GB2026076A

GB2026076A - A dismantable partitioning system

Info

Publication number: GB2026076A
Application number: GB7912099A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-07-24
Filing date: 1979-04-06
Publication date: 1980-01-30
Also published as: BE877856A; DE7822154U1; PT69962A; IT1122278B; IT7924577A0; NL7905710A; FI792276A

Abstract

A dismantable partitioning system comprises a plurality of wall elements 8 erected adjacent to uprights 1 which can be braced between the ceiling and floor. The uprights comprise rectangular aluminium tubes 1, having recesses 4, which are spaced from one another to receive one or more wall elements 8. The upper end 2 of the upright has a screw-threaded bolt 3 for bracing the upright against the ceiling. In an alternative arrangement the upright has a U-shaped rail 6 instead of the recess 4. The lower end of the upright has a floor protector. Floor sealing strips are also provided. Partition panels may be connected adjacent one another without intermediate uprights by means of keyhole slot and headed pin connections. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A dismantable partitioning system The present invention relates to a dismantable partitioning system for subdividing rooms, halls or like areas of the type comprising a plurality of wall elements made, for example, of wood, chipboard decorated on both sides, light concrete and plastics materials, which wall elements can be erected adjacent to one another, whilst, for the purpose of clamping the dividing walls in position, uprights which can be braced between the ceiling and the floor of the room are fixed to each last wall element.

Various types of partitioning systems are known for dividing up large rooms, such as lecture theatres and classrooms but with these the ceilings and floors have to have special recesses or fixtures to which the movable wall elements are fixed.

Quite apart from the considerable technical complexity of systems of this kind, they also have the disadvantage that the individual partitioning elements can only be moved within a certain grid spacing.

From German Patent Specification No.

2,432,490 a movable dividing wall for dividing up large rooms, such as halls is also known. This arrangement comprises a plurality of wall elements movable in an accordian arrangement, which are hingedly connected to one another and can be fixed to one another in their extended position, and wherein, for the purpose of clamping the dividing wall in position, uprights which can be braced between the ceiling and floor are attached to every last wall element. In this known dividing wall, each bracing upright consists of a base support comprising longitudinally directed recesses of trapezoidal cross section, and at least one profiled carrier which is movable in one of these recesses and can be fixed in its extended clamping position by means of a locking member.

In a variety of cases, there is a need for a very simple means of subdividing large rooms or partitioning off individual sections of rooms, e.g. to prevent other people from seeing in. This partitioning is often required to be quickly erected, using only a limited number of operations, without the need for any special work on the ceiling or floor of the room for clamping or anchoring the partitions in place.

The aim of this invention is to provide a considerably better partitioning system of the type described wherein no special alteration or adaptation is required for the ceiling and floor, and which can be assembled and dismantled quickly and easily by anyone, using only a few operations.

Starting from a movable partitioning system of the type described, this aim is achieved according to the invention in that supporting uprights consisting of rectangular aluminium tubes are provided, which are spaced to include one or more wall elements capable of being connected to one another by means of locking members, the uprights comprising recesses for laterally receiving the last wall element.

The locking members of the wall elements preferably comprise hinges mounted on the corners and edges of the wall elements.

One particular advantage of the partitioning system according to the invention is that double-layer wall elements with good soundproofing properties can be used. The use of double-layer wall elements means that not only can large rooms be subdivided into a number of individual rooms, but also that this partitioning system can be used in housing.

Another advantage of the partitioning system according to the invention is that, in addition to to the plain wall elements, openings for the insertion of doors and/or windows can also be provided in the partitioning system.

Preferably, elastic abutments comprising insulating material are attached to the vertical edges of the wall elements, these abutments being elastically compressed when the wall elements are in the locked position.

Advantageously, a rubber felt may be provided on the bottom edges of the wall elements as a floor protection and also in order to balance out any slight differences in height.

According to a further feature of the partitioning system according to the invention, the braceable aluminium supporting uprights each comprise a complete part which can be fixed in certain positions, i.e. can be braced against the floor and ceiling, by means of a correspondingly shaped recess in the upper edge and a screw thread. However, this can also be done, for example, by the use of pressure.

The braceable aluminium supporting uprights are preferably the same height as the wall elements.

In addition, the braceable aluminium supporting uprights may be provided on their bottom edges with a plastic cowling and a rubber felt as a floor protector.

Moreover, the braceable aluminium supporting uprights may be provided on their top edges with a sheet or cowling of plastics or similar material as a ceiling protector. Glass wool or similar materials may be provided as insulating materials inside the double-walled elements in order to obtain good sound absorption.

Another feature of the partitioning system according to the invention consists in providing grooves for receiving floor strips of plastics or similar materials on the bottom edges of the wall elements. Floor strips of this kind ensure a total seal, for reasons of hygiene.

It is also exceptionally advantageous to pro vide ceiling strips of plastics or similar materials on both sides of the upper edges of the elements, by the buttonhole method, as an upper seal.

Another particular advantage of the partitioning system according to the invention is the fact that devices for incorporating electric cables, together with the necessary distributors, can be provided between the two upper ceiling strips. Preferably, an empty tube for receiving all types of electric cables is provided inside the double-layer wall elements.

This makes it possible to run all the necessary cables between the ceiling of the room and the wall elements.

The provision of all types, of electric switches and sockets is also envisaged.

Finally, another feature of the invention consists in fitting the visible parts of the aluminium supporting uprights and the joints between the wall elements with insertable plastic profiled strips.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of the upper part of a first embodiment of an aluminium supporting upright; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the lower part of a second embodiment of an aluminium supporting upright; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view showing the means of connecting ad aluminium supporting upright to an adjacent wall element; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the means for connecting two wall elements to each other; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of the arrangement of a window between two successive wall elements; Figures 6 and 7 are perspective partial views of wall elements;; Figure 8 is a section through a wall element in the region of its attachment to the ceiling at the top, whilst ceiling strips are provided, and Figures 9 and 10 show two fragmentary perspective views of profiled plastics strips.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective partial view of a braceable aluminium supporting upright 1, only the upper part of which is shown. This supporting upright 1 consists of a square aluminium tube with a thickness of 40 X 40 X 2.5 mm, as an example. On the upper end 2 of this square aluminium tube 1 facing the ceiling there is provided a screw threaded bolt 3 by means of which the supporting upright can be braced against the ceiling. To do this, the upper threaded bolt 3 merely has to be tightened with a spanner. A plastics sleeve 5 shown in dotted line is then placed over the end of the supporting upright 1 to conceal the fitting at the top.

The supporting upright 1 also comprises lateral recesses 4 extending perpendicularly, which serve to fix it to adjacent wall elements.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the lower part of another embodiment of a supporting upright 1, again consisting of a square aluminium tube. In this case, the supporting upright 1 has a laterally mounted U-shaped rail 6 which serves to receive the edge of an adjacent wall element. This U-shaped rail is preferably also made of aluminium.

The underside of the supporting upright 1 is provided with a floor protector 7, e.g. in the form of a cowling of plastics material.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the manner in which a wall element 8 is inserted in the Ushaped rail 6 of the supporting upright.

Fig. 4 shows a partial perspective view of two wall elements 8 erected adjacent to each other and connected at the side by means of an aluminium H-shaped rail 1 2. The two outermost sides of the wall elements 8 are each fixed to square aluminium tubes (e.g. as in Fig. 3) which are braced against the ceiling and floor.

In certain cases, it is possible to fix each of the two vertical outer edges of a wall element 8 to a square aluminium tube, e.g. in the embodiment according Fig. 1, particularly when the wall elements are relatively wide.

When the partitions are erected, the following sequence is obtained, for example, supporting upright-wall element-supporting upright-wall element-supporting upright.

Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a means of inserting a window 11 between two wall elements 8. For this, the lateral edges of the wall elements 8 are each provided with Ushaped profiles 9 on which angle strips 10 are mounted for receiving a pane of glass 11.

Similarly, a door can also be inserted in this partitioning system, the door being hung on a supporting upright into which an aluminium U-shaped rail has already been hooked as a lintel. The door fittings, including the European size of frame required, are fixed to the aluminium supporting upright.

Fig. 6 shows another perspective partial view of a wall element of the partitioning system according to the invention. This wall element 8 consists of an inner board 1 3 and two outer boards 14 and 1 5 which are preferably designed as decorative boards. In the inner board 1 3 is provided an empty tube 1 8 for receiving electric cables. The verticle front edge of the wall element comprises upper and lower recesses 1 6 and 1 7 which serve to receive locking members of an adjacent wall element 8, as shown in Fig. 7.

The wall element 8 shown in Fig. 7 comprises, on its vertical outer edge, screws 1 9 and 20 inserted at the top and bottom, which act as locking members and are fitted into the recesses 1 6 and 1 7 of the adjacent wall element.

The wall element 8 shown in Fig. 7 also comprises on its lower edge, a groove 21 for receiving a floor strip made, for example, of plastics material. According to Fig. 7, this gtoove is provided only on the bottom edge of the outer board 14 of the wall element.

However, this groove may also be provided in the lower edge of the inner board 1 3 or the other outer board 1 5 of the wall element.

Fig. 8 shows a diagrammatic section through the upper point óf connection of a wall element 8 to the ceiling of a room.

Again, the wall element consists of an inner board 13 and two outer boards 14 and 15. In the upper region of the wall element, on both sides of the outer boards 14 and 15, ceiling strips 22 made of plastics material are provided, which are attached to the boards 14 and 1 5 by means of press-stud members 23.

Between the ceiling and the upper edge of the wall element 8 there is a space for receiving an electrical distributor 24 with corresponding electrical connections.

For this purpose, the ceiling strips 22 com prise clamps 25 on their inner surfaces for suspending the electrical distributor 24.

Finally, Figs. 9 and 10 show further exemplary embodiments of connecting strips, which are T-shaped (Fig. 9) and TT-shaped (Fig. 10).

The connecting strip 26 according to Fig. 9 is preferably made of plastics material and serves to conceal the joints between two adjoining wall elements.

Similarly, the connecting strip 27 according to Fig. 10 can also be made of plastics material, and this connecting strip 27 serves to conceal the joints between an aluminium supporting upright and the wall elements assembled on each side of the supporting upright.

The advantages of the movable partitioning system according to the invention are primarily that it provides a simple means means of converting one room into two, or partitioning off a corner of a room or creating a quiet area in an open plan office. Using the braceable supporting uprights, which consist of square aluminium tubes, the wall elements of the partitioning system can be fixed without being anchored in any way to the ceiling, wall or floor. In addition, these elements can also be combined with door elements or windows, means for laying cables, and floor and ceiling protectors.

Claims

1. A dismantable partitioning system for subdividing rooms, halls or like areas of the type comprising a plurality of wall elements made of for example wood, chip-board decorated on both sides, light concrete and plastics materials which wall elements can be erected adjacent to one another, whilst, for the purpose of clamping the dividing walls in position, uprights which can be braced between the ceiling and the floor of the room are fixed to each last wall element, in which supporting uprights consisting of rectangular aluminium tubes are provided which are spaced to include one or more wall elements which can be connected to one another by means of locking members, the uprights com prise recess for laterally receiving the last wall element.

2. A partitioning system according to Claim 1, in which the locking members of the wall elements comprise hinges mounted on the edges and corners of the wall elements.

3. A partitioning system according to Claims 1 and 2, in which double-layer wall elements with good sound proofing properties are provided.

4. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 3, in which, in addition to the plain wall elements, openings for the insertion of doors and/or windows are also provided in the partitioning system.

5. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 4, in which elastic abutments consisting of an insulating material are fixed to the vertical edges of the wall elements, these abutments being elastically compressed when the wall elements are in the locked position.

6. A partitioning system according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which a rubber felt is provided on the bottom edge of the wall elements, as a floor protector and also for balancing out any slight differences in height.

7. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 6, in which the braceable aluminium supporting uprights comprise a complete part which can be fixed in certain positions by means of a correspondingly shaped recess in the upper edge using screw threads or by means of pressure.

8. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 7, in which the braceable aluminium supporting uprights are the same height as the wall elements.

9. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 8, in which the braceable aluminium supporting uprights are provided on their lower edges with a cowling of plastics material and with a rubber felt as a floor protector.

1 0. A partitioning system according to any of claims 1 to 9, in which the braceable aluminium supporting uprights are provided on their upper edges with a sheet or cowling made of plastics or a similar material as a ceiling protector.

11. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 3 to 10 in which glass wool or similar materials are provided as insulators in the double-layer wall elements.

12. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 11, in which grooves for receiving floor strips of plastics or similar materials are provided on the bottom edges of the wall elements.

1 3. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 12, in which, as an upper seal, ceiling strips made of plastics or similar materials are provided on both sides of the upper edges of the wall elements, by the buttonhole method.

14. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 13, in which between the two upper ceiling strips means are provided for incorporating electric cables together with the necessary distributors.

1 5. A partitioning system according to Claim 14, in which an empty tube for receiving electric cables is provided inside the double layer wall elements.

16. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 4 to 15, incorporating electric switches and sockets.

1 7. A partitioning system according to any of Claims 1 to 16, in which the visible parts of the aluminium supporting uprights and the joints between the wall elements are fitted with insertable profiles of plastics material.

1 8. A dismantable partitioning system for subdividing rooms, halls or like areas, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.