US3638376A

US3638376A - Portable partition

Info

Publication number: US3638376A
Application number: US721A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward P Howes; John A Gillham
Original assignee: Hough Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Hufcor Inc
Priority date: 1970-01-05
Filing date: 1970-01-05
Publication date: 1972-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-01
Also published as: DE2100191A1; SE383371B; BE761190A; NL7100030A; ZA708422B; FR2075929B1; GB1289923A; FR2075929A1; CA942470A

Abstract

A portable partition for providing removable partitions for rooms, in which the partition is in the form of separate panel units each having an expansion element in the form of a grip member that engages the room ceiling to abut the panel units in place, in which the grip member is spring pressed against the ceiling by a spring mechanism that provides an increase in upward spring pressure as the grip member moves toward its extended position. The side rails of the panel units are of complementary configuration so that adjacent units can be erected in edge to edge interconnected relation, with an interconnecting adapter element being employed between the grip members of adjacent panel units. The bottom rail or shoe of each panel unit is adjustable to accommodate canted floors. The grip members of the respective units are arranged to provide an upward movement on the order of 3 inches relative to the panel, with the upward spring pressure and grip member stabilization being such that the panel units have significant ability to withstand lateral loadings and accommodate seismic and/or ceiling load deflection conditions.

Description

United States Patent Howes et al. 1 Feb. 1, 1972 [54] PORTABLE PARTITION 3,508,364 4/1970 Thompson ..52/242 [72] Inventors: g r sf Calif; John Primary Examinerl-lenry C. Sutherland e Attorney-Mann, Brown, McWilliams and Bradway [73] Assignee: Hough Manufacturing Corporation ST AB A T [22] Filed: Jan. 5, 1970 L bl f C porta e partition or provi ing removable partitions for [2]] Appl' 721 rooms, in which the partition is in the form of separate panel units each having an expansion element in the form of a grip 521 US. Cl ..s2/122, 52/109, 52/238 member as s f ceiling; e the Panel "F [51] Int. Cl ..E04b 2/72 m Place m whlch the gnp member spnng Pressed agamst 58 Field of Search ..52/109, 122, 238, 240, 243; the ceiling by a p i g mechanis that provides an increase in 160/376, 40, 139, 141, 144, 224, 375, 376; 49/323 upward spring pressure as the grip member moves toward its extended position. The side rails of the panel units are of com- [56] References Cited plementary configuration so that adjacent units can be erected in edge to edge interconnected relation, with an interconnect UNITED STATES PATENTS ing adapter element being employed between the grip members of adjacent panel units. The bottom rail or shoe of each 967,1l6 8/1910 Dupuls ..52/ 109 pane] unit is adjustable to accommodate canted floors The 2']944l5 3/1940 Bennet} "160/144 grip members of the respective units are arranged to provide 3073381 1/1963 Burfnelsteran upward movement on the order of 3 inches relative to the 3,253,552 5/1966 Stein ..l/4O panel with the upward spring pressure and grip member sub 3'295257 1/1967 Douglass 1 60/40 bilization being such that the panel units have significant abili- 3,327,439 6/1967 f 122 ty to withstand lateral loadings and accommodate seismic I? i g l e and/or ceiling load deflection conditions. 0y e 3,453,790 12/1969 Harris ..52/238 11 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures 4 42 170 J30 117 584 22 l I 18415 132 142 7 l) l 182 18 k I 5 ---'H,|. ll' 350: I J9 .95. n H100 411 1 W F witn 08 J3! -.'-r -.Q: ;L i /0 W n 1 "llfleif 3; ii llx lILif; I w im' 1 145365904 l EE 204 ll l l 132 2- I 1J6 n 168 202 7 l l 226 176 {Z7742 J64 J54 J52 .134 82 J3; 8 32 I: :1 41 ,0 0 T T T T ,1

.224 178 1 l g 1 Z m I a: 225 l 222 226 i PATENIED FEB 1 I972 SHEET 3 OF 6 PATENTED FEB 1 1972 3338- 376 sum u (If 6 2 d z A. cgzzzwm/ PORTABLE PARTITION PORTABLE PARTITION hold the panel unit in place. The spring mechanism for each unit is built into the unit itself, thus complicating what is intended to be a comparatively simple partition structure. Furthermore, in many instances, the ceiling has had to be especially constructed where the use of portable partitions was contemplated to provide suitable arrangements for applying the partition to the ceiling while avoiding damage to the ceiling.

A special complication has been experienced in those areas where seismic conditions are experienced, either regularly or occasionally. Such occurrences may result in variations in the dimensioning between the room floor and ceiling, of as much as an inch or more being experienced, which, together with the sidewise shifting motion that is usually involved, is ordinarily sufficient to dislodge conventional portable partitions.

Another special situation encountered is illustrated by reference to areas of heavy snowfall, which can produce heavy loads on roof spans that may result in unusual downward deflections of the ceiling that a particular portable partition engages. Under such conditions excessive deflection can result in damage to both the ceiling and the partition.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a portable partition in which the upward pressure of the grip member increases'as it moves upwardly relative to the partition, within its range 'of normal travel.

Another principal object of the invention is to provide a portable partition that is especially adapted for application in areas whereseismic occurrences and live ceiling load deflections are c'on'i'monly experienced.

Furtherobjects of the invention are to provide a portable partition arrangement that may be readily installed under conventional suspended ceilings, that requires no penetration of the floor or ceiling for installation, that is readily adaptable for use in modular systems, and that is inexpensive of manufactu're, easy to install, and long-lived in use.

In accordance with this invention, the partition panel units are of simplified panel construction comprised essentially of a honeycomb core with hardboard sheets or the like on either side of same, a top rail that houses the grip member spring mechanism,'and edge cleats to serve as mounting means for the panel side and bottom rails, all bonded together to form a unitarypanel structure, with male and female side rails being removably secured to the side edges of the panel structure. The grip member of each panel unit, which extends from within the panel unit top rail, is actuated by a special lever and spring mechanism that provides an increasing upward spring pressure rate as the grip member moves upwardly of the top rail substantially through its normal travel range, which is on the order of 3 inches in accordance with the embodiments disclosed. At its ends, the panel unit grip member is stabilized by special stabilization units to insure desirable lateral pressure resistance. The base or shoe of the panel unit is an adjustable rail to accommodate slanting floors and the like, and is provided with runners for easy movement of the individual panel units over carpeting, and a central recess for receiving removable floor runners on which the units are mounted on tile floors. The side rails of the panel units are of special interfitting nature for convenient edge to edge positioning of the panel units, and an adapter element is provided for interconnecting the grip members of adjacent panel units.

Other objects, uses, and advantages will be obvious or become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the application drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a small-scale side elevational view of several panel units, arranged in accordance with this invention, applied in partition forming arrangement between the ceiling and wall surfaces of a typical room;

FIGS. 2A and 2B when considered together provide a composite exploded perspective view in plan of a partition unit arranged in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmental side elevational view, on an enlarged scale, of the upper end portion of a typical panel unit, with parts broken away, and showing the expansion element in its fully extended position;

FIG. 3A is a fragmental cross-sectional view, taken substantially along line 3A-3A of FIG. 3, with parts shown in elevation;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmental perspective view illustrating an adapter element employed in connection with this invention to interconnect the grip members of adjacent panel units;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the essential features of the basic type of spring and lever grip member actuating assembly that is provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a typical cross-sectional view through the base of a typical panel unit, taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the manner in which adjacent panel units are disposed in interfitting relation in the room dividing closed position thereof, taken substantially along line 88 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view through a closure post that may be employed in connection with the partition wall shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which the same is applied to the male side rail edge of the end panel, and indicating how the closure post is applied against a room wall;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9 but illustrating the manner in which the closure post, when located at an intermediate position between two opposing walls of a room, may serve as the base for starting adjoining partitions formed by panel units arranged in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 11 is a detailed fragmental view substantially along line lll1 of FIG. 9, illustrating a device employed to secure the closure post of FIGS. 9 and 10 to the panel, and to lock the closure post in proper position relative to an abutting wall or adjoining partition;

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating a plot of grip member upward movement verses upward spring pressure as employed in connection with the present invention; and

FIGS. 13 and I4 are diagrams illustrating alternative forms of spring and lever arrangements that will also provide the upward pressure characteristic contemplated by this invention.

However, it is to be understood that the specific drawing illustrations provided are supplied primarily to comply with the requirements of the Patent Code, and that the invention may have other specific embodiments that will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Reference numeral 10 generally indicates a portable partition structure arranged in accordance with this invention and applied between the floor surface 12 and ceiling surface 14 of a room 16, and between

opposing side walls

18 and 19 of the room.

The partition structure 10 comprises a plurality of panel units 20 having the basic arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, mounted in edge to edge relation and terminating in a closure post structure 22 (see FIGS. 9-11) which, in the showing of FIG. 1, abuts the wall 19 opposing the starting wall l8, and thus completes the partition, or which alternately may serve as the basis for forming other partition walls from similar panel units when the corner post is at an intermediate position between the walls, as suggested by FIG. I0.

As indicated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, each panel unit 20 comprises a basic panel structure 24 comprising a honeycomb core 26 of a suitable type,

sheets

28 and 30 on either side of the core 26, top and

bottom edge cleats

34 and 36, which may be formed from wood, and side edge cleats 38 (which may also be formed from wood) which are bonded and laminated together in any suitable manner.

Housed within the top rail 32 is the special lever and spring actuator assembly 40 (see FIG. 3) for biasing the panel unit expansion element 42 against the ceiling surface 14. Actuator assembly is hand controlled through hand pull device 41.

In accordance with this invention, expansion element 42 is in the form of a grip member 44, having a possible range of travel between extended and contracted positions on the order of 3% inches, and with the upward spring pressure and upward movement having the relationship indicated by the curve of FIG. 12 as the grip member moves between its retracted position (in which it is fully retracted within the top rail 32), and its extended position.

The grip member 44 at either end thereof is stabilized by travel accommodating stabilization units 46.

Attached to one of the side edges of the individual panel units is a male side rail 48 while a female side rail 50 is attached to the other side edge, these components having the general cross-sectional configuration best illustrated in FIG. 8, with the female side rails being provided with seal elements 52 for sealing engagement with the adjacent male side rail elements.

At the base of each panel unit 20, a base or bottom rail 54 forming the shoe of the unit is applied over the lower end of the basic panel structure and is secured thereto through adjustment devices 56 in the manner to permit adjustment of the base rail 54 relative to the basic panel structure of each panel unit to accommodate canting floors and the like.

As indicated in FIG. 7, the base rails 54 are formed with spaced runners 58 to permit the individual panel units to be readily moved along carpeted surfaces when being positioned in their operating positions, as well as a central recess 60 running the length of the rail that is adapted to receive floor runners 62 or the like adhered to hard surfaced floors (such as tile floors or the like) for the purpose of supporting and aiding in locating the panel units on such floors.

Operably associated with each panel unit, and specifically, with its grip member 44, is an adapter element 64 (see FIG. which is applied to one end of the grip member and is propor tioned to be inserted in the other end of a adjacent grip member for purposesof interconnecting the grip members of adjacent panel units 20 together in the erected positions thereof.

In use, the individual panel units 20 are utilized to partition off a room space by placing them in edge to edge relation between the floor and ceiling of the room. In accordance with this invention, the side edge of any panel 20 hearing the female side rail 50 may be a starting panel, with the female side rail placed in bearing relation with the wall surface 18, the seals 52 abutting the wall surface. The starting panel 20 may be disposed in such position by retracting the expansion element 42 and locking it in such position, and placing the panel unit on its runners 58 (when carpeted floors are encountered, or resting the shoe on floor runners 62 when tiled or similar floors are encountered), which permits the panel unit to slide readily over the floor surface into place. The adjustable bottom rail 54 may be adjusted as necessary to secure a uniform fit with the floor surface and wall surface. On release of the expansion element 42, grip member 44 is urged against the ceiling surface 14 to firmly mount the panel unit in place. The next panel unit is moved into planar alignment with the first panel unit, and with its female side rail disposed adjacent to but spaced somewhat from the male side rail of the first panel unit, after which an adapter unit 64 is then applied to the grip member 44 of the second panel unit 20, above its rail 50, and the panel unit 20 being applied is then slid into the fully engaged position of FIG. 8 relative to the first panel unit 20, at the same time inserting the adapter 64 carried by the second panel unit into the grip member 44 of the first panel unit (the second grip member being adjusted as necessary to accomplish this by hand actuation of actuator assembly through hand pull device 41). This results in the grip members 44 of the first and second panel units being fully interconnected by adapter 64.

Succeeding units are erected and mounted in place in a similar manner, for the length of the partition desired. Where the partition is to extend entirely between the opposing

wall

18 and 19 of the room, the closure post structure 22 is applied over the male side rail of the last panel in a manner suggested in FIG. 9 and secured in place by employing the securing device indicated by reference numeral 70. In this connection, the last panel unit 20A may be of an odd width proportioned for the particular installation involved to fill (together with post structure 22) the gap between the last standard width unit 20 and wall 19.

Where the partition ends short of wall 19, additional walls may be started by seating the female side rails of other panel units 20 against side faces 72, 74 and 76 of the corner post structure 22, at the option of the user, as suggested in FIG. 10.

While it will thus be seen that the partition structure 10 has a number of important advantages, a fundamental improvement involved is concerned with the special action of the grip members 44. As previously indicated, the spring rate graph of the actuator mechanisms 40 is the reverse of conventional spring-loaded mechanisms, in which the spring pressure falls off rapidly as the spring-biased element moves in the direction of bias of the spring. In accordance with this invention, the upward pressure provided by the panel used tends to increase through most of the range of travel of the grip member, which has important implications.

For instance, in areas where earthquakes and the like are likely to be experienced at least to some degree, by arranging the proportioning of the panels so that when installed a predetermined minimum clearance is provided for between the ceiling surface and the top of the panel, which minimum distance is a predetermined percentage of the normal permissible travel of the grip member, the great proportion of the rest of the travel distance is available to keep the grip member in gripping engagement with the ceiling, and with increased upward pressure, as grip member travel increases towards its fully extended position. On the other hand, downward deflections of the ceiling will produce a reduced upward pressure on the ceiling, contrary to the operation of conventional spring loaded mechanisms, which avoids the application of excessive pressures acting between the ceiling and panel that heretofore have caused damage to the ceiling and panel.

The latter factor is particularly important in areas where significant live load deflections of ceilings is possible. Under these conditions, the panel units may be designed so that under normal installation the grip member is near the end of its permissible path of movement so that as much as 2 or more inches of live load deflection of the ceiling may be accommodated while still providing reduced spring pressure on the ceiling as the expansion element is moved toward its retracted position.

In a commercial embodiment of the arrangement that is specifically illustrated in the drawings, the arrangement is such that the portable panel units 20 when mounted in position provide 5 pounds of upward pressure per running foot and withstand 5 pounds per square foot of lateral loading.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION The specific arrangement shown in the drawings is intended to provide one practical way of employing the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that specifics such as the particular types of materials to be employed and dimensioning for specific purposes may be varied in accordance with the designers particular requirements and objectives.

THE PANEL STRUCTURE The honeycomb core 26 and

sheets

28 and 30 may be of any suitable materials as desired, it being contemplated that the

sheets

28 and 30 may include or comprise chalkboard inserts, tackboard inserts and the like, as may seem necessary or desirable.

The top and

bottom cleats

34 and 36 and side edge cleats 38 are provided for panel structure reinforcing purposes as well as to provide a purchase for attaching the top, bottom and side rails, and mounting the stabilizing devices 46 and the adjustment device 56.

As indicated in FIGS. 2A and 4, the top rail 32 is in the form of channel member that may be conveniently extruded from aluminum or the like. Member 80 comprises a web portion 82, upstanding side flanges or

walls

84 and 86, each of the latter having along its

edge portions

88 and 90 upwardly projecting rims or

walls

92 and 94 that are respectively received over the respective

top edges

96 and 98 of the respective sheets 28 and 30 (see FIGS. 4).

The respective rims 92 and 94 at their outer edges are each formed with a decorative skirting 100.

The web 82 of the top rail 32 is deflected downwardly ofthe top rail as at 102 to provide automatic location for the actuator mechanism 40 when applying same and a trackway for the lower rollers involved, top rail 32 being preferably fixed in place by bonding same to the top cleat 34 and

sheets

28 and 30.

EXPANSION ELEMENT AND ACTUATOR MECHANISM THEREFOR As indicated in FIGS. 2A, 4 and 5, the expansion element 42, and specifically the grip member 44, is of channel-shaped construction comprising a web portion and

side flanges

112 and 114 which are formed as at 115 such that the working edge 117 of member 44 is of enlarged cross-sectional configuration (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The web 110 is inwardly indented as indicated at 116 to receive suitable splines or a suitable clip-mounted panel-locating device that may be removably secured to suspended ceiling T-bars The web 110 is also formed on either side of the indentation 116 with spaced pairs of longitudinal ribs 118 which respectively define dovetail type grooves 120 that receive seal elements 122 which is the part of the panel unit that actually engages the ceiling surface. Elements 122 are conventionally formed from a suitable elastomeric material that is resiliently yieldable in nature to create a sound barrier and light seal with the ceiling.

The side flanges or

walls

112 and 114 ofthe grip member 44 are each formed with one or more longitudinal ribs 124 between which is applied a strip 125 of felt or the like (bonded in place by a suitable adhesive) to form a seal between the

walls

84 and 86 of the top rail 32 and to insure a smooth guided motion of the grip member 44 relative to the top rail 32 when the actuator mechanism 40 is operated.

The actuator mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 3 is the preferred form and generally comprises two pairs of scissors levers and 132 connected together in lazytong or pantograph fashion between the top rail 32 and the grip member 44.

The scissors lever pair 130 generally comprises lever members 134 and 136 pivoted together as by pin 138 with an end portion 140 of the lever member 136 being pivotally connected as by pin 142 to the channel-shaped bracket member 144 that is in turn fixed to the web portion 110 of the grip member 44, as by employing appropriate screws or the like (not shown). The end 146 of lever member 136 has journaled therein (on suitable pin 147) rollers 148A and 1488 (see FIG. 3A) that ride in the indentation 102 of Web 82 of the top rail 32.

Similarly, lever member 134 at its end 150 is pivoted by suitable pin 152 to the channel-shaped bracket 154 that is fixed to the top rail 32 and top cleat 34 by suitable screws or the like (not shown). Lever member 134 at its end 156 journals suitable rollers 158A and 1588 (on suitable pin 159) that ride on the web 110 of the grip member 44.

In the form shown, the lever members 134 and 136 are each formed from a pair of flat bar elements, the lever member 134 being formed by spaced

bar elements

134A and 1348, while the lever member 136 is formed by spaced

bar elements

136A and 1368. The bar elements of the respective lever members 134 and 136 are disposed on either side of the respective bracket members 154 and 144 and the respective sets of rollers 158A and 1588, and 148A and 1483.

Bar elements

136A and 1368 are further connected by a transverse pin 206 located at a suitable point between the pivot pin 138 and the rollers 148A and 1488. Bar elements 134A and 134B are similarly connected by a transverse pin 198. As seen in FIG. 3A, rollers 148A and 148B are separated by a spacer 149 recessed as at 151. Rollers 158A and 158B are similarly arranged.

To provide a stop that limits the movement of the grip member 44 upwardly of the top rail 32, the lever member 136 has one bar element 136A thereof indented to define a lug 160 that intrudes into the plane of the lever member bar element 134A which it engages at the predetermined extended position of the actuator mechanism 40.

Similarly, the scissor pair 132 comprises

lever members

162 and 164 pivoted together by suitable pin 166, with the end portion 168 of the lever member 162 being pivoted by suitable pin 170 to the bracket 144 and its other end portion 172 journaling rollers 174A and 174B on suitable pin 176.

The lever member 164 at its end portion 178 is pivoted by a suitable pin 180 to the bracket 154 and its other end portion 182 journals suitable rollers 184A and 184B on suitable pin 186. The sets of rollers 174A and 1748 and rollers 184A and 184B ride on the respective webs 83 and 110 of the

respective members

32 and 44, as indicated in FIG. 3, and are arranged similarly to the set of rollers 148A and 1488.

As in the case of lever members 134 and 136, the

lever members

162 and 164 are each formed by a pair of flat bar elements, lever member 162 being formed by bar elements 162A and 1628, and lever member 164 being formed by

bar elements

164A and 164B. The bar elements of the

respective lever members

162 and 164 are disposed on either side of the respective bracket members 144 and 154, and the respective sets of rollers 174A and 1748, and rollers 184A and 1848. Similarly to lever members 134 and 136, bar elements 162A and 1628 are connected by a transverse pin 208, and bar elements 164A and 1648 are connected by a transverse pin 200. The bar element 162B is formed with lug 185 that engages bar element 164B at the predetermined extended position of the actuator mechanism 40.

Extending between the pairs of

scissors levers

130 and 132 are a pair of tension springs and 192. Tension spring 190 has its

ends

194 and 196 suitably connected to the respective

transverse pins

198 and 200 of the

respective lever members

134 and 164, while the tension spring 192 has its

ends

202 and 204 suitably connected to transverse pins 206 and 208 that are carried by the respective lever members 136 and 162.

For contracting the actuator mechanism 40, and consequently the grip member 44, a hand pull device 41 (see FIG. 3) is provided which comprises a cord element 210 having one end portion 212 provided with a suitable hook 214 which is hooked over the pin 208 carried by lever member 162.

The cord passes upwardly of the pin 208 and over the grooved spacer journaled on pin 186 between rollers 184A and 1848, and then downward and over the similar grooved spacer that is journaled on pin 176 between rollers 174A and 174B (note FIG. 3A). From there the cord travels outwardly of the actuator mechanism 40 lengthwise along the top rail 32, towards the end of which it passes through a suitable hole in the guide rod 300 (described below) and over a suitable guide element 216, which may be made from nylon or any similar material, affording a smooth path for the cord (and is retained in position by a suitable screw 228). Thence the cord 210 extends downwardly along the recess 218 defined by the rounded shoulders 340 of the male side rail member 48 (described below). At a predetermined height above the base of the panel a suitable length of ball chain 222 is attached to the end 224 of the cord 210. This ball chain terminates in a suitable ring 230 or knob which is intended to afford increased purchase when the ball chain 222 is grasped. A split flange element 226 is suitably secured to the male side rail 48 at an appropriate height above the base of the panel, and is designed such that the split portion will receive one of the connecting links 225 between the chain balls 227 of the chain 222; the ball chain 222 has a length such that the hand pull device 41 may be employed to lock the actuator mechanism 40 and expansion element 42 in their fully contracted positions or at almost any intermediate point in the travel out to their fully ex tended positions.

Thus, it can be seen from FIG. 3 that pulling on the hand pull device 41 causes the lever member 164 to pivot downwardly about its pivot pin 180. This motion creates a reaction at the pivot pin 166 which causes the lever member 162 to move in a downwardly pivoting motion such that lever end 172 and the rollers 174A and 1748 of lever member 162 move outwardly along the web of the top rail 32, and lever end 168 of lever member 162 together with attached bracket 144 and expansion element 42, moves in a downward manner towards the top rail 32. This action is mirrored by lever members 134 and 136 due to the lazytong arrangement in which

members

134, 136, 162 and 164 are incorporated, grip member 44 being retained in its parallel relation to top rail 32 as it moves toward same.

By releasing the hand pull device 41, the reverse action takes place, activated by the respective tension springs 190 and 192 acting on the respective

transverse pins

200 and 198, and 208 and 206, resulting in an upwardly thrusting action of the actuator mechanism 40 on the grip member 44, until the

respective lugs

185 and 160 on respective

lever bar members

162B and 136A engage respective lever bar members 1648 and 134A, effectively preventing further travel.

It will thus be seen that by grasping the handle ring 230 of the cord 210 and removing the ball chain length 222 from the split flange 226 (to the left of FIG. 3), one may apply the necessary pulling pressure on the cord 210 as desired to permit the actuator mechanism to flex between its extended and contracted positions. In the contracted position of mechanism 40, the grip member 44 is fully retracted within the top rail 32, while in the fully extended position, the

lugs

160 and 185 of the respective scissors lever pairs 130 and 132 are in engagement with the respective plates forming the other lever of the scissors, tension springs 190 and 192 tending to swing the cross levers from a retracted position in which the cross levers lie flattened out within the top rail 32 and extend substantially longitudinally thereof, to an extended position wherein the levers are in substantial X" shape and project outwardly of the rail 32.

The significant thing about the actuator mechanism 40 is graphically illustrated by the showing of FIG. 12 in which upward movement of the grip member 44 is plotted against upward spring pressure, wherein it will be noted from the resulting curve 195 that as the grip member moves upwardly of the top rail 32, the spring pressure increases up to approximately 3 inches of movement when it starts to drop off as the movement approaches its maximum extended position at about 3 inches of movement.

Consequently, it will be seen that in installations where seismic occurrences are of sufficient regularity that building construction must make provision for same, by proportioning the panels so that in the normal operating position the grip member extends from within the top rail 32 about an inch for engagement with the ceiling surface 14, another 2 inches of movement remain possible during the course of which spring pressure on the ceiling surface increases as projection of the grip member increases up to about 3 inches. Manifestly, the increasing upward spring pressure on the ceiling surface helps to hold the panel unit in position as the ceiling surface rises with respect to the floor surface.

Conversely, on downward deflection of the ceiling surface, spring pressure is reduced as the grip member is moved inwardly of the panel unit top rail, thereby avoiding the usual damaging increase in pressures on the ceiling surface that usually occurs as the result of downward deflection of the ceiling surface, relative to the panel partition. Thus, in installation sites where comparatively large live load deflection of the ceiling is to be expected, the panel units may be proportioned so that in the normal extended position of the grip member when the panel unit is mounted in operating position, the grip member will be extended about 2 inches from the top rail 32, thus providing about 2 inches ofplay in the grip member actuating mechanism that can absorb ceiling deflections and still provide reduced spring pressures on the ceiling in proportion to the amount of downward deflection up to the fully contracted (or retracted) position of the grip member.

The essentials of the operation of the cross lever pairs and 132 are illustrated by the diagrammatic showing of FIG. 6 which reduces the operating linkage involved to its fundamental essential parts. In the simplified showing of FIG. 6, levers 230 and 232 extend between the bracket 144 and the web 82 of the top rail 32. Levers 230 and 232 are pivoted to the bracket 144 by suitable pins 234 and 236, while at their other ends rollers 238 and 240 are respectively journaled by

suitable pins

242 and 244 for rolling application to the top rail web 82. Levers 230 and 232 are connected to the bracket 154 by the

respective links

246 and 248 by their respective pins 250 and 252. Tension spring 254 having its respective ends and 258 suitably anchored to the pins 252 applies the bias to the lever members 230 and 232 that tends to move the grip member 44 from its retracted to its extended position.

It will be observed that, in the showing of FIG. 6, the levers 230 and 232 correspond to the lever members 136 and 162, respectively, of FIG. 3 and

links

246 and 248 correspond to the lower portions of the

lever members

134 and 164, respectively; the spring 254 is representative of the action of springs and 192.

Thus, it will be seen that the upper portions of

lever members

134 and 164, ends 156 and 182, respectively, of the actuator mechanism 40, as shown in FIG. 3, are not necessary insofar as the biasing of the grip member 44 is concerned. However, full size levers, as

members

134 and 164, are the preferred arrangement in order to provide some longitudinal stability to the grip member 44.

It will be observed that the spring 254 acts on the grip member 44 through a mechanical advantage, which is represented by the distance A of FIG. 6, that increases as the grip member moves toward its extended position, while the levers 230 and 232 act on the grip member through a mechanical advantage, represented by the distances marked B in FIG. 6, which decreases as the grip member moves to its extended position. It is this combination of variables plus the tension in spring 254 that results in the spring pressure curve of FIG. 12.

In this connection, it is to be noted that the special essence of the actuator mechanism 40 lies in the combination of compound lever and tension spring principles. In the former, the resultant force in the configuration involved will increase in proportion to applied force due to the changes in lever geometry as the grip member rises upward. As this rising occurs, the length of the spring applying the operating force decreases. By the physical law of springs, the force applied decreases approximately linearly as the spring contracts. Combining these opposite actions, the net resultant is a controllable characteristic curve determined by lever geometry as modified by spring linearity, increasing in upward pressure as grip member rises and decreasing as it lowers precisely as desired for seismic conditions on the one hand or roof loading on the other. As the configuration may be modified for fabrication or other considerations or as dimensions may be varied to shift the curve to other desired resultant force ranges, the vital essence of this aspect of the invention remains as long as the geometry of the levering is working in the same way relative to spring physics to produce a similar characteristic curve.

It should be noted that a wide range of curves may be obtained by varying the lever lengths and the spring tension. The curve 195 (FIG. 12) may be moved" to the left or the right on the graph by positioning cross levers 130 and 132 closer together or further away from each other. This may be accomplished by providing a suitable selection of pivot holes in the brackets 144 and 154, whereby, assuming that the same tension springs 190 and 192 are employed, the upward pressure of the grip member 44 throughout the range of the curve will be less if the cross lever pairs 130 and 132 are moved closer together and more if they are moved further apart. This principle may be employed to advantage when using the same actuator mechanism in panels of different width, i.e., in order to provide the same upward pressure per foot of panel width.

Similar results can be obtained by employing the actuator linkages diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIG. 13 two

pairs

260 and 262 of

links

264 and 266, which links are pivotally connected as at 268, have their ends respectively pivotally connected as at 270 and 272 to the grip member 274 and base member 276 (which are shown in block diagram form only), respectively. Tension springs 277 are connected between the respective lever pairs 260 and 262 in the manner indicated.

In the showing of FIG. 14,

levers

280 and 282 have their ends 284 pivotally connected to a base member 286 as at 288, and their other ends 290 carrying pins 292 which ride in appropriate slots 294 formed in the diagrammatically illustrated grip member 296. Tension spring 297 is suitably connected between

levers

280 and 282 in the manner indicated.

The actuator devices shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 will move between extended and retracted positions providing a spring pressure curve comparable to that shown in FIG. 12'.

STABILIZATION ASSEMBLIES The stabilization assemblies 46 are applied at each end of the grip member 44, as indicated in FIG. 3, and comprise a guide rod 300 having its end portion 302 suitably anchored in the panel unit panel structure 24, and specifically, in the ends of the upper edge cleats 38. The guide rods 300. pass through appropriate holes 304 formed in the web 82 of the top rail and extend upwardly through the top rail to the upper level thereof. Slidably mounted on the respective guide rods is a follower body 306 that is received within the confines of the grip member 44 and has an upper rim portion 308 proportioned to be received within the enlarged edge portion 117 of the grip member, as indicated in FIG. 4.

The follower 306 thus remains in a fixed position relative to the grip member 44 and moves upwardly and downwardly of the respective rods 300 on extension and retraction of the grip member. The intention of the stabilization assemblies 46 is to provide lateral rigidity between the expansion element 42 in the extended position and thepanel unit in the event that the panel unit is subject to a lateral load due to seismic or other external forces, thus relieving the actuator mechanism 40 from undue strain that it would otherwise receive in the event of such an occurrence.

The rod 300 that is at the edge of panel unit 20 where the cord 210 is located is formed with an appropriate hole 310 through which the cord is passed, as already indicated.

As indicated in FIG. 4, the body 306 moves between the full and broken line positions there illustrated, which also illustrate the retracted and fully extended positions of the grip member 44. Grip member 44 has its web 110 perforated in alignment with the respective rods 300 to accommodate same in its retracted position.

THE EXPANSION ELEMENT INTERCONNECTING MEMBER The adapter 64 for interconnecting the expansion elements 42 (see FIG. 5) comprises a nose structure in the fonn of a body 230 of generally channel-shaped configuration defining a web portion 322 and

side flanges

324 and 326. The

side flanges

324 and 326 are spaced apart so as to closely fit within the

side flanges

112 and 114 of the grip member 44, with the

respective side flanges

324 and 326 each being provided with a laterally extending

ridge

328 and 330, respectively, that serve as a stop to limit the amount that the body 320 may be inserted within the indicated ends of the grip member 44.

Projecting from the web 322 are

spaced'apart ridges

332 and 334 that are rounded as at 335. The portion of the body 320 on the side of same facing the observer (see FIG. 5) is proportioned to fit into the end of the grip member 44 that is to be positioned adjacent the grip member and shown in FIG. 5.

Body 320 may be conveniently formed by extruding from aluminum and cutting to size. The web 322 is notched as indicated at 337 to receive the indented web of the grip member 44 that is to be disposed adjacent thegrip member end shown in FIG. 5.

Assuming that the grip member 44 of FIG. 5 is that of the panel unit 20 that is to be positioned against the unit 20 that abuts the wall surface 18, the body 320, after the second panel unit 20 has been disposed for application against the first unit 20, is applied to the end of the second unit grip member 44 facing the first unit by inserting

flanges

324 and 326 of body 320 into same in the manner indicated in FIG. 5, after which the second panel unit 20 is put into edgewise alignment with the first panel unit 20 and moved thereagainst, hand device being operated as necessary to dispose the portion f the body 320 facing the observer (see FIG. 5) within the first panel unit grip member 44.

Application of subsequent units 20 and the interlocking adapter 64 are applied in like manner.

THE PANEL UNIT SIDE RAILS The side rails 48 and 50 are also conveniently formed by extruding from aluminum or the like and cutting to the desired length.

The male side rail member 48 is formed to define the pair of spaced-apart rounded shoulders 340 and each include on the laterally outer sides thereof a concave seal receiving surface 342 that is adapted to be engaged by the respective seals 52 of the female side rail that is to be positioned adjacent same.

The male side rail further defines a central web portion 344 and spaced flanges 346 that seat against the cleats 38, with appropriate screws (not shown) being applied between the web 344 and the cleats 38 at spaced points along the side rail to secure same to the panel unit. Shoulders 340 and web portion 344 define the aforementioned recess 218 in which cord 210 is disposed.

The male side rail is flanked by a pair of side flanges 348 which are spaced and proportioned to overlap the

sheets

28 and 30, as indicated in FIG. 8.

As indicated in FIG. 2A, side rail 48 is excised as at 350 to accommodate the adapter 64.

The female side rail 50 comprises a pair of spaced-apart rounded ridges 352 each formed to define a socket 354 having a mouth 356. The respective seals 52, which may be formed by extruding from any suitable elastomeric compound, each comprise a head portion 358, a neck portion 360, and a foot portion 362, that extend lengthwise of the side rail 50 and have the same length. The head and

neck portions

358 and 360 of the respective seals 52 are proportioned to be received in the respective sockets and

necks

354 and 356, and the foot portion thereof is shaped to be engaged and deflected by the respective concave surfaces 342 of the male side rail for good sealing action when the two side rails are moved in juxtaposition, metal to metal contact being contemplated between the outer edges of the respective surfaces and the ridges 352 of the female rail opposing same.

The ridges 352 of the female side rail are separated by web portion 364, which together with spaced flanges 366 abut the cleats 38 on that side of the panel unit. The female side rail also includes the flanking flanges 368 that are positioned and proportioned to be received over the side surfaces of the

panel unit sheets

28 and 30.

The female side rail is excised at its upper end as at 370 (see FIG. 2A) to accommodate the adapters 64, and is secured to the cleats 38 as by applying suitable screws through its web portion 364.

THE ADJUSTABLE BOTTOM RAIL The bottom rail or base 54 forming the panel unit shoe generally comprises a channel member 380 defining a web portion 382 and

upstanding side flanges

384 and 386 that are spaced apart to receive the lower end of the basic panel structure 24, as indicated in FIG. 7, and that end in

angled edges

385 and 387 directed toward each other and positioned to slidably engage the panel structure 24 for centering purposes.

The web portion 382 of member 380 is of special configuration and is shaped to define the spaced runners 58, the recess 60, and a flange and shoulder structure for providing a purchase to apply the adjustment devices 56 thereto, in the manner suggested by FIG. 7. For this purpose, the web portion 382 is formed to define indented wall 390, spaced shoulders 392 and spaced flanges 394 that are respectively spaced from the respective shoulders 392.

Channel members 380 also may be formed by extruding from aluminum or the like and cutting to the desired size.

The adjustment devices 56 each comprise a nut member 396 fixedly mounted in a suitable bore 398 formed in the bottom cleat 36 which threadedly receives screw member 400 defining a hex-shaped handtool engaging portion 402 that is flanged as at 404.

In the areas of the member 380 in which the adjustment devices 56 are to be mounted, the wall 390 is formed with an opening 406 proportioned to freely pass and permit rotation of the screw member hex portion 402, but not to pass the screw member portion 404. Positioned under the screw member 400, and between the respective shoulders 392 and flanges 394 is an abutment plate 408 that is secured to the wall 390 of member 380 by a suitable screw 410 at one end thereof. The other end of the plate is what the portion 404 of screw member 400 bears against when the respective panel units rest on the member 380.

It will thus be seen that in assembling the individual panel units 20, the bottom rails or bases 54 may be applied to the panel structure 24 (assuming nut members 396 have already been applied thereto) by disposing the member 380 over the lower end of the panel structure and aligning its openings 406 with the nut members 396. Screw members 400 then may be inserted through the openings 406 and then turned into nut members 396 a suitable distance, after which the respective abutment plates are inserted into the space between the shoulders 392 and flanges 394 and moved down into alignment with the respective screw members 400 for application of screws 410 The adjustment devices 56 are operated by employing a wrench or the like to engage the screw member hex portion 402 to turn the respective screw members 404 as may be necessary to have the individual panel units level in spite of any slanting conditions in the floor surface that the bottom rail or base engages.

The runners 58 are particularly useful in sliding the panel units 20, when resting on carpeted surfaces, into operating position, and as they, by their nature, embed themselves into a carpeted surface, they add to the resistance the panel offers against lateral forces.

In the showing of FIG. 7 it has been assumed that the floor surface there shown is defined by a tile covering 412. Where tiled floors are encountered, elongate runner members 62, formed from any suitable material and proportioned to be received within the panel unit base recesses 60, may be removably adhered to the tiled surface by an appropriate adhesive, and the panel units mounted over them in the manner indicated in FIG. 7, in which it will be observed that the flanges 394 rest on the members 62.

THE CLOSURE POST The'closure post 22 generally comprises an elongate channel-shaped member 420 that is proportioned to be received over the edge of the last panel unit 20 in a partition wall and cover its male side rail 48, as indicated in outline in FIG. 9. The channel member 420 may also be conveniently extruded from aluminum or the like and comprises web portion 422 and spaced flange portions 424 and 426 having their end portions 428 and 430 angled toward each other to seat behind the side flanges 348 of the male side rail of the end panel unit, it being understood that the closure post is slipped over the indicated male side rail before the end panel is erected and rests on the floor, it being suitably notched (not shown) to avoid interference with the base member.

Each of the corners 425 and 427 of the channel member 420 define a slot 429, each with a narrow mouth 431, which slots 429 are designed to receive the respective seals 433 that are similar in design and material to seals 52 described above, so as to act as a light seal and sound barrier between the closure post and the abutting wall when the closure post is used as indicated in FIG. 9.

The channel member 420 is secured to the indicated male side rail by several securing devices 70 (see FIG. 11), each of which comprises a lazytong linkage 432 in the form of links 434 pivoted as at joints 436 and pivotally connected to

bracket members

438 and 440, respectively, by

suitable joints

450 and 452.

The bracket 438 is affixed to the web 344 of the male side rail by appropriate screws 442 while the bracket 440 is secured to the web portion 422 of member 420 by appropriate screws 444.

The joint 452 is arranged for tightening to fix the lazytongs linkages 432 in a fixed position of adjustment, and for this purpose, a socket head cap screw 460 extends loosely through sleeve 461, the bracket 440, and the links 434 for threaded engagement with a nut 462 fixed to the bracket 440. The flange 424 of member 420 is formed with a suitable access opening 464 to apply a suitable hex wrench to the screw 460 for purposes of turning same relative to the nut 462 to clamp the sleeve 461 against the bracket 440, and thus clamp linkage members 434 that are coupled to bracket 440 against pivotal movement, when the member 424 has been positioned at the desired position of adjustment relative to the end panel unit 20 (the range of adjustment possibilities being suggested by the two position showing ofFIG. 9). h

At the upper end of the closure post in adapter member 466 is provided which is telescopingly received within the upper portion of member 424 from which it extends upwardly to receive and overlie the end of the grip member 44 adjacent same. Adapter member 466 is of channel-shaped configuration complementing that of member 420 and may be secured in place in the assembled position by employing suitable screws or the like to connect same to the member 424.

In the showing of FIG. 10, the closure post is applied to a panel unit 20 that is disposed short of the wall 19, for the purpose of serving as the basis on which to start other partition walls that may extend in any one of or all of the directions indicated in FIG. 10. The respective members 420 define the planar abutment surfaces 72, 74 and 76 against which other panel units 20 may be applied, their seals 52 being inverted for sealing engagement with the respective surfaces 72, 74 and 76 in the manner indicated. For this application of the closure post, in which it serves as a corner post, seals 433 may be omitted.

It will therefore be seen that this invention provides a portable partition arrangement having a number of significant improvements.

Of primary significance is the reverse of upward spring pressure action that is achieved by this development, whereby the partition grip member can follow upward movements of ceiling surfaces with increased upward force, with the permissible travel provided by the unit. Conversely, downward deflections of the ceiling are met with reduced upward pressure so that damage to the ceiling surface is avoided,

The point of operation of the expansion element is not in the side surface of the panel, and does not require a stepladder to operate. Furthermore, the entire spring mechanism is housed within the top rail ofthe partition so that the partition itself can be a simplified sandwich construction.

Any particular panel unit of a given standard width can be made a starter or closure panel, as well as an intermediate panel, though in any installation odd size panel units will be needed to fill in partition gaps that are not of the standard size. The bottom rail or base is provided with runners to facilitate movement along the plane of the panel unit and in the case of installation on carpeted floors, prohibit lateral movement of the panels. Where tiled or comparable surfaced floors are encountered, simplified runner members removably adhere to the floor and received within the bottom rail serve the same purpose.

No penetration or damage to the floor or ceiling surfaces is required to install the panel units of this invention.

The foregoing description and the drawings are given merely to explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not to be limited thereto, except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, since those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. in a panel unit for portable partitions wherein said unit comprises a panel structure adapted to extend substantially between upper and lower room surfaces, and includes an open-topped recess extending along the upper end thereof and in the plane of the panel structure, a grip member extending substantially the width of said panel structure and mounted within said recess, with said grip member being movable for a limited travel vertically of said panel structure between a retracted and inoperative position along the top of the panel structure within said recess and an extended position projecting from said recess with said grip member being adapted to engage the upper room surface when in a position intermediate said positions, and means for spring biasing said grip member for movement toward said extended position, the improvement wherein:

said spring biasing means comprises:

a lever device articulated between said panel structure and said grip member,

said lever device comprising:

a plurality rigid links connected in leverage applying relation between said grip member and said panel structure and acting in the plane of said panel structure to swing between retracted positions wherein they extend generally longitudinally of said member to dispose said grip member in its said retracted position, and extended positions wherein they are upwardly angled relative to said recess to dispose said grip member in its said extended position,

spring means acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said grip member and connected to said links for biasing same to said extended positions of the links thereof, with the biasing action of said spring means on said lever device acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said grip member,

and stop means for defining the upper limit of said grip member travel,

whereby the pressure that said grip member makes on the room upper surface under the action of said spring means through said lever device increases in relation to the displacement upwardly of said grip member from said retracted position toward said extended position thereof up to a maximum displacement of said grip member from said retracted position to said extended position thereof,

said grip member travel being proportioned to include at least a substantial portion of said grip member maxim um displacement.

2. In a panel unit for portable partitions, said unit comprising:

a panel structure adapted to extend substantially between upper and lower room surfaces, and including a channelshaped member extending along the upper end thereof and in the plane of the panel structure,

a grip member extending substantially the width of said panel structure and mounted within said channel member,

said grip member substantially paralleling said channel member and being movable for a limited travel vertically of said panel structure between a retracted inoperative position along the top of the panel structure within said channel member and an extended position projecting from said channel member with said grip member being adapted to engage the upper room surface when in a position intermediate said positions,

and means for spring biasing said grip member for movement toward said extended position,

said spring biasing means comprising:

a lever device articulated between said channel member and said grip member,

said lever device comprising:

a plurality rigid links connected in leverage applying relation between said members and acting in the plane of said panel structure to swing between retracted positions wherein they extend generally longitudinally of said members to dispose said grip member in its said retracted position, and extended positions wherein they are upwardly angled relative to said channel member to dispose said grip member in its said extended position,

spring means acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said members and connected to said links for biasing same to said extended positions of the links thereof, with the biasing action of said spring means on said lever device acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said grip member,

and stop means for defining the upper limit of said grip member travel,

said grip member travel being proportioned to include at least a substantial portion of said grip member maximum displacement.

3. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said unit adjacent the respective side edges thereof includes a stabilizing device acting between said grip member and said panel structure,

said stabilizing devices each comprising a rod member anchored in said panel structure and projecting into the path of movement of said grip member between said retracted and extended positions,

said rod members extending substantially parallel to said path of movement,

and a follower slidably mounted on each of said rod members and keyed to said grip member.

4. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said unit includes along each side edge thereof a side rail structure adapted to complement the side rail of an identical unit placed in juxtaposition to same in abutting edge to edge relationship,

and including an adapter element carried by one end of said grip member and proportioned to be received in and substantially complement the end portion of a like panel unit grip member placed in juxtaposition to same.

5. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said unit at its lower end includes a base assembly comprising:

a pair of stud members threadedly mounted in said panel structure adjacent each side edge thereof and extending substantially parallel thereto and projecting downwardly of the lower end of said panel structure,

a channel member received over the said lower end of said panel structure,

and nut means threaded on the respective stud members and coupled to said base assembly channel member for adjustably positioning said base assembly channel member relative to said panel structure to accommodate canted floors and the like,

said base assembly channel member defining the lower room surface engaging portion of said unit.

6. The panel unit set forth in claim 5 wherein:

the portion of said base assembly channel member defining said unit portion is shaped to define spaced narrow runners extending parallel to the plane of said unit for engaging carpeted surfaces and permitting ready sliding movement of said unit therealong.

7. The panel unit set forth in claim 6 wherein:

said runners of said base assembly channel member portion are spaced apart to receive between same an abutment member adhered to hard surfaced floors.

8. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said lever device rigid links each comprising a lever of substantially rectilinear configuration,

each of said levers having operably associated therewith a cross lever of rectilinear configuration,

with the respective levers and cross levers being pivoted together into lazytong pairs and the like ends of said same operably engaging said grip member and the other ends thereof operably engaging said channel member,

and wherein said spring means comprises tension spring means connected between said lazytong pairs.

9. The panel unit set forth in claim 8 wherein:

in each said lazytong pairs said like ends of said levers are pivotally connected to said grip member and said other ends thereof have roller means interposed between same and said channel member, and said like ends of said cross levers have roller means interposed between same and said grip member and said other ends thereof are pivotally connected to said channel member.

10. The panel unit set forth in claim 9 including:

means for moving said lever devices to said retracted positions thereof against the action of said spring means and comprising cord means interconnecting the levers of one of said lazytong pairs for swinging same to said retracted position thereof against the action of said spring means,

said cord means extending down along one of side rails of said units,

and means for releasably latching said cord means against movement under the bias of said spring means,

said side rail being recessed to receive said cord means and said latching means therefor.

11. The assembly set forth in claim 4 including:

an end post therefor for covering one side edge of said unit,

said end post comprising:

a channel member received over the panel unit side rail of said side edge and defining planar side and end surfaces adapted to be engaged by side rails of like panel units,

means for securing said end post channel member to said unit side edge including means for adjusting the position of same relative to the panel unit side rail received within same, said end post at the upper end thereof including a supplemental channel member applied over the end of the grip member of said panel unit adjacent same.

Claims

1. In a panel unit for portable partitions wherein said unit comprises a panel structure adapted to extend substantially between upper and lower room surfaces, and includes an opentopped recess extending along the upper end thereof and in the plane of the panel structure, a grip member extending substantially the width of said panel structure and mounted within said recess, with said grip member being movable for a limited travel vertically of said panel structure between a retracted and inoperative position along the top of the panel structure within said recess and an extended position projecting from said recess with said grip member being adapted to engage the upper room surface when in a position intermediate said positions, and means for spring biasing said grip member for movement toward said extended position, the improvement wherein: said spring biasing means comprises: a lever device articulated between said panel structure and said grip member, said lever device comprising: a plurality rigid links connected in leverage applying relation between said grip member and said panel structure and acting in the plane of said panel structure to swing between retracted positions wherein they extend generally longitudinally of said member to dispose said grip member in its said retracted position, and extended positions wherein they are upwardly angled relative to said recess to dispose said grip member in its said extended position, spring means acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said grip member and connected to said links for biasing same to said extended positions of the links thereof, with the biasing action of said spring means on said lever device acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said grip member, and stop means for defining the upper limit of said grip member travel, whereby the pressure that said grip member makes on the room upper surface under the action of said spring means through said lever device increases in relation to the displacement upwardly of said grip member from said retracted position toward said extended position thereof up to a maximum displacement of said grip member from said retracted position to said extended position thereof, said grip member travel being proportioned to include at least a substantial portion of said grip member maximum displacement.

2. In a panel unit for portable partitions, said unit comprising: a panel structure adapted to extend substantially between upper and lower room surfaces, and including a channel-shaped member extending along the upper end thereof and in the plane of the panel structure, a grip member extending substantially the width of said panel structure and mounted within said channel member, said grip member substantially paralleling said channel member and being movable for a limited travel vertically of said panel structure between a retracted inoperative position along the top of the panel structure within said channel member and an extended position projecting from said channel member with said grip member being adapted to engage the upper room surface when in a position intermediate said positions, and means For spring biasing said grip member for movement toward said extended position, said spring biasing means comprising: a lever device articulated between said channel member and said grip member, said lever device comprising: a plurality rigid links connected in leverage applying relation between said members and acting in the plane of said panel structure to swing between retracted positions wherein they extend generally longitudinally of said members to dispose said grip member in its said retracted position, and extended positions wherein they are upwardly angled relative to said channel member to dispose said grip member in its said extended position, spring means acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said members and connected to said links for biasing same to said extended positions of the links thereof, with the biasing action of said spring means on said lever device acting substantially parallel to and longitudinally of said grip member, and stop means for defining the upper limit of said grip member travel, whereby the pressure that said grip member makes on the room upper surface under the action of said spring means through said lever device increases in relation to the displacement upwardly of said grip member from said retracted position toward said extended position thereof up to a maximum displacement of said grip member from said retracted position to said extended position thereof, said grip member travel being proportioned to include at least a substantial portion of said grip member maximum displacement.

3. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein: said unit adjacent the respective side edges thereof includes a stabilizing device acting between said grip member and said panel structure, said stabilizing devices each comprising a rod member anchored in said panel structure and projecting into the path of movement of said grip member between said retracted and extended positions, said rod members extending substantially parallel to said path of movement, and a follower slidably mounted on each of said rod members and keyed to said grip member.

4. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein: said unit includes along each side edge thereof a side rail structure adapted to complement the side rail of an identical unit placed in juxtaposition to same in abutting edge to edge relationship, and including an adapter element carried by one end of said grip member and proportioned to be received in and substantially complement the end portion of a like panel unit grip member placed in juxtaposition to same.

5. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein: said unit at its lower end includes a base assembly comprising: a pair of stud members threadedly mounted in said panel structure adjacent each side edge thereof and extending substantially parallel thereto and projecting downwardly of the lower end of said panel structure, a channel member received over the said lower end of said panel structure, and nut means threaded on the respective stud members and coupled to said base assembly channel member for adjustably positioning said base assembly channel member relative to said panel structure to accommodate canted floors and the like, said base assembly channel member defining the lower room surface engaging portion of said unit.

6. The panel unit set forth in claim 5 wherein: the portion of said base assembly channel member defining said unit portion is shaped to define spaced narrow runners extending parallel to the plane of said unit for engaging carpeted surfaces and permitting ready sliding movement of said unit therealong.

7. The panel unit set forth in claim 6 wherein: said runners of said base assembly channel member portion are spaced apart to receive between same an abutment member adhered to hard surfaced floors.

8. The panel unit set forth in claim 2 wherein: said lever device rigid links each comprising a lever of substantially rectilinear configuration, each of said levers having operably associated therewith a cross lever of rectilinear configuration, with the respective levers and cross levers being pivoted together into lazytong pairs and the like ends of said same operably engaging said grip member and the other ends thereof operably engaging said channel member, and wherein said spring means comprises tension spring means connected between said lazytong pairs.

9. The panel unit set forth in claim 8 wherein: in each said lazytong pairs said like ends of said levers are pivotally connected to said grip member and said other ends thereof have roller means interposed between same and said channel member, and said like ends of said cross levers have roller means interposed between same and said grip member and said other ends thereof are pivotally connected to said channel member.

10. The panel unit set forth in claim 9 including: means for moving said lever devices to said retracted positions thereof against the action of said spring means and comprising cord means interconnecting the levers of one of said lazytong pairs for swinging same to said retracted position thereof against the action of said spring means, said cord means extending down along one of side rails of said units, and means for releasably latching said cord means against movement under the bias of said spring means, said side rail being recessed to receive said cord means and said latching means therefor.

11. The assembly set forth in claim 4 including: an end post therefor for covering one side edge of said unit, said end post comprising: a channel member received over the panel unit side rail of said side edge and defining planar side and end surfaces adapted to be engaged by side rails of like panel units, means for securing said end post channel member to said unit side edge including means for adjusting the position of same relative to the panel unit side rail received within same, said end post at the upper end thereof including a supplemental channel member applied over the end of the grip member of said panel unit adjacent same.