GB2424001A

GB2424001A - Demountable partition system

Info

Publication number: GB2424001A
Application number: GB0504809A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terry Clasby
Original assignee: Komfort Office Environments PLC
Current assignee: Komfort Office Environments PLC
Priority date: 2005-03-09
Filing date: 2005-03-09
Publication date: 2006-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-09
Also published as: GB2424001B; GB0504809D0

Abstract

A partitioning system comprises a first elongate metallic multi-sided mounting member 50L within which a second elongate member 40S,40A is releasably attached using concealed retention means 11. The first member may be steel or aluminium, the second may be metallic or wood. The retention means may be a steel or plastics clip. In use the first member is preferably positioned vertically as a post, the coordination of the first and second members preferably grips panels of wallboard 12 or glass 6,7 in either a multi-skinned or single-skin fashion. The system may be used with internal blinds 25 (for a glass panel) or insulation 30 (with wallboard) preferably positioned with their lateral extremities hidden in a channel of the first member. The system preferably allows for easy mounting and disassembly of the partition system, and for a high level of customisability such that for example wooden and metallic second members may be used on opposite sides of a single first member and wallboards and glass windows can be easily interchanged in a modular fashion. Also claimed is a component having an elongate steel primary member having a symmetrical profile expressing two opposing faces with central open convergent-tapered legs and two opposing inward channel recesses.

Description

DEMOUNTABLE PARTITION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a mounting member for use in the assembly and dis-assembly of demountable partition systems, to a method of assembling a demountable partition system and to demountable partition systems including such mounting members.

The invention further relates to metal stud systems for demountable partition systems having a metallic primary elongate : member, for example, mild steel or aluminium or aluminium alloy. S... S. .

Partition systems are commonly used to delineate the boundaries of * *. cellular partitions such as offices and corridors within a building envelope.

Such systems may be assembled in situ and are commonly formed from panels and / or glass panes, which are mounted on a base comprising a *::: : primary elongate member such as a metal partitioning post or stud. Such *****, posts are typically formed from steel or aluminium, are available in a S...

variety of profile shapes and assembly arrangements and are generally configured to function in a concealed assembly format. The panels or glass panes of the partition are typically restrained in place using a secondary elongate member such as a metal or wooden beading, which is secured to the primary elongate member through the use of screws or nails or the like or via the intermediary of formations which inter-engage complementary formations on the primary member.

In known systems the primary and secondary elongate members together form the vertical and horizontal components of a non-load bearing element of an internal building structure. This framework, in- conjunction with applied decorated panels and/or opaque or transparent materials and doorsets, forms the basis of a demountable cellular partition system. Cellular partition walls are used to space plan rooms and corridors within a building envelope and are commonly designed in such a way that they comply with the fire-resistant performance specified by Building Regulation criteria.

It is known to form partitions using a metal primary elongate member having a cross-section profile perpendicular to its length which is either symmetrical or non-symmetrical about an axis lying in the plane of the partition.

Known metal (steel or aluminium) partitioning post/studs are available in a variety of profile shapes and assembly arrangements and are generally configured to function in a concealed assembly format together with allied multi-component expressed appendages to form a fire S...

resistant glazed mullion. * S. * . S *.S.

* In such partitions the facing panels and/or glass panes are S..

commonly restrained in position using metal or wooden secondary or multielongate members which are mechanically fixed or engage * formations on the primary elongate members. It is also known and desirable that such secondary members be demountable from the primary elongate member in order to release (demount) or re-erect facing panels and/or glass panes. This is commonly facilitated by "mechanical screw- fix" means and commonly in "multi-component" appendages surrounding an enclosed metal primary stud member, with matching trim components on opposing partition faces. Inter-cooperative engagement "clip-fit" methods of stud construction usually derive from aluminium mating componentry including the primary member and inevitably succumb to many ancillary components forming a glazed mullion with additional steel sections brackets and fixings where fire-resistant performance is a pre- requisite requirement.

Varieties of metal and wooden secondary elongate mounting members provide for both restraining and "cover trimming" panel and glass infill options and for visually expressing choices of finished metal, timber or wood veneer and uPVC secondary member appearances. In respect of releasable "wooden" secondary members, it is commonly known to conceal fix/secure wooded trims by: (I) steel "air-pinning" techniques (visible fill marks/not readily

demountable);

(ii) screw-fixing with self-tapping screws concealed behind exposed uPVC infihl strips (loss of total timber effect); (iii) concealed and releasable proprietary uPVC and/or spring steel clips which "clip-fit" mate and engage with the primary elongate member (usually aluminium) (total timber effect but :.:::. normally limited to solid timber secondary members *::::* engaging with non-fire aluminium primary members). * S.

In known systems, the secondary members are desirably *S.

demountable from the primary elongate member to facilitate the ready : releasing (demounting) or re-erecting (mounting) of facing panels and/or ". glass panes. This is commonly achieved through the use of "mechanical" means such as screws, pins, nails, tacks and the like. Air-pinning techniques and self-tapping screws are most commonly used. The use of airpinning techniques, however, leaves visible marks in the secondary elongate member and the member thus secured is not readily demountable. In addition, where self-tapping screws are used to secure a wooden secondary elongate member in place, it is usually necessary to cover the holes created in the wood through the use of the self-tapping screws with uPVC infills, which leads to the loss of a total wood effect and is generally unsightly.

Further means for demountably securing the secondary member to the primary member include the use of multi-component means which commonly surround an enclosed metal primary stud member and may optionally include matching trim components on their opposing partition faces. In addition a system of aluminium componentry, which includes complementary inter- engageable elements on both the primary and secondary members is suitably used to facilitate clip-fit methods of demountable partition construction. Such systems typically require the use of many further ancillary components if the assembled demountable partition system is to comply with fire-resistant performance in accordance with existing building regulations criteria.

Examples of multi-component or clip-fit systems include solid timber secondary mounting members that utilise concealed proprietary PVCu clips or fasteners within "dovetail" recesses in both the primary and * * secondary mounting members. Such clip-fit systems, however, are limited in their utility for a number of reasons, which include: * * I...

: **. (a) maintaining consistent dimensional accuracy of the continuous or stop-grooving of the solid timber member to provide firm and secure retention of the uPVC clips whilst maintaining the assemblies *S.

releasable function; * (b) maintaining component straightness (non-warping) in choices of solid timber material to enable the clips to hold effectively; (c) (a) and b) problems resulting in the usual requirement for additional back-fixing screws to retain solid timber mounting members, obviating clipping; (d) elimination of the more suitable veneered MDF option because the material is too soft and un-suited for accurate grooving and holding power of said clips.

There is, therefore, a need for a mounting system suitable for use in the assembly of a demountable partition system, which addresses the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention addresses that need.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a partitioning system comprising an elongate metallic multi-sided primary mounting member within which at least one elongate secondary member is releasably attached on one or more of the sides of the primary member using concealed means.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an "I" shaped mounting member suitable for use in a demountable partition system comprising pairs of adjacent panels, wherein the mounting member comprises a central elongate bridging member having first and second ends and two opposing pairs of adjacent flange members, each pair of adjacent flange members extending above and below a plane defined by the central elongate :.:::. bridging member at both said first and second ends respectively, *:::: characterised in that each adjacent pair of flange members includes * means for co-operative releasable engagement with a secondary fixing member used to secure a panel to the "I" shaped mounting member, U..

whereby in use the adjacent pair of panels is positioned in : , abutment with a corresponding pair of adjacent flange members such that the adjoining edges of each of the adjacent panel members is in alignment with the means on the corresponding adjacent flange pair for co- operative releasable engagement with the secondary fixing member thereby to secure the adjacent panel members to the mounting member through the releasable engagement of a secondary fixing member with the means for co- operative releasable engagement provided on the adjacent pair of flange members.

The "I" shaped mounting member is preferably formed from steel or aluminium and is preferably formed from two component parts in back to back formation by fusing or securing the two parts of the bridging members together.

Each flange member of the adjacent pair includes an inner wall and an outer, which inner and outer walls extend either above or below the plane defined by the bridging member, depending upon the direction of the flange of which they form a part. The inner wall is connected to or formed integrally with the bridging member. The outer wall is connected to or formed integrally with the inner wall via the intermediary of a supporting wall extending there between. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the inner wall is positioned adjacent the bridging member and the outer wall is positioned distal there from.

The means for co-operative releasable inter-engagement of the secondary fixing member is preferably positioned at any point along the outer wall of the flange pair. It is especially preferred that it is positioned at the point of intersection defined between the outer wall of each flange :.:::e and the plane defined by the bridging member. S...

: The flange members may be of a solid construction or of a hollow construction. Mounting members having flange members of a solid construction may be formed using techniques that are well known to a : skilled person. Where the mounting member comprises flanges of a hollow *:: construction, these are most preferably formed by techniques that involve the bending and folding of sheet metal. The combination of the hollow nature of the flange members together with the natural resilience of sheet metal mean that mounting metal members having hollow flange members are particularly suitable for the preferred clip-fit techniques used to secure panel members in the assembly of the demountable partition system.

When the flange members are of a solid construction, the means for cooperative releasable inter-engagement of the secondary fixing member may be in the form of screw threaded holes, shaped recesses, hooks, clips or the like for inter-engagement with screws, tongues having a configuration complementary to that of the shaped recesses and fixings adapted for releasable inter-engagement with the hooks, clips or the like on the flange.

When the flange members are of a hollow construction, the means for cooperative releasable inter-engagement of the secondary fixing member may be in the form of recesses for self-tapping screws, hooks, clips or the like. It is particularly preferred that the outer wall of each pair of the adjacent flange members is formed independently of the other and that the ends of each wall converge in a bird's mouth profile whereby the ends of each of the outer walls of the flange members are spaced marginally apart to provide a continuous snap-fit action together with the means for co-operative releasable inter-engagement of the secondary fixing member. The advantage of the open birds mouth profile formed by the converging outer walls of the flange member pair is that a channel is ::::. provided, which is wider at the external face of the flange pair than at the touching or abutting ends thereby to provide a lead in channel which guides the secondary fixing member into a position in which it can be pushed (or snap-fitted) into engagement with the abutting ends of the external walls of the flange thereby to secure the secondary fixing in : place.

The birds-mouth channel can be provided at any point along the outer wall formed by the adjacent flange pair, but it is preferably formed at a point defined by the intersection of the outer walls of the adjacent flange members with the plane defined by the bridging member. It will therefore be appreciated that by using the mounting member of the invention, the secondary fixing member can be readily and easily engaged with or released from the means for co-operative, releasable inter- engagement therewith. This is in a large part due to the elasticity and resilience associated with the material from which the mounting member is formed as well as the snap-fit action produced as a result of the birds- mouth configuration formed by the outer walls of the adjacent flange pairs.

As mentioned above, the mounting member of the first aspect of the invention preferably provides two opposing pairs of adjacent flange members. The central walls of each opposing pair define a channel having an opening defined by the supporting walls of the opposing flanges, the channel extending to a point defined by the bridging member. Each channel is preferably shaped and configured to accommodate optional further elements such as mounting members and channels for elements such as Venetian blinds or slats for the provision of privacy or controlling the light levels in each of the cellular partitions, for example.

The inner walls of the opposing flange members may suitably include means adjacent the open ends of the channel for co-operative inter-engagement with other elements adapted for inclusion in the ::::. partition systems formed using the mounting member of the invention.

Preferably the means adjacent the open ends of the channel are mounting * members adapted for co-operative inter-engagement with mounting members of elements adapted for inclusion in the partition systems formed. Examples of elements adapted for inclusion in the partition : systems formed include Venetian blinds and slats used for providing privacy and/or controlling the light levels in the partition systems formed, seals such as intumescent shroud seals and means for operating said blinds or slats.

The internal walls of the opposing flange pairs diverge adjacent the opening of the channel and then converge at a junction with the bridging member. This diverging and then converging nature of the inner walls of the flanges within the channel defines the mounting members onto which mounting members of elements adapted for inclusion in the partition system can be mounted.

As mentioned, the panels of the partition system are secured in place through a secondary fixing member and the invention provides in a second aspect a kit or system for facilitating the assembly of a demountable partition system comprising a mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention and a secondary fixing member.

Examples of suitable secondary fixing members include resilient clips or the like, which are connected to or formed integrally with the elongate secondary mounting member. The elongate mounting member is preferably formed of wood or metal and can readily be mounted in co- operative releasable engagement with the means for so doing on the mounting member in a snap-fit or clip-fit fashion.

It will be appreciated that the secondary fixing member can be readily clip-engaged with or released from opposing faces of the mounting member as a result of the elasticity of the birds mouth profile of means for cooperative releasable engagement defined by the external walls of the adjacent flange members together with the projecting double-clip (or single-clip) tongue of the resilient attached clip to ensure a positive snap- fit engagement assembly.

The secondary fixing members are preferably configured to have centrally disposed inherent rear tongue profiles, which co-operatively engage the means for receiving the secondary fixing defined by the bird's nest profile of the external walls of the adjacent flange pair. The secondary fixing members are preferably pre-fitted with resilient clips.

When the partition panels are formed from glass, the secondary fixing members function as glazing mullions. Typical glazing mullions can be formed by matching wooden or painted metal secondary fixing members on opposing sides of the stud mounting member.

The demountable partition systems thus assembled using the mounting member of the first aspect of the invention preferably comply with Fire Regulations criteria. This can be achieved by mounting fire- resistant and sacrificial glass panes in a double-glazing orientation/ assembly before clip-attaching the secondary fixing members.

The construction of the demountable partition system is most conveniently achieved by positioning the adjacent panels of the partition system in abutting communication with the external walls of the flange, one either side of the means for co-operative releasable engagement with the secondary fixing member, and engaging said secondary fixing member with said means thereby to secure the adjacent panels in place between the mounting member and the secondary fixing member.

It will be appreciated that the inter-engageable nature of the mounting member and the secondary fixing member facilitate the quick and easy assembly of demountable partition systems, without the need for additional fixing means for securing the secondary elongate member in place. * ** * 0 S

S ** * The mounting member and secondary fixing member together with *5*S partition panels provide a demountable partition system that is quickly and easily assembled. A third aspect of the invention comprises a demountable partition system comprising a mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention, a secondary fixing member and a pair of adjacent partition panels, wherein the adjacent panels are positioned in abutment with the external walls of the flange member, one either side of the means for co-operative inter-engagement with the secondary fixing member and are retained in place between the mounting member and the secondary fixing member via the inter-engagement of the secondary fixing member with the means for co-operative releasable engagement with said secondary fixing member.

The demountable partition systems are quickly and easily assembled using the mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of constructing a demountable partition system comprising the steps of positioning the mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention in a desired location within the building envelope; positioning a first partition panel in abutment with the external wall of the flange of the mounting member of the first aspect of the invention such that the edge of said panel is adjacent with one side of the means for co-operative releasable engagement with a secondary fixing member, positioning a second partition panel adjacent said first panel such that the edge of said second panel is adjacent the opposite side of the means for co- operative releasable engagement with a secondary fixing member relative to the first panel and engaging the secondary fixing means with the means for co-operative releasable engagement with the secondary fixing member thereby to secure the adjacent partition panel members in position between the mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention and the secondary fixing means. The steps used in the construction of the demountable partition system are simple and do not need any specialist skills. The use of the mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention therefore reduces the time and costs Isp.

associated with the assembly of demountable partition systems. In addition, its use reduces the "turn around" time associated with the creation or removal of cellular partition systems within office envelopes : thereby facilitating the more time efficient use of office space. 4*.s

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of constructing a demountable partition system comprising the steps of positioning the mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention in a desired location within the building envelope; positioning a first partition panel in abutment with the external wall of the flange of the mounting member of the first aspect of the invention such that the edge of said panel is adjacent with one side of the means for cooperative releasable engagement with a secondary fixing member, positioning a second partition panel adjacent said first panel such that the edge of said second panel is adjacent the opposite side of the means for cooperative releasable engagement with a secondary fixing member relative to the first panel and engaging the secondary fixing means with the means for cooperative releasable engagement with the secondary fixing member thereby to secure the adjacent partition panel members in position between the mounting member according to the first aspect of the invention and the secondary fixing means.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a stud component for a demountable partitioning system which comprises, in combination, an elongate steel primary mounting member preformed in a symmetrical "back-to-back" section configuration with bridging webs of opposing central clipping and/or blind channels connected together by fastening means which also provide horizontal to vertical fixing connections for the primary member.

The central channel flange walls of the mounting member are cranked and preferably profiled to receive optional ancillary component(s) S.,.

and for providing inherent tracking channels for inter a/ia Venetian blinds/slats concealment, visual and light privacy. S..

Advantageously, the flange walls have outer mounting portions located at the outer opening ends of the channel profile for cooperative engagements with optional third mounting members with integral clips.

The opposing walls are preferably divergently inclined from the channel opening before converging (at a junction) with the bridging web(s).

Support walls preferably extend vertically outwards from the cranked flange walls. These support walls are preferably returned at 900 as cranked support legs, thus forming four inwardly opposing channel- voids.

The opposing convergent ends of the cranked support legs are preferably spaced marginally apart to provide a continuous central "snap- fit" clip-leg action in conjunction with secondary mounting assemblies.

The open birds-mouth profile of the opposing convergent arm portions provide a lead-in to guide and cooperatively engage the tongue of the resilient clip which is pre-attached to the elongate "wooden" or metal secondary mounting members. Thus, the secondary elongate mounting member(s) can be readily clip-engaged with or released from opposing faces of the primary stud. This results from the elasticity of the sections clip-leg action in combination with the projecting double-clip (or single clip) tongue of the resilient attached clip to ensure a positive snap- fit engagement assembly.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a section taken through a symmetrical first elongate : steel primary mounting member according to the invention; S...

Figure 2 is a section taken through a non-symmetrical second : ** elongate steel primary member according the invention; SI.. *IS

a Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of three elongate steel primary : members shown in Figure 1 connected to form a horizontal to vertical junction of a system in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a section taken through a demountable partition in accordance with the invention illustrating a secondary member functioning as a working-wall with racking componentry and friction screw mounted to the primary steel mounting member; Figures 5a and 5b are sections of demountable partitions in accordance with the invention including optional elongate painted metal secondary mounting members as performance double-glazed partition elements with tracked blind provision; Figures 6a and 6b are sections of demountable partitions in accordance with the invention including opposing elongate "wooden" secondary mounting members as performance double-glazed timber partition elements with tracked blind provision; Figures 7a and 7b are sections of demountable partitions in accordance with the invention including opposing differential elongate secondary mounting members (wooden and painted metal intermix) as performance double-glazed partition elements with tracked blind provision; Figures 8a and 8b are sections taken through demountable partitions in accordance with the invention including optional elongate painted metal secondary mounting members as performance single-offset : *... glazed partition elements with tracked blind provision; S...

Figure 9 is a section through a demountable partition in accordance : * with the invention including a panel/glass mullion and junction post arrangement; I..

: * Figure 10 illustrates typical components of the systems in accordance with the invention as a one-piece stud with tracked blind(s) in S...

a range of partition junction conditions; and Figure 11 illustrates individual components for use in demountable partitions in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates the symmetrical profile of an elongate steel primary mounting member 50L which is preformed as a symmetrical "back-to-back" section with the bridging webs of the central clipping and/or blind channels of the member connected by a fastening 501 (see Figure 10) which also provides for horizontal to vertical fixing of the primary member.

The central channel flange walls of the primary mounting member are cranked and profiled to allow for optional ancillary component(s) clipfit attachment (third elongate mounting members) and for providing inherent tracking channels for Venetian blind/slats concealment, visual and light privacy. Advantageously, the flange walls have outer mounting portions located at the outer opening ends of the channel profile for cooperative engagements with optional third mounting members with integral clips. The opposing walls are divergently inclined from the channel opening before converging (at a junction) with the bridging web(s) . Extending vertically outwards from the cranked flange walls are support walls which themselves return at 900 (co-planar to axis X-X) as cranked support legs, thus forming four inwardly opposing channel-voids.

The opposing convergent ends of cranked support legs of the * S. S primary mounting member are spaced marginally apart to provide a * continuous central "snap-fit" clip-leg action in conjunction with secondary mounting assemblies. *S.

: * The open birds-mouth profile of the opposing convergent arm portions which are wider at their external face than at their open (or *S.

touching) abutment, provide a lead-in to guide and cooperatively engage the tongue of the resilient clip 11 (see Figures 7a and 7b) which is preattached to elongate "wooden" or metal secondary mounting members 50H as illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, the secondary elongate mounting member(s) 50H can be readily clip-engaged with or released from opposing faces of the primary stud 50L, resulting from the elasticity of the sections clip-leg action and in combination with the projecting double- clip (or single-clip) tongue of the resilient attached clip 11, to ensure a positive snap-fit engagement assembly.

The secondary mounting member 50H is non-symmetrical and its profile corresponds to one half of the primary mounting member 50L.

Figures 7 and 10 illustrate the steel stud component 50L, a typical fireresistant double-glazing assembly with elongate "wooden" secondarymounting member 40T shown opposing a painted metal secondary mounting member 40A, both of which are releasable clip-fit secured to the primary stud mounting member 50L, by utilising the resilient clips 11.

The double-glazing mullion also illustrates the tracked Venetian blind integration for light and visual privacy.

The options of "wooden" and metal secondary members 40T and 40A have dimensionally matching inherent rear tongue profiles, centrally disposed, which have pre-fitted resilient clips 11 attached.

:,:::. Alternatively, a more typical glazing mullion can be formed by *::::* matching "wooden" or painted metal secondary members on opposing : * sides of the stud 50L.

I IS.

* Interceding recesses between the primary mounting member 50L and the second mounting member options can receive fire-resistant and sacrificial glass panes in a double-glazing orientation/assembly before S...

clip-attaching the secondary mounting members.

It is to be noted that the linked component 50L is symmetrical and divided vertically and horizontally about both axis X-X and Y-Y.

The opposing "back-to-back" central channel configurations of the primary mounting member have a dual function: (a) in providing a dedicated tracking channel profile for the application of Venetian blinds/slats etc. and for the function of light concealment and visual privacy; (b) as a recessed clipping-channel for the location and mounting of optional third complementary mounting members (e.g. "wooden" or metal cavity linters or associated componentry).

The elongate "wooden" or painted metal secondary complementary mounting member(s) 40A and 40T may not be readily demounted or remounted (unclipped and reinstalled) via the attached single-sided PVC (nylon) or spring steel clips 11. The plastic clip 11 has a "U" channel configuration with a double-clip tongue centrally projecting from the mid- channel web in the diametrically opposite direction to the channel portion.

The internal profile and dimensions of the "U" channel portion of clips 11 and 35 are mated to ensure a close tolerance fit over the continuous reartongues inherent in the "wooden" or metal secondary mounting members. * ** * * S S...

*::::* The outer wall surface of the primary mounting members are co- * planar (parallel) to the X-X axis with a central open "birds-mouth" clipping ::. profile and the surfaces form a fire-resistant seating platform for glass panes (or panel elements). S.. * . *

Advantageously, the primary mounting member has interconnecting S...

fastening devices that cooperate in the horizontal to vertical fixing attachment of said component with itself.

A third (optional) complementary mounting member (see Figures 7a and 7b) may be provided with a continuous (integral) rear tongue to which a spring-steel clip 29 is pre-attached. The assembly 29 can then be positively and cooperatively clip-fit engaged either side of and within the opposing central channel configuration of the primary steel mounting member 50L.

The following components are illustrated in the drawings using the identified reference numerals: - 50L elongate steel (one-piece, linked) primary mounting member (Stud/Transom) 50H elongate steel half-stud primary mounting member 501 integral linking device and fastener for 50L component only 502 single "bridging web" of section profile 503 flange walls together with 504 of blind slat channel, with clip- mounting portions 508 at channel opening ends 504 opposing divergent walls providing interference "clip-fit" portions for complementary mounting members 505 wall element (co-planar with Y-Y axis) together with 504 * *, inclined wall forms "clip-mounting" portion 508 for optional third complementary mounting members * .** 506F opposing cranked support arms (co-planar with X-X axis) providing continuous panel/glass edge seating a. * 506E inwardly convergent opposing "grip-edges" for clip retention of : secondary mounting members *a..

520 continuous central "open birds-mouth" 528 central elongate "back-to-back" channel configurations for tracked Venetian blinds or complementary third optional mounting members Vi, V2 opposing channel voids for clips 11 and 35 containment and ducts for blind control cable (V3, V4) 3S 3mm thick steel "hook-on" bracketry for 40S Working Wall 4 Bowden operating cable for Venetian blind 6 nominal 6mm thick fire-resistant glass pane (non-insulated) 7 nominal 6mm (4mm, 8mm, 10mm) sacrificial glass pane (risk fa Ce) 9P elongate uPVC infill strip for 40S Omega Trim (matching or contrasting finish) 11 nylon attachment clip for secondary mounting members 12 nominal 12.5mm thick facing panel + finish options 14 elongate intumescent shroud and seal for fire-resistant glass pane (non-risk face) tracked Venetian blind/slats (25mm or 16mm) 26 blind control knob mechanism at nominal 1150mm from F.F.L.

: to knob centre 29 spring steel attachment clip for complementary third (optional) S..

mounting members * *5 cavity insulation slab/quilt choice (sound and fire insulation S. * performance) S..

spring steel fire-resistant Omega retaining clip *S..

40A elongate painted aluminium Plain Cover Trim with pre-attached clip 11 40B elongate painted aluminium Cover Trim for single-offset glazing 40S elongate painted steel Omega trim with matching or contrasting uPVC infill or steel working wall racking option 40T elongate timber veneer MDF architrave trim with pre-attached clip 11 59 optional painted aluminium cavity closure with pre-attached clip 29 optional timber veneered MDF lining vertical with pre-attached clip 29 In summary, the invention relates to a demountable partition stud system, in particular to provide for inter-mixed clip-fit, fire-resistant stud assemblies, especially metal and wooden glazing assemblies, on an expressed steel multi-functional stud system suitable for installation internally of a building.

The steel stud 50L also has the added constructional versatility to function: (I) with four-sided clipping-action provision; (ii) as a single half-stud 50H and/or expressed one-piece (linked) composite stud 50L format; ::::. (iii) and provide inherent tracking facility for Venetian blind/slats *::::* for light concealment and visual privacy; * (iv) and perform as both vertical and/or horizontal cross-rail with cooperative attachment ability to interconnect with itself for stud/transom framework conditions.

: As illustrated, fire-resistant assemblies of glass/panes 6 and 7 with tracked Venetian blinds 25 may be disposed between the elongate steel primary mounting member 50L and the elongate "wooden" and/or metal secondary mounting members 40T, 40A and clips 11 to form glazed partition elements in double or single-offset glazed options capable of achieving fire-resistant performance.

The functional one-piece expressed steel stud has a four-sided clipping-action profile that obviates the need for superfluous multicomponent, multi screw-fixing stud appendages.

The glass pane recesses on opposing sides of the linked stud 50L may also receive panel or doorset elements or combinations of elements together with matching or contrasting trim profiles/materials on opposition partition faces.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is exemplary of demountable partition systems in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention. * ** * * S

SI S... * * S... * S. * S S S... *.. S..

S S *5 S

S S S.

S S

Claims

1. A partitioning system comprising an elongate metallic multi-sided primary mounting member within which at least one elongate secondary member is releasably attached on one or more of the sides of the primary member using concealed means.

2. A partition system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the primary mounting member is produced from steel or aluminium.

3. A partition system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the or each secondary member is metallic or produced from wood. * ** * * S **.*

4. A partition system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the concealed retention means comprises a clip produced from steel and/or plastics.

5. A component for a partitioning system comprising an elongate steel primary member having a symmetrical profile expressing two *S..

opposing faces with central open convergent-tapered legs and two opposing faces with inward channel recesses.

6. A component as claimed in claim 5 having on two opposing faces elongate secondary mounting members each including a protruding rear tongue and a single-sided resilient clip for engaging openings formed in the steel primary member.

7. A component as claimed in claim 6 having on the other two opposing faces elongate secondary member(s) each including a protruding rear tongue and a single-sided clip for engaging with one inward channel recess formed in the steel primary member.

8. A component according to any one of claims 5 to 7 in which the two opposed inward channel recesses form!channel tracksu to both receive and conceal the ends of blind slats and to provide a visual and light barrier with the blind slats in their closed positions.

9. A component according to claim 8 in which the two opposing faces are configured to provide a continuous grip-fixing for the retention means and allied componentry without the need for drilling and to allow for fire-resistant componentry.

10. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in combination with at least one elongate wooden or metallic secondary member * having an integral projecting rear tongue, the component and member(s) being releasably attached to one another by means of ** single-sided clips which have their front face channel profile overlapping and pre- attached to the protruding tongue of the elongate secondary member(s) and the rear face clip-fitting within the central tapered legs of the elongate primary member. * * * **.

*::::*

11. A component according to claim 10 whereby the protruding rear tongue of the elongate secondary member has a solid square of rectangular profile.

12. A component as claimed in claim 10 wherein the protruding rear tongue of the secondary member has a square or rectangular profile with a generally central continuous tapping groove to receive screws or fixing clips.