US2114386A - Movable wall structure - Google Patents

Description

p 1933- L. J. KlLLlO N 2,114,386

MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 2, 1935 13 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 19, 1938. L. J. KILLIQN 2,114,386

MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE 7 Filed Jan. 2, 1935 15 sheets-sheet '2 Apnfl19, 1938.. r L. J. KILLION, 2,114,386

MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 2, 1935 15 Sheets-Sheet J. KILLION MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE April 19, 1938.

Filed Jan. 2, 19 35 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 Ap il 1938- KILLIO N "2,114,386 MOVABLEWVALL STRUCTURE .liSheets-Sheet v Filgd Jan. 2, 1935 Apfil 19, 1938.

LJJ. KIL LION' I MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE l3 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Jan. 2, 1935 ...T.:. J .u......... 2..

""""l"l IIIIIIIIIII April 19, 1938;

L. J. KILLION 2,114,386

MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE Filed Ja a-. 2}; 1935, 1 1s Sheets-Sheet 1o April 1938. LfJ. KILLION 2,114,386

MOVABLE WALL STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 2, 1935 15 Sheets-Sheet 12 Patented Apr. 19, 1938 UNITED s'rA Es PATENT- ormon 16 Claims.

This invention relates to movable wallstructures of that type which comprises an assembly of integral wall units presenting facings of plast'er or other plastic material. Said type is tube 5 distinguished from the sheet metal partition walls now in wide use, and likewise'fromthose walls in whichthe supporting structure of 'studs'or other framework is erected first, and preformed building board is applied subsequently to one or both i sides of said supporting structure.

; My invention provides a wall which not only resembles a plaster wall but which is actually a plaster wall and is adapted tobe erected in conjunction with permanent plaster walls already in place andto extendias an integral structure from fioor to ceiling of any normal height room, regardless of said height. Moreover, my invention contemplates units which are complete integral units, adapted to be erected in the field without preliminary framework and without requiring the filling in of areas above units which arev too short for their location. v

My invention makes available for the first time units which may be easily and economically manufactured, safely handled in shipment and stor- "age, easily and economically erected or dismantledinwhole or in part.with"coinplete salvage of the part or parts'removed, and. in any assembly of which door'and panel units may be easily interchanged. Moreover, the panel unit may beeasily and economically altered in respect I to height and width, and cut to meet obstructions, andmay be re-altered and re-used indefinitely. Said wall unitsare not easily damaged and are of ....5 such character as to be easily and perfectly re- ,paireda In accordance with .my invention, the number of different standard units is kept to a minimum while fulfilling all normal requirements of layout. Moreover,. the units'o'f my invention 40 are arranged to be fastened in identical manner and may be installed without the necessity of levelling the floor or providing a level foundation for the wall. 5 Neither the layout nor erection work requires extensive preliminary. engineering and the units maybe easily selected and ordered and v carried on inventory in storage.

My invention includes within its scope a novel panel unit for a movable wall structure, which unit includes a metallic frame, a non-metallic 5' sheet secured at its inner face to said frame and having projections, suchas cleats on its outer face, and a covering of plastic material such as plaster or. gypsum molded upon the outer face of'said sheet.- The metallic frame may be advantageously constructed by welding together separate members of thin sheet steel having one or more angles and may be stiffened by struts of plastic material molded within the confine'sof said "members. Flange portions of the metallic frame may be utilized as metallic binders for the 5 edge surface of the unit.- In its preferred form the panel unit of'my invention has similar composite slabs upon opposite faces, is of hollow con-' struction with a vertically disposed recess ineach end face, and fastening and splicing mechanisms 10 are provided within the hollow body of the unit, which mechanisms are entirely concealed in the finished'wall.

My invention permits the use of units of identical structure extending continuously from floor 15 toceiling except for-a portion at the base which is removable for access to the'fastening mechanism in erecting or dismantling the wall.-

In additionv to the above described panel'unit, my invention contemplates'an assortment of interchangeable units in which is included doors, 20 sash 'or other openings, or which mayserve as corner portions in the wall.

Important features of my invention reside in the splicing mechanism which aligns and fastens two'section's of cutpanel units together to form a spliced unit; The novel desig'n'of this mechanism permits units'to be altered'to any desired size,'height, or width. Preferably each unit is provided withelongated tubular or channel shaped membersfopen' ended to receive aligning connectors, and these tubular or channel members are'eft'ective to receive said connectors at the top edge, orat any out edge, horizontally or verticallyJin a unit. Moreover. a unit thus "spliced may be separatedinto its component sections by moving said connectors longitudinally in the tubular or-channel members so as to clear the line of joint'between said sections.

The invention also includes as another impor- 40 tant' feature, a mechanism for aligning and fastening adjacent units to one another in the wall.

' This includes a carrier member for movable clips,

which member is mounted within the recess in the end "face of the unit and arranged for movement, 5 first, transversely from a position out of line with the joint between the units into operative relation with fixed clips on the unit's,and second, in a direction to effect the desired fastening operation. Moreover, the reverse operation disengages said clips and then moves 'carrier out of line with the joint between the units.

These and other features of the invention will be best understood and appreciated from the following description of v a preferred embodiment thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a view in elevation of a typical wall constructed in accordance with my invention showing the various forms of wall units in place;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of a panel unit which'has been out both vertically and horizontally;

Figs. 3 to 8 inclusive are views in perspective representing remainder portions of horizontally cut units;

Fig. 9 is a view in perspective of a standard panel unit with portions broken away;

Fig. 10 is a view in perspective of a standard door unit;

Fig. 11 is a view in perspective of the outside portion of a standard corner unit;

Fig. 12 is a similar view of the inside portion of a corner unit;

Fig. 13 is a view in perspective of the reinforcing sheet of a standard panel unit with portions broken away;

Fig. 14 is a view of the horizontal cross section; I

Figs. 15 to 18 are fragmentary: views in perspective showing details of the connection between the partsof the panel unit;

Fig. 19 is a view in horizontal cross section of a standard panel unit, the plastic facing being omitted from one side of the unit;

Figs. 20 and 21 are views of a standard panel unit in vertical cross section on line 48-48 of Fig. 19; I

Fig. 22 is a view in persepective of a panel unit with portions broken away to show the metallic frame, also a portion of the reinforcing sheet attached thereto and a lesser portion of the plastic facing;

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a portion of, a standard door unit;

Fig. 24 isa fragmentary view in perspective of the outer and inner portions of a standard corner unit; I

Figs. 25 to 2'7 are views in perspective illustrating details of the panel unit splicing devices;

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the upper corner portion of a standard panel unit, showing the fasteners for securing it to the ceiling;

Fig. 29 Ba fragmentary view in perspective of the lower corner portion of a standard panel unit showing the fasteners for securing it to the floor;

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating details of the connection of thegpanel unit with an intersecting wall;

Figs. 31 and 32 are views in horizontal cross section of standard and cut panel units respectively; g

Fig. 33 is a view in perspective of the wall fitting;

Figs. 34 and 35 are views in perspective illustrating the unit fastening clips in position within standard panel units showing particularly the carrier for the movable clips; i

Fig. 36 is a view of the samein elevation and reinforcing sheet in i one. smaller scale;

Fig. 37 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating further details of the panel unit fastening clip mechanism and showing particularly the means of controlling the movement of the vcarrier for the movable clips;

. ings for the side edge of the unit.

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary view in perspective showing a second modified means of controlling the movement of the carrier for the movable clip;

Fig. 40 is a view in horizontal cross section showingthe arrangement of the panel fastening mechanism of Fig. 37 within abutting panel units;

Fig. 41 is a view in horizontal cross section showing the arrangement of the panel fastening mechanism of Fig. 38 within abutting panel and door units; and v Fig. 42 is a view in horizontal cross section showing the arrangement of the panel fastening mechanism of Fig. 39 within abutting panel, corner and door units.

Before proceeding with a detailed description of the units composing my invention reference is directed to Fig. lwhich illustrates in condensed form the conditions to be encountered and the application of the units of this invention to these conditions. The units extend vertically from the floor I to the ceiling 2, the floor and ceiling being of any construction, and horizontally between two intersecting walls of any character 3. All units have been cut off at the top to fit between floor and ceiling. 4 represents a panel unit of standard width abutting an intersecting wall. 5 represents an adjacent door unit. 6 an adjacent panel unit of width less than standard made by combining two sections each cut pref erably from separate standard units. 1 and 8 represent theoutside and inside portion of an adjacent corner unit. 9 represents an adjacent panel unit of width greater than standard made preferably by combining the excess portions obtained in'making the panel unit 6. I0 represents an adjacent portion of a standard unit abutting an intersecting wall. ll represents a removable portion at the base of panel units.

Attention is called to two items of outstanding importance, first that only three standard units, panel unit, door unit and corner unit are necessary to construct this typical wall structure and, second that there is no waste, as all excess portions of the units are usable for splicing purposes. These two items together with the two fundamental requirements namely that the wall have the characteristics of a plaster wall and that it be movable, both of which requirements are fulfilled as hereinafter shown make this invention of noteworthy importance to the building indus try.

I will first proceed to describe the construction of what I may term the standard panel unit which is the principal unit of the movable wall structure of my invention. This unit comprises a rigid metallic frame composed of various sheet metal angle members, and in the term angle members I include channel forms and all sheet metal forms having one or more angles therein.

As shown in Figs. 19, 22, and 23, the frame comprises at each side edge a vertically disposed channel member 31 having outturned flanges. Preferably and as herein shown, said flanges 4| are longitudinally corrugated and serve as bind- The channel member 31 forms a metal bound recess in the edge face of the unit which serves purposes later described. Located in parallel spaced relation tothe backof channel member 31 is a vertical channel member 39 withinturned flanges forming an open ended guideway for splicing or aligning connections as will be presently explained. The channel'members 3'! and 39 are preferably of the same length and extend continuously from topto bottom of the plastic slab portion of theunit which is hereinafter described. Between the backs of channel members 31 and 39 and disposed at right angles thereto are two oppositely disposed channel members 38 which are welded to, and serve as spacing connectors for said channel members 31 and 39. The channel members=-38 may be continuous or they may consist of relatively short lengths spaced vertically at intervals.

Vertical angle members 40 are welded to the side flanges of the vertical channel member 31' and disposed with their outturned, corrugated flanges in parallel spaced relation to the exterior flanges 4|. Horizontal struts or braces 43 of corrugated construction may be interposed between the vertically extending members, as shown in Figs. 22 and 23, and serve to stiffen the whole structure and divide the side edge portions of the panel unit into pockets or compartments that serve to' localize any possible damage to the panel unit and also facilitate repair of such damage. Tongues 42 are struck out of the material of these flanges and serve as anchoring means for the plastic facing of the unit, as will be presently described. 1

The vertical members 31 or the unit are held in rigid spaced relation by horizontally disposed members welded at their ends to the vertical assembly. Sectional views of these members are also shown in Figs. 20 and 21. The upper of these horizontal members comprises a channel member 5| which is welded at its ends'to the flanges of'vertical channel members'39. Channel member 5| has overhanging flanges forming a guideway for splicing and aligning connectors and it is preferably similar or identical insection to vertical channel member 39. On each of the upstanding flanges of channel member 5| is secured an angle member with out-turned corrugated flange 59 having struck out tongues 42 which serves as a binding for the upper edge of the unit. Onthe back of channel member 5| anddisposed at right angles thereto are two oppositely disposed "channel members 52 which are preferably similar or identical in section to vertical channel members 38 and which may be continuous or may consist of relatively short lengths at spaced intervals horizontally. At intermediate points within the unit are provided channel members 5 I welded atthe ends to vertical channel members 39 and having channel members 52 welded to the backs thereof. The lowermost horizontally disposed member comprises guideway channel member 5| welded at its ends to vertical channel members 39 and having channel members 52 welded to the back thereof. Each downstanding flange of guideway channel member 5| has secured thereto an angle member with out-turned 'corrugated flange 53 having struck out tongues "which serves as a binding for the bottom edge of the slab portion of the unit. I

Each of the vertically disposed metallicassemblies formed as described above by channel members 31, 38 and 39 maybe strengthened as shown by molding a bar of plastic material l6 within the. confines of said members, this composite as- -sembly being horizontally perforated by circular or other shaped openings to reduce weight and permit access for the reception of concealed wiring and the like. Moreover, each of the horizontally disposed metallic assemblies formed .as described above by channel members 52 and 5| may be strengthened as shown by molding a bar of plastic material l8 within the confines of said members, this composite assembly being vertipurpose.

cally perforated by circular or other shaped openings 45 to reduce weight-andpermit access. The above described plastic bars l6 and 3 are preferably poured before thenindividual'metallic as? semblies are framed together. v p v The non metallic reinforcing sheet 29 used in the standard panel unit is bcst shown in Fig- 13 and may be constructed of fibre, composition such as bakelite, or any other tough and strong, sound insulating material. 'Each of thesesheets 29 is of such dimension as to cover substantially one side of the metallic frame and is provided with vvertical slots 33 and horizontal slots 34 at such locations asto receive the tongues 36 which.

are struck out of the members of. the metallic frame, all as. shown on fragmentary views Figs. 15 to. 18. These tonguesare clenched upon.,the

outer faceof the sheets 29 holding them in place uponopposite sides of the metallic framealthough it may be understoodthat .any other suitable fastening means may. be employed. Each sheet .29 is provided upon; its outer face with a series of projecting cleats'39. The horizontal space between said cleats 30 is arbitrarily I shown as being equal to thewidth of said cleat 30, but it is to be understood that other ratios are permissible. Furthermore, the cleats3|lmay extend horizontally. instead of. :verticallyas shown. The cleats 30 are shown as being fastened tothe body of sheet29by clinch nails 32 but any suitable fastening means may be employed, or in some cases it may be desirable to make thecleats as an integral part of the sheet.

The outer face of each cleat 39 is provided with I undercut grooves 3| preferably extending obliquely and forming anchoring recesses for the plastic covering of theunit. Furthermore, each cleat 30-is undercut on all edgesfor the same Sheet 29 overlapshorizontal channel member 52 at top and bottom and vertical channel member 38 at each side a sufficient amount to insure proper fastening fortongues 36. Each face of the standard panel unit is completed by molding plaster, gypsum or other plastic compound upon the outer face of each of the two sheets 29 so that the plastic material extends continuously between the vertical out-turned flanges 4| and the out-turned flanges 59 and 53 of the upper and lower horizontal members; The plastic material 46 thus encloses the projecting cleats 30 and fills the space between the vertical flanges 40 and 4|, being anchored in placeby the cleats 30 and their grooves 3|, and

the corrugations of and the tongues struck out from the out-turned flanges 40,v 4|, 50, and 53. The out-turned tongues 36 by which sheets 29 are secured to the metallic frame. also afford anchoring means for the body of the plastic ma cleat carrying sheets 29 and thefinished covering of plaster or plastic material, all permanently manufactured in a comparatively light, rigid, sound-proof unit.

The panel unit above described may be manufactured in quantity and maintained in stock in standard size, but it is contemplated that it will be necessary on each erection job to adjust the height of the unit to fit ceilings of various heights, generally lower'but sometimes higher than the unit,and furthermore to employ one or more units of width less or greater than standard. The construction of the unit is therefore designed to permit sawing on horizontal or vertical lines and the splicing together of the cut sections, and furthermore, the splicing of a cut section directly to the top of the unit. In cutting a'unit horizontally or vertically it is entirely practical to saw through the sheet steel of the frame members and'the non-metallic sheets 29 without injuring the plastic portions of the unit.

The panel unit may be cut horizontally on any line below the uppermost channel members}? when it is desired to reduce the height of the unit. I contemplate a standard height of unit of ten feetor thereabouts and this is sufllcient to take care'ofrooms of ordinary height by cutting oil a comparatively narrow section from the top of the unit, which narrow section is not thrown away but is retained for splicing'purposes. It is to be noted that the top of the standard unit and all horizontally cut sections thereof present a pair of perfectly aligned splicing channels 39. In adapting any unit, standard or cut, to a higher room, that is to increase the height of the splicing connectors 66-shown in Figs. 25 to 27 are employed. Said connector 66 comprises a short channel iron having the ends of its flanges chamfered or tapered to facilitate insertion and having anabutment angle 61 secured to the inner face of its web. Moreover said connector 66 is provided with a centrally located transverse hole 69 extending through its flanges for the insertion of a rod 68 which extends outwardly on both sides of the connector. In making a vertical splice, a connector 66 carrying a rod 68 is forced into each of the splicing chan nels 39 of one component section all as shown in Fig. 30. The splicing channels 39 of the complementary section are then forcedzonto the projecting connector ends and the two sections are forced toward one another until separated only by rod 88. Rod 68 is now removed and closure is completed with connector 66 substantially centered with the line joint between sections, which line joint is hidden by the painting of the completed wall. i

crease the height of any unit of either standard or altered height, all as described above. It will be seen, therefore, that in carrying my invention into eflect, I have the advantage of a supply of cut sections always available for splicing purposes.

In Fig. 2 is represented a vertical section formed by making a vertical cut through a unit that had previously been horizontally cut off at the top. This section presents at its vertically cut edge the perfectly aligned open. ends of the out horizontal splicing channels SI and this sec tion may be united to any other vertically cut section to form an integral unit by means of One ormore of these sections may be utilized to insplicing connectors 66, the procedure being simi-' lar to that described'above for making the vertical splice. Moreover, since the width of the completed unit is the combined widths of the component sections, proper selection of sections will produce a unit of any otherwise. 1

When it is desired to separate a spliced unit into its component parts, connectors 66 are forced longitudinally in the splicing channels 39 or 5| in either direction to clear the line of joint and the-two sections automatically fall apart. More over, each of the sections is immediately available for re-use and these operations may be repeated indefinitely. Any convenient bar engaged against buttress angle 61 will serve connectors 66. V This invention contemplates alternative structures providing a unit of standard height such as feet. In the first example, the unit proper is'in one piece, full height, in whichcase the width of the unit will preferably be one: half the width of the door unit. In the second example, the unit properis in two pieces, a lower section approximately 8 feet high, and an upper section desired width, standard or to move the approximately 2 feet high, the construction of the two sections being similar. In this case the width of the unit will preferably be the width of the d Q unit. It is contemplatedthat just before actual erection, the upper section will bemounted onto the lower section by the'splicing detail described above; When this unit is dismantled and returned to storage it is further contemplated that it' willbe separated into its upper and lower sections to facilitate handling, likewise. as described above.

In preparing the upper edge of a unit for connection to the ceiling, whether the unit has been cut, or spliced or not, it is proposed to insert a vertical reinforcing channel member ll between the flanges of the channel member 31. This is best shown in Fig. 28 and is adapted to be placed in the top of the unit and flush with the upper edge thereof. The reinforcing channel member II is heldfirmly in place by bolts 16 passing through the webs of channel members 31 and 39 and the plastic body of the strut l6 between and a reinforcing plate 12 which is positioned upon the inner face of the splicing channel member 39. The panel is thus reinforced in that portion whichis to be connected to the ceiling. The reinforcing channel member 1| carries upon its side walls a pair of fixed clips 22, which clips are a spaced distance from the top of said channel member H and hence will automatically be installed a definite distance from the ceiling, an important feature of this invention, all of which will be referred to hereinafter.

Connection is made between the upper edge of a standard, or cut, or spliced unit and the ceil-. ing by channel shaped ceiling fittings l5, shown in Fig. 28. Fitting l5 has flanges with converging portions 14 for easy entrance into the hollow body of the unit, and the web portion thereof is perforated at 15 to receive a lag screw or expansion-bolt 13. In erecting a wall, a series of ceilingfittings I5 is first secured to the ceiling with the individual fittings aligned and spaced so as to lie between the vertical stud members of adjacent units as best shown in Fig. 28. Preferably, the fittings are centered on the vertical line of juncture and thus serve accurately to align adjacent units at the ceiling. It will be understood that the celllng connection may be identical for panel and door units and that if necessary a similar connection may be employed in the of corner units. i

Before proceeding to describe the connection between the panel unit-and the floor, further description of the bottom edge of the unit will be given. It will be understood that the lower edges of the non-metallic sheets 29 and the plastic filler 48 are bounded by the lower horizontal assembly of frame members, the plaster being bound by the out-turned corrugated flanges58, as best shown in Figs. 21 and 29. The oppositely disposed channel members 38 of the vertical studs of the unit, however, extend below the flanges 58 and constitute in effect legs which space the composite slabs of the unit approximately fiveinches above the floor, thus affording access to the interior thereof for, purposes which will be presently described. Said channel members 38. supplemented at the bottomby two side plates 58 which extend upwardly into the body of the unit and enclose the side faces of plastic column i8 which would otherwise be exposed. The plates 88 may be inserted inside the flanges of the channel members 38 and welded in place prior to pouring the plastic body of the stud column it. Each unit, therefore, is provided with a leg adjacent to each lower corner and the unit maybe levelled and permanently supported by shimming up these legs independently regardless of the condition of the 81 through or into the leg of the unit. In erecting a wall, these floor fittings are secured in place in alignment and with proper spacing tov fit against the legs of adjoining units. In practice the floor fittings M will be located vertically beneath the ceiling fittings I5. In Fig. 29 is shown a plate 84 positioned beneath a floor fitting H to afford-a fair bearing therefor. Shimplates 85 arealso shown as interposed between the plate 84 and the bottom of the legof the unit.

After the wall structure has been erected, the open space beneath the horizontal flanges 53' may be filled by cover members H of proper widthto fill the space between the flange and the floor and perforated so that they may be attached to the legs of the unit by screws 58 or other means. The cover members I I as shown in Fig. 21 comprise a molded metallic facing 56 shaped with upper and lower corrugated flanges, similar-to those already described in connection with the standard unit, and a filling of gypsum or other compound; The outer face of each cover member II is recessed longitudinally so that it may be used to contain .wiring if desired," and it is contemplated that the assembled cover member may be concealed by a conventional base of metal or other building material.

The connection between the vertical edge of a standard or vertically out unit and an intersecting wall may be made by wall fittings 90, shown in Figs. 30 to 33. The fitting is channel shaped and is provided with converging flange portions 85 for easy entrance into the hollow body of the unit. It is also provided withv an angle iron 9| secured in place between its flanges and-havinga perforation 86 in the oustanding flange. entirefitting is perforated at 44 to receive a toggle bolt or lag screw 82. Wall fittings 88 are secured to the face of the intersecting wall struc- The' ture 3 in aligned relation and spaced so that the hole 88 in the angle iron 9i lies opposite to one of the horizontal openings, in the vertical stud member of the unit. A hook bolt 93 ispassed through the opening '45. and engaged through perforation 86 with the angle iron'iil of the wall fitting 80. In the case of the standard unit such as represented in Fig. 31, the hook bolt will be of lengthsuflicient to ,pass'through both vertical studs of the unit. Aperforated plate or washer 84 is provided at the outer end of each bolt and by taking up the nut, the'u'hit'may be drawn firmly into engagement with the; intersecting wall 8 and held rigidly in place. In the case of a verticallycutunit such as is represented in Fig. 32, the hook bolt will be of length suflicient to pass through the verticalstud member of the cut unit. These hook bolts may be supplied asrods of random length threaded at one end in which case they are bent to. proper length by the workman onthejob. I

In order to align the vertical edges of adjacent units and to fasten the units together, the following mechanism is provided. Each unit has a. I

series of fixed clips 22 secured. in spaced relation to both oftheinside faces of the flanges of the vertical channel'members' 31. The clipsj22 are arranged one above another atv predetermined heights with respect to the lower end of the vertical stud members of the unit. Accordingly,

when two units are'brought into abutting relation in the wall structure, two'of these fixed clips'22 will lie adjacent to eachother and in opposite relation on opposite sides of the line of juncture between the units. Referring to Fig. '34,

it will be plain that each fixed" clip 22 has a corresponding oppositely disposed clip located opposite to it in'the adjacent unit and thatthe clips are larranged 'Tinpairsupon both-of the flanges of each abutting channel member 31 so that both of the spaced slabs of the units will be fastened as will presently'appear. Referring to Fig. 39, each of the clips 22 is provided with a. j

flangehaving anoverhangi'ng rib i9, and the ribs maybe bevelled or chamfered at ''one or both ends for. the reception of a movable connecting clip 8 i The clip 8| is a channel member designed to engage the flanges of two fixed clips22, to fit over the ribs 18 andto draw the two clips toward each other, as shownin Fig. 34. In addition to the function of firmly holding the units together I at their line of juncture, the clips have the additional function of accurately aligning. the units so that their outer surfaces shall exactly coincide and be flush in thewall structure.

As. a convenient means for positioning and interlocking the movable clips 8| with the fixed clips 22 I providea carrier which is best shown. I

in Figs. 34 to'36, which comprises a vertically disposed angle. bar 81 to whichis welded or otherwise secured one movable clip 8! for each pair of fixed clips 22 on the units, vertical spacing of said I clips to be identical. An extension bar 98 is adjustably oonnected to'the upper part of bar 91 by I bolts 99 and tothe upper end of bar 98 is secured the upper movable clip 8|. Bar 98 may beadjusted vertically to -locate the upper movable clip 8i properly for interlocking engagement with-the uppermost pair of fixed clips 22. Said uppermost fixed-clips 22 are secured to thefianges of reinforcing channel member 'H and are always a .flxed distance from the ceiling as hereinbefore explained. Due. to variable ceiling heights, ;the distance between said uppermost fixed clips- 22 and the pair immediately below which are mounted uppermost on the unit proper will likewise be avariable distance and extension bar 98 may be adjusted vertically on angle bar 91 to bring the uppermost movable clip 8| into the same relation with respect to the uppermost pair offlxed clips 22 whichthe lower movable clips 8| bear to the lower fixed clips 22 in the unit. It will be understood that all the movable clips 9| are simultaneously presented by the carrier above described into position to be interlocked with the whole series of fixed clips 22 on one face of the units in securing the edges of adjacent units together.

At its lower end each bar 91 is provided with a hole I00 which is located in the open space at the when two units are brought into-abutting rela to 42 and it will be understood that in any unit the carriers are mounted so that in facing the edge recess, the carrier is always located at the same side of the recess, for example, always at the left side of the recess. The resultis that tion, the carrier members occupy diagonally opposite positions in the space formed by the two vertically extending recesses, one carrier member operating on each face of the units.

In mounting the carrier assembly in the unit a pair of bracket members I02 is utilized and. secured to the face of channel member 31 by screws I03. (Figs. 3'1 and 40) Said bracket member I02 has an oustanding flange provided with a cam slot I06 having a lower vertical portion and an upper inwardly inclined portion and the carrier bar 91 is connected thereto by a stud or screw I04 which is arranged to travel in the cam slot I06 and is provided with a washer I05 interposed between the back of the carrier bar 91 and the outstanding flange of the bracket I02. As a result of this connection, the carrier assembly in its downward movement travels first, transversely with respect to the joint into a position in which the movable clips 8| are located vertically above the carrier being in in-operative position. After the carrier assembly has completed its transverse movement it stands directly behind the line of juncture between the units, and in its final position the clips are fully interlocked.

In Fig.. 40 which shows a portion of a panel unit abutting a portion of another panel unit in plan view, one carrier assembly is shown in locked position and the other 'i-n' its initial inoperative position. In Fig. 38 I have shown an alternative manner of mounting the carrier assembly in the standard panel unit. As shown in this figure, a

pair of angle brackets I08 are'se'cured to the face of the channel member 31 by screws I03 and carrier bar 91 is connected to these brackets by means of parallel links I09. Link I09 is secured to angle bracket I08 by pivot pin I04 provided with a washer I05 and the link is connected. at its'outer end to carrier member 91 by a pin and slot connection the slot III being shown in Fig. 38. The links I09 maintain the carrier bar 91 always in a vertical position and insure its transverse movement to align the clips and then through the pin and slot connection permit it to be moved vertically to interlock the clips. In Fig. 41 which shows a portionof a panel unit abutting a portion of a door unit in plan view one carrier assembly is shown in locked position and the other in its initial in -operative position.

A second alternative form of mounting the carrier assembly is shown in Fig. 39. In this construction a pair of hinge brackets I I3 are secured to the face'ofchannel member 31 by screws I03. The member 3 carries a vertical hinge pintle I I I which passes through a U-shaped hinge member I I5 which is fastened to the flange of the bar 91 of the carrier assembly. The carrier is thus permitted to swing through substantially from an inoperative position, into a position shown in, Fig. 42, in which the movable clips. 8| are in alignment with the fixed clips 22 and the carrier bar 91 stands directly behind the junction between the adjacent units. The carrier assemblymay then move downwardly, the hinge mr nber I|5 sliding upon the hinge pintle H4 and the clips are thus brought into interlocking engagement.

In Fig. 42 which shows a portion of a panel unit abutting a corner'unit which in turn abuts a portion of a door unit in plan view, one carrier assembly for the outer portion is shown in locked position and the other carrier assembly for said outer portion in its initial in-operative position. The fasteningof the panel and'door unit to the corner unit inside portion will be referred to hereinafter.

will beseen that the carrier assembly may be 'moved to an inoperative position when-desired,

in which it does not obstruct the insertion or removal of the unit in which it is located Moreover, all the necessary manipulation of I the carrier mechanism may be effected by access affordedv through the space at the bottom of the unit.

TThe standard panel unit has now been fully discussed and the description of the door unit now follows. As hereinbefore explained in connection with the standard panel unit, this invention contemplates alternative structures providing a door'unit of standard height such as ten feet. In the first example, the door unit proper is in one piece, full height, in which case it will preferably be twice the width of the corresponding panel unit so that it will be interchangeable with two panel units in the wall structure. In the second example, the door unit proper is in two pieces, a lower section approximately eight feet high which contains the door frame, and an upper section approximately two feet high which is similar in construction to the corresponding section of the panel unit, and the two sections will be assembled before erection into a single unit in the same manner as'outlined for the panel unit. In the second example the 'width of the door unit will preferably be the width of the panel unit'so that it will be interchangeable with one panel unit in the wall structure. It is to be understood,

however, that any other desired ratio of widths may be adopted. The side edges and the upper portions of the door and panel units are identical in structure.

Referring now to Figs. 10, 23 and 41, the door frame comprises a formed, tubular member preferably constructed from a substantially channel shaped member GI and a tie plate 62. The channel shaped member 6| has inturned flanges converging inwardly and these are welded to corresponding flanges formed on tie plate 62. The tubular metallic door frame extends entirely around the two sides and top of the opening for door 25 (Fig. 10) which may be hinged to the door frame in any desired manner. The door frame is secured to the metallic framework of the unit by a series of angle brackets 63 bestshown in Fig. 23. One flange of bracket 63is welded or otherwise secured to tie plate'62 and the outstanding flange is welded or otherwise secured to the flange of interior angle member 40 thus supporting the door frame in rigid spaced relation to the channel member 31.- The space between the tie plate 62 and the channel member 31 is preferably fllled with gypsum or other plastic material forming an integral stud 23 which stiffens the whole structure and which corresponds substantially to stud 6" of the standard panel unit although it may vary somewhat in thickness. The vertical assembly thus formed is provided with spaced horizontal openings 45 corresponding in location to the openings in the standard panel unit studs. It will be understood that the door unit includes the same edge recesses and the same fixed clips 22 as the standard panel unit, so that they may be installed and secured in place in exactly the same manner, all as already fully explained. The opening for the door may be of any desired height and may include a transom-opening. The construction of. that portion of the unit above the door is similar in all respects to that of the standard panel unit. A description of the corner unit shown in Figs. 11,- i2, 24, and 42 now follows. This comprises two separate parts which have no physical connection until assembled in the wall structure. For convenience, they will be termed the outer and'inner corner portions. The outer corner portion comprises a metallic angle member 64 which has a centrally disposed exterior right angular portion merging into 'side portions\having out turned corrugatedflanges 35 withfstruck out tongues 42, similar to those of the channel mem'-\ ber 31 of the standard-panel unit. In fact, each longitudinal half of the\ channel member 64 corresponds substantially to half of the channel member 31, already described. Secured to the side portions of member 64 are the same interior angle members 40 and struts 43 which are em ployed in the standard panel unit. The external corner of the outer portion 21 includes a corner bead 65 of any commercial design and is formed by pouring gypsum or other plastic compound into a mold shaped suitably to produce a form of right angular cross section. The main portion of the body thus formed is substantially square in cross section, with diverging side portions disposed at right angles to each other. At itslower end, the outer corner portion is shouldered at a height corresponding to the corrugated flange 53 which determines the lower edge of the slab portion of the standard'panel unit. The walls of the metallic member 64 are equipped with fixed clips 22 corresponding in location to those of the standard panel unit, and it will be understood that the outer corner portion may fastened to The inner portion of the corner unit comprises a, metallic member presenting; an exterior; right angle and having' in-tu-rned flanges. when properly located with respect to the outer portion of the corner unit, it outlines therewith a square. The in-turned flanges of the member 28 are arranged to co-operate with the fixed clips- 22 of the standardpanel or door unit, permitting the movable clips 8| to be used in securing the two together. The details of this'connection are well shown in Fig. 42. 'In this connection, no carrier bar is required for the movable clips 8| since the connection is made before the outer corner portion is put in place and disconnection is made after the outer corner portion is removed'so that 1 the workman has free access to the interior of the unit.

The general nature ofmyinvention will 'be clear from the foregoing description of the specific construction selected forpurposes of i1- lustration as illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention. It wilt-be understood that the dimensions of the various units may be varied within wide limits and that other materials than those specifically described may be employed in the construction of the units.

I prefer to employ thin gauge sheet steel in the metallic portions of the frame because this may be easily shaped and'worked in constructing the units and cut in adapting them for erection. The longitudinal corrugations appearing in the binding flanges not only stiffen and hold straight these portions of the frame but serve as eificient protection for the units in storageand in transportation.

It will be apparent that the employment of a wall constructed in accordance with myinvention eliminates the necessity for fleld plastering as well as the use of mortar. The capacity for cutting to size eliminates the end condition heretofore encountered in movable wall struct as and'the cut sections of the units have a complete salvage value and may be reused indefinitely, being attached or detached to other unit sections as many times as desired. Similarly, connection is made to ceilings irrespective of ceiling height.

The edge construction of'the individual units is of particular importance in that the binding flange is'stifiened and held straight by reinforcement extending between it and theinternal flanges of the frame- This reinforcement may take the form of horizontal struts, as herein illustrated, or of curved or angular supporting members engagingthe inner face of the binding flange. The pockets formed by such reinforcement may be filled, if desired, with special damage-resisting plastic compound.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A panel unit for a movable wail structure I

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