US1241635A - Steel partition and the like. - Google Patents

Description

H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARUTION AND THE LIKE.

y APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30. 1913. 1,241,635. Patented 00E. 2,1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET Egvmfuawoo @We zum@ H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND'THE LIKE.

APPLlcATloN man Dc.3o. 1913.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2- WIM l H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE LIKE.

SHEET 3. YC?.

l APPLICATIN FILED DEC. 30| |913. 1,241,635. Patented Oct. 2

i 6 SHEETS- if@ H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION ANuTHE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30 1913.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE LIKE.

1917. SIIE'ET 5.

21 Lb- C O d G t D e t na D... u.. m.. nu 3 rm E D D rr. n N 0 U A m m DI A l ..0 oo n0 1 2 1 6 SHEETS- H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE L IKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.30| |913.

Patentd Oct. 2 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

I n I I n l SH01: um;

oFFic.

HENRY KLEIN, oF NEW VYORK, N. Y.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

Application led December 30, 1813. Serial No. 809,563.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, HENRY KLEIN, now a citizen of the United States of America, residing at New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steel Partitions and the like, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain improve-4 ments in metal partitions and the like; and the objects and'nature of the invention will be readily understood by those skilled inthe art in the light of the following explanation of the accompanying drawings illustrating what I now believe to be the preferred embodiments and mechanical expressions from among other formations, arrangements and constructions within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention consists in certain novel features in construction and in combinations as more fully and particularly set forth here? inafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings :-4 s

Figure 1, shows a length of partition eml'bodying my invention and comprising several pilaster posts provided with extensions, several panel u'nits or sections (in this instance, I show sections of different widths) and several partition extension sections arranged between the post extensions... Fig. 2, ,is a vertical section on the line 2-'2, Fig! 1. Y

Fig. 3,1is a vertical section on the line 3*.3, Fig. 1.

Fig. 4, is a horizontal section on the line 4 4, Fig. 1|.

Fig. 5, is a horizontal section on the line 5 5, Fig. 1.

Fig. 6, is a.4 horizontal section on the line 6 6, Fig. l.

Fig. 7, is a horizontal section on the line 7-7, Fig. 1.

Fig. 8, is a detail detached perspective of one end of the chair rail of a sectlon showpilaster section or unit, showing the bottom support and fastening therefor, and a portion of a able end.

Fig. 10, is a horizontal section through a corner formation and adjacent posts, and parts of panel sections. 4

Fig. 11, is a detail perspective View of the upper end of a pilaster post, a coupling iron elevated therefrom, 'and the upper ends of two stiles separated from the panel sections of which they form a permanent part.

Fig. 12, is a horizontal section in the plane of the line 12-12, Fig. 1, but showing certain parts of the panel section separated.

Fig. 13, is a detail perspective View of a panel section or unit.

Fig. l4, is a vertical section on the line 111-14, Fig. 1.

Fig. 15, is alongitudinal vertical section through a portion of the partition. Y

Fig. 16, is a detail perspective of a portion of the adjustable frame transom or panel frame over the door.

Fig. 17, is a horizontal section on the line 17-17, Fig. 16. Fi. 18, is'a detail erspective showing a coup ing iron secured) tol a post and two panel sections.

The partition of this invention is made up of pilaster posts provided with extensions, main panel or filling sections or units to fit the posts and. iill in the spaces between theposts, and extension or transom sections post extension and its adjust- Vto fill in the spaces between vthe post extensions.

In the particular'example illustrated, the posts are similar and interchangeable, and each is longitudinally hollow and composed of a sheet steel (or other suitable metal) casing or tubular wall 1, and stift'ening bars, plates or members 2, extending approximately throughout the length of said tubular casing and secured thereto. The tubular casing 1, extends throu hout the length of main or body portion o4 the post and is composed of one or more sections of suitable sheet metal drawn, bent up or otherwise manipulated to form the casin with the two front and rear or opposite-side pilaster faces 1, that constitute exposed or ornamental surfaces of the partitionintervening between the panel sections and the twol opposite edge portions-Y1b frmed to receive the edges of the panel sections of the parti` tion. Said opposite edgeY portions are de-l pressed or odset inwardly to form longitudinalgrooves orisockets extending through- 'out thelength of the tubular casing and arranged between the four longitudinal corners of said casing which in this instance lconstitute ribs or tongues 1c, to provide saidv lintervening grooves or sockets. In the exthe exterior ample illustrated, the two edge sockets of a post are similar and in width each longitudinal socket is almost'equal to the thickness of the post between itsv front and rear ornamental or exposed surfaces la. The vertical or longitudinal metal plates or bars 2, of the posts are arranged in said sockets andA form the floors thereof and the s heet metal is se cured thereto by rivets, bolts or screws 2a, or

by other suitable means. These stifening or strengthening bars 2, extend approximately ythroughout the length of the tubular casing of the post, and are preferably arranged at thereof approximately as shown, so as to be concealed by the panel sec-l tions when the partition is set up. A strong stiff metal post is thus provided whichcan be readily manufactured in standard sizes and kept in stock. 4The metal sheets can be readily bent .or struck up and the stiening bars can 'be readily applied thereto to secure and connect the vertical edges of the sheets and to strengthen and stiflenthe complete-d hollow post, or each post can be composed of a single length of tubingsee Fig. 10.

When set up, the posts of a partition preferably `rest on and are secured to a Hat floor strip 4, secured to the loor in anyV suitable manner see Fig. 15. The lower ends of the posts rest on the top face of said strip andv are secured thereto by angle brackets 5, having their vertical legs engaging and secured to the lower ends of the stiflenlng plates 2, by suitable screws or the like, land their horizontal legs resting on .Y the floor strip and secured vthereto by suitable screws vor the like. -These securing brackets are arranged in the lower ends of the edgesockets of the post and hence v,are

" l covered and concealed when the-panel sec.

. meanest formedY with. oppositely projecting horizontal flanges 7, extending toward eachother in the upper end of the' tubular casing so that said flanges are arranged between the upper ends of the edge walls 1b of the po teasing. A coupling plate or iron 8, exten s lacross `the upper end of the post casing and rests on the top faces of the flanges 7 and is secured to said langes by screws 9. The plate projects horizontally and in o posite directions from the upper end o the post to extend over the top portions of the two panel sections fitted in the opposite edges of said post, and is formed with vertical perforations to receive bolts or screws 10,

by whichV said plate is secured to said panel sections. The coupling plate is formedwith a central or intermediate portion to occupy` the upper end of the tubular casing and lto rest on vthe lianges 7 and this intermediate portion is formed with a central vertical opening 11, co-inciding with the space between the adjacent end edgesy of the flanges 7, and the edge walls of the post casing for the passage of the post extension, as more fully set forth hereinafter. The upper ends of the edge walls of the post casing are reduced or cut away centrally between the tongues or ribs 1, (see Figs. 9, 11) so that the'coupling plate can set down in the upper end of the post with its top surface approximately Hush with the upper end of the post,'. e., with the top edges of the side walls la. The end portions of the coupling yplate are reduced in width to lit down in the cut away portions of the edge walls so that the central or intermediate portion of 5 the plate can it -down within the post end and approximately completely ill the same and in connection with the plates 6, lock the post against independent lateral play or movement. The reduction of the coupling. plate end portions, forms the bod or intermediate portion of the plate wlth corner stop shoulders 12, to abut the inner surfaces 'of the corner portions of the edge walls and thereby' .aid in bracing the post and locking the same to the coupling plate.

In Fig. 1, I indicate the panel sections by the reference letters a.

The panel sections are composed of metal and while I prefer to make all of these sections of the same height,l also all of the pilaster posts of the same vertical length, yet panel sections can be provided of differ- .ent widthsl to suit varlous requirements.

These sections are all of the same construction vand hence are interchangeable. In Fig. l, panel sections of different widths are shown-merely for the purpose of indicating that these sections can be Iliade up according to certain standard sizes. The. panel sections are individually y complete and are preferably made up` in quantities at the shop orfactory, and this also applies to the posts, and kept in stock so that the necessary units can be selected from stock and at once sent out ready toV assemble and be set up at the required.

In the particular example illustrated, each panel section, consists of a pair of similar vertical oppdsite-longitudinal-edge pieces or stiles 14, a top rail, a chair rail, and a base rail, a glass panel, and anopaque panel. Each stile is of a thickness, from one side face to the other, to snugly lit in the edge socket or groove of any pilaster post unit with its flat parallel side faces 14C,

voverlapping the flat parallel inner longitudinal side faces of the pair of longitudinal ribs 1, of said post unit forming the side walls of said post socket (see Fig. 11). The side faces 14, of the stile are of greater Width than the side faces of the ribs 1, between which said stile lits (see Fig. 11). The inner longitudinal portion of each stile, beyond the opposite flat side faces14c, is of reduced thickness, thereby forming the alined flat parallel opposite side shoulders or abutments 14d. The longitudinal reduced portion of each stile is formed with a longitudinal groove, socket or depression 14e, at its longitudinal edge to receive the panel moldings.

The corresponding outer longitudinal edge 14, of each stile forms a longitudinal socket or depression between the opposite edge tongues or flanges 14h. These stiles extend throughout the vertical length of the panel section and at their upper ends 'are fitted and secured to the ends of the to rail 15, and this top rail 15, is kpreferab y of the same cross sectional dimensions and formation as the said stiles. The ends of the stiles and top rail 15, can if so'desired, be cut olf angular-ly and permanently fixed together to form niiter jointsat the upper corners of the panel section. y

A stift" reinforcing plate or bar 16, is preferably arranged on and longitudinally lof,

the top edge of the panel section and secured thereto by vertical screws or other means. This bar preferably extends approximately throughout the width of'the panel section and lits down in the longitudinal top -depression or groove of the top rail of said section between the longitudinal edge flanges of said rail that correspond to the edge flanges 14", of the stiles 14; The chair and base rails of the section extend between and are fixed to the two stiles, and are vertically and centrally notched at their ends to straddle and snugly fit the longitudinal reduced inner edge portions of the stiles and so that the squarly cut olf end edges of each rail end at opposite sides of the notch will squarely abut the opposite shoulders 14", of the stile, see Figs. 7, 8, and 13, with the opposite side faces of the rails in part at least approxi.

place Where the partition isA mately flush With the side faces 14d, of the stileS.

The vertical notches in the rail ends straddling the reduced longitudinal inner edge portions of the stiles, will accurately center all of the rails so that the rail side faces will be properly located with respect to the stile side faces and will enable the operatives to accurately and easily lit the rails and stiles together, while the provision of the stiles with ledges or shoulders 14d, against which the ends of the railssquarly abut renders it possible to cut the rails in quantities to exact lengths and to rapidly and accurately assemble the same with and lit the same to the stiles with the formation of finished joints between the stiles and rails and the production of panel sections of accurate widths. A particular object is to provide partition structures whereby the partition units can be individually completed and finished at the factory and kept in stock in quantities ready to be shipped or sent out knocked down, and capable of bein assembled-'and set up in oflice buildings and elsewhere without the assistance of expensive skilled or expert labor. It is very expensive to send skilled or expert mechanics from the factory lto set u and assemble partitions. In fact, it wou d be impossible to do so from the standpoint of cost where the partition is shipped knocked down to distant cities for erection. However, partitions built in accordance with my invention can be shipped knocked down to distant points and can be there erected by unskilled mechanics without the aid of skilled or expert assistance.

Furthermore, the panel section parts, whether wooden or metal, can Abe very economically manufactured and assembled to form the completed nished'sections where composed of the Stiles and` rails approximately as disclosed.

By employing stiles approximately of the cross sectional formation described, I avoid the `expense of separate panel frames between the stiles and various rails inasmuch as the reduced inner edge portions of the stiles form the vertical portions of the panel frames, and the various rails can be correspondingly formed to constitute parts of the panel frames. To this end, I form the top rail 15, of the same cross sectional form as the stiles, and hence the inner longitudinal edge portion of said top rail is centrally reduced at its sidev faces and its inner edge Wall is formed with longitudinal groove or socket 15a. The top and bottom portions 17 of the chair rail are also of approximately the same cross sectional form as'the top rail and consequently have the longitudinal reduced edge portions formed at their edge walls7 with longitudinal grooves or sockets 1 a. i

The top portion 18 of tlie bese rail is also ol" approximately tbe seine cross sectional lorm es 'the top rail ond its reduced edge portion lios 'the longitudinal .groove '18'.

-Any suitable upper panel, suoli es gloss panel 1,9, is arranged in 'tbe freine formed by the two l,.stiles', tbe top ruil lo, `and the up- 4per port-1011.17 ol' tbe elisir ruil, and 'this glass panel is secured in molding` 20, 'formed by strips of molding,l connected et their ends by initer joints or otherwise. Tliese moldings are tted in tbe grooves les, oi the stiles and l5, and l'lf", oit tlie top reil and elisir rail. These moldings are formed Witn e liXed bead, and 'tlie gloss is seoure-d there- :igeinst by removable Ibeeds or. strips 29?, secured by screws 2Gb, passing 'tlirougli mol-dings 2G, and into reinforcing bers 20C, in seid moldings, See Fig. l2, snion'g others.

Any suitable lovver panel, suoli es epoque panel 2l, (metal il so desired) is secured in the ironie formed by the stil-es, elisir rail und bese ruil by suitable grooved inolding 2l, consisting ott strips oi molding preferably connected at their ends by reiter joints und tted in and lield by the grooves les, ol' the Stiles andthe grooves 17a, end i8@ of tbe chair and bose rails.. The panel is fitted in the groove oi tlie molding before tbe Seine is Secured and molding irernes QU, end 2l, een be iittedin tbe penel Section before tbe s'tiles und rails thereof ore permanently secured together.

ln tlie steel or other Sheet metal construetion illustrated, l lorin tbe Stiles ol similar lengths of the seine kind ol tubing, in tbe matter of dimensions und shape. '.lbe top rail is also composed or e, length oi the Seine tubing.l v The elisir is composed el e mein or oenter length 17h, el 'tubing approximately reotonguler in cross section and tvvo lengths l? of tbe seine kind oli tubing es tlie Stiles end top rail.. The thickness of tbe oenter tube 17h, is less than tbe extreme thickness o'f upper and lower vtubes l?, oi the elisir rail and seid center tube l'l is shown litted between the edge flanges 2li/C, of seid upper and lower tubes l?, see 3,'vvbereloy tbe elisir rsil isl s'tillened end bruised end tbe f elisir roll es en entirety presents o peneled effect or pleasing design.

'llie bose is composed ol e top section 18, composed ol u length oil? the seine tubing; es the Stiles and oertein ol 'the lbeve mentioned cross bers; s usually enlarged orlieavy loottorn tube 18h, rectangular in cross section and lien/ing opposite edge top longitudinal llanges loc; and on intermediate rectangular tube 18d, fitting between the dsngee 18, ol? the lovver tube and between tbe edge flanges 18", of the upper tube 18, whereby tbe bose or bottom rail is stiened end breoed, end

entirety presents o whereby the bese es on l fllie bese tube peneled ele'ct, see Fig. 3.

i8, is 'formed with e bottoni Well to rest on the lloor Il, when tlie partition is set up.

The various tubes lf?, lll, 18, l, ond lh, ere oentrelly und vertieslly notobed et 'their ende, es ner-einbefore described, to stroddle the reduced longitudinal edge portions of tbe und to produce list ends squerely abutting 'the let shoulders ld, of tlie stiles, see ligs. "l, 8 and lo, lne ends of these rail-forming tubes ere `perlnonently secured to 'tbe stiles by bruzing, eleotrio 'Welding or in other suitable manner.

yund sliep-es.

l reduce to niinirnuin the number of dii lier-ent dies and operations required by tbus using s maximum number ol parte composed or lengths olf the seine size forni, and et the seme time l enabled to produce completed inislied 'panel seotions oit o. superior and highly advantageous oonstruo tion. t

'lne partition is provided vvitli e suitable oornioe arranged longitudinally 'thereof preferably so es to extend upwardly from 'tbe upper ends of tbe enel sections and the pilester lposts, and bridging or continuous across the joints ybetween tlie post and panel section units. ln tbe particular exemple illustrated3 tliis cornice is orined by pairs of lon@n strips or parallel moldings 22, oit

any suitable design pressed up from slieet metal und extending upwardly und laterally in opposite directions from tbe upper ends of the post and ,Leonel section units. The lower longitudinal edge portion Aof eacb molding, is formed with e horizontal longitudinal llzrnge 22-, projecting inwardly or laterally from e longitudinal dependinef rib or shoulder Q2". These flanges or tbe moldings rest longitudinally on tbe ubjoer .lunes or tbe reinforcing bers lo, oin 'tbe pon-el section top rolls and on tbe oouloliug 8 ere removably bolted or otliervvise seoured tliereto by 'tbe festenings 22C, und tbe tivo opposite-Side moldings diverge upvverdl 'from tlie upper ends of ktbe osnel sections end posts to the desired height.

The oouoling receive 'tbe crown or cornice molding fastenings, 22, lund slso st the opposite sides oli their body or intermediate portions 'So that crown ruoldung lastenn ings 22C, een extend 'tberetlirouffb and into bolt or screw bolos in tbe laterally bent ends l?, oi tbe pistes "o, The longituditlie panel bars 8., preferably lievev threaded soolrets in their end portions to and thereby conceal the joints between themoldings and posts and also center the parts and lock them in alinement.

In the particular example illustrated, l show the top longitudinal edge portions of the diverging crown moldings formed by inwardly projecting horizontal longitudinal flanges 22d, removably secured together. by horizontal' plates 23, arranged longitudinally of the cornice and having central longitudinal groove or socket 23a.

Where a door, such as 24, Fig. 1, is to be provided in the partition, two pilasterl post units are fixed the required distance apart and at their upper ends above the door opening, are fixedlyvconnected by the cornice and a panel section reinforcing bar 16, to which the cornicev and the coupling plates 8 of said units are fixed.

The two post units constituting the door posts, are provided with removable strips to form the door stop or 'bead and to receive the hinges carrying the door. For instance, posts can be provided at their edges facing the door opening with sheet metal tubes 25, secured thereto removably by screws or other means and extending throughout the length of each post and at their upper ends secured to the cornice o r to the coupling plates 8, if

so desired.

Each sheet metal tube 25 can be formed to fit between the corner ribs or tongues 1, and to overlap the'outer faces thereof (see Fig. 12) 'and is formedl with door stop forming bead or shoulder 25a. These door stops 25, canbe readily applied to the postunits and canbe readily removed therefrom withp out damage thereto.

Each pilaster post is preferably provided with a-post extension 26, centrally and longitudinally arranged therein and projecting upwardly therefrom'through the opening 11, of the coupling plate 8, of such post.'

The extension bar or member of a post is usually of about the same length as the post and is vertically slidable .therein to project the distance above the post required by the partition superstructure or transom sections to be employed in the particular partition being installed. The extensions are slidable or adjustable vertically and are-held or sccured in the desired vertical adjustmentby any suitable means. For instance, when the distance that the extensions must project above the posts or main partition in any articular instance, is determined, holes can )e drilled through said extensions at the proper points, and ins 26, can be inserted in said holes to project laterally beyond the edges of the extensions and rest on the coupling plates 8, and thereby uphold the extensions projecting the required distance above the main partition. y

Each post extension 26, is composed of sheet steel or other metal pressed into tubular form or to form a tubular casing reinforced approximately throughout its length by the longitudinal metal bars 27, to which the sheet metal is suitably secured.

The sheet metal forming the post extension is pressed to provide each edge of the extension with a pair of longitudinal parallel projecting corner ribs or tongues 28, a pair of parallel grooves 28, between said ribs, and a fixed bead 29, between said grooves.

The panels (usually glass) 30 of the transoms or superstructure are usually fitted between the edges of the post extensions and against the side faces of the fixed beads 29, thereof and said glass or other panels are secured or clamped against said fixed beads by removable metal strips or beads 31, the same as described in connection with the glass panels 19, of the main partition.

The removable strips or beads 31, are removably secured by machine screws or the like, extendingtherethrough and through the sheet metal of the tubular casing and A into threaded holes provided in t-he metal reinforcing bars 27 The glass or other panels 30, of the transom or superstructure, can be confined at their vertical edges to the post extensions, as j ustdescribed, and at their lower horizontal ,edges to cross bars or rails 34, and at their 'in the sheet metaltubes or casings. The upper rails '35, are also formed by hollow sheet metal casings having fixed and removable beads between which the panel 30, is clamped as just described Iin connection with the lower rail 34. The upper rails 35 are stiffened and braced by upper channel bars 35, arranged longitudinally thereof and secured between the upper longitudinal edges of the sheet metal casings forming said rails. l

The ends of the rails 34, 35, are centrally notched vertically to transversely fit andv straddle the beads 29, 31, of the post extensions 26, and to form the pairs of longitudinally-projecting parallel tongues or flanges 36, arranged at the opposite sides of the end and formed to slidably enter the longituainal groovesor sockets 28", in the longitLdinal edges of the post extensions. The rails are thus formed y the projections 36,

and intervening notches, to lit the inner lonEn gitudinal dat faces of the ribs 28, to center the rails and hold them against lateral delection and 13o-conceal the joints between the post extensions and rails even though there are approximately slight inaccuracies in the lengths of the rails or the lateral positions of the post extensions. 'lhe side faces ol the tongues, lianges or projections 86, ol the rails lap the inner vertical faces of the ribs 28, for substantial distances and these distances can be varied before the rail ends separate from the edges of the post extensions, see lligs. a and 9.

The rails 3l, 35, are made in certain lengths and kept in stock, and are removably fitted between the post extensions as the partition is put up, and can be arranged `a greater .or less distance apart along the post extensions according to the sizes of the panels 30, employed in each instance, as the -ends of the rails will removably interlock with the edges of the post extensions at any points throughout the portions of their lengths formed to receive the panel ends. ln the completed partition, the removable lower rails 34C, of the superstructure rest on and are supported by the plates 23, of the cornice or crown molding of the main partition. These lower rails usually t in and are arranged longitudinally of the grooves 23, of said plates.

rlhe partition superstructure or transom portion is provided with a cornice preterably formed by opposite-side moldings 37, pressedup from sheet metal and extending upwardly and outwardly from the opposite sides of the topedge portions of the 4top rails 35 and secured thereto and also travers ing opposite sides ot the upper end portions of the post extensions and secured thereto. rl`hese moldings are secured to the parts mentioned by machine screws 37, or the like, passed removably through the vertical lower longitudinal edge portions kof the molding and into the post extensions and into the channel bars 35a, of the top rails. rEhe screws 37a, extend through perlorations in the sheet metal of said top rails, and enter threaded perforations in the depending langes of the channel bars.. lf so desired, th'e upper portions of the hollow post extensions 26, can be braced and stidened by comaratively short stilln bars or tubes ed, formin adjustable ends arranged therein and adjustable longitudinally thereof to project the required distance upwardly therefrom. rlhese top bars are articularly useful where the ceiling to which) a partition` must be extended, has exposed beams (see Fig. l). Under such circumstances, the upper cornice 37, will approximately close up against the under lor bottom edges or faces of the cross beams l), but means must be provided to ll in the spaces between said cross beams and y aesinet from the upper cornice 37 to the ceiling. For this purpose, l usually employ spaced sheets of suitable lire proof material 41, usually fire-proof material strips 43, secured between their lower edges, while the upper ends of the sheets 4l, are secured to usually grooved ceiling strip 42, and lit the opposite edges thereof, The ceiling strip is suitably secured to the ceiling. 'lhese sheets and strips form removable filling panels at their top edges fitting the ceiling, at their vertical edges litting the vertical sides of the exposed beams, and at their lower edges fitted be tween the vertical lower portions of the opposite moldings 37, and usually resting on the channel bars 35a. f

llhere a post extension happens to be located beneath an exposed beam l), such ex.- tension can extend up to the beam and lit the ceiling strip 42, which extends across all the beams and along the ceiling the full length of the partition. `Where a post extension is located below the space between such beams, the end bar 40 of such extension is projected upwardly to the ceiling strip ft2, and is suitably secured in such position, to brace the parts and stillen the partition where the post extension itself does not extend to the ceiling, and in the completely finished and assembled partitions, the adjustable ends 40, are concealed between the sheets el.`

By providing the post extensions with such telescoping or adjustable ends, said extensions of a partition 'can all project the same distance above the main partition, that is, above the posts, and variations in the height of the ceiling canbe taken care of-by the adjustable ends 40, and by the top edge lling panels 4-1, whereby certain advantages are attained.

lt is desirable to have the post extensions 26 ot a partition all project the same distance. above the main partition so that the upper cornice moldings can be secured to the upper ends of all said extensions and thus follow a straight horizontal line, and so that the holes in the extensions for the means (such as pins 26a) upholding said extensions will be located in all extensions a like distance from the upper ends thereofa Anysuitable means or provision can be provided for securing the adjustable ends 40, to the post extensions after being ad- .drilled in the adjustable ends to suit the requirements of each partition.

'lt 1s the common practice to provide swinging or pivoted sashes or transoms in partitions above doors. Inasmuch as the superstructure.. of my partition is extensible to accommodate the partition as an entirety to rooms having ceilings of various hei hts,'

-I provide a vertically extensible or adjustable swinging transom frame to receive a glass panel of any vertical width within certain limits, whereby similar extensible transom frames can be constructed and kept in stock and adapted to partition superstructures of almost any height.

The particular construction of extensible transom frame illustrated by Figs. 1, 16, and 17, is rectangular in shape and consists of tubular sheet metal casings forming an open frame adapted to receive a glass panel 46. The tubular frame is formed with a fixed bead 47, against which the glass panel is secured by removable beading 47", removably secured by screws entering reinforcing bars 47h, in the tubular casing approximately as hereinbefore described in connection with other portions of the partition.

The tubular sheet metal frame comprises upper and lower rails and vertical stiles. The stiles are fixed to the rails but the stiles are composed of slidably telescoping sections. For instance, the upper rail 48, is

fixed to a pair of depending stile sections 48, while the-lower rail 48h, is fixed to a pair of upwardly extending stile sections 48C, slightly larger than the sections 48, and slidably receiving the same so that the frame as whole can be increased or diminished in vertical length to receive a glass panel of the required size by moving 'the rails toward and from each other and thereby sliding the stile sections one within the other to decrease or increase the length of the Stiles. Suitable set screws 48d, can be provided to secure the'stiles in the desired adjustments, and if so desired, reinforcing channel irons 48, can be arranged within the overlapping portions of the stile sections. If so desired strips of felt can be arranged between the glass panel and the fixed beads 47, to vmake up for inequalities due to the overlapping sections.

The upper and lower rails 48, 48", can be provided with central vertical pivots 49, on which the transom is horizontally swingable (see Fig. 1) and these pivots can be mounted in upper andvlower transom supporting bars 50, 51, extending between a pair of post extensions 26, and suitably secured in the partition approximately in the horizontal lines of the superstructure rails 34, 35, respectively.

Wherever it is necessary for the partition to change its direction and thereby form a corner, I provide an. improved corner post, or angular or corner formation, by fixing a pair of post units adjacent to the apex of the angle of the corner or 'turn and filling in the space between the two posts by a corner r angular section or unit extending from the fioor strip to the corner molding or cornice and another similar superstruct-ure section extending from the crown molding tothe upper cornice, while the space above the upper cornice can be filled'in by the panels 41. This corner section consists of a double angular panel formed by spaced metal sheets 53, bent laterally to the required angle and secured to' and spaced by interposed strips 54. The vertical edges of the panel are secured to and finished by tubes 14, corresponding exactly to the tubes 14 of the panel sections and fitted removably in the edge grooves of the post units, as shown by Fig. 10.

In setting up a partition, I usually secure the strip 4 to the fioor by any suitable means and extend said strip throughout the full length of the partition and from wall to wall. This strip can consist of sheet metal pressed to the required form and preferably backed by and secured to a body of wood covered by the sheet metal. If so desired, vertical metal strips 4a, can be arranged longitudinally along the opposite edges of the floor strip with their lower edges extending to and usually following the fioor sur` face where the fioor is uneven or not level.

The partition usually starts with a pilaster post located adjacent to a wall but spaced a short distance therefrom. The space between the post or end of the partition and said adjacent wall can be filled in by any suitable means. For instance, this space can be filled in by fire proof double wall panels fitting the wall and the adjacent post and consisting of spaced sheets'55, secured to and spaced by strips 56, and at one vertical edge secured or fitted in vertical sheet metal tubes 14 that snugly fit in the edge groove ofthe adjacent post unit and that approximately correspond in action to thetiibes 14 of the panel sect-ions.

The corresponding filling panel between the post extension and the wall, can have the edges 55,' of its sheets 55, extended to fit in the longitudinal edge grooves 28a, of the post extensions see Fig. 4.

Finishing strips 57, can be provided, corresponding to the strips 4, of the fioor strip, to conceal spaces between the edge ofthe panels and the wall. The crown moldings or cornice 22. and the upper cornice 37 are usually extended from the adjacntpost and its extension to the wall, see Fig. 1.

The cornice moldings 22 are in long lengths so as to be continuous from post to panel section units approximately. throughout the length of the top of the main partition and constitute an important reinforcement for the partition rendering the saine (in connection with the coupling plates 8) exceedingly stiff and rigid against lateral strains.

assises Theupper or superstructure cornice moldings 37 are also provided in long lengths approxi` mately continuous throughout the partition v and are secured to the post extensions and rails 35, and render the superstructure eX- ceedingly strong and stii1 against lateral strains and thereby brace and stiffen the main partition.

The posts with their extensions and adjustable ends are preferably alike and are made up 'in quantities and kept in stock.

` .The panel sections of the main partition are also standardized and made up in quan tities completely finished and kept in stool; so that any panel section is adapted to any post. rlihe moldings, couplings and transoms are also preferably standardized and kept in stock.

4'llhese various parts making up a partition can be readily assembled and set up to constitute a complete partition, and canalso be Iso 'readily separated without damage br injury to render the partitions readily removable and subject to alteration and remodeling without destroying' the usefulness of the various sections 4or units in other partitions, or in dierent portions of the same partition.

'The panel sections can be made up complete'in various standard widths.

ln setting up a partition, the first pilaster post is mounted on thefioor strip and secured in position by a bracket 5, or other; suitable means. A panel section is then placed in' position on the door strip and snugly fitted to the post with a longitudinal stile 14, of the section properly entered in a longitudinal edge socket of the y,post between a pair of corner ribs le, thereof. b'lhe neXt post is then set up and secured by a bracket 5, with the other stile le, of said panel section fitted snugly between the adjacent ribs l, l, of said last mentioned post., The posts and panel sections are thus secured and lassembled to complete the main partition.

Then before the cornice ,22, of the main partition is applied and secured thereto, the upper ends of the various posts and sections are coupled together by the coupling plates 8. y

Each coupling plate, having a pair of depending plates 6, secured thereto, is dropped into the upper end of its post so that the plates 6, depend in the post as hereinbefore described, and the ends of the plate 8,' overlap the top rails of the two panel sections fitting said post. These plate ends are then secured to said top rails by screws or bolts as hereinbefore described.l Each ypost is coupled to thepanel sections fitting; it, by these coupling plates as just described.

The various post extensions can then be drawn up out of their posts to project the required distance above the main partiti om and the pins are applied to uphold the samen The cornice moldings of the main partition can then be applied and removably secured to the top rails of the panel sections and to the coupling); yplates 8, as hereinbefore described.

rlhe superstructure, panels and transoms can then be removably fitted between the post extensions and their adjustable ends and the upper or superstructure cornice can be applied, all as hereinbefore described, to complete the partition.

` Peculiar advantages are attained by providing; complete panel sections or units with the longitudinal parallel projecting flat edge sti-les lll, to it snugly between the edge or corner ribsv of the posts, and overlap the inner side fiat vertical faces of said ribs for considerable distances and in` sliding` engagement, This formation not only causes thepanel sections and posts to snugly interlock against independent lateral play, but the joints between said parte are concealed and comparatively extensive movements of parts in the line of the partition will be required to cause a post and panel section to separate so lfar as to withdraw the stiles lil, from the inner side faces of ribs 1.,

lt is evident that various changes, modiiications, and variations might be resorted to, that parts might be added and thatfeatures might be omitted Awithout'departing from the spirit and scope' of my invention, and hence do not wish to limit myself to the exact disclosure hereof.

lJlhat l claim is LA. partition comprising,` a main partition, and a superstructure secured thereto and rising therefrom and consistingessentially of vertical panels, vertical post-like extensionmembers vertically adj ust-able with respect to said main partition when being set up, and vertically adjustable ends for said members adapted t0 be projected upwardly therefrom `to thel ceiling, substantially as described.

2. A partition comprising a main partition, and a superstructure secured thereto and rising therefrom and consisting essentially of vertical extension members provided with ends, each end being longitudinally adjustable with respectto its member and adapted lto be projected upwardly therefrom tothe ceiling, means for securing each adjustable end to its member in the desired adjustment, and panel sections for fillingq in the spaces between the members and upwardly projected ends.

3. A partition provided with a superstructure comprising post-like extensions, panel sections between the same, adjustable ends yprojecting upwardly from certain of said extensions, lling panels between said ends, a cornice traversing said extensions and panelv sections, and means securing said cornice to said extensions, said means also lil( l I l lV serving to secure said ends to the1r respective extensions 1n the des1red vert1cal adjustment with respect to said extensions.

4:: A knock-down partition comprising a mam partition, and asuperstructure supported thereby and rising from the top edge thereof and consisting essentially of vertilcal panels, upper and lower rails for said panels, and 'vertical extension members having longitudinally beaded edges toI receive the vertical edges of the panels and also having pairs of longitudinal sockets in said edges, the ends of said upperand lower rails having. pairs of longitudinally projecting tongues to removably enter said sockets and intervening vertical recesses to recei've said beaded edges whereby said rail ends can be fitted to and interlocked with said extension members at any portions of the lengths of their beaded edges, substantially as described.

5. A partition comprising post-like mem. bers having longitudinal edges formed with pairs of longitudinal sockets, said edges between the sockets of each pair being formed to receive and secure panels, and panel hold ing rails having their end edges formed to fit said member 'edges between the sockets and provided with pairs of tongues entering said sockets, substantially as described.

6. ln a partition, in combinatiomaJ main partition, and a superstructure comprising a post-like member composed of a sheet metal tube at opposite longitudinal edges formedwith pairs of longitudinal ribs and intermediate fixed longitudinal beads, removable beads to secure panels against said fixed beads, and panel rails having end tongues and recesses to fit between the ribs and to receive said fixed and removable beads, substantially as described.

7. A partition comprising a main partition, and a superstructure supported thereby and rising therefrom and consisting essentially Jof vertical post-like members extending down into the main -partition and having longitudinal edges beaded to receive panels, vertical panels, lower panel rails on the top edge of the main partition and at their end edges vertically recessed to receive and lit said longitudinal edges of said members, top rails for said panels vertically recessed at their end edges to receive and fit said longitudinal edges of said members and interlock therewith against lateral deflection therefrom, and a continuous crown molding extending across and secured` to side faces of said members and'along and secured to side faces of said top rails and supporting said top rails, substantially as described.

8. A knock down partition comprising panel sections, each sectionprovided with vertical stiles having opposite parallel vertical side faces, the inner vertical longitudinal portions of said stiles being centrally reduced and forming longitudinal shoulders at both side faces and intermediate the widths of the stiles, rails between said stiles having their ends vertically and centrally recessed and receiving said reduced inner portions of the stiles and forming end edges squarely abutting said shoulders, pilaster members intervening'between said sections and having longitudinal projecting edges overlapping said parallel side faces of said stiles.to form concealed joints between the members and sections, and a crown molding secured to said sections'and continuous from section to section across said members.

9. A partition consisting essentially of a main partition, and a knock-down superstructure comprising vertical panels, horizontal rails removably receiving the upper horizontal edges of the panels, vertical stiles receiving the vertical edges of the, panels and composed of vertical extension members having their longitudinal edges beaded to their upper ends to receive and secure said panels, said rails having their ends similarly recessed or notched centrally and vertically to removably fit and receive said beaded edges of the extension members at any points along the lengths of said beaded edges and to thereby interlock therewith against lateral deflection therefrom and a removable continuous molding traversing said extension members and arranged longlpilaster' sections closing thespaces between said panel sections and removably lapping the opposite side faces. of the vertical edge portions of said panel sections throughout the vertical lengt-hs thereof, a continuous removable cornice above said pilaster and panel sections and having longitudinal bottom flanges at the top ends of said pilaster sections and removably secured to the top edges of said panel sections, partition superstructure post extensions depending between said panel sections and extending upwardly between the flanges of said cornice, superstructure panels between said extensions above said cornice, and removable bottom rails for said panels at their lower edges fitting down on said cornice and at their ends removably fitting, the edges of said extensions.

1l. A partition comprising top vertical panel sections provided with top rails, crown moldings arranged along the opposite faces of said rails and projecting upwardly from said rails to form a socket between their vertical portions and above the top edges of said rails, the upper longitudinal edges of said moldings being spaced apart, and vertical filling panels adapted to close the space between said top rails and the ceiling and fitted down into said socket in engagement with said vertical portions of the crown moldings whereby said panel is held against lateral displacement.

12. ln combination, in a sheet steel knock down partition, pilaster post members at their lower ends adapted toV be secured to the tloor, panel sections between and at their vertical edges interlocking with said mern. 'bers against lateral deflections, coupling plates traversing the upper ends ot and confined to said members and extending onto and secured to the top edges of said sections, and a continuous crown molding arranged abovesaid members and sections and having longitudinal bottom flanges fitted down on the'top edges of said sections and the top ends of said members and arranged on and removably secured to said plates and continuous across the joints between the members and sections, substantially as described.

13. A knock down partition comprising a of lthe posts and panel sections, substany tially as described.,

meneer ld. A main partition, in combination with a superstructure comprising extension posts approximately' throughout the lengths of their opposite' edges formed to constitute the uprights of panel trames, removable cross bars extending between said extension posts to form the upper and lower rails ot' removable lling panels above said main partition and between said extension posts,l

the opposite edges of said several cross bars being similarly notched vertically to transversely tit the edges of said extension posts at any points along'the lengths ot said edges thereof against lateral displacement without being secured at their ends to said extension posts.'

l5. A knock down partition comprising longitudinally-hollow removable pilaster posts, means :tor removably securing the lower ends thereof to the licor, the opposite edges of said posts formed approximately throughout 'their lengths with longitudinal seats, removable panel sectionsv at 'their vertical end edges removably fitted in said seats of the posts approximately throughout the lengths thereof, and removable coupling members traversing the hollow upper ends of the posts and removably secured on the top edges ot the panel sections, said coupling members having depending plates rigid therewith and removably fitted inthe open upper ends oit the posts to center said members with respect to the posts.

ln testimony whereof l atlix my signature in presence oitwo witnesses..

- HENRY KliilllN. ld/'itnesses llenar lo-narran,

Hanni A.. iiifnnnirann.

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