US3066770A - Demountable metal partitions - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 Fla. 2

INVENTORS R A 5. M/Y/ard Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MlLLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 INVENTOR5 5 M/la J 7'. [qr/son Afrarney K9. RLl 2 M1 Mad FIG. 4

Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL 3,066,770

' DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS Filed Feb. 12, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 I W I W T W Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 WENToRs Ra/ h 5. Mi/lard BY Reuben T Car/su My W 4 MOP/76y Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MlLLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 Fla. /5

FIG. /2

INVENTORS Ralph S. MU/ara Reuben 77 Car/50 BY A H'nrneu Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL 3,066,770

DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTIIIONS Filed Feb. 12, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 BY Few/Jeri T Car/3am f'H-for-ney Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 INVENTORS A s. M///ard.

Affarnm Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 FIG. 30

' I INVENTORS 73 7 5. 'Mil/Qra/ Feub'en 7T Car/sow fiver/my Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MILLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Feb. 12, 1959 INVENTORS 22-9 5. MJ/nra Dec. 4, 1962 R. s. MlLLARD ETAL DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS Filed Feb. 12, 1959 12 Sheets-Sheet ll ,INVENIORS T /pk Mi/lara Pcuban 7T ar Sar Unite States Patent 3,066,770 DEMOUNTABLE METAL PARTITIONS Ralph S. Millard, 34 Kelsey Place, Jamestown, N.Y., and Reuben T. Carlson, 1 Forest Lane, Scarsdale, NY. Filed Feb. 12, 1959, Ser. No. 792,805 22 Claims. (Cl. 18934) This invention relates to demountable metal partitions designed for installation in building interiors. Partitions constructed in accordance with this invention feature interfittng panel units adjustably mounted and held in position by similar base and cornice structures, and door frames and window frames designed to interfit with the adjacent panel units, and which together provide an interior metal partition which is rugged in construction, can be manufactured from relatively few shaped parts by high speed production methods with a minimum of labor at low cost, can be quickly erected, dismantled and re-erected in the field in minimum time and with minimum labor, to provide an installed partition of attractive and pleasing appearance.

The panel units from which these partitions are formed are composed of a pair of spaced metal panel sheets having interfitting male and female formations along the vertical edges thereof. The metal facing sheets are bonded together by a relatively hard core of sound insulating material, such as foamed fibreglass, honeycomb fibreboard, foamed plastic, or other firm insulating material which reinforces the panel facing sheets without further internal bracing. Where an angular partition run is desired, an angular panel unit is provided having angular bends in the panel facing sheets thereof, and which present similar interfitting male and female formations along the vertical edges thereof, with the angular facing sheets adhesively bonded to and stiffened by an internal reinforcing core. Where a three way run or a four-way run of partition is required, vertically extending filler channels may be welded to the facing sheet of the adjacent straight run panel unit, and into which the vertical edge of the adjacent angularly extending panel unit may be adjustably telescoped. Similar vertical filler channels may be secured to the building wall and into which the adjacent straight run panel unit may be adjustably telescoped.

Partitions made in accordance with this invention are mainly composed of straight run panel units which may vary in width from six inches or multiples thereof up to two feet in width, with the provision of an occasional angular panel unit formed as a particular corner condition of the partition run may require. When erected, the panel units can be snugly interfitted to provide vertically extending single line joints therebetween. When the panel units are of relatively narrow width, such as six to twelve inches, the erected panel units resemble the exterior appearance of vertical boards or planks.

To reduce the number of stock parts required, the base frame structure and the cornice frame structure may be identical in cross sectional configuration, and may be integrally formed as extruded sections, or assembled from two to three appropriately formed sheet metal sections which are welded together. The reversible base and cornice structures feature internal pockets of substantial depth into which the lower and upper ends of the panel units may be telescoped and held in place without further securing means. The panel units may be erected after the base frame structure has been secured to the building floor along the partition run, and the cornice frame structure has been secured to the ceiling along the partition run, or otherwise suspended by vertical struts from the ceiling along the partition run.

The panel units can be telescoped into the pockets of 3,066,770 Patented Dec. 4, 1962 the base and cornice frame structures after these frame structures are placed in position, since the pockets are of such depth as to permit upward and downward movement of the panel units as the ends thereof are inserted, first into the cornice pocket and then the base pocket. The lower end of each panel unit rests on a spanner plate which seats on laterally extending ledge formations forming a part of the base frame structure, and are slidable along these ledge formations. The panel units can be erected in successive order by inserting the ends thereof into the pockets of the cornice and base structures, then seating the lower ends thereof on the spanner plates, and then laterally moving the same as sliding doors into interfitted relationship to present attractive vertically extending single line joints therebetween.

The door frame structure is composed of a pair of vertical frame members and a separable head frame member of similar cross sectional formation. The upper ends of the vertical frame members are connected to the ends of the horizontal head frame member by means of angular corner brackets. Each corner bracket presents a pair of horizontal legs which telescope into the adjacent end of the head frame member, and a pair of vertical legs of tapered contour over which the upper end of the vertical door frame member may be telescoped. The vertical door frame members are generally channel shaped in cross sectional configuration, and thus can be snugly telescoped over the adjacent vertical panel units. The head frame member of like channel shaped configuration may be telescoped over the lower end of the shorter panel units, or the lower end of a horizontal filler channel, whose upper ends are telescoped into the cornice pocket thereabove.

Each of the vertical frame members of the door frame structure rests upon and is secured to a floor bracket which is secured to the building floor, and which presents a pair of upwardly offset prongs which telescope into the terminal end of the adjacent base frame structure. Each floor bracket presents a vertical wall portion over which the lower end of the channel shaped vertical frame member is designed to laterally telescope, and is then secured hereto as by one or more metal screws. After erection, the door frame structure can be readily removed and relocated by detaching the lower ends of the vertical frame members thereof from the floor brackets, and then swinging the lower ends of the vertical frame members inwardly until the upper ends thereof can be withdrawn from the vertical bracket legs of the corner brackets which are attached to the ends of the head frame member.

The window frame structure is composed of a pair of vertical frame members and a pair of horizontal frame members of similar channel shaped cross section, and whose adjacent ends are joined by angular shaped corner brackets. Each corner bracket presents a pair of horizontal legs and a pair of vertical legs which telescope into the adjacent ends of the adjacent horizontal and vertical frame members. The window frame structure can be inserted during erection of the partition by telescoping the lower frame members thereof over the upper ends of the previously erected panel units extending therebelow. The upper panel units or horiozntal filler channel thereabove, are dropped from fully pocketed position in the cornice pocket so that the lower ends thereof are pocketed within the channel formation of the upper horizontal frame member of the window frame structure. The adjacent full length panel units may then be placed in pocketed position in the pockets of the base structure and cornice structure, and laterally telescoped into the channel formations of the vertical frame members of the window frame structure and into interfitting relation with the adjacent panel units above and below the window frame structure.

Since the wall filler channels, which are secured to the vertical building wall or to a panel unit to provide a threerun or four-run partition, are of substantial depth, lateral sliding adjustment of the adjacent erected panel unit can be readily accomplished. Since the vertical frame mem bers of the door frame structure are also provided with channel formations of substantial depth, lateral adjustment of the adjacent full-length panel units is also readily accomplished. By reason of these adjustable features, the interfitted panel units, door frames and window frames may be readily installed in planned order, with lateral adjustment of the panel units as required so that the vertically extending male and female formations thereof will snugly interfit to provide attractive single line joints between adjacent panel units.

Where partitions of less than ceiling height are to be erected, the cornice frame structure may be rigidly suspended from the ceiling by the provision of vertical struts whose upper ends are secured to the ceiling wall and whose lower ends may be secured as by brackets to the cornice structure. Alternatively, the lower ends of the vertically extending bars or struts may be downwardly telescoped between the adjacent interfitting male and female formations of adjacent panel units without further securement. The vertical ceiling struts or bars may be laterally spaced as cornice stiffening conditions may require, and provide means for the attachment of suitable filler panels between the ceiling and cornice structure.

The interfitting male and female formations of adjacent panel units are so formed as to provide vertical raceways therebetween through which wiring conduits may be threaded. The reversible base and cornice structures are also provided with horizontally extending raceway cavities along the sides thereof in which horizontally extending wiring conduits are enclosed by removable covers which snap into interlocking engagement with aligned toe and lip portions presented by the base and cornice structures. These facing covers may be readily removed to provide convenient access to the wiring conduits extending along both sides of the reversible base and cornice structures, and may be made of any desired length to conform with the partition run. Where a switch plate is required, an appropriate hole can be cut in the panel facing sheet of the selected panel unit.

Similar straight run and angular panel units may be used to provide railing high partitions. The lower ends of the panel units are inserted in the pocket of the base frame structure which is first secured to the building floor along the partition run. Vertical filler channels as required are attached to the vertical building wall, or to one of the panel units to provide for a three-way or fourway partition run. The upper ends of the panel units are capped by an attractively shaped railing member of channel shaped formation which is telescoped over the upper ends of the panel units.

To provide adequate stiffness and rigidity, vertical reinforcing bars are telescoped between the male and female formations of adjacent panel units at such distances apart as bracing conditions require. The lower end of each vertical bar is provided with a base plate rigidly secured thereto which is bolted to the building floor. These vertical bars may also be telescoped through the vertical door frame members and secured to the building floor to provide particular rigidity for the railing height partition adjacent the railing high door.

Where glass is to be mounted above the top railing, square shaped posts may be telescoped over the upper ends of the vertical reinforcing bars which project through the partition railing. Additional hollow metal posts may be anchored to the partition railing in spaced relation as required by the use of a centering plate secured as by screws to the upper face of the top railing and over which the lower end of the hollow post is telescoped. The hollow post may be further secured by a vertical rod inserted through the post cap of the glazing post and threaded into a tapped hole in the upper face of the railing. A U-shaped moulding channel may be secured as by welding to the upper face of the railing to receive the lower horizontal edge of the glazed panel. The hollow vertical posts may be formed of extruded metal, or as sembled from shaped metal strips, which present the required vertical glazing grooves therein.

Full height, medium height partitions and railing high partitions may be constructed in accordance with this invention from a relatively few simple parts, most of which can be economically formed from sheet metal strip shaped by the roller dies of a rolling machine. Relatively few welding operations are required in assembly of its various sections. Relatively few attaching brackets are required, all of which can be made from stamped metal parts, except the corner connecting brackets for the window frames which can be economically cast by die cast moulding. Full height partitions, medium height partitions and railing height partitions constructed in accordance with this invention, can be economically produced and rapidly erected in the field in minimum time and with minimum labor.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a metal partition constructed in accordance with this invention and composed of full length panel units and whose cornice is secured to the ceiling;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a partition constructed in accordance with this invention whose panel units are less than room height, and whose cornice is located in spaced relation to the ceiling;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the floor to ceiling partition constructed in accordance with this invention which incorporates a window frame and a door frame;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a partition constructed in accordance with this invention whose cornice is in spaced relation to the ceiling and which also incorporates a window frame and door frame;

FIG. 5 is a railing high partition formed from panel units similar to but shorter than the panel units which form the partitions shown in FIGS. 14, and which incorporate glass supporting posts extending upwardly from the top rail of the partition;

FIG. 6 is a railing high partition similar to that shown in FIG. 5, with no glass supporting posts above the top railing;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary horizontal section showing further details of the construction of the wall forming panel units and the associated wall filler channel as the same would appear when viewed along any of the lines 77 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4;

FIG. 8 is another fragmentary horizontal section of the panel units as the same would appear when viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 2, and which shows a vertical extending bracing bar positioned between adjacent panel units and whose upper end may be secured to the ceiling to provide rigid bracing for the panel units which are less than ceiling height;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal section of one of the panel units to which a wall filler channel has been secured, and which receives a panel unit projecting at right angles to the panel unit to which the wall channel is secured, this view being taken along any of the lines 99 of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken through an angular panel unit of the partition as the same would appear when viewed along any one of the lines 19-10 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary horizontal section of the door speewo frame and adjacent panel units as the same would appear when viewed along any of the lines 11-11 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical section of the partition as the same would appear when viewed along line 1212 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary vertical section of the partition shown in FIG. 1 as the same would appear when viewed along line 13-ll3 of FIG. 1 and which illustrates certain parts of the door frame structure;

FlG. 14 is a fragmentary vertical section through the medium height partition, this view showing certain parts of the door frame structure and associated glazed door as the same would appear when viewed along any of the lines 14-14 of FIGS. 2 and 4;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section through the partition shown in FIG. 4, and which illustrates certain details of the window frame structure as the same would appear when viewed along line 15-15 of FIG. 4;

H6. 16 is a fragmentary vertical section through a partition which incorporates a modified form of reversible base and cornice structure as the same would appear when viewed along line 1212 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is another fragmentary vertical section through a partition which incorporates a modified form of reversible base and cornice structure, this view showing a reinforcing bar secured to the ceiling and extending through the cornice structure and into the space between adjacent panel units as viewed along line 17-47 of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary horizontal section of the modified cornice structure and showing the manner in which the vertical reinforcing oar extends through the cornice structure and also secured thereto;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a further modified form of reversible base and cornice structure;

FIG. 20 is a transverse section of the reversible base and cornice structure shown in FIG. 19 as the same would appear when viewed along lines 20-29 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is another transverse section of the reversible base and cornice structure as the same would appear along line 21-21 of FIG. 19;

PEG. 22 is a fragmentary elevational view of the door frame structure certain parts being broken away to illustrate the manner in which the vertical frame members thereof are detachably secured to the building floor;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary elevational view of the door frame structure as it would appear when in process of removal by separation of the vertical frame members from the head frame member thereof and which removal may be desirable in event the existing door frame opening of the erected partition is to be closed by the insertion of panel units and the door frame structure then shifted to another location in the partition;

FIG. 24 is a transverse section of the head frame member of the door frame as the same would appear when viewed along line 24-24 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of one end of the head frame member of the door frame as it would appear when detached from the adjacent vertical frame member;

FIG. 26 is a transverse section taken through one of the vertical frame members of the door frame as the same would appear when viewed along line 26-46 of FIG. 22:

FIG. 27 is a transverse section of one of the vertical frame members of the door frame as the same would appear when viewed along line 27-27 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary horizontal section of the lower end of one of the vertical frame members of the door frame in assembled relation to the floor bracket which secures the lower end of the vertical frame member to the building floor as the same would appear when viewed along line 28-28 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the floor bracket used 6 to secure the vertical frame member to the building floor;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary section of the head frame member of the door frame in telescoped position over the panel units extending thereabove and as the same would appear when viewed along line 36-341 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary section of the head frame member of the door frame in exploded relation to the panel units thereabove;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary section of one of the vertical door frame members as assembled in telescoped relation to the adjacent panel unit and as the same would appear when viewed along line 2727 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary section of one of the vertical door frame members as exploded from the adjacent panel unit and as the same would appear when viewed aiong line 3333 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary elevational view of the window frame structure incorporated in the partitions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary section of one of the horizontal frame members of the window frame structure as telescoped over the panel units thereabov-e, and as the same would appear when viewed along line 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary section of one of the vertical frame members of the window frame as telescoped over the adjacent panel unit as the same would appear when viewed along line 36-36 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the corner bracket and an end portion of the horizontal frame member of the window frame and which illustrates the manner in which the adjacent ends of the horizontal and vertical window framing members are joined by the corner bracket;

FIG. 38 is a fragmentary view of the adjacent end portions of the horizontal and vertical window framemembers in exploded relation to the corner connecting bracket;

FIG. 39 is a fragmentary vertical section through the railing high partition as the same would appear when viewed along line 39-39 of FIG. 5, this view showing a glazing post mounted on the horizontal railing of the partition and portions of the reinforcing bar which extends from the floor through the railing and into the upper end of the glazing post;

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary horizontal section of the railing high partitions of FIGS. 5 and 6 as viewed along any of the lines 40-40 of FIGS. 5 and 6, this view being taken transversely through the wall filler channel and vertical door frame posts and showing a transverse section of the reinforcing bars which extend vertically through the door frame posts and in phantom outline the foot plates which secure the vertical bars to the floor;

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary horizontal section of the railing high partitions as viewed along the line 4141 of FIG. 5, this view showing the inter-fitting male and female edges of two adjacent straight run panel units and the vertical reinforcing bar extending vertically therebetween, the floor securing foot plate thereof being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 42 is a horizontal section through the railing high partition as viewed along any one of the lines 42-42 of FIGS. 5 and 6, this view showing the angular panel unit and fragmentary parts of adjacent straight run panel units, this view also showing the base structure in phantom outline and the base covers and corner plinth cover in full lines;

FIG. 43 is a fragmentary horizontal section of one of the panel units having a vertical filler channel secured thereto, with a fragmentary portion of a second panel unit as partially telescoped into the filler channel to provide a three-way partition run, and as the same would apepar when viewed along line 4343 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 44 is a fragmentary elevational view of the railing high partition shown in FIG. 5, this view showing the partition railing with two glazing posts secured thereto, one of which is held in position by a tie rod and the other held in position by the vertically extending reinforcing bar which extends therethrough;

FIG. 45 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken through the part above the partition railing and cross sections of two glazing posts mounted thereon, and as the same would appear when viewed along line 45-45 of FIGS. and 44;

FIG. 46 is a fragmentary elevational view of the railing high partition shown in FIG. 5, this view showing the glazing post which is positioned adjacent a door or gate post and further showing a fragmentary portion of the vertical reinforcing bar which extends therethrough;

FIG. 47 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken through the glazing post which is positioned adjacent the door post and the terminal end of the partition run, this view showing a transverse section of the vertical reinforcing bar which extends into the glazing post and a plan view of the partition railing, as the same would appear when viewed along lines 47-47 of FIGS. 5 and 46;

FIG. 48 is a fragmentary elevational view of an angular corner of the partition run and showing the glazing post mounted on the corner of the partition railing, this view also showing a fragmentary portion of the vertically extending reinforcing bar which projects upwardly through the glazing post; and

FIG. 49 is a horizontal section taken through the corner glazing post and showing a transverse section of the vertically extending reinforcing bar as contained therein and extending therethrough, this view also showing a plan view of the abutting partition railings which form a part of the angular partition run, as the same would appear when viewed along lines 449 of FIGS. 5 and 48.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and specification.

In accordance with this invention, ceiling high partitions as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, medium height partitions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and railing high partitions as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, may be manufactured and assembled substantially entirely from similar parts and sections to provide for straight partition runs, angular partition runs, three-way partition runs and four-way partition runs as desired. The ceiling height and medium height partitions as shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be provided with either full fiush doors D or glazed doors D, fitted within door frame structures of similar construction and formation. All the partitions as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, are designed to receive window frame dimensioned to accommodate any dimensional requirement, and all formed from similar parts.

All of the ceiling height, medium height and railing high partitions of this invention incorporate similar and reversible base and cornice frame structures which can be stocked as a single item and thereafter cut into such sectional lengths as partition run requirements indicate. The reversible base and cornice frame structure 10 as shown in FIGS. 12-15 and FIG. 39, may be integrally formed as an extruded section from easily extrudable metal such as aluminum. Alternatively, the reversible base and cornice frame structure may be made from three sheet metal sections as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, or only two sheet metal sections as shown in FIGS. 1921 to satisfy all partition run conditions.

Use is made of vertical filler channels 7 secured to the building wall as shown in FIGS. 1-6, and into which the adjacent panel unit 1 is designed to telescope. Similar vertical filler channels 7 attached to an adjacent panel unit, provide for a three-way or four-way partition run as indicated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 9 and 43, or a staggered partition run. The vertical filler channel 7 may be shaped from a continuous sheet metal strip by the roller dies of a rolling machine and stocked in suitable length for cutting into sectional lengths as partition requirements indicats to accommodate all partition runs.

All of the partitions of this invention make major use of similar straight run panel units 1, and an occasional angular panel unit 1 as corner conditions of the partition run may require. Each of the panel units 11 can be economically manufactured by the use of two facing sheets 2-2 for a straight run panel unit, or two angular facing sheets 2'2 for an angular panel unit. The panel facing sheets, for both straigrn run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1, are bonded to and rigidly reinforced by an internal reinforcing core 6 made of suitable sound insulating material having sound deadening characteristics, and which greatly stitfens and strengthens the paired panel sheets as bonded thereto. The panel units 1-1 are provided with male and female formations along the opposite vertical edges thereof, and can be formed by making suitable bends in the vertical edge portions of the panel facing sheets 22 and 2-2. Since the male and female formations of the panel facing sheets are similar for all panel units, the panel facing sheets 22 and 22' can be fully formed in one operation by running a continuous metal strip through the roller dies of a rolling machine. The fully formed panel facing sheets can then be cut to suitable length for storage as a stock item, for subsequent assembly into panel units of required length.

The male and female formations of the panel units 11 are so shaped that the vertical edges of tne adjacent panel units may be snugly internested so that all the panel units as assembled along the partition run present flush wall surfaces on both sides thereof, with the individual panel units defined by single line joints therebetween which gives the erected partition an attractive and pleasing appearance.

When the partition is to be installed, a suitable length of the base frame structure id or or 1%, is secured to the building floor along the partition run. Suitable lengths of a similar frame structure are secured in inverted position directly to the ceiling wall, or suspended from the ceiling wall by a few spaced suspension struts to provide the companion cornice frame. The similar base and cornice frame structures 10 or 10a or 10a present internal pockets P of substantial depth into which the lower and upper ends of the panel units 11' may be readily inserted by a vertical shifting of each panel unit into position.

The lower end of each panel unit 1 and 1' is supported by a spanner plate 19 which seats upon and slides along outturned ledge portions 16 or 16a forming a part of the base structure 16 or 10a or 10a. Each spanner plate 1% served as a panel unit supporting trolley which permits lateral shifting of the panel units along the base and cornice frame structures. This important feature permits lateral adjustment of the straight run panel units 1, as in the case of sliding doors. Since the vertical filler channels 7, and the channel shaped vertical frame members 31 of the door structure 39, all present vertical pockets of substantial depth, the straight run panel units 1 may be laterally shifted in planned order during installation to insure snug internesting of the male and female formations of adjacent panel units.

Each door frame structure 30 is composed of a pair of channel shaped vertical frame members 31 and a head frame member 31' of similar shape, and whose adjacent ends are connected by angular corner brackets 37 which are so formed as to permit assembly erection of these parts in the field. The angular corner brackets 37 are also formed so that vertical frame members 31 may be laterally moved and withdrawn from the head frame member 31' to permit erection of the door frame structure '36 at another location as desired.

The window frame 45 is also formed from a pair of similar vertical frame members 46 and a pair of similar horizontal frame members 46' which are generally channel shaped in cross section and similar to each other.

9 The adjacent ends of the vertical and horizontal window frame members 4646 are joined by angular shaped corner brackets which, as assembled, provide an attractive window frame which can be manufactured at low cost to any dimension and readily installed during erection of the partition.

The railing high partitions made in accordance with this invention present straight run-panel units 1 and angular panel units 1 of suitable length and made identical in form to the panel units 11 which compose the ceiling high and medium height partitions shown in FIGS. 14. A cap railing 6S telescopes over the upper ends of the panel units 11' which form the walls of the railing high partition. These railing high partitions are rigidly secured and braced by spaced vertically extending reinforcing bars 55 whose base plates 56 are bolted to the building floor. The right and left hand posts Gil-61? of the railing high partition, and between which a door or gate D is mounted, are channel shaped in cross section and telescope over the adjacent male or female formations of the adjacent panel units. These right and left hand posts &tl6tl' are also stiffened and reinforced by vertically extending bars 55 which are secured to the partition floor.

Where glazed panels G are to be provided above the cap railing 65, the vertically extending reinforcing bars 55 may extend upwardly through the cap railing 65, and the upper extensions thereof enclosed by tubular glazing posts 70 as shown in FIGS. 44 19. Such additional tubular glazing posts 70 as may be required to support the glazed panels G which are not held in position by the upper extensions of the reinforcing bars 55, may be secured to the cap railing 65 by tie rods '74 whose lower ends are threaded into a centering plate 73 fixed to the cap railing and which also serves to center the lower end of the post 7f] on the cap railing 65.

Wall Forming Panel Units The floor to ceiling partitions shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the medium height partitions shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and the railing high partitions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, are all formed from a series of inter-fitting straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1' which are made of suitable length to extend between the base structure and the cornice, or above door frames, or above and below the window frames, or between the base structure and cap railing of railing high partitions. The panel units 1 and l may be made of any desired width ranging from six inches and multiples thereof to two feet or more. Unusually attractive partitions can be constructed from a series of panel units 1 and 1 which are in the order of twelve inches in facing width, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings.

Each straight run panel unit 1 and each angular panel unit 1 is formed by a pair of spaced metal facing sheets 2 or- 2 having a reinforcing core 6 sandwiched therebetween and adhesively bonded to the inside faces of the panel facing sheets 2 or 2 as shown in FIGS. 7l5. The reinforcing core 6 may be composed of foamed fibreglass, honeycombed paperboard, foamed plastic, or other core forming material which is relatively hard and provides rigid support for the panel facing sheets 2 or 2, and additionally serves to reduce the transmission of sound through the partition. Where the reinforcing core 6 is formed of a material such as foamed fibreglass, the panel units formed therefrom may be made substantially fire-proof.

Each of the straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1' presents male and female formations along the opposite vertical edges thereof so that the vertical edge formations of adjacent erected panel units will internest and interlock to provide a partition with flush wall surfaces, with only single line joints to define the location of the panel units, as shown in FIGS. 1-10. The male and female formations are provided by proper 10 shaping of the opposite vertical edges of the panel facing sheets 2 or 2 on a brake press or by roller dies before the panel facing sheets are bonded to the reinforcing core.

One vertical edge of each panel facing sheet is provided with a rebent portion 3 which is formed to closely hug the inside face of the facing portion of the panel sheet, and terminates in an inturned lip portion 3 extending at right angles thereto. The other vertical edge of each panel facing sheet is provided with a depressed side face portion 4, an edge portion 4 extending at right angles thereto, an inturned flange portion 5 extending at right angles from the edge portion 4, and a lip portion 5 extending laterally from the inturned flange portion 5, as shown in FIGS. 7-10.

The rebent portion 3 of the female formation is approximately one-half to one and one-half inches in width, and is designed to overlap the depressed side face portion 4 of the male formation of the adjacent panel unit,

to provide a signle seam line joint therebetween. The

depressed side edge portion 4 is approximately only onefourth to one-half inch in width, so that the inturned lip portion 3' of the female formation is spaced from one fourth inch to one inch from the edge portion 4 of the male formation of the adjacent panel unit. The inturned flange portions 5 of the male formation defines a pocket R therebetween through which vertically extending wiring conduits may be threaded.

The panel facing sheets 2 and 2 of the panel units 1 and 1' may be spaced from two to three inches apart to provide a partition of the desired thickness. The adjacent inturned lip portions 3 of the female formation, and the adjacent inturned lip portions 5' of the male formation, need not be joined together since the reinforcing core 6 and paired panel facing sheets 2 and 2 are adhesively bonded together into panel units 1-1 to maintain the panel facing sheets in rigidly assembled relationship.

Where the partition is to extend from a vertical building wall W as shown in FIG. 7, a filler channel 7 is secured to the vertical building wall as by a wall bolt 7-' which extends through the web portion 7 of the filler channel. A suitable cushioning strip 7 may be posi tioned between the web portion 7' of the filler channel and the surface of the building wall W. The filler channel 7 also includes a pair of wall facing fllange portions 8 which terminate in rebent edge portions 8' as shown in FIG. 7, and between which the adjacent vertical edge of the adjacent panel unit 1 is designed to snugly telescope. A filler channel 7 of similar form to that above described, may be secured as shown in FIG. 9 to the adjacent panel facing sheet 2 of any of the panel units 1 where a three-way partition run is to be provided. The filler channel 7 for a three-way partition run may be secured to the selected panel unit by welding the web portion 7 of the filler channel to a panel facing sheet 2 in the factory, and before the filler core 6 is applied thereto. Or the web portion 7 of the filler channel 7 may be secured to the panel facing sheet 2 by screws during erection of the partition in the field. A four-way partition run may also be provided by securing two filler channels 7 to the opposite sides of a straight run panel unit.

Where a right angle or other angular partition run is to be provided, an angular panel unit 1' is formed by the use of a pair of panel facing sheets 2'2' each of which has a vertically extending bend 2 therein as shownin FIG. 10. The angular panel facing sheets 2'--2' are bonded together by a reinforcing core 6. The corner panel unit 1 has the same male and female formations along the opposite vertical edges thereof as previously described and shown in FIG. 10. The wall forming legs of the angular panel unit 1' may be symmetrical in width to the straight run panel units 1, to provide a partition of symmetrically balanced appearance.

Where an intermediate height partition is to be erected which contains a door frame 30 or window frame 45 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the space between the head frame member 31' of the door frame 30 and the cornice, or the head frame member of the window frame and the cornice, may be approximately only one foot or less. Under such conditions, it may be desirable to fill the space therebetween with a horizontal filler channel 9 which extends the full width of the door frame or window frame, and which presents wall facing portions 9" joined by a web portion 9" as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Where a horizontal filler channel 9 is used, the wall facing portions 9 are spaced to provide the wall facings for the partition area above the door frame or window frame, and the vertical edge portions thereof are provided with male and female formations as above described which interfit with the correspondingly shaped female and male formations of the adjacent straight run panel units 1. The space between the wall facing portions 9 of the horizontal filler channel 9 desirably contains a reinforcing core 6 bonded to the inside faces thereof.

Straight run partitions, angular run partitions, three-way run partitions and four-way run partitions of ceiling height or intermediate height, may all be assembled by the use of straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1', with appropriate use of vertical filler channels 7 and horizontal filler channels 9 to met all partition run requirements. The reinforcing cores 6 as sandwiched between and adhesively bonded to the paired straight run pane-l facing sheets 22 and angular run panel facing sheets 2'-2', provide panel units which are rigid when erected, without the use of metal plates or ties to join the paired panel facing sheets. The interfitting male and female edge formations of the panel units permit rapid erection, and provide substanitally flush wall surfaces with only single seam line joints to attractively distinguish the panel units as erected.

Reversible Base and Cornice Structures The straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1' are held in vertically erect position between a base structure and a cornice structure which are complementary in shape and form and reversible in position. Thus, the same stock part may be used to provide both the base and cornice structures. As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the reversible base and cornice structure 10 may be formed as an extruded section from aluminum metal or the like, or the same can be formed from sheet metal, such as the reversible base and cornice structures 16a and 10a shown in FIGS. 1621.

The reversible base and cornice structure 10 as formed from extruded aluminum and shown in FIGS. 12-45, presents a pair of spaced pocket forming side wall portions 11 joined to floor forming portions 12 joined by a connecting web 12, and which together define a receiving pocket P whose width corresponds to the thickness of v the end of the panel unit to be inserted therein. A pair of spaced leg portions 13 are joined to the floor portions 12 and terminate in laterally extending foot portions 14 whose outer ends terminate in vertically extending toe portions 15. The other end of the pocket forming wall portions 11 present outwardly offset ledge portions 16 which incline at an angle, and whose outer ends terminate in vertical facing portions 17 and inwardly extending top edge portions 18. A lip portion 17 also extends from the outer end of each inclined ledge portion 16, each lip portion 17 being in vertical alignment with the adjacent vertically extending toe portion f5. Each pocket forming wall portion 11 and adjacent leg portion 13 defines a wiring raceway S on each side of the partition, which can be closed by a removable facing cover 20 having hook formations 20' designed to snap into locking engagement with the adjacent toe portion 15 and depending lip portion 17'.

Where the frame structure Iii is used as a supporting base, the same is secured to the building floor by the use of a series of spaced securing screws 24 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 15 which extend through the connecting web 12 of the frame structure and into the building floor. The base structure 10 may be made of any convenient length, but terminates at the door frame and at the corners of angular runs of the partition. The base frame structures 10 may be levelled to accommodate floor unevenness by the insertion of shims under the foot portions 14 thereof.

The same frame structure 10 which is used to provide the base, may be reversed in position to provide the cornice frame structure 10. In ceiling height partitions, the cornice frame structure 10 is secured to the ceiling wall as by lag bolts or screws 24 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the case of medium height partitions, where the cornice frame structure 10 does not abut against the ceiling wall, the cornice frame structure 10 may be suspended from the ceiling by the use of one or more cornice to ceiling bars 25 as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 14. The lower end of each cornice suspension bar 25 may be secured to the foot portions 14 of the cornice structure It? as by suitable foot brackets 26, and its upper end may be secured to the ceiling wall as by suitable head brackets 26' After the base structure it has been secured to the building floor, and the cornice structure It has been secured to the ceiling wall as by the use of lag bolts or screws 24 or by suspension bars 25, a series of panel unit support plates 19 are positioned Within the base structure if; to provide support for the straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1. It will here be noted that the straight run panel units 1 and the angular panel units 1 are of such length as to only partially telescope into the pockets P of the base structure 16 and cornice structure 10, as indicated in EEG. 12. Each support plate 19 may comprise a stamped metal plate which presents overlap end portions 19 designed to seat on the inclined ledge portions 16 of the base structure as shown in FIG. 12. Each of the support plates 19 is also provided with downwardly inclined corner lugs 19" which substantially abut against the inside faces of the pocket forming wall portions Ill of the base structure to thereby center the support plate 19 in its spanning position between the pocket forming Wall portions 11 of the base structure. Each support plate 19 need be no more than an inch or two in width, and is readily slidable along the ledge portions 16 of the base structure.

With the support plates 19 in position, the upper ends of the straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1' are first fully telescoped into the receiving pocket P of the cornice structure 10 so that the lower ends of the panel units will clear the top edge facing portion 18 of the base structure, and so that the lower end of the panel units can then be dropped into supported position on the adjacent support plates 19. Panel units 11' can be erected in successive order to provide the partition wall. The straight run panel units 1 can be laterally moved as sliding doors to telescope the male formation of each panel unit into the adjacent female formation of the adjacent panel unit.

Straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1' can thus be rapidly erected in successive order between the base structure and cornice structure. The two panel units initially erected may be panel unit 1, which is adjacent the vertical filler channel 7 secured to the building wall, or the initially erected panel unit may be erected adjacent a door opening or window opening as desired. Alternatively, the panel unit first erected may be an angular panel unit 1. Since the wall filler channels 7 have substantial depth, the panel units as erected may be shifted as desired to accommodate erection conditions.

The reversible base and cornice structure may also be formed from sheet metal of suitable gauge as shown in FIGS. 16-21. The reversible base and cornice struc- 13 ture 10a, as shown in FIGS. 16,17 and 18, is formed by a pair of similar generally -Sl121p6d channels which may be secured in spaced relation by a connecting channel 12b. The paired S-shaped channels present pocket forming side wall portions 11;: and floor portions 12a, which together with the web portion of the connecting channel 12b, define a pocket P into which the upper or lower ends of the panel units are inserted. The paired S-shaped channels together present spaced leg portions 13a to which the flanges of the connecting channel 12b are secured. Foot portions 14a extend laterally from the leg por- -tion 13a, the foot portions 14a presenting offset seating portions 14b which terminate in vertically extending toe portions 15a.

The sheet metal frame structure as formed by the paired S-shaped channels, presents offset ledge portions 16a extending laterally from the pocket forming Wall portions 11a, and which provide seats for the panel unit supporting plates 19 as shown in FIG. 16. Each of the ledge portions 16a terminates in a folded lip portion 17a in vertical alignment with the adjacent toe with suitable shims to accommodate floor irregularities,

the base structure ltla establishes the direction of the partition run. Each sheet metal base structure ltla extends from the vertical wall W of the building to the door frame, or to a partition corner, and can be cut to any length.

Where the frame structure 10a serves the purpose of a cornice frame structure, it is reversed in position as shown in FIG. 16. In ceiling height partitions, the cornice structure 10a may be secured directly to the ceiling wall by lag bolts or screws 24. Where the cornice structure 18a does not abut the ceiling, as in the case of medium height partitions, the cornice structure 10a may be suspended from the ceiling as by the use of vertical bars or struts 25 secured to the cornice structure by foot brackets 26, and to the ceiling wall by head brackets 26', as shown in FIGS. 4 and 16.

Where further lateral bracing of medium height partitions is required, a series of spaced bracing bars 27 may be provided as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, l7 and 18. Each bracing bar 27 may extend through a conforming hole cut through the foot portions 14:: and portions 12a and 13a of the cornice structure 10a, and thence telescoped downwardly between a pair of adjacent panel units 1 or 1 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 17. Each bracing bar 27 has a width and thickness dimension to permit its snug insertion between the edge portions 4' of the male formation of one panel unit, and the inturned lip portions 3 of the female formation of the adjacent panel unit, and may extend downwardly between adjacent panel units for a distance of one or two feet. Each bracing bar 27 may also be secured to the foot portions 14a of the cornice structure by means of one or more angular brackets 27 and its upper end may be secured to the ceiling wall by one or more angular brackets 27", as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Any desired number of vertical bracing bars 27 may be used to insure rigidity to medium height partitions constructed in accordance with this invention. Similar bracing struts 27 may also be inserted into appropriate holes cut in the cornice frame structure lltl previously described, or in appropriate holes cut in the cornice frame structure 10a as shown in FIGS. l921.

" provide a wiring raceway S in which horizontally extending wiring conduits may be located along both the base structure ltia and the cornice structure the on both sides of the partition. Each wiring raceway S may be enclosed by a facing cover 20a as shown in FiG. 16, one of whose horizontal edges presents a rebent portion 21 which terminates in a hook portion 21 designed to hook over the adjacent toe portion 15a of the frame structure 10a. The opposite horizontal edge of each facing cover Zita presents an edge facing portion 22 which terminates in a downwardly and outwardly inclined leg portion 23, which in turn terminates in a hook portion 25' designed to snap into engagement with the adjacent lip portion 17a.

The facing covers Zita as thus constructed completely conceal the frame structure 10a contained therein, and provide an attractive base and cornice trim for the partition. The facing covers Zita are similar in form and reversible in position, to provide either a base cover or cornice cover, and when applied in either position become firmly locked to the adjacent toe portion 15a and lip portion 17a of the base or cornice frame structure. The facing covers 20a may, however, be readily removed with a prying tool, such as a screw driver, to provide full access to the wire raceways S, and can be easily replaced by the application of pressure thereto.

The modified frame structure lilo as shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 may also be formed from sheet metal and similar in form to the frame structure MM, but without the use of a connecting channel 12b. The modified frame structure 10a is formed by two similar S shaped sections which are shaped as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The leg portions 13a thereof are placed in abutment and welded together. In this form of frame structure, the floor portions 12a are of sufiicient width so that the pocket forming wall portions 11a will snugly receive the lower or upper end of the panel unit as inserted therein. To permit the application of lag bolts and screws 24, the adjacent leg portion 13a may be shape rolled to provide paired semicircular offsets 12c at spaced intervals as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21 to thereby provide a hole through which a lag bolt or screw 24 may be inserted.

The frame structures 10a and Ida when used as a cornice frame structure, present spaced abutment walls 14c against which the lower ends of wall filler panels 29 may seat. The cornice frame member 10a as shown in FIG. 16 presents an upwardly facing groove as formed by its inverted connecting channel 1212 into which a single filler panel may be inserted. Thus a cornice-to-ceiling filler may be provided, composed of either a single filler panel, or a pair of spaced filler panels 29 as desired.

The frame structures 10, 10a and 16a may he used as a base frame member or cornice frame member so that only a single frame structure need be carried in stock. The frame structure 10 may be shaped as a metal extrusion, while the frame structures 10a and Na may be formed from three or two sheet metal strips shaped by roller dies on a rolling machine, carried in stock in any length, and then cut to the desired lengths and welded together as the partition runs may require. The facing covers 20 and 2611 are also formed of sheet metal strip shaped to the required form by the roller dies of a rolling machine in a continuous pass therethrough, and then cut -to the lengths required by the partitions to be installed.

The frame structures 10a and 10a, when located along the partition runs and secured to the building floor, and directly or indirectly to the building ceiling, present vertically aligned pockets P into which the straight run panel units 1 and angular panel units 1' may be rapidly positioned in successive order, with the lower ends of the panel units resting on the support plates 19. The male and female formations of the inserted panel units can then be telescoped together in interlocked relation without the use of securing screws.

Should it be found undesirable or unnecessary to suspend the cornice frame members 10, or 10a from aoearvo the ceiling, one end of the cornice structure which abuts the vertical building wall may be secured thereto as by means of a suitable bracket. The cornice structure may also be supported by the panel units 1 and 1' by inserting a screw through one of the pocket forming wall portions 11 or 11a of the cornice structure and the adjacent panel facing sheet 2 or 2 of the panel units 1 or 1.

Door Frame Structure The door frame structures 33 made in accordance with 37 fixed to the ends of the horizontal frame member 31 without further securement, and the lower ends thereof are then attached to floor brackets 40 as shown in FIGS. 23, 28 and 29, which are first secured to the building floor. Door frame structures made in accordance with this invention can be readily removed after the partition is erected, without disturbing the panel units, and the door frame then re-erected at another location in the partition run. Partitions constructed in accordance with this invention also permit the installation of panel units at the location where the door frame structure has been removed, with minimum labor in minimum time.

Each of the paired vertical frame members 31 and the horizontal head frame member 31' are formed from three similar sheet metal parts whose cross sections are generally indicated in FIGS. 24, 26 and 27. Each vertical frame member 31 and horizontal head frame member 31 are formed by an inner reinforcing channel 32 presenting a web portion 32 and flange portions 32". The second member 33 of Z shaped cross section and formed of sheet metal, presents a wall facing portion 33 which is secured as by spot welds to the adjacent flange portion 32" of the inner channel 32. The wall facing portion 33' presents an inturned lip portion 33" which extends over the terminal edge of the adjacent flange portion 32" of the inner channel to which it is secured. The 2 member 33 also presents a jamb facing portion 3 in spaced relation to the web portion 32 of the inner channel 32, the jamb facing portion 34 terminating in an outturned lip portion 3 2 in planular alignment with the adjacent flange portion 32 of the inner channel 32 as shown in FIG. 27. A wall facing strip 35, also formed of sheet metal, is spot welded to the adjacent outturned lip portion 34' of the 2 member 33 and the adjacent flange portion 32" of the inner channel. One vertical edge of the wall forming strip 35 presents an inturned groove forming flange 35' which defines a receiving pocket in which a door buffer or gasket strip 36 is positioned, and which may be formed of resilient rubber tubing as shown in FIG. 11. The other vertical edge of the wall facing strip 35 terminates in an inturned lip portion 35" which extends over the vertical edge of the adjacent flange portion 32" of the inner reinforcing channel 32.

The head frame member 31 formed as above described, is of suificient length so that the end portions of the facing strip 35 and the end portions of the wall facing portion 33 of the 2 member will telescope over the adjacent vertically extending panel unit 1, and also extend over the upper ends of the vertical frame members 31 as shown in FIG. 22. The inturned lip portions 33 and 35 providing horizontal edge formations designed to abut against the panel units 1 positioned above the door frame, or the filter channel 9 positioned above the door frame. The inturned lip portions 33 and 35" may be continued to provide vertically extending lip portions 33" and 35 as shown in FIG. 25, and which 15 are designed to snugly seat against the wall forming faces of the panel units 1 which are positioned adjacent the vertical frame members 31 of the door frame.

The horizontal head frame member 31' presents an inner channel 32 whose web portion 32' terminates short of vertically extending lip portions 33" and 35 as shown in FIG. 25, but whose flange portions 32" extend to the vertically extending lip portions 33" and 35" as shown in FIG. 25 to thereby reinforce the end extensions of the wall forming strip 35 and wall facing portion 33' of the 2 member 33.

A corner bracket 37 as shown in FIGS. 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 is provided to detachably secure each vertical frame member 31 to the horizontal head frame member 31'. Each of the corner brackets 37 presents a pair of spaced horizontal legs 37', as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, which are shaped to be snugly inserted between the web portion 32 of the inner channel 32 and the jamb facing portion 34 of the Z member, with the inserted legs 37' secured as by spot welds 37" to the inside faces of the wall facing strip 35 and wall facing portion 33 of the 2 member 33. Each of the connecting brackets 37 also presents a pair of spaced vertical legs 38 which are joined by a web section 38', the outer vertical edges 38" of the vertical legs 38 being tapered in the form as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 25.

In assembling the three part door frame structure 30 in partition forming position, the head frame member 31' is first telescoped over the lower end of the panel units 1 which extend downwardly from the cornice structure and above the door opening, or by telescoping the head frame member 31 over the horizontal filler channel 9 which extends downwardly from the cornice structure. The panel units 1, or the horizontal filler channel 9, may be temporarily secured as by screws or wedges in fully pocketed position in the pocket P of the cornice frame structure if necessary, so that they will remain in suspended position. When the head frame member 31' has been telescoped over the lower ends of the panel units 1 or filler channel 9, the temporarily suspended panel units 1 or horizontal filler channel 9 may be pulled downwardly into supported position within the head frame member 31' as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. The end extensions of the wall facing strip 35 and companion wall facing portion 33 thereof, Will present lower abutment edges 33a and 35a as shown in FIG. 25, against which the upper ends of the respective vertical frame members 31 may snugly abut to provide a smooth and flush joint therebetween.

After the head frame member 31' has been placed in position as above described, the upper ends of the vertical frame members 31 may be respectively telescoped over the downwardly extending tapered legs 38 of the corner connecting brackets 37 as shown in FIG. 23. This telescoping movement is facilitated by the tapered formation of the vertical legs 38, so that the vertical legs 38 will readily telescope between the web portion 32' and the inner channel 32 and the jamb facing portion 34 of the 2 member 33 of the vertical frame members 31, as indicated in FIGS. 22, 23 and 26. When fully erected, the upper ends of the wall facing portions 33' of the vertical frame members 31 form a flush joint with the lower edges 33a of the corresponding wall facing portions 33 of the horizontal head frame member 31, and similarly, the upper ends of the opposite wall facing strips 35 of the vertical frame members 31 will form a flush joint with the horizontal edges 35a of the wall forming strips 35 of the head frame member 31', as shown in FIG. 22. The corner brackets 35 need not be welded to the vertical frame members 31, and provide the only connection between the head frame member 31 and the vertical frame members 31. The lip portions 33" and 35" of the vertical frame members 31 when fully erected, will snugly telescope over the ad-

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