WO2019100110A1

WO2019100110A1 - Partition system

Info

Publication number: WO2019100110A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/051245
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark STANHOPE; Amanda Hancock; Edward Joseph Khoury
Original assignee: Intelligent Office Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-24
Filing date: 2018-11-21
Publication date: 2019-05-31
Also published as: CN111386372A; EP3714113A4; SG11202004678PA; AU2018373492A1; EP3714113A1

Abstract

A partition system comprising a plurality of panels (12) connectable together adjacent vertical edges thereof. A lower track (44) is provided having a plurality of locators (50) at intervals along the length thereof. Height adjustable legs (36) are provided extending outwardly from lower edges of each of the panels (12), the height of the legs (36) being adjustable by rotation of the legs (36). Each of legs (36) is engageable with one of the locators (50) such that lateral movement of the leg (36) relative to the lower track (44) is restricted and the legs (36) may be rotated while engaged with the locators to adjust the height of the leg (36).

Description

“PARTITION SYSTEM”

Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a system for partitioning the interior of a building.

Background to the Invention

[002] Partition walls are commonly used inside office buildings and other similar structures. Providing such walls allows the workspace to be configured to suit the occupants, and also allows later reconfiguration as needs change. Such partitions generally comprise a series of panels which must be supported in place and then fixed to the floor, ceiling and adjacent panels. The panels may include windows or doors and are designed to divide the available space into multiple areas as required.

[003] The present invention relates to a partition system comprising a plurality of panels for dividing a workspace. The panels include features aimed at allowing easy alignment and installation in a form which is simple to configure in a variety of ways.

Summary of the Invention

[004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a partition system comprising:

a plurality of panels connectable together adjacent vertical edges thereof; a lower track having a plurality of locators provided at intervals along the length thereof;

height adjustable legs provided extending outwardly from lower edges of each of the panels, the height of the legs being adjustable by rotation of the legs; wherein each of legs is engageable with one of the locators such that lateral movement of the leg relative to the lower track is restricted and the legs may be rotated while engaged with the locators to adjust the height of the legs.

[005] Preferably the locators comprise protrusions provided at regular intervals along the length of the lower track having a shape complementary to the shape of lower surfaces of feet provided on the legs.

[006] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions are circular and are dimensioned to be received in circular recesses provided in the lower surfaces of the feet.

[007] Preferably the panels are provided in widths being multiples of the spacing between the protrusions.

[008] Preferably the lower track is provided with markings midway between the locators for cutting the lower track such that when sections of lower track are laid end to end the spacing between the protrusions is maintained.

[009] In a preferred embodiment, the lower track comprises an elongate member having a base wall on which the locators are provided and transverse edge portions extending upwardly from the longitudinal edges of the base wall.

[010] Preferably each foot includes a head on an upper side thereof engageable with a tool.

[011 ] In a preferred embodiment, the head comprises a hex head.

[012] In a preferred embodiment, each panel is formed from one or more planar members having edge frames secured along vertical edges thereof, each of the edge frames including a longitudinal channel having a latch therein, the latch being moveable between a retracted position, in which the latch is contained within the channel, and an extended position, in which the latch extends from the channel such that opposed sides of the latch engage against opposed inner surfaces of the channel to restrict relative lateral movement of the adjacent panels.

[013] Preferably the channel is defined between first and second side walls and an interconnecting wall extending between the first and second side walls and wherein the latch is mounted between the first and second side walls for rotation between the retracted and extended positions.

[014] Preferably the latch includes lugs on opposed sides thereof to be received in holes in the first and second side walls and wherein the lugs are engageable to rotate the latch between the extended and retracted positions.

[015] Preferably the lugs include slots for engagement by a tool for rotation of the latch.

[016] In a preferred embodiment, the latch comprises a channel member formed from a first wall, a second wall and an intermediate wall, the lugs being located on the first and second walls.

[017] Preferably the latch includes a mechanism to fix the latch in either the extended or retracted position.

[018] Preferably first and second grooves are provided on outer surfaces the first and second walls of the channel member, the grooves being perpendicular to each other and being arranged to receive longitudinal ribs provided on inner surfaces of the channel in either the extended or retracted positions to restrict movement of the latch.

[019] Preferably the interconnecting walls of the edge frames include a cylindrical wall portion defining a threaded bore for receiving a threaded shaft of the leg.

[020] Preferably the first and second side walls each include an outwardly extending flange to engage against a vertical edge of a planar member such that a pair of planar members are supported between each pair of edge frames. [021 ] Preferably securing strips are provided for securing the edge frame of each panel to the edge frame of an adjacent panel, each securing strip comprising an elongate member to be received in a space between the flanges of adjacent edge frames and a pair of arms extending outwardly from the elongate member to engage with lip portions extending outwardly from ends of the first and second side walls of the edge frames.

[022] Preferably inner surfaces of the arms include notches which receive widened end portions of the lip portions in order to locate the securing strips relative to the adjacent edge frames.

[023] Preferably cable channels are provided comprising elongate tubular members to be received between ends of adjacent panels, each of the cable channels comprising a tubular member being located between the lip portions of adjacent panels.

[024] Preferably each of the cable channels includes front and rear walls and interconnecting edge walls and a cover which can be engaged across an opening defined in the front wall.

[025] Preferably the cable channels are provided with one or more connector modules, each of the connector modules being connectable together in series to extend outwardly through the opening and including a socket for connection to a corresponding cable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[026] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[027] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a panel of the partition system of the present invention;

[028] Figure 2a is a top view of an edge of a first panel of the partition system; [029] Figure 2b is a top view of an edge of a second panel of the partition system;

[030] Figure 2c is a top view of the first and second panels located adjacent each other for connection by securing strips;

[031 ] Figure 3a is an upper perspective view of a portion of a lower track of the partition system of the present invention;

[032] Figure 3b is a top view of the lower track of Figure 3a;

[033] Figure 3c is a cross sectional view of the lower track of Figure 3b through the line D - D;

[034] Figure 4a is a side cross-sectional view showing a lower end of a panel engaged with the lower track in a lowered position;

[035] Figure 4b is a side cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the panel engaged with the lower track in a raised position;

[036] Figure 5 is an upper perspective view showing engagement of a lower end of the panel with the lower track;

[037] Figure 6a is a side view showing a plurality of panels of the partition system prior to engagement;

[038] Figure 6b is a close up view of the latch of one of the panels in the retracted position;

[039] Figure 6c is a top view of the edge frame of the panel showing the latch in the extended position;

[040] Figure 6d is an upper perspective view showing the latch in the extended position;

[041 ] Figure 6e is an upper perspective view of the latch;

[042] Figure 7a is a side cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a panel prior to engagement with an upper track;

[043] Figure 7b is a side cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the panel engaged with the upper track;

[044] Figure 8 is a top cross-sectional view showing a first joiner for connecting together four panels;

[045] Figure 9 is a top cross-sectional view showing a second joiner for connecting together three panels;

[046] Figure 10 is a top cross-sectional view showing a third joiner for connecting together two panels; [047] Figure 11 is a top view of an end piece connected to the edge frame of the panel;

[048] Figure 12 is a top view of a door connected between panels having the end pieces of Figure 11 ;

[049] Figure 13 is a top cross-sectional view showing cable channels secured between an adjacent pair of panels;

[050] Figure 14 is a top view showing connector modules received within the cable channels;

[051 ] Figure 15a is a front view showing a plurality of connector modules received in the cable channels;

[052] Figure 15b is an exploded view showing a plurality of connector modules;

[053] Figure 16 is a top cross sectional view showing panels including glass panes;

[054] Figure 17a is a front view of a panel utilising a glass pane;

[055] Figure 17b is a cross sectional view of the panel of Figure 17a through the line J - J;

[056] Figure 17c is a close up view of an end of the panel of Figure 17b;

[057] Figure 18a is a front view of the panel including a glass pane;

[058] Figure 18b is a cross sectional view of the panel of Figure 18a through the line G - G;

[059] Figure 18c is a close up view of a lower end of the panel of Figure 18b;

[060] Figure 18d is a close up view of an upper end of the panel of Figure 18b;

[061 ] Figure 19a is a top view showing an end of a panel of the partition system prior to connection with a mullion; and

[062] Figure 19b is a top view showing the panel connected to the mullion.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[063] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a partition system comprising a plurality of panels 12. The panels 12 are provided to be connected together in a variety of configurations such that the connected panels 12 form internal partition walls which may be used to divide an interior of a building.

[064] Each of the panels 12 comprises one or more planar members 14 secured between a pair of edge frames 16. Each of the edge frames 16 comprises an elongate member secured along a vertical edge of the planar members 14. The planar members 14 in the embodiment shown each comprise rectangular panels which may be formed of any suitable material. The planar members 14 may, for example, be formed from parallel sheets 18 secured to either side of a core material 20, using the type of construction generally used for interior doors.

[065] In the embodiment shown, each of the edge frames 16 is provided for receiving the edges of the two parallel planar members 14. The planar members 14 are secured to the edge frame 16 such that a gap 22 is formed between the planar members 14 to improve the insulating properties of the panel 12.

[066] Each of the edge frames 16 includes a channel 24 extending along the length thereof. The channel 24 is arranged to extend in a direction generally away from the planar members 14. In the embodiment shown, the channel 24 is defined by parallel first and second side walls 26 and 27 connected by an interconnecting wall 28. The interconnecting wall 28 extends perpendicularly to the first and second side walls 26 and 27 and is offset away from an inner end of the first and second side walls 26 and 27 towards an outer end thereof. The first and second side walls 26 and 27 and the interconnecting wall 28 thereby define a generally H-shaped extrusion.

[067] The first and second side walls 26 and 27 each include a flange 30 extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof. The flanges 30 extend perpendicularly to the first and second side walls 26 and 27 and are located in the embodiment shown generally between the interconnecting wall 28 and the outer ends of the side walls 26 and 27.

[068] The flanges 30 are provided for engaging with vertical edges of the planar members 14. The vertical edges of the planar members 14 engage against the flanges 30 and side surfaces of the planar members 14 adjacent the vertical edges engage against the outer surfaces of the first and second side walls 26 and 27 (as best seen in Figure 2). The planar members 14 may be secured to the edge frames 16 by appropriate means, such as adhesive or fasteners.

[069] Each of the edge frames 16 is provided with a threaded bore 32 adjacent at least the lower end thereof. In the embodiment shown, a cylindrical wall portion 34 is provided extending centrally along the length of the interconnecting wall 28. The cylindrical wall portion 34 includes an internal thread for receiving a leg 36 on which the panel 12 is supported. Each of the panels 12 is provided with a pair of legs 36 to be received into the bores 32 of each of the edge frames 16.

[070] The legs 36 each comprise a threaded shaft 38 which is received into one of the bores 32 from the lower ends of the edge frame 16. Each of the legs 36 also includes a foot 40 on a lower end thereof. Each foot 40 comprises a circular member having a head 42 engageable with a tool. The head 42, in the embodiment shown, comprises a hex head provided adjacent an upper surface of the foot 40 adjacent the shaft 38.

[071 ] The panels 12 of the partition system are provided to be located relative to a lower track 44. The lower track 44 is to be placed along the floor at the desired location of the formed partition and lower edges of the panels 12 are located relative to the lower track 44. The lower track 44 comprises an elongate member having a base wall 46 including transverse edge portions 48 extending upwardly from the longitudinal edges thereof. The base wall 46 of the lower track 44 includes a plurality of locators provided along the length thereof, each of the locators being engageable with the foot 40 of one of the legs 36. The locators in the embodiment shown comprise protrusions 50 provided at regular intervals along the length of the lower track 44.

[072] The protrusions 50 are provided having a complementary shape to that of lower surfaces of the feet 40 such that when the lower surfaces of the feet 40 are engaged with one of the protrusions 50, the feet 40 are restricted from moving laterally relative to the protrusions 50. The protrusions 50 in the embodiment shown each comprise circular protrusion 50. The circular protrusions 50 are dimensioned to be received in circular recesses 52 provided in the lower surfaces of the feet 40. The feet 40, and thereby the legs 36, can therefore be rotated while engaged with the lugs 50. The panels 12 are provided in widths being multiples of the spacing between the protrusions 50. In one embodiment, the protrusions 50 may be located at spacings of 60mm. Engaging a panel 12 with the lugs 50 in the lower track 44 thereby ensures that adjacent panels 12 can be accurately located relative to said panel 12 by engaging the feet 40 of the adjacent panel 12 with of the protrusions 50 within the lower track 44.

[073] The lower track 44 may be provided with markings 54 midway between the protrusions 50. The markings 54 are provided for cutting the lower track such that sections of lower track 44 laid adjacent each other maintain the spacing between the protrusions 50. The lower track 44 is provided also with ribs 56 along the length thereof. The ribs 56 are located on either side of the protrusions 50 and comprise triangular shaped ribs in the embodiment shown.

[074] The partition system is provided also with an upper track 58 (as can be seen in Figure 7). The upper track 58 comprises a channel into which is received an upper edge of each of the panels 12. As shown in Figure 5, the panel 12 may be placed in position on the lower track 44 such that the feet 40 engage with a pair of the protrusions 50. The panel 12 may then be moved into a vertical position and the legs 36 rotated such that the legs 36 extend outwardly from the lower edge of the panel 12. The panel 12 thereby moves upwardly until the upper track 58 is located adjacent the ceiling.

[075] The upper track 58 comprises an upper channel 126 being generally U- shaped having opposed side walls 124 which extend downwardly from opposed sides thereof. The side walls 124 are provided to extend on opposed sides of the panel 12 adjacent the upper end. The side walls 124 are secured relative to the upper channel 16 such that the side walls 124 can flex inwardly and outwardly relative to the upper channel 126. In the embodiment shown, thinned portions 128 are proved adjacent the connection between the upper channel 126 and the side walls 124 to allow this flexing. The upper track 58 includes also inner arms 130 which are connected adjacent proximal ends of the side walls 124. The inner arms 130 are angled to engage with the upper edge of the panel 12 such that this engagement flexes the side walls 124 inwardly. Therefore, when the panel 12 is received within the upper track 58 and engages the panel 12, the side walls 124 of the upper track 58 are moved into engagement with the side surfaces of the panel 12.

[076] Each of the panels 12 includes at least one latch 60 for locating the panel 12 in the same plane as an adjacent panel 12. The latch 60 is provided in the channel 24 of one of the edge frames 16. The latch 60 comprises a member rotatably mounted between the first side wall 26 and the second side wall 27. The latch 60 includes lugs 62 on opposed sides thereof which are received in corresponding holes in the first and second side walls 26 and 27 to allow rotation relative to the channel 24.

[077] The latch 60 is rotatable between a retracted position (as can be seen in Figure 6b) and an extended position (as can be seen in Figures 6c and 6d). In the retracted position, the latch 60 is contained within the extents of the channel 24. In the extended position, a portion of the latch 60 extends outwardly from the channel 24 such that the extending portion of the latch 60 is received within the channel 24 of the edge frame 16 of an adjacent panel 12.

[078] The latch 60 includes a rotation mechanism provided to rotate the latch 60 between the extended and retracted positions from outside the channel 24. The rotation mechanism in the embodiment shown comprises a slot 64 provided in ends of the lugs 62 accessible from an outer side of the side walls 26 and 27. A suitable tool, such as a screwdriver, may be engaged into the slot 64 to rotate the latch 60 between the retracted and extended positions.

[079] The latch 60 has a width such that opposed sides thereof are located adjacent opposed inner sides of the channel 24. When the latch 60 is received within the channel 24, the opposed sides of the latch 60 therefore engage against inner sides of the channel 24 to locate the panel 12 on which the latch 60 is provided relative to the adjacent panel 12 and restrict relative lateral movement. The latch 60 in the embodiment shown comprises a channel member 66. The channel member 66 comprises a U-shaped member formed from a first wall 68, a second wall 69 and an intermediate wall 70. The first and second walls 68 and 69 are spaced apart and parallel to each other and the intermediate wall 70 extends between the first and second walls 68 and 69 perpendicular to the first and second walls 68 and 69. The lugs 62 are provided on outer surfaces of the first and second walls 68 and 69. Outer surfaces of the first and second walls 68 and 69 engage with opposed inner sides of the channel 24 of the adjacent panel 12 in use.

[080] The latch 60 includes also a mechanism to fix the latch 60 in either the extended or retracted position. The mechanism in the embodiment shown comprises first and second grooves 72 and 73 provided on outer surfaces of the first and second walls 68 and 69 of the channel member 66. The grooves

72 and 73 are perpendicular to each other and arranged to each receive ribs 95 which are provided extending longitudinally along inner surfaces of the first and second side walls 26 and 27 of the channel 24 when the grooves 24 are aligned with the ribs 95. The ribs 95 therefore engage into the grooves 72 or

73 when the latch 60 is in either the retracted or extended position.

[081 ] As shown in Figure 5, a panel 12 may be engaged with the lower track 44 and tilted to a vertical position so that the panel 12 is coplanar with an adjacent panel 12. The latch 60 may then be rotated from the retracted position to the extended position, such that it engages into the channel 24 of the newly installed panel 12. The latch 60 thereby holds the panels 12 relative to each other such that the panels 12 are coplanar.

[082] The partition system is provided also with securing strips 76 for securing the edge frame 16 of each panel 12 to the edge frame 16 of an adjacent panel 12. Each of the securing strips comprises an elongate member to be received in the space between the flanges 30 of adjacent edge frames 16. The securing strips 76 comprise tubular members 78, having a generally rectangular cross section, to be received within the space defined between the flanges 30 and the side walls 26 and 27 (as can be seen in Figure 2c). [083] Outer ends of the first and second side walls 26 and 27 include transverse lip portions 80 extending outwardly parallel to the flanges 30. The securing strips 76 each include a pair of arms 82 extending outwardly from a first side of the tubular member 78. The arms 82 are angled outwardly away from each other such that distal ends of the arms 82 are further apart than proximal ends. The space between the arms 82 is dimensioned to receive the lip portions 80. Inner surfaces of the arms 82 include notches 84 which receive widened end portions 86 of the lip portions 80 in order to locate the securing strips 76 relative to the adjacent edge frames 16.

[084] The partition system is provided with a plurality of joiners 88 which are provided to connect between two or more adjacent panels 12. Each of the joiners 88 comprises a central member 90 being an elongate tubular member to be located adjacent and parallel to the edge frame 16 of the adjacent panels 12. In the embodiment shown, the central member 90 comprises a tubular member of square transverse cross section. The central member 90 includes also a cylindrical wall 91 in the same manner as the cylindrical walls 34 on the edge frame 16 such that the cylindrical wall 91 may receive a leg 36 for supporting the joiners 88.

[085] The central member 90 includes protruding portions extending outwardly from along the length thereof to be received within the channels 24 of adjacent panels 12. In the embodiment shown, each of the protruding portions comprises a pair of parallel walls 92 dimensioned to be received adjacent inner surfaces of the first and second side walls 26 and 27 of the edge frame 16. The walls 92 includes surface features to engage with corresponding surface features on the side walls 26 and 27 to locate the walls 92 relative to the channel 24. In the embodiment shown, the surface features comprise longitudinal grooves 94 on outer surfaces of the walls 92 which receive the ribs 95 on inner surfaces of the side walls 26 and 27.

[086] In the embodiment of Figure 8, the joiner 88 is provided with four such protruding portions extending from perpendicular sides of the central member 90. The joiner 88 of Figure 8 may therefore be used to connect together four adjacent panels 12 in an X-configuration. The joiner 88 of Figure 9 includes three such protrusions for forming a T-shaped connection. The joiner 88 of Figure 10 includes two such protrusions for forming a corner. The joiners 88 of Figures 9 and 10 include also cover plates 132 to cover across the open sides.

[087] The panels 12 may be provided also with an end piece 96 to engage with an edge frame 16 of a panel 12 to be located adjacent a door. The end piece 96 comprises an elongate extrusion to engage with the edge frame 16. The end piece 96 includes a longitudinal projection 98 to engage against a side surface of a door 100 as can be seen in Figures 10 to 12.

[088] As can be seen in Figures 16 to 18, some panels 12 may be formed to receive a glass panel 102. Such panels 12 may therefore be used to create a window within the formed partition. These panels 12 include a glass frame 104 which is provided to engage with a pair of edge frames 16. The glass frame 104 is provided for receiving the glass panel 102 in order to support the glass panel 102 between the edge frames 16.

[089] The system is provided also with cable channels 106. The cable channels 106 comprise elongate tubular members to be received between ends of adjacent panels 12. As shown in Figure 13, each of the cable channels 106 comprises a tubular member having a rectangular cross section. A first cable channel 106 is located between the lip portions 80 of the first side walls 26 of adjacent panels 12 and a second cable channel 106 is located between the lip portions 80 of the second side walls 27 of the adjacent panels 12. Each of the cable channels 106 includes front and rear walls 118 and 119 and interconnecting edge walls 116. The edge walls 116 engage adjacent the lip portions 80 of the edge frame 16 of the adjacent panels 12.

[090] Each of the cable channels 106 includes an elongate opening 108 on a first side thereof and second opposed sides of the cable channel 106 engage together generally adjacent the centre of the channel 24. The opening 108 is located to be facing outwardly and is provided with a cover 110 which can be engaged across the opening 108. The cable channels 106 are provided also with cover flanges 112 extending outwardly from adjacent the opening 108 to engage against the flanges 30 of the adjacent edge frame 16. Further, securing flanges 114 are provided extending outwardly from the first side of the cable channel 106 to be adjacent the edge walls 116 of the cable channel 106. The lip portions 80 are received between the securing flanges 114 and the edge walls 116 to locate the cable channels 106.

[091 ] The cable channels 106 are provided to receive one or more connector modules 120. Each of the connector modules 120 may be received and secured within the opening 108 and includes a socket for connection to a corresponding cable. The connector modules 120 may comprise power connector modules for providing a standard power socket, USB connector modules for connection to USB cables, ethernet connection modules for connection to ethernet cables or may include other types of connections. The connector modules 120 are connectable in series such that a selection of appropriate modules may be connected together as required and received within the opening 108, with power and data being passed along the series connected modules 120. The cover 110 is then cut to fit the space above the connector modules 120.

[092] The partition system is provided also with a skirting panel 122 (as shown in Figure 4). The skirting panels 122 connect to the transverse edge portion 48 of the lower track 44 and extend upwardly to cover the gap between the lower track 44 and the lower edge of the panels 12. Cables may be run in the space behind the skirting panels 122 to connect to the connector modules 120.

[093] The panels 12 of the partition system 10 may also be connected up against a window by a further end piece 96. The end piece 96 engages to the endmost panel 12 in a similar manner to that describe previous and includes a pair of outwardly extending mullion flanges 134 (as shown in Figure 19). The flanges 34 are provided to receive a mullion 136. The mullion flanges 134 are flexible and angled slightly inwardly such that the mullion flanges 134 are flexed outwardly and engage against the outer sides of the mullion. [094] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

1. A partition system comprising:

2. A partition system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the locators comprise protrusions provided at regular intervals along the length of the lower track having a shape complementary to the shape of lower surfaces of feet provided on the legs.

3. A partition system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the protrusions are circular and are dimensioned to be received in circular recesses provided in the lower surfaces of the feet.

4. A partition system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the panels are provided in widths being multiples of the spacing between the protrusions.

5. A partition system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower track is provided with markings midway between the locators for cutting the lower track such that when sections of lower track are laid end to end the spacing between the protrusions is maintained.

6. A partition system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower track comprises an elongate member having a base wall on which the locators are provided and transverse edge portions extending upwardly from the longitudinal edges of the base wall.

7. A partition system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each foot includes a head on an upper side thereof engageable with a tool.

8. A partition system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the head comprises a hex head.

9. A partition system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each panel is formed from one or more planar members having edge frames secured along vertical edges thereof, each of the edge frames including a longitudinal channel having a latch therein, the latch being moveable between a retracted position, in which the latch is contained within the channel, and an extended position, in which the latch extends from the channel such that opposed sides of the latch engage against opposed inner surfaces of the channel to restrict relative lateral movement of the adjacent panels.

10. A partition system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the channel is defined between first and second side walls and an interconnecting wall extending between the first and second side walls and wherein the latch is mounted between the first and second side walls for rotation between the retracted and extended positions.

11. A partition system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the latch includes lugs on opposed sides thereof to be received in holes in the first and second side walls and wherein the lugs are engageable to rotate the latch between the extended and retracted positions.

12. A partition system in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the lugs include slots for engagement by a tool for rotation of the latch.

13. A partition system in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the latch comprises a channel member formed from a first wall, a second wall and an intermediate wall, the lugs being located on the first and second walls.

14. A partition system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the latch includes a mechanism to fix the latch in either the extended or retracted position.

15. A partition system in accordance with claim 14, wherein first and second grooves are provided on outer surfaces the first and second walls of the channel member, the grooves being perpendicular to each other and being arranged to receive longitudinal ribs provided on inner surfaces of the channel in either the extended or retracted positions to restrict movement of the latch.

16. A partition system in accordance with any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the interconnecting walls of the edge frames include a cylindrical wall portion defining a threaded bore for receiving a threaded shaft of the leg.

17. A partition system in accordance with any one claims 10 to 16, wherein the first and second side walls each include an outwardly extending flange to engage against a vertical edge of a planar member such that a pair of planar members are supported between each pair of edge frames.

18. A partition system in accordance with claim 17, wherein securing strips are provided for securing the edge frame of each panel to the edge frame of an adjacent panel, each securing strip comprising an elongate member to be received in a space between the flanges of adjacent edge frames and a pair of arms extending outwardly from the elongate member to engage with lip portions extending outwardly from ends of the first and second side walls of the edge frames.

19. A partition system in accordance with claim 18, wherein inner surfaces of the arms include notches which receive widened end portions of the lip portions in order to locate the securing strips relative to the adjacent edge frames.

20. A partition system in accordance with claim 18 or 19, wherein cable channels are provided comprising elongate tubular members to be received between ends of adjacent panels, each of the cable channels comprising a tubular member being located between the lip portions of adjacent panels.

21. A partition system in accordance with claim 20, wherein each of the cable channels includes front and rear walls and interconnecting edge walls and a cover which can be engaged across an opening defined in the front wall.

22. A partition system in accordance with claim 21 , wherein the cable channels are provided with one or more connector modules, each of the connector modules being connectable together in series to extend outwardly through the opening and including a socket for connection to a corresponding cable.