United States Patent [19]
`Raith et a1.
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`[73]
`[21]
`[22]
`
`[62]
`
`[5 1]
`[52]
`[53]
`
`[56]
`
`DEMOUNTABLE INTERIOR PARTITION
`SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR
`Inventors: Richard L. Raith, Solon, Ohio;
`Joseph A. Davenport, Portland, Oreg.
`Assignee: Hauserman, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio
`Appl. No.: 215,540
`Filed:
`Dec. 11, 1980
`
`Related US. Application Data
`Division of Ser. No. 882,668, Mar. 2, 1978, Pat. No.
`4,251,968.
`
`Int. Cl.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . . . . . . . . .. E04C 1/10
`
`US. Cl. ...................................... .. 52/580; 52/588;
`52/594; 52/802
`Field of Search ............... .. 52/588, 802, 805, 284,
`52/595, 594, 579, 580
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`863,779 8/1907 Budd ................................... .. 52/579
`2,048,457 7/1936 Mauser ..
`52/580
`2,693,256 11/ 1954 Crafton .... ..
`52/802
`
`2,711,231 6/1955 Spangler . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . . .. 52/588
`
`52/579 X
`3,186,525 6/1965 Gresham et al. ..
`3,416,793 12/1968 Fox ......................... .. 52/588X
`
`3,742,672 7/1973 Schaeufele . . . . .
`3,886,698 6/1975 Raith et al.
`3,992,839 ll/l976 La Borde
`
`. . . . . .. 52/588 X
`........... .. 52/36
`..... .. 52/594 X
`
`4,104,837 8/1978 Naito . . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . . .. 52/588 X
`
`4,183,393 l/ 1980 Bailey ............................. .. 52/802 X
`
`[11]
`[45]
`
`- 4,438,614
`Mar. 27, 1984
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`258954 11/1964 Australia ............................. .. 52/594
`Primary Examiner—Carl D. Friedman
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Maky, Renner, Otto &
`Boiselle
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`An interior partition system wherein with relatively
`few components, most of which can be roll formed
`from common sets of roller dies, a wide variety of inte~
`rior screens or full height partitions can be constructed,
`thus avoiding the necessity of the manufacture and
`inventory of a large number of parts. For some parts,
`where volume may not justify the investment in the
`required roll sets, other manufacturing techniques may
`be employed, but such parts are readily compatible with
`the high volume components and usable interchange
`ably therewith. In the preferred form, a verticaless
`panel is constructed having a roll formed slotted, re
`cessed edge which includes a double thickness folded
`?ange of special con?guration so that adjacent panels
`may readily be secured together either with a multipur
`pose co-extruded plastic zipper strip which will provide
`the desired light and sound seal, accommodate a wide
`variety of surface ?nishes and provide an appearance
`cover for the recessed slots yet providing access thereto
`for hanging components or accessories to the screen or
`partition, or a spring metal panel connector.
`
`5 Claims, 30 Drawing Figures
`
`84
`
`ALLSTEEL INC.
`Exhibit 1003, Page 1
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`

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`US. Patent Mar. 27, 1984
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`Sheet 1 of6
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`4,438,614
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 2
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`

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`US. Patent Mar. 27, 1984
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`Sheet 2 of6
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 3
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`

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`US. Patent Mar. 27, 1984
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`Sheet 3 0126
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 4
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`

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`U.” amt Mar.' 27, 1984
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`Sheet 4 of 6’
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`4,438,614
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`FIG. 2O
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 5
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`

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`US. Patent Mar. 27, 1984
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`Sheet 5 of6
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`4,438,614
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 6
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`

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`U.S. Patsnt Mar. 27, 1984
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`Sheet 6 of6
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`4,438,614
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`203
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 7
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`

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`1
`
`DEMOUNTABLE INTERIOR PARTITION
`SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR
`
`l0
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`15
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
`
`This is a division of application Ser. No. 882,668, ?led
`Mar. 2, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,968.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to a demountable interior parti
`tion system, components therefor, a method of making
`such components, and more particularly to a uni?ed
`partition system wherein readily manufactured, modu
`lar structural components may be easily assembled and
`disassembled with various head and base assemblies to
`create a variety of different screen or partition systems,
`and still more particularly to such a partition system
`with accessory supporting capabilities.
`Traditionally, partition systems have been designed at
`various times to meet speci?c requirements and perfor
`mance levels, which over the years has culminated in a
`multitude of different generally incompatible structural
`components and different kinds of hardware. For exam
`ple, screen assemblies have been commonly designed
`with different requirements in mind than full height
`partitions, and therefore, have required different manu
`facturing procedures as well as their own supporting
`hardware. Even though the structural components are
`of similar construction, each often has its own con?gu
`ration and is mounted in a different manner using its
`own variety of clips, posts, verticals and the like, not
`withstanding that the function of a given part may be
`identical to that of another part.
`As mentioned generally above, assembly of several
`structural components, such as panels, into a composite
`partition wall in accordance with prior art practice
`requires auxiliary panel interconnecting components
`such as verticals or' post as the panels are normally
`fabricated to be placed in edge abutting relationship.
`Such auxiliary components may be provided with verti
`cally-spaced mounting slots from which accessories are
`hung. One of the more common auxiliary components
`for such panels is a U-shaped vertical that is received
`into channels at opposite vertical edge portions of the
`panels. The verticals of adjacent edge portions are se
`cured together such as by fasteners to form a rigidly
`secured assembly. Providing and installing of these
`U-shaped verticals, however, adds considerably to the
`expense of the partition wall system.
`An example of a partition screen assembly having
`similar accessory support capabilities may be seen in
`applicant’s assignee’s U.S. Pat. No. 2,886,698, dated
`June 3, 1975. In such partition assembly, panels are
`provided at their vertical mounting edges with rein
`forced ?anges which in turn are provided with vertical
`ly-spaced mounting slots from which the accessories are
`hung. Heretofore, the reinforced ?anges required form
`ing by expensive press-brake bending or when separate
`verticals are employed by extrusion techniques to as
`sure the required strength and alignment of the slots
`provided in the reinforced ?anges, rather than roll
`forming techniques where tolerances are less exacting
`but production capabilities greatly increased.
`Another drawback in previous assemblies of the type
`described is that the number of inter?tting parts makes
`it a dif?cult and time-consuming job ?rst to assemble
`and then install or reinstall the partitions. Moreover, the
`use of fastening members or certain types of panel con
`necting keys present time-consuming assembly and dis
`
`4,438,614
`2
`assembly problems, most of which require the removal
`of panels or post caps for access. The removal and
`replacement of such parts can wear the surface ?nish,
`particularly when a tool such as a screwdriver is em
`ployed. Examples of such verticals and key connected
`partition systems may be seen in Bohnsack U.S. Pat.
`Nos. 3,120,031 or 3,180,457.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`This invention provides a uni?ed modular partition
`system comprised of a family of design and functionally
`compatible, structural components which are simple in
`construction, few in number, and which may be readily
`assembled into a variety of screen or full height parti
`tion systems.
`The panel system of the invention is characterized by
`a demountable panel construction formed ‘of spaced
`apart face plates. Each face plate is bent inwardly at its
`vertical edge and then upon itself to form double thick
`ness, vertically extending, recessed J -shaped ?ange and
`terminates in outturned connecting edges by which
`reversely positioned face plates are interconnected.
`Fasteners hold together the juxtaposed connecting
`edges to secure adjacent face plates together. With such
`an arrangement, partition panels having reinforced
`mounting panel edges may be employed in either parti
`tion wall or screen assemblies. The various other modu
`lar structural components of the invention include at
`least one such mounting panel edge of similar shape for
`interconnection of the same at such mounting edges to
`provice any variety of partition layouts.
`The recessed J -shaped ?anges of the panel face plates
`as above described have a plurality of vertically-spaced
`mounting slots provided in the folded recessed ?anges
`from which accessories may be hung. According to the
`method of the invention, such face plates are made ?rst
`by forming a double parallel row of slots in the edges of
`planar sheet metal blanks with the slots of one row
`larger than those in the other. The edge is then roll
`formed into a double-thickness ?ange such that the
`smaller slots of one row are aligned with any portion of
`. the large slots of the other row. Accurate and precise
`alignment of the slots is then no longer required.
`According to another embodiment of the invention,
`an integrated demountable panel construction com
`prises spaced-apart face plates, each having inturned
`vertical edge ?anges which terminate in outturned con
`necting edges by which opposite face plates are inter
`connected. Separate vertical elements include central
`channels enclosing the outturned connecting edges to
`secure the face plates together. The vertical elements
`further have edge ?anges which form J-shape projec
`tions extending from each inturned vertical ?ange of the
`face ‘plates, and may be provided with vertically spaced
`mounting slots from which accessories may be hung.
`With such integrated construction, the bent edges and
`separate vertical elements combine to de?ne reinforcing
`mounting panel edges of similar shape and compatible
`with the mounting panel edges of the aforenoted de
`mountable panel construction. Accordingly, panels of
`either construction may be used interchangeably in the
`partition system.
`The demountable panel construction of the invention
`is further characterized by the recessed J -shape ?anges
`of the panel edges which may be juxtaposed and se
`cured together by an elongated plastic connector strip.
`The connector strip has a central U-shaped body or
`bight portion adapted to embrace and hold together the
`
`50
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`40
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 8
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`juxtaposed J-shape ?anges. The connector strip further
`FIG. 13 is a perspective elevation and in FIGS. 14-25
`has at least one ?exible wing extending laterally of the
`various horizontal sections relating to a particular full
`height partition assembly showing exemplary intersec
`central body portion into close proximity or sealing
`engagement with the inturned edge ?ange of the panels
`tions between various modular components in accor
`to conceal, yet allow access to, the mounting slots for
`dance with the invention; and
`the hanging of accessories therefrom. The connector
`FIGS. 26-30 relate to various other exemplary inter
`strip may be a plastic coextrusion with the plastic of the
`sections between the various modular components in
`wings being more ?exible than the plastic of the central
`accordance with the invention.
`body portion.
`More particularly:
`It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to
`FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred panel face plate
`provide a uni?ed partition system comprised of rela
`prior to its being formed in accordance with the inven
`tively few and easily constructed modular structural
`tion;
`components which are design and functionally compati
`FIG. 2 is a front velevation of the formed panel face
`ble and may be easily assembled and disassembled in
`plate constructed in accordance with the invention;
`any of a variety of partition systems.
`FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the face plate of FIG. 2
`It is another principal object of the invention to pro
`as seen from the plate of line 3—3 thereof;
`vide an improved demountable panel construction hav
`FIG. 4 is a top view of the face plate of FIG. 2 as seen
`ing integral, strengthened mounting edges that may be
`from the plane of line 4—4 thereof;
`used in either wall or in screen assemblies with or with
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, broken perspective of a
`out supporting structural posts.
`demountable panel construction in accordance with the
`It is still another principal object of the invention to
`invention employing two face plates of the type shown
`provide a demountable panel construction including an
`in FIGS. 2-4;
`elongated plastic connector strip for quickly and easily
`FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, broken perspective of an
`fastening the mounting edges of adjacent structural
`alternaive panel construction in accordance with the
`components together.
`invention;
`It is another object of the invention to eliminate to a
`FIG. 7 is a schematic section of a door panel con
`signi?cant extent the use of high cost metal extrusions
`struction utilized in the partition assembly of the inven~
`or press formed components.
`tion;
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a
`FIG. 8 is a schematic section of an alternate door
`partition system that may be manufactured by a single
`panel construction utilized in the partition assembly of
`inexpensive system in areas having a low skill working
`the invention;
`force.
`FIG. 9 is a schematic section of an adjustable half
`It is still a further object of the invention to facilitate
`panel or end ?ller panel construction utilized in the
`the assembly and disassembly of partition panel assem
`partition assembly of the invention;
`blies.
`FIG. 10 is a schematic section of a two-way, curved
`A further important object is the provision of a parti
`corner panel construction utilized in the partition as
`tion system where the panels or components may be
`sembly of the invention;
`held together solely by a multi-purpose plastic strip.
`FIG. 11 is a schematic section of a three-way, curved
`It is also an important object to provide such strip
`corner panel construction utilized in the partition as
`fastening system which is completely accessible from
`40
`sembly of the invention;
`the exterior of the panel not requiring the removal of
`FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section
`parts for access to connectors.
`illustrating the intersection between the mounting edges
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related
`of adjacent demountable panels employing a preferred
`ends the invention, then, comprises the features herein
`panel connector strip in accordance with the invention;
`after fully described and particularly pointed out in the
`FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective elevation of a
`claims, the following description and the annexed draw
`particular interior partition layout in accordance with
`ings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodi
`the present invention employing the various modular
`ments of the invention, these being indicative, however,
`components of the invention;
`of but a few of the various ways in which the principles
`FIG. 14 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`of the invention may be employed.
`from the line 14—14 of FIG. 13 illustrating a utility
`panel construction in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 15 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`from the line 15——15 of FIG. 13 illustrating the jamb
`side of an exemplary door unit assembly in accordance
`with the invention;
`FIG. 16 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`from the line 16-16 of FIG. 13 illustrating an exem
`plary three-way panel intersection in accordance with
`the invention;
`FIG. 17 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`from the line l7—17 of FIG. 13 illustrating an exem
`plary intersection between two glass panel assemblies in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 18 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`from the line 18-48 of FIG. 13 illustrating the upper
`portion of the hinge side of an exemplary partial height
`door unit assembly in accordance with the invention;
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`In the annexed drawings:
`FIGS. 1—4 disclose a preferred panel face plate in
`accordance with the invention and its method of fabri
`cation;
`FIG. 5 discloses two such face plates assembled back
`to-back to form a screen or wall panel mono-element;
`FIG. 6 discloses an alternative form of panel in accor
`dance with the present invention;
`FIGS. 7—11 disclose various other modular structural
`components and their constructions which make up a
`family of modular components in accordance with the
`invention;
`FIG. 12 is an enlarged horizontal section showing a
`preferred panel connector strip in accordance with the
`invention by which adjacent structural components
`may be interconnected;
`~
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`35
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`45
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`65
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 9
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`folded to de?ne recessed, J-shaped ?anges 16 having
`FIG. 19 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`from the line 19-19 of FIG. 13 illustrating the lower
`_ main double folded portions 18, intermediate double
`portion of the jamb side of another exemplary partial
`folded portions 19 and terminal folded portions 20.
`height door unit assembly;
`Main folded portions 18 extend outwardly from web
`portions 15 substantially perpendicular thereto. Inter
`FIG. 20 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`along the line 20-20 of FIG. 13 illustrating the upper
`mediate folded portions 19 extend outwardly from main
`folded portions 18 substantially perpendicular thereto,
`portion of an exemplary intersection between a door
`unit assembly and chair rail assembly in accordance
`and accordingly parallel to web portions 15. Terminal
`folded portions 20 extend inwardly from intermediate
`with the invention;
`'
`folded portions 19 and outwardly away from main
`FIG. 21 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`folded portions 18, thereby being inclined back toward
`along the line 21-21 of FIG. 13 illustrating the upper
`the web portions 15. Preferably, the terminal folded
`portion of an exemplary intersection between a chair
`rail assembly and solid panel in accordance with the
`portions 20 approach but do not intersect a plane
`invention;
`through the corners 21 of the face plate at 45° to the
`plane of the face plate 12. Preferably, the terminal
`FIG. 22 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`along the line 22—22 of FIG. 13 illustrating the lower
`folded portions 20 are inclined at 45° to the central
`portion of the exemplary intersection of FIG. 21;
`portions 12 of the face plates. The terminal folded por
`tions 20 terminate at terminal folded portion edges 22
`FIG. 23 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`along the line 23-23 of FIG. 13 illustrating an exem
`which are spaced outwardly from web portions 15 to
`plary end ?ller panel assembly in accordance with the
`de?ne recesses 23. Longitudinally-spaced slots 24 are
`invention;
`formed through main folded portions 18 of the recessed
`FIG. 24 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`?anges 16 and are in the backs of the recesses 23. The
`edge portions 18 extend further inwardly from recessed
`along the line 24-24 of FIG. 13 illustrating an exem
`plary two-way curved corner panel assembly in accor
`?anges 16 to form inner web portions 26 which extend
`substantially from web portions 15. The inner web. por
`dance with the invention;
`FIG. 25 is a fragmentary schematic section taken
`tions 26 terminate in outwardly bent terminal connect
`ing ?anges 28 which extend substantially perpendicular
`along the line 25-25 of FIG. 13 illustrating an exem
`plary three-way curved corner panel assembly in accor
`to inner web portions 26.
`The face plates 11 with the con?guration described
`dance with the invention;
`are reversely positioned with the central portions 12
`FIG. 26 is a fragmentary schematic section of an
`thereof spaced apart, and with the terminal ?anges 28
`exemplary ?exible corner partition assembly in accor
`dance with the invention;
`thereof juxtaposed or butted so as to form panel 10 with
`mounting panel edges 29. Abutting terminal ?anges 28
`FIG. 27 is a fragmentary schematic section of an
`exemplary screen partition assembly showing the inter
`are then secured together by suitable fasteners such as
`section between adjacent panels in accordance with the
`elongate clips 30, only one of which is shown at the
`invention;
`right-hand side of the panel 10 of FIG. 5. The clip 30 is
`comprised of U-shape portions 31 which are adapted to
`FIG. 28 is a fragmentary schematic section of an
`enclose and hold together the juxtaposed terminal
`exemplary wall or screen partition assembly showing a
`?anges 28. The U-shape portions 31 are maintained in
`two-way construction in accordance with the inven
`spaced-apart relationship by ?ange portions 32 which
`tiOn;
`extend outwardly substantially perpendicular from the
`FIG. 29 is a fragmentary schematic section view of an
`exemplary wall or screen partition assembly showing a
`. tops of the stems 34 of the U-shape portion substantially
`along the length of terminal ?anges 28. The stems 34 of
`form of corner post construction in accordance with the
`the U-shape portions 31 are of sufficient length so that
`invention; and
`the ?ange portions 32 abut substantially the inner web
`FIG. 30 is a schematic section of a wall or screen
`portions 26 when properly in position. The inner edges
`assembly using a corner cap.
`of the ?ange portions 32 form slots intermediate the
`U-shape portions through which the butted terminating
`?anges 28 extend. As shown in FIG. 5, the butted termi
`nated ?anges 28 are cut as with sheet metal shears adja
`cent the U-shape portions 31, and the tabs 35 formed
`thereby are bent outwardly away from one another so
`as to overlap ?ange portions 32 of the clip 30 thereby
`locking the same in place. Alternatively, those portions
`of the butted terminal ?anges 28 extending through the
`slots intermediate the U-shape portions 31 need only be
`mechanically deformed, for example as by twisting, to
`prevent passage of the same through the slot to maintain
`the clip in place. Obviously, the butted terminal ?anges
`28 could also be secured together by other fasteners,
`such as rivets, screws, other clips, or welding. Even the
`clips employed may be secured to the ?anges by fasten
`ers rather than by the deformed edge as illustrated.
`It should be appreciated that the bending and folding
`of the sheet metal face plate 11, and their manner of
`securement together, provides opposite mounting panel
`edges 29 which are very strong and capable of serving
`as structural supporting members themselves with or
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, and
`initially to FIG. 5, there is designated generally by
`reference number 10 a uni?ed, demountable panel con
`structed in accordance with the invention. The panel 10
`is constructed from a pair of substantially parallel,
`spaced-apart metal face plates 11 of a preferably thin
`gauge sheet metal having substantially rectangular pla
`nar central portions 12 and opposite edge portions 14.
`The space between central portions 12 may be rein
`forced by a honeycomb or rib structure and/or ?lled
`with suitable ?re and sound insulating material such as
`rock wool, foamed plastics, etc., whereby the panel may
`meet the various strength and ?re resistance codes.
`As best seen in FIGS. 2~5, each edge portion 14 of
`the face plates 11 is bent inwardly to de?ne web portion
`15 extending the full height of the metal plates 11. The
`65
`web portions 15 extend substantially perpendicular to
`central portions 12. Edge portions 14 are further bent
`outwardly from web portions 15 and are reversely
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`Exhibit 1003, Page 10
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`face plates. The terminal portions 55 terminate at edges
`without structural posts. Accordingly, such panel 10
`58 which are spaced outwardly from the web portions
`can be used as a wall panel with or without structural
`to de?ne recesses 59. Longitudinally-spaced slots 60 are
`posts or a screen panel with or without such posts as is
`formed in main portions 53 of the vertical member and
`customary in interior partition assemblies. This will
`become more evident as the discussion of the invention
`are in the back of recesses 59.
`proceeds.
`It should be appreciated that bent edge portions 44 of
`the face plates 41 and the vertical members 48 combine
`With reference to FIG. 1 which shows the sheet
`to form reinforced mounting panel edges 61 which are
`metal face plate 11 prior to forming, there are formed in
`the opposite edges 14 of the planar sheet inner and outer
`very strong and capable of serving as structural sup
`parallel rows of longitudinally-spaced slots, 36 and 37,
`porting members themselves with or without metal
`posts commonly employed in partition screen assem
`respectively. The slots of the outer rows 37 are larger in
`blies.
`size than those of the corresponding inner rows of slots
`It should also be appreciated that uni?ed panel 10 and
`36. When bent and folded by roll forming, the larger
`integrated panel 40'have respective outwardly extend
`slots of the outer rows 37 are aligned behind the smaller
`ing, recessed, J -shape flanges 16 and 52 of like shape and
`slots of the inner rows 36 to form the slots 24 in the
`accordingly may be used interchangeably in the overall
`recessed ?anges 16. No longer is exact alignment re
`partition system of the present invention.
`quired because the smaller slots of rows 36 need only
`fall in alignment with any portion of the larger slots of
`Connector Strips—FIG. 12
`rows 37. Although either row of slots may have the
`While the panel of FIG. 5 is preferred, the panel of
`larger slots, it is preferred for aesthetic reasons that the
`FIG. 6 may be substituted where the skill and invest
`outer row 37 have the larger so that they are hidden
`ment for roller die tooling is not available.
`behind the smaller slots of the row 36.
`Referring now to FIG. 12, the intersection of two
`As should be apparent from FIG. 1, the inner web
`adjacent screen or wall panels can be seen. Although
`portions 26 and connecting ?anges 28 need not extend
`the following description would apply to connections
`the entire length of the face plate 11. The face plate 11
`between panels of either of the above described con
`further may be provided with top and bottom inwardly
`struction (or between any of the below described modu
`foled ?anges 38 and 39 along the upper and lower edges
`lar components), only the details of the connection
`thereof for stiffening or to facilitate assembly with ceil
`between panels 10 is shown for the sake of convenience.
`ing and ?oor channels, for example.
`The panels 10 are positioned in in-line relationship with
`Referring now to FIG. 6, in another fabricating em
`central portions 12 of the face plates forming the parti
`bodiment, an integrated panel construction is desig
`tion wall surfaces. The mounting panel edges 29 of the
`nated generally by reference numeral 40. The panel 40
`panels 10 are adjacent one another with the intermedi
`is constructed from a pair of substantially parallel
`ate folded portions 19 of the recessed J-shape ?anges 16
`spaced-apart light gauge sheet metal face plates 41 hav
`juxtaposed. The J-shape ?anges 16 of adjacent panels
`ing substantially rectangular planar central portions 42
`then may be readily joined together by connector strips
`and opposite edge portions 44. The space between cen
`70 preferably on both sides of the panels.
`tral portions 42 of face plates 41 may be ?lled as above
`The connector strip 70 of the invention is preferably
`described. Each edge portion 44 of face plates 41 is bent
`a plastic extrusion having a central U-shape body 71,
`inwardly to de?ne web portions 45 extending in full
`the legs of which are adapted to embrace and hold
`length of face plates 41. Web portions 45 extend sub
`together the adjacent J-shape ?anges 16 of the panels
`stantially perpendicular to central portions 42. The web
`along their full vertical height. The U-shape portion 71
`portions 45 terminate in connecting folded ?anges 46
`is formed with a bight portion 73 and inwardly extend
`which extend outwardly substantially perpendicular to
`ing legs 74 having inturned edges 75 which extend over
`web portions 45.
`the terminal folded portion edges 22. The U-shape body
`The above described face plates 41 are reversely
`71 is sufficiently ?exible, although relatively stiff, to
`positioned with central portions 42 thereof spaced
`allow placement of the connector strip 70. The strip is
`apart, and with connecting ?anges 46 juxtaposed. Juxta
`also suf?ciently rigid to provide for securely holding
`posed connecting ?anges 46 are then secured together
`the panels together. The connecting strip 70 readily can
`by vertical member 48 which extends substantially the
`be attached to the J-shape ?anges 16 by starting the
`height of the face plates 41.
`strip at top or bottom of the panel plates and depressing
`the same over the ?anges 16 along the length thereof in
`Vertical member 48 is of heavier gauge sheet metal or
`zipper-like fashion. The dimensions of the strip are such
`may be an extrusion and has a central channel 49 which’
`that at least two continuous seal lines are provided for
`encloses connecting ?anges 46 to hold them together.
`the full height of the partition.
`The vertical member 48 is bent outwardly at the edges
`The connector strip 70 is also formed with ?anges or
`of the central channel to de?ne web portions 50 which
`wings 76 extending outwardly from the bight portion
`extend substantially perpendicular thereto. When .as
`73. The wings 76 span across recess 23 toward web
`sembled, the web portions 50 are adjacent to and extend
`portions 15 of the panels for overlying and concealing
`substantially parallel to the web portions 45 of the face
`slots 24 in main folded portions 18. Preferably, the distal
`plates 41. The web portions 50 of the vertical members
`ends of the wings are spaced apart a distance greater
`48 terminate at outwardly bent edge ?anges 52. The
`than that between web portions 15 of the adjacent pan
`edge ?anges 52 form J-shape projections and include
`els so that they are partially inwardly ?exed. The wings
`main portions 53, intermediate portions 54 and terminal
`76 may readily be deformed inwardly for attaching a
`portions 55. Main portions 53 of the edge ?anges 52
`extend outwardly substantially perpendicular to web
`mounting member such as support bracket 77 for an
`65
`portions 50. Intermediate portions 54 extend outwardly
`accessory. The panels 10 may also be clad with an op
`tional surface material 78, i.e., fabric, wood veneer,
`away from main portions 53. Terminal portions 55 ex
`vinyl, etc. In such case, the wing is inwardly deform
`tend inwardly from intermediate portions 54, thereby
`able to account for the decreased spacing between op
`being included back toward the web portions 45 of the
`
`50
`
`35
`
`45
`
`Exhibit 1003, Page 11
`
`

`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`20
`
`4,438,614
`10
`posite web portions 15 of adjacent panels. Connector
`J-shaped ?anges 110 and 111 and respective connecting
`?anges 112 and 113. The opposite edge portion 105 of
`strips 70 also provide a decorative recessed covering
`face plate 101 is reversely folded to de?ne door jamb
`ywhich hides the vertical slots and presents a pleasing
`appearance. The connecting strips also provide a sound
`portion 115 and then rebent back toward central por
`and light barrier between opposite sides of the panels.
`tion 103 to de?ne inturned edge restriction 116. The
`inturned edge restriction 116 terminates in web portion
`' The connecting strip 70 is preferably a plastic coex
`117 which is bent inwardly and extends substantially
`trusion with the plastic of the wings being more ?exible
`perpendicular to central portion 103. Edge portion 108
`Ethan the plastic of the central body portion. The strip
`of the other face plate 102 is similarly formed to edge
`may be compounded from a variety of materials such as
`‘vinyl in any desirable color for complementing the
`portion 105, but without a reversely folded jamb por
`tion 115. Accordingly, edge portion 108 has turned
`decorative surface color pr