal suspension
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`channel detachably secured by connectors at its ends to the side
`members, each such channel being positioned to correspond with
`an array, each such suspension channel having upwardly projecting
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`means for supporting and engaging the suspension assemblies, said
`connectors and frame members cooperating to form a substantially
`rigid and plum frame;
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`the rear face of each panel abutting a main face of the
`frame, said panel being suspended from the suspension channel by
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`the suspension assemblies, whereby said panels bracket the frame;
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`said suspension assemblies being adapted to draw the
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`panels in tightly against the frame as the panels are suspended
`from the suspension channel; and
`disengageable bracket means, adapted to lock with the
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`frame, for clamping each panel against the frame;
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`so that the drawing of the panels in tightly against
`the frame, the clamping action of the bracket means, and the
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`rigidity of the frame itself combine to provide a cohesive,
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`rectangular, substantially non-racking, unitary assembly.
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`2. The sandwich panel as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
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`the perimeter of each gypsum board panel conforms with
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`the perimeter of the frame; and
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`a plurality of vertically spaced apart suspension
`channels and corresponding arrays of suspension assemblies are
`provided.
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`3.
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`The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claim 1
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`wherein:
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`each suspension assembly comprises a gang nail plate
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`and camming clip assembly.
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`4.
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`The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claim 2
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`wherein:
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`each suspension assembly comprises a gang nail plate
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`and caroming clip assembly.
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`5. A partition wall comprising:
`floor and ceiling channels;
`a plurality of discrete sandwich panel units extending
`vertically between
`the floor and ceiling channels
`in side
`abutting relationship;
`each such sandwich panel unit comprising
`a pair of gypsum board panels having front and rear
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`faces,
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`the gang
`a plurality of suspension assemblies of
`nail/cam clip type secured to each panel at its rear face to form
`at least one transverse linear array located between the upper
`and lower ends of the panel;
`a rectangular frame formed of top, bottom and side
`members detachably secured together by connectors at the corners,
`said frame further comprising at least one horizontal suspension
`channel detachably secured at its ends by connectors to the frame
`side members between their top and bottom ends, each such channel
`being positioned
`to correspond with an array, each
`such
`suspension
`channel having upwardly projecting means
`for
`supporting
`and
`engaging
`the
`suspension assemblies,
`said
`connectors and frame members cooperating to form a substantially
`rigid and plum frame;
`the rear face of each panel abutting the frame, said
`panel being suspended
`from
`the suspension channel by
`the
`suspension assemblies, whereby said panels bracket the fr~me,
`said suspension assemblies being adapted to draw the
`panels in tightly against the frame as the panels are suspended
`from the suspension channel;
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`disengageable bracket means, adapted to lock with the
`frame, for clamping each panel against the frame; and
`means, detachably interconnecting adjacent sandwich
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`panel units, for holding them in aligned formation;
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`so that the drawing of the panels in tightly against
`the frame,
`the clamping action of the bracket means, and the
`rigidity of the frame itself combine to provide a cohesive,
`rectangular, substantially non-racking, unitary assembly.
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`6. The sandwich panel as set forth in claim 5 wherein:
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`the perimeter of each gypsum board panel conforms with
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`the perimeter of the frame; and
`a plurality of vertically spaced suspension channels
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`and corresponding arrays of suspension assemblies are provided.
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`7.
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`The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claim 6
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`wherein:
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`each suspension assembly comprises a gang nail plate
`and camming clip assembly.
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`8.
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`The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claim 1
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`comprising:
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`a pair of screw bolts threaded upwardly into the frame
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`bottom member, one adjacent each of its ends, for levelling the
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`panel unit.
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`9. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 2 or
`3 comprising:
`a pair of screw bolts threaded upwardly into the frame
`bottom member, one adjacent each of its ends, for levelling the
`panel unit.
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`10. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 4,
`5 or 6 comprising:
`a pair of screw bolts threaded upwardly into the frame
`bottom member, one adjacent each of its ends, for levelling the
`panel unit.
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`The partition wall as set forth in claim 7
`
`11.
`comprising:
`a pair of screw bolts threaded upwardly into each frame
`bottom member, one adjacent each of its ends, for levelling the
`panel unit.
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`12. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 1,
`2 or 3 wherein:
`the disengageable bracket means are further adapted to
`support each end surface of each panel, to assist the panels and
`frame in forming a cohesive unitary assembly.
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`13. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 5,
`6 or 7 wherein:
`the disengageable bracket means are further adapted to
`support each end surface of each panel, to assist the panels and
`frame in forming a cohesive unitary assembly.
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`14. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claim 8
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`wherein:
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`the disengageable bracket means are further adapted to
`support each end surface of each panel, to assist the panels and
`frame in forming a cohesive unitary assembly.
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`15. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 1
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`or 2 wherein:
`the disengageable bracket means are further adapted to
`support each end surface of each panel, to assist the panels and
`frame in forming a cohesive unitary assembly; and comprising
`means, associated with the bottom frame member, for
`levelling the panel unit.
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`16. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 3,
`4 or 5 wherein:
`the disengageable bracket means are further adapted to
`support each end surface of each panel, to assist the panels and
`frame in forming a cohesive unitary assembly; and comprising
`means, associated with the bottom frame member, for
`levelling the panel unit.
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`17. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 6
`or 7 wherein:
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`the disengageable bracket means are further adapted to
`support each end surface of each panel, to assist the panels and
`frame in forming a cohesive unitary assemblyi and comprising
`means, associated with the bottom frame member, for
`levelling the panel unit.
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`18. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 1,
`2 or 3 wherein:
`the connectors are screw splines.
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`19. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 4,
`5 or 6 wherein:
`the connectors are screw splines.
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`20. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 7,
`8 or 9 wherein:
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`the connectors are screw splines.
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`21. The sandwich panel unit as set forth in claims 10,
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`11 or 12 wherein:
`the connectors are screw splines.
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`22. The sandwich-. panel unit as set forth in claims 13,
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`(I
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`14 or 15 wherein:
`the connectors are screw splines .
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`2002674
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`2002674
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