US2244649A - Sectional partition - Google Patents

Description

June 3, 1941. R. F. CARPENTER EIAL SECTIONAL PARTITION Filed March 51, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 3, 1941. R. F. CARPENTER ETAL.

SEGTIONAL PARTITION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 51, 1932 INVENTORS 20m! (aw/1M (Lg/g6 flmglmriy QQA Q1 1 T M ATTORNEYS Jame 3, 19% R, F, CARPENTER ET AL SECTIONAL PARTITION Filed March 31', 1952 s Sheets-Sheet 5 l ENTORS Evie )Z'car r /27' BY (lg/aid Q W ATTORNEYS Patented June 3, 1941 UNITED STATES'PATENT- OFFICE 2,244,649- seorromr. PARTITION Robert F. Carpenter and Clyde J. Daugherty,

Cleveland, Ohio, assignors, by mesne assignments, to The Sanymetal Products 00., Inc., Cleveland-Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application March 31, 1932, Serial No. 602,142 45 Claims. (01. 189-34) This invention relates to sectional partitions, and more particularly to a metal partition having substantially flush wall surfaces, which is both fire and sound-proof and which can be as-' sembled and disassembled with ease and without damage to the several parts.

Hitherto, interior partitions have been constructed with moulded and projecting cornices, posts, baseboards and panel mouldings which require special dies, rolling and bending equipment, making a costly article to manufacture. In addition, the posts, panels, base members and cornices are erected separately in the field and require a skilled field crew toerect the same. The trend of modern architecture is away from curved, moulded and projecting surfaces and members which collect dust and dirt and which serve no inherent structural purpose, and toward flush or substantially flush surfaces which are clean, sanitary, efficient and attractive.

Furthermore, interior partitions, and particularly metal partitions heretofore constructed, are I not soundproof.

Sounds pass readily through the posts, bases and cornices and often through the panels themselves. Many of these partitions actually transmit, relay and greatly magnify noises, especially when their surfaces are struck or drummed upon. Fire readily passes through the hollow metal post members, corniceand base members.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved partition wall structure which is heat and cold insulated, soundproof and fireproof, and in which the wall surfaces are substantially continuous, smooth and flush.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved partition wall having interchangeable and replaceable sections provided with post members concealed within the wall panels with post caps covering the joints between panels, the whole presenting a substantially flush and continuous wall surface.

Yet another object of this invention is the pro vision of an improved partition wall having clip members adapted for engagement directly with the edges of adjacent sectional units, and a post cap removably retained in place :between said sections to present a smooth and continuous wall surface.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved partition wall structure in which the post members, cornice members and panels are of substantially uniform thickness providing a flush and continuous wall surface,

and in which the panels may be adjusted to aecommodate floor and ceiling irregularities.

Still another object of our invention is to provide a metallic partition comprising interchangeable sectional units which can be economically manufactured, which is strong and sturdy in construction, which can be quickly and easily erected by unskilled labor and without special tools, which is soundproof, fireproof and temperature insulated, which has provision for running of' I to be limited to the ones here shown, except as such limitations are clearly imposed by the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings: v

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a flush partition showing various types of panel, door, window and transom arrangements;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal cross sectional view of the partition taken on line 2--2 of Fig. 1, showing more particularly the arrangement and interior appearance of the packed panel and the mean-s used for securing the panel units together;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the partition taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and shows the construction of the door post' and illustrates a method of connecting the door post to the packed panel unit;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal view taken on line 44 of Fig. 1 showing more particularly the cross sectional appearance of the glazed portion of adjacent panel units and the means used to secure the same together;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken on line 5--5 of Fig. 1 showing the packed portion of a panel unit and the glazed portion of an adjacent panel unit secured together in wall assembly;

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view of the partition taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1, and shows in section a panel unit with glazed portions above the chair rail and transom bar'with means for vertically adjusting the panel unit and with removable baseboard members;

Fig. 'l is a vertical cross sectional view of a panel unit and superimposed ceiling filler .presenting a packed panel throughout, this view being taken on line 1-4 of Figure 1; and

Fig. 8 is a front elevation partly in phantom view and partly in section, showing adjacent panel members connected :by clips with the pilester cap in position to cover the joint between adjacent panel members.

The same reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the specification and drawings.

The features of invention herein disclosed are adapted to be applied to interior walls and partitions made to conform with the requirements of various conditions which arise. By way of example, therefore, there is shown in Figure 1 a variety of panel units some of which comprise packed panels 20 and others comprise combination packed and glazed panels 30 of door height. There is also shown packed ceiling filler units 40 and packed and glazed ceiling filler units 50 above the door. There is also shown a flush packed panel door 60 and combination packed panel and glazed door 10. Partitions comprising v packed panels insulated against temperature changes, sound and noise transmission with glazed portions interspersed therebetween at intervals to. admit light, are most preferred in modern buildings.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the improved panel unit 20 of the present invention comprises generally a pair of sheet metal wall members 2! having the vertical side edges thereof bent inwardly to form shoulders 22 and then bent outwardly again to form a flange portion 23 which is substantially parallel with the wall surface. The wall members 2! are held in spaced relationship in any suitable manner but preferably by means of vertically extending channels 24 having parallel legs 25 inserted between the flanges 23 and secured thereto in any suitable manner, as by welding, soldering, brazing, or riveting. as indicated generally at 26. It is now seen that the channels 24 form, in effect, half posts concealed between the exposed wall surfaces of the panel unit.

As indicated in Figure 2, a temperature and sound insulating filler 21 is inserted between the wall members 2|, and may be glued, pressed or packed in position. Various fibrous materials as well as asbestos, gypsum, or the like, may be used depending upon the particular soundproof, and/or fireproof qualities desired.

Considerations of weight and shipping expense, as well as the structural emciency of the unit, should also be considered in selecting the material to be used as a flller.

The means used to secure the adjacent panel units together along their vertical edges will now be described. As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 8, clip members 80 comprising a body portion 8| having pins or hooks 82 extending therefrom, are inserted between the panel units at desired intervals. The flanges 23 of adjacent 'panel units are provided with paired apertures 83 which are adapted to receive the hooks 82 of the clip member. Clip members are preferably arranged in pairs, one on each side of the panel units, and are held together by means of a bolt 84 provided with a tightening nut 85. By this clip arrangement it is seen that adjacent panel units are clamped and held in aligned relation and are prevented from lateral shifting movement with respect to each other. The panel units can be quickly assembled and taken down by a simple manipulation of the bolt 84 and nut 85.

To provide a continuous flush surface between the panel units 20, a pilaster cap is inserted between the recess provided between the shoulder portions 22 of adjacent panel units. The pilaster caps 90 are generally channel shaped in cross section and comprise a web portion 9! and flange portions 92. The ends of the flange portions are bent outwardly to provide resilient clip portions 93 adapted to spring into and seat within the corresponding recess 94 provided in the shoulder portions 22 when the pllaster cap is pressed into flush position. Heat and sound insulating material 05 may be incorporated in the cap members, in any well known manner. The pllaster cap may be inserted in position by a few blows delivered on the web portion 9| thereof, or one flange portion 92 may be placed in position and the other flange portion then sprung into position. The pilaster cap is removed by inserting a tool into one end of the channel shaped capand pulling the same off. When in position, the web portion ill of the pllaster cap lies flush with the wall surfaces of the wall members 2|.

By the means of the panel unit and pllaster cap combination above described, a continuous flush wall may be achieved. Furthermore, the post members need not be preformed and separately installed, but are a part of the panel unit itself and are invisible in the erected partition. A partition of unusual strength to resist lateral thrusts is thus assured and the space between adjacent channel verticals 24 provides excellent space for the insertion of wiring and conduits. The pllaster caps 90 provide additional strength to the concealed post structure, and when the caps are packed with insulation material the post structure is both soundproof and fireproof. A serious objection to unit partitions heretofore made has been successfully overcome.

Where the partition is to abut a wall or terminate in a free end, a wall filler unit, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, may be made use of. A channel shaped member having a web portion I00 and flange portions l0! extends from fioor to ceiling of the building. Clip members I02 are secured to the inside face of the flange portions i0i along one edge, as indicated at I04, by riveting, welding, brazing or in any other suitable manner. The clip members I02 are spaced from the flange portions I0i of the channel members to form recesses into which the wall members 2Ia are adapted to telescope. The wall members 2 la are similar to the wall members'Zl previously described, and are held in spaced relation by a channel vertical 24 secured to the flanges 23. Due to the depth of the channel member I00 the members 2la may be moved in and out so as to permit any desired adjustment. Thus, it will be seen that a given partition wall may be made up of any number of sections and the end sections adjusted to'take care of any spaces required to be filled. These adjustable wall filler units may also be provided with suitable insulation materials. We have shown insulating material l05 secured to the clips I02 and insulating material I06 secured to the'channel vertical permitting full telescoping movement of the parts.

Referring more particularly to Figure 7, the ceiling filler unit 40 will now be described. The

ceiling filler unit rests upon the shoulder portions 20 formed by the inturned top horizontal edges of the wall members 2I. A stiffening channel 20 is welded or otherwise secured to the upturned flange portions 23a of the side wall members 2|. The ceiling filler unit comprises the spaced sheet metal wall members 4i, which are secured together along the lower edge thereof by an inverted channel 42, the leg portions 43 of which are welded or otherwise secured to the wall members 4|. The lower horizontal edge of the wall members H are provided with inturned flanges 44 which seat upon the shoulder portions 28 of the lower panel unit. It is seen that the channel 23 of the panel unit interflts with the channel 42 of the ceiling flller member, forming a beam section which is resistant to lateral thrusts and gives stiflness and rigidity to long runs of partitions.

The upper end of the wall members H are also connected together by a channel 440, the

, leg portions 45 thereof being welded to or otherwise secured to the wall members H. The side edges of the wall members 4I may be provided with shoulders and out-turned flanges welded to a channel vertical similar inall respects to the vertical edge construction of the lower panel units heretofore described. Insulating material 48 may also be packed within the upper ceiling filler unit. It is understood that the respective heights of the lowerpanel unit and the upper ceiling filler unit may be varied any amount desired or a plurality of vertically stacked interfltting sections above the full panel unit may be used. The width of the panel units may be varied as desired, and they are also adapted to be carried in stock in a number of convenient widths.

Along the bottom of the wall members M an inverted channel member III! is positioned, the leg portions I I I thereof being secured to the lower edge of the wall members 2I by welding or other means, as shown in Figure 7. A second channel member II2 placed in upright position is telescoped into the channel member IIO and secured thereto as by welding. These interfltted channel members III) and H2 form a beam section which provides a firm support for the panel unit.

In erecting the partition, a chalk line is drawn on the floor along which the partition is to run. A narrow channel H3 is placed along this chalk line with the flange portions 4 thereof extending upwardly and with the web portions thereof seated against and preferably secured to the floor. port the panel unit, which will now be described.

At either end of the units 20 and interiorly thereof a bracket I I5 is secured to each channel vertical 24. Each bracket is provided with a lug IIS suitably apertured to receive a bolt II'I. Each bolt H1 is provided with a rectangular head II8 adapted to flt within the floor channel H3. The bolts III are thus held immovably in place. As noted from Figures 6, 'I and 8 of the drawings, the bolts III extend through aligned apertures in the channel members H0 and H2 and through the aperture in the bracket 5. An adjusting nut I I8 and a locking nut, I I9 are mounted on the lower threaded portion I20 of the bolt 1, which may be manipulated to raise or lower the panel unit 20 and ceiling filler unit 40 to the desired level. This feature of adjustability permits the wall units to be placed in accurate horizontal alignment irrespective of floor unevenness and floor sag. Ordinarily an Means are provided to adjustably supadjusting bolt III will be positioned at each end of the panel unit, although any desired numbe may be used.

Ceiling adjustment is taken care of by means of a ceiling channel I2I having the web portion thereof secured to the ceiling. The upper edge of the ceiling flller unit 40 telescopes into the channel I2I and the leg portions I22 of the channel are provided with rebentedge portions I23 which resiliently grip the walls H of the unit 40. As the adjusting nut I I8 is manipulated so as to raise or lower the wall units, a corresponding telescoping action takes place between the upper end of the unit and the ceiling channel I2I. Fulladjustability to accommodate both floor and ceiling irregularities is thus provided for.

A baseboard I30 is provided on each side of the partition and they are adjustable so as to seat closelyagainst the floor irrespective of the adjusted position of the wall units. The baseboards may also be readily inserted and removed as desired so as to permit the insertion or removal of wires and conduits housed between the baseboards. The baseboard comprises a front panel portion I3I having an inturned top edge I32 adapted to engage a clip member I33 secured to the lower edge of the wall members 3| in any suitable manner. The baseboard is provided with a. reentrant flange l34 at its bottom edge having a guide portion I35 formed thereon adapted to abut against the upstanding legs N4 of the floor channel II3. Due to the fact that the flange I34 is angularly disposed the baseboard presents only a corner I35 thereof in contact with the floor, securing a closer fit if the floor is irregular. In operation, after the panel units have been assembled and adjusted to the desired height, the baseboard members I30 are hooked over the supporting clips I33and forced down to the floor. The legs II4 of the floor channel H3 prevent the baseboards from being pushed inwardly and generally keep the baseboards in proper alignment with the wall sections. The inturned upper edge of baseboard I30 may be made any width and may also be made so narrow that the general fiat surface of the wall is preserved. The baseboards I30, the ceiling channel I2I and the pilaster caps may be given any suitable finish, whether paint or enamel, in any color, and are susceptible of mass production. operating baseboard members I30, as well as the space within the channels 29 and within the ceiling channel I2I may be effectively utilized to contain wires, pipes and conduits.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 4, 5 and 6, there is shown a partition arrangement wherein the upper half of the panel units are glazed. The lower half of the panel unit is formed by the spaced wall members 3I and comprises a packed panel similar to the packed panel unit 20 except for the formation of the upper edge thereof. The upper edge of the wall members 3| are bent inwardly at right angles to form flanges 32. A moulding frame member 33 stamped from a single piece of sheet metal is provided with shoulder portions 34 which seat upon the inturned flanges 32, as clearly shown in Figure 6. A pair of flanges 35 extending downwardly telescope between the ends of inturned flanges 32, thus retaining the frame in position. The lower edge of a panel stretcher 200, which may be glass, fibrous, sheet metal or composition material, seats The spaces between the cowithin the panel receiving groove 36 of the frame member.

Vertical moulding frames 31, shown in Figure 4, are secured to each of the channel verticals 24 which are positioned between and extend above the wall members 3|. These channel verticals are in all respects similar to those heretofore described. Frames 31 may be stamped or rolled from a single sheet of metal and are provided with shoulder portions 220. and out-turned flanges 23a, complementary in every respect to the shoulders 2'2 and flanges 23 provided along the vertical edges of the packed panel unit shown in Figure 2. The leg portions 25 of the channel vertical are welded or otherwise secured to the out-turned flanges 23a of the moulding frame. The moulding frame is also provided with a panel receiving recess 38 to receive a vertical edge of the panel stretcher 200. Moulding frames 33 and 31 may be identical in shape and design, effecting economy in production, and the meeting ends thereof may be either mitred or coped together at the comers to provide a smooth and finished joint. The space within the moulding frames 33 and 31 may be filled with insulating material if desired. The vertical edges of the glazed panel units shown in Figure 4 are held together by the clip and bolt assembly heretofore described, and the joint between the panel units covered by a pilaster cap as before.

The ceiling filler unit 50 shown in Figure 6 is in all respects the same in construction as the ceiling filler unit 30 shown in Figure '7, and the same reference characters will be used to describe the same. It is understood also that the wall panels 3| may be varied in width or height to conform to requirements. A panel moulding frame member similar in shape and construction to the lower horizontal moulding 33, seats within the channel member 42 between the inturned flanges 44, as clearly shown in Figure 6.

Should it be desired to break up the glazed area, a muntin or transom bar I40 may be provided. The muntin bar may comprise a member I4l moulded to the desired configuration. A channel piece I42 may be welded to the moulded member I and provides seats I43 for the upper edge of the lower panel stretcher 200 and the lower edge of the upper panel stretcher I. A clip member I44 is welded to the web portion of the channel member I42 and is adapted to vertically retain the moulded member I45 in place, which is snapped on after the lower and upper panel stretchers 200 and 20| have been put into place. Similarly the upper and lower panel stretchers 20I and 200 may be removed and replaced by pulling off the moulded member I45. The moulded member I is secured at the ends thereof to the vertical mouldings 31 and is not removable. It is understood that the muntin bar I40 may be extended vertically or at an angle if desired.

To harmonize with the partition as a whole, a flush type door 60 or a partially glazed door I0 may be provided. The details of the doors 60 and 10, however, form no particular part of the present invention and will, therefore, not be described further. The door buck and door trim does form a part of the invention and comprises a substantially hollow rectangular member 6| having a vertically extending channel 62 fitting snugly therein and forming a reinforcing therefor. The

rectangular member comprises door trim portions 63 and an integral door buck portion 64, a door jamb portion 05, shoulder portions 66 and outwardly extending flanges 01. The shoulder portions 66 and flanges 61 are adapted to be engaged by the pilaster cap and connecting clips heretofore described, thus firmly securing the door buck and trim member to the vertical edge of the adjacent panel unit. The inside portion of the door buck trim member may be packed with insulating material to deaden noise and it may be completely closed by a second reinforcing channel 68. It is now seen that the door frame is formed from a plurality of sheet metal members and may be appropriately inserted and connected to adjacent panel units and may also be interchanged with panel units as desired. Complementary door buck and trim members may be used for the hinged and the striking edge of the door and the horizontal door buck and trim member may also be similarly formed.

The wall units 20 and 30, pilaster caps 90, baseboards I30, doors 60 and I0, ceiling filler units 40 and 50, and ceiling channel I2I are all susceptible of being made substantially flush and may be painted in different colors so as to harmonize with the building interior, lending itself particularly to modernistic tendencies in color and design. Thus, for example, the wall units 20 may be given a white enamel finish, while the pilaster caps and baseboards I30 may be given a black or grey enamel finish, et cetera, giving a marked color contrast so much desired in modernistic art.

As an important feature of the invention, it will be noted that these contrasts in color may be achieved with great economy due to the fact that the various parts making up the partition, such as the wall units 20 and 30, ceiling filler units 40 and 50, pilaster caps 90, baseboards I30, and ceiling channels I2| may be enameled separately on a large production scale in the spraying cham-- ber.

It will also be noted that there is a marked conformity in the shape of the members. For example, the horizontal and vertical moulding frames may all be of the same size and shape. Plinth blocks are eliminated and the baseboard members are the same size and shape. The wall members 21 and 3| and the ceiling filler wall members 4| have vertical edges of the same shape, being different in length only. The channel verticals are the same throughout. Due to this conformity in parts, a minimum number of shaped parts are required which can be made with few machines and few shaping dies and all partition shapes can be made up and stocked and the shapes cut to length as required. The entire partition thus lends itself to quantity production and to marked economies in labor, equipment, stock and material costs, without in any way detracting from its structural emciency and its artistic appearance.

Due to the improved structural features hereinabove set forth, a highly efficient soundproof and fireproof partition wall may be assembled from stock members at a minimum of time and at a minimum of cost, while at the same time providing a more efficient and more pleasing assembly than has hitherto been possible.

It will now be appreciated that there has been provided an improved partition wall assembly including a variety of novel structural parts cooperating together to form a partition wall assemblycharacterized by fiat surfaces. The partition is sanitary, efiicient, soundproof and fireproof, economical to manufacture and install, comprises knockdown and interchangeable parts, flexible and adaptable to interior decoration, and lends itself to modernistic design.

bers forming the side walls bf said unit, said members being respectively flanged at their edges to form channel receiving side portions, and channels secured between said side portions and forming structural elements therewith, brackets positioned between said walls and secured to said channels, a threaded post member adapted to be fitted into said brackets, and threaded means coacting with said post member for raising and lowering said unit.

2. An improved sound proof partition unit, comprising, in combination, spaced sheet metal members forming the side wall surfaces of said units, said sheet members having inturned portions and outtumed flanges along the vertical edges thereof providing shoulder portions, metal channel members secured between said flanges and forming structural elements therewith, and a filling of sound insulating material disposed within said unit.

3. An improved partition unit, comprising, in combination, a pair of opposed sheet metal members forming the side walls of said unit, said members being respectively flanged to provide shoulder portions along the side edges thereof, channels secured between said shoulder portions and forming structural framing elements therewith, brackets secured to said channels, and adjustable means associated with said brackets for lowering and raising the unit.

4. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of separately erectable panel units, said units having recessed shoulder portions and outturned flanges along the vertical edges'thereof,

means for removably securing adjacent panel units together, and a cap member adapted to seat within and between the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units with the outer surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the panel units.

5. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of separately erectable panel units, said units having recessed shoulder portions and outturned flanges along the vertical edges thereof, means engaging said flanges and removably securing adjacent panel units together, and a cap member adapted to seat within and between'the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units with the outer surface thereof substantially flush with the adiacent portions of the panel units.

6. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of separately erectable panel units, said units each comprising opposed front and back walls, said walls being inturned at the edges of said units, flanges along the vertical edges thereof providing shoulder portions, supporting members secured between said flanges and forming structural elements therewith, means engaging said flanges for removably securing adjacent panel units together, and a cap member adapted to seat within and between the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units with the outer surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the panel units;

7. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of superposed panel units, the lowermost of said panel units having means associated therewith for receiving a threaded post member, a channel member adapted to abut the floor and to receive the head of the threaded post member, a vertically adjustable nut threaded onsaid post by means of which said lower panel unit and superimposed units may be raised and lowered, a clip secured to the said lowermost panel unit, an adjustable baseboard having an inturned upper flange adapted to grip said clip and an inturned lower flange adapted to abut said floor channel, and a ceiling channel telescoped over the topmost panel unit and vertically adjustable to accommodate variations in ceiling heights.

8. In building construction, an improved door buck and trim assembly comprising in combination, an inner reinforcing channel, an outer channel enclosing said inner channel, said outer channel having a. laterally extending portion adapted to serve as a door buck, the ends of said outer channel being bent inwardly over said inner channel and flanged to form an attaching portion, and a third channel secured to said attaching portion and forming a concealed means for attaching said door buck and trim assembly in position.

9. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of superimposed panel units, the lowermost of said panel units having means associated therewith for receiving a threaded member, a channel member adapted to abut the floor and to receive the head of a threaded post member, and a vertically adjustable nut threaded on said post by means of which said panel unit and superimposed units may be raised and lowered.

10. A flush partition comprising adjacent panel units each formed of opposing front and back walls, said walls being inturned along the vertical edges of said units to provide shoulder portions and then out-turned to form connecting tongues along the edges of said panels, connecting attachments each engaging tongues in adjacent panel units to hold said units in fixed relation in the same plane and a pair of channel shaped pilaster strips fitted between said adjacent panels with the web portions thereof in the same planes as said front and back walls, respectively, and with the flange portions thereof resting against said shoulders.

11. A partition comprising i. units each individually complete with end stiles, cross members, and panels, means for securing the units in spaced assembled relation, and means for covering the spaces between the units, said parts of the units and the cover means being so constructed thatwhen they are assembled in partition form a generally flush outside wall surface is provided.

12. A partition comprising units each individually complete with end stiles and panels,

means for securing'the units in spaced assembled 4 between the units, the amount of inset being such that the exposed surfaces of the panel units and the cover means lie in the same plane.

14. A partition comprising units spaced apart and having recessed edge portions, means for securing the units in assembled relation, and means for covering the spaces between the units, said cover means being inset through the medium of said edge recesses, the faces of the cover means and units which are exposed as wall surface lying in the same fiat plane.

15. A partition comprising a plurality of units each individually complete and having end stiles and panels, constructed and arranged so that faces thereof which constitute wall surface lie substantially in the same fiat plane, means engaging the end stiles of adjacent units to secure them together in spaced relation to form the partition, means covering the joint between :adjacent units, and means lying within said plane for supporting said covering means so that the face thereof which constitutes wall surface lies substantially in the aforesaid plane.

16. A partition composed of panel units, each of said units having each of its four upright edges formed to provide a recessed shoulder, means for securing adjacent units together in spaced aligned wall forming position, and a cover member for said space having vertical edge portions extending into adjacent recesses with the exterior surfaces thereof substantially flush with the adjacent surface portions of adjacent panel units.

17. In a metal partition comprising a plurality of separately erectable panel units adapted to be arranged in aligned spaced relationship having end uprights and sheet metal members extending therebetween, connecting means for the panel units, and cover means for covering the space between units, said panel units having edge portions recessed to receive adjacent edge portions of the cover means with the outside surface of the cover means flush with the adjacent outside surfaces of the panel units.

18. A partition comprising units spaced apart, means for securing the units in assembled relation, means for covering the spaces between units, the units and cover means being so complementarily constructed that the faces thereof which are exposed as wall surface lie in approximately the same flat. plane, and said units including cross rails constructed and arranged! so that the faces thereof which are exposed as wall surface also lie in approximately said plane.

19. A metal partition comprising units having end uprights, cross rails, and panels, means for securing the units in assembled aligned spaced relation, and cap members for covering the spaces between units, said cross rails, cap members and panels being provided with faces to be exposed as wall surface of the partition and having means for relatively positioning them with said faces lying in approximately the same plane.

20. In a partition composed of a plurality of similar panel units. the combination of means for spacing and attaching said units together, metal covers for the spaces between adjacent units, said units having recessed upright edges, and said covers having inturned flanges along their longitudinal edges extending into the recessed edges of the panel units, and means for attaching the covers in place in inset relation to the units. the assembled units and covers presenting substantially flush joints therebetween.

21. In a partition the combination of a plurality of units each having end uprights with receded edge portions, means for securing adjacent units together in spaced wall forming relation comprising securing members engaging the adjacent uprights of the units to be secured, a cover for the space between said adjacent units adapted to seat in said receded portions with its outside face lying in the same plane as the side faces of the uprights, and means for holding said cover in place, said securing members and said cover holding means being located within the Planes of the side faces of the uprights.

22. In a partition composed of a plurality of similar metallic panel units, the combination of means for spacing and attaching said units together, and inset metal cover means for covering the space between the units, the amount of inset being such that the exposed surface of the cover means and the adjacent exposed surfaces of the panel units lie in the same plane.

23. In a metal partition comprising a plurality of separately erectable panel units each having vertical and horizontal structural members and sheet metal panel members, said panel units having recesses at the vertical edges thereof for the flush reception of cover members, and means for retaining said units and cover members in fixed assembled relationship.

24. A partition comprising metallic units adapted to be separately erectable in spaced apart relationship, said units each having receded edge portions, connecting means for the metallic units, and means for covering the space between the units, said cover means being inset through the medium of said receded edges, the face of the cover means which is exposed as wall surface lying in the same flat plane as the corresponding immediately adjacent face portions of the units.

25. A partition comprising units spaced apart and having receded edge portions, connecting means for said units, and means for covering the space between the units, said cover means being inset through the medium of said receded edges, the face of the cover means which is exposed as wall surface lying in the same fiat plane as the corresponding immediately adjacent face.

portions of the units. the face portions of said units lying in parallel planes.

26. In a partition comprising a plurality of similar panel units. the combination of means for spacing and attaching said units together, covers for the spaces between adjacent units, said units having recessed upright edges and said covers having inturned flanges extendin into the edge recesses of adjacent panel units. and means for attaching the covers in place in inset relation to the units, the assembled units and covers presenting substantially flush joints therebetween.

27. In a partition the combination of a plurality of units each having end uprights, means for securing adjacent units together in spaced wall forming relation comprising securing members engaging the adjacent uprights of the units to be secured, cover means for the spaces between said adjacent units presenting substantially flush joints therebetween, and means engageable by the cover means to hold said means in place, said securing members and the means engageable by the cover means being located within the plane of the side faces of the uprights.

28. In a metal partition comprising a plurality of similar panel units held in aligned spaced relation, plaster covers for covering the space between the units, and edge recesses along the vertical edges of said units adapted to receive said covers in flush; relation whereby a partition substantially flush throughout its extent including the joints between units, is provided.

29. In a partition composed of a plurality of panel units having end uprights and spaced sheet metal wall forming members extending therebetween, said units having recessed edge portions, means for securing the units in assembled spaced relation, and cover means for the vertical spaces between units adapted to be inset through the medium of said recessed edge portions of the panel units so that the exposed surfaces of the cover means are flush with the adjacent exposed surfaces of the panel units, a floor channel extending along the building floor, means for supporting said units vertically spaced from said floor channel, and baseboards spanning the space between said floor channel and panel units.

30. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of separately erectable panel units adapted to be arranged in aligned spaced relationship, connecting means for the panel units, said units having recessed shoulder portions along the vertical edges thereof, and a cap member adapted to seat within and between the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units withthe outer surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the panel units.

31. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of separately erectable panel units, connecting means for the panel units, said units having recessed shoulder portions and outturned portions along the vertical edges thereof providing means for removably securing the adjacent panel units together, and a cap member adapted to seat within and between the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units with the outer surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent facing portions of the panel units.

32. In partition construction, in combination, a plurality of separately erectable panel units, said units each comprising opposed front and back walls, said walls having intumed and outturned portions along the vertical edges thereof providing shoulder portions, supporting members secured to said outturned portions and forming structural elements therewith, means for removably securing adjacent panel units together, and a cap member adapted to seat within and between the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units with the outer surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the panel units.

33. A partition comprising separately erectable units adapted to be connected together in aligned spaced apart relationship, connecting means for said units, said units having recessed vertical edge portions, and a post cap for covering the spaces between the units, said post cap being inset through the medium of said edge recesses, the face of the post cap and the adjacent faces of said units which are exposed as wall surfaces lying in the same flat plane.

34. In a partition composed of a plurality of panel units having end uprights and spaced sheet metal wall forming members extending therebetween, said units having recessed edge portions, means for securing the units in assembled spaced relation, and cover means for the vertical spaces between units adapted to be inset through the medium of said recessed edge portions of the panel units so that the exposed surfaces of the cover means are substantially flush with the adjacent exposed surfaces of the panel units, adjustable means for securing said panel units to the building floor in vertically adjustable relationship and in spaced relation to the building floor, and baseboards spanning the space between the floor and said panel units.

35. In partition construction, in combination, a/

plurality lof separately erectable panel units, said units having recessed shoulder portions along the vertical edges thereof, means for removably securing adjacent panel units together, a cap member adapted to seat within and between the recessed shoulders of adjacent panel units with the facing surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent facing portions of the panel units, means for adjustably securing said panel units to the building floor, a baseboard on each side of said panel units overlapping the adjacent side of said panel units concealing said floor securing means fromexterlor view, means concealed between said baseboards for adjustably securing said baseboards in position, and a cornice presenting a longitudinally extending groove for receiving the upper end of said panel units.

36. In a metal partition the combination of a plurality of separately erectable panel units adapted to be arranged in spaced relation, connecting means for the panel units, each of said units comprising spaced metal panel forming sheets connected by end uprights and presenting a recess in each of the four vertical edges thereof, cap members covering the space between adjacent units, and means for holding said cap members in place with their exposed faces lying substantially in the plane of the adjacent wall surface portions of the panel units.

3'7. A metal partition composedof separable panel units adapted to be held in spaced wall forming relation, connecting means for the panel units, each of said units having its four upright edges recessed, and pilaster caps for the space between said units seating within the adjacent recessed edges of adjacent units with the exterior surfaces thereof substantially flush with the adjacent surface portions of adjacent panel units.

38. In a partition, the combination of a plurality of units each having end uprights, at least one of said units comprising a plurality of superimposed sections extending between and se-- cured to common end uprights, the adjacent wall forming surfaces of said'sections lying in substantially the same plane, means for securing adjacent units together in spaced wall forming relation located entirely within the planes of the adjacent wall forming faces of the units, means covering the spaces between adjacent units, and means for holding the cover means in place with their exposed faces lying in the planes of the adjacent face portions of the units.

39. A metal partition comprising separately erectable panel units, each of said units having its four upright edges formed to provide a recessed shoulder, means for securing adjacent units together in spaced wall forming position, a post cap for said space having its vertical edge portions extending into adjacent recesses with the exterior surface thereof substantially flush with the adjacent surface portions of adjacent panel units, sheet metal baseboards extending along the lower edges of said units, and means for removably securing said baseboards in position so that the faces thereof and the exposed wall surfaces of the partition lie in a plane substantially parallel to and but slightly offset from the exposed faces of the unit.

40. In a metal partition, a plurality of panel units each having end stiles and a pair of spaced sheet metal panel forming members connected to said stiles, certain of said units having frame members designed to receive glass, means located entirely within the wall surfaces of said sheet metal members and frame members for laterally positioning, longitudinally spacing, and securing together adjacent units, pilaster caps for covering the space between adjacent units, and means for detachably securing said pilaster caps in place, the vertical edges of adjacent units having recesses formed therein whereby the pilaster caps are adapted to fit between adjacent units with the faces thereof which are exposed as wall surfaces lying substantially in the plane of the adjacent face portions of the panel units.

41. In a metal partition, the combination of a plurality of panel units each having channel shaped metal uprights with a pair of sheet metal panel forming members extending therebetween, said panel units having recessed vertical edges, means for securing adjacent units together in spaced aligned wall forming position, channel shaped pilaster caps for said space having their vertical edges seating in the recesses of adjacent units whereby the wall forming face of the pilaster caps will lie substantially flush with the adjacent wall forming faces of the panel units, and metal baseboards extending along the sides of said panel units having the outside faces thereof lying in substantially parallel planes.

42. In a metal partition, a panel unit having vertical end stiles, cross rails, and panels, a metal door frame unit having a vertical frame memher. the adjacent vertical edges of said panel unit and frame member having recessed edge portions, means for securing the door frame member to the panel unit, cap members covering the space between said frame member and panel unit, and means for removably securing said cap members in position located within the planes of the adjacent facing portions of the panel unit and frame member, the exterior surfaces of said cap members being substantially flush with the adjacent surface portions of said panel unit and frame member so as to present substantially flush joints therebetween.

43. In building construction, a separately erectable panel unit having recessed edge portions along the vertical edges thereof, a vertically extending door buck structure presenting a door strike portion along one vertical side thereof and a pair of recessed shoulderportions on the opposite vertical side thereof, means for securing said door buck structure to the adjacent vertical edge of said panel unit, and a cap member adapted to'seat within and between the adjacent recessed shoulder portions of said panel unit and said door buck structure with the exposed face thereof substantially flush with the adjacent face portions of said panel unit and door buck structure.

44. In metal partition construction, a panel unit including a lower section comprising a pair of spaced wall forming panel sheets adapted to receive insulation therebetween, a glass panel section including a horizontal rail member interfitting with the horizontal top edge of said lower section and presenting side wall surfaces substantially flush with the adjacent side wall surfaces of said panel sheets, a pair of spaced vertical frame members extending from said horizontal rail member upwardly having face surfaces substantially flush with thefacing surfaces of said horizontal rail member, a vertically ex tending end stile along each vertical edge of said panel unit extending upwardly along the vertical edge of said lower section and said glass section, saidpanel unit having a recess in each vertical edge thereof, and a pilaster cap having a portion thereof seating in each of said recesses with the adjacent facing portions of said pilaster cap and panel unit lying in substantially the same plane to provide substantially flush joints therebetween.

45. In metal partition construction, a panel unit including a lower section comprising a pair of spaced wall forming panel sheets adapted to receive insulation therebetween, a horizontally extending reinforcing channel positioned between and secured to said panel sheets adjacent the upper ends thereof, a glass panel section including a horizontal rail member interi'itting with the horizontal top edge of said lower section and presenting substantially flush joints therebetween, a pair of spaced vertical frame members extending from said horizontal rail member upwardly, a vertically extending end stile along each vertical edge of said panel unit extending upwardly along the vertical edge of said lower section and said glass section, said panel unit having a recess in each vertical edge thereof, and a pilaster cap having a portion thereof seating in each of said recesses with the adjacent facing portions of said pilaster cap and panel unit lying in substantially the same plane to provide substantially flush joints therebetween,

ROBERT F. CARPENTER. CLYDE J. DAUGEERTY.

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