US4761922A — Partition wall construction

Claim 1

Independent Claim 191 words

A partition wall construction, said wall having at least one external surface and including: a first series of channel member sections connected together with connecting plates to form a horizontal lower channel member; a second series of channel member sections connected together with connecting plates to form a horizontal upper channel member; a series of vertical spaced wall posts each having an upper and a lower end, the upper end of each wall post being engaged with the upper channel member and the lower end of each wall post being engaged with the lower channel member; and one or more panels each having two horizontal and two vertical edges, the horizontal edges of each said panel being received within the upper and lower channel members, said panels being arranged so that at least one surface of each said wall post forms part of the external surface of the partition wall; said connecting plates being capable of interconnection over a range of angles such that any panel may be positioned relative to any adjacent panel over said range of angles, said range of angles lying between about 30 degrees and 330 degrees.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 191 words

A partition wall construction, said wall having at least one external surface and including: a first series of channel member sections connected together with connecting plates to form a horizontal lower channel member; a second series of channel member sections connected together with connecting plates to form a horizontal upper channel member; a series of vertical spaced wall posts each having an upper and a lower end, the upper end of each wall post being engaged with the upper channel member and the lower end of each wall post being engaged with the lower channel member; and one or more panels each having two horizontal and two vertical edges, the horizontal edges of each said panel being received within the upper and lower channel members, said panels being arranged so that at least one surface of each said wall post forms part of the external surface of the partition wall; said connecting plates being capable of interconnection over a range of angles such that any panel may be positioned relative to any adjacent panel over said range of angles, said range of angles lying between about 30 degrees and 330 degrees.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 96 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein said upper and lower channel members are formed from identical sections, each section comprising: a flat plate provided with two ends and two long sides; a lip formed along each of the long sides of the plate, the lips lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, said plate having a cut-out portion adjacent each end; and an apertured portion adjacent each cut-out portion, each said apertured portion protruding from said plate in a direction identical to the direction of said lips.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 26 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein said wall further includes bracing means to brace the said wall back to an existing wall.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 19 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein the construction parts, excluding the panels, are of metal.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 32 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wall posts are shaped so as to be capable of engagably receiving one vertical edge of at least one said panel.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 33 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 5 wherein the partition wall construction further includes adjusting means to permit the lower channel member to be levelled when resting on a non-horizontal surface.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 42 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 5 wherein each connecting plate provides: a portion for engaging a channel member section; an aperture for accommodating an adjusting means; and wall post engaging means for engaging an end of a wall post.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 80 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 7 wherein a first type of connecting plate comprises: a flat plate which is rectangular in plan and so dimensioned as to be slidably receivable within one end of each of two adjacent sections; and two portions, one said portion engaging each of the channel member sections, one portion being on each side of the wall post engaging means which is positioned at the midpoint of the length of the said plate.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 70 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 7 wherein a second type of connecting plate comprises: a flat plate which is rectangular in plan and so dimensioned as to be slidably receivable within one end of one channel member section; said wall post engaging means being adjacent one end of said plate; and said portion for engaging a channel member section being adjacent the other end of said plate.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 39 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least two of the connecting plates further provide a pivotal connecting means whereby a connecting plate may be releasably pivotally secured to one or more similar connecting plates.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 58 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 10 wherein a third type of connecting plate comprises: a flat plate with one straight end and an opposite arcuate end; a centrally positioned wall post engaging means; said portion for engaging a channel member section being adjacent said straight end; and a pivotal connection means adjacent said arcuate end.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 38 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 11 wherein said pivotal connection means comprises an apertured boss which projects outwardly from the flat plate in a direction identical to the direction of the wall post engaging means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 95 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 7 wherein said upper and lower channel members are formed from identical sections, each section comprising: a flat plate provided with two ends and two long sides; a lip formed along each of the long sides of the plate, the lips lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, said plate having a cut-out portion adjacent each end; and an apertured portion adjacent each cut-out portion, each said apertured portion protruding from said plate in a direction identical to the direction of lips.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 83 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 13 wherein the portion of each connecting plate for engaging the channel member section comprises: a pressed up portion, said pressed up portion being dimensioned to be an easy sliding fit over one said apertured portion in each said section; and a hole formed in said pressed up portion which is aligned with a hole formed in the said apertured portion of said section when the pressed up portion is aligned with said apertured portion.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 56 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 13 wherein said wall post engaging means of each connecting plate comprises a hole and a pair of flanges, each flange being substantially perpendicular to the connecting plate and substantially parallel to the lips of the said section when the section and the connecting plate are secured together.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 131 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 15 further comprising an adjusting means to permit the lower channel member to be levelled when resting on a non-horizontal surface, said adjusting means being a foot which comprises: an apertured bearing plate; a nut rigidly secured to said bearing plate such that a threaded hole of the nut is co-axial with the aperture of the bearing plate; a screw, with an upper and a lower plate secured one to each end, being engaged with the nut, the lower plate providing a flat disc upon which the foot rests; the screw and upper plate being inserted through said hole in a connecting plate and said cut-out portion in a channel member section when a connecting plate is aligned with one channel member section.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 87 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein each vertical wall post is provided with an exterior and an interior and is of box-section and has a cross-sectional shape which provides: two parallel end faces, each of which is slotted; two parallel side faces; and two pairs of indented portions, each pair lying between one end face and the adjacent side faces; the indented portions forming continuous grooves on the exterior of the wall post and internal ribs on the interior of the wall post.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 87 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 16 wherein each vertical wall post is provided with an exterior and an interior and is of box-section and has a cross-sectional shape which provides: two parallel end faces, each of which is slotted; two parallel side faces; and two pairs of indented portions, each pair lying between one end face and the adjacent side faces; the indented portions forming continuous grooves on the exterior of the wall post and internal ribs on the interior of the wall post.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 36 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein each panel is dimensioned so as to be a snap fit within two opposed grooves, one on each of two adjacent wall posts.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 33 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein each of the two parallel side faces contains vertically oriented slots at spaced intervals along the length of said post.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 13 words

A partition wall as claimed in claim 20 wherein said grooves are arcuate.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 32 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 21 wherein each panel is dimensioned so as to be snap fitted within two opposed grooves, one on each of two adjacent wall posts.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 52 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 20 wherein the distance between the pairs of ribs is slightly greater than the distance between the pair of flanges of a connecting plate such that either end of the post may be push fitted over said pair of flanges of a connecting plate.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 51 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 23 wherein said wall further includes bracing means to brace said wall back to an existing wall, said bracing means comprising wall fixing straps, each said strap being engagable with one vertically oriented slot and securable at each end to an existing wall.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 33 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 24 wherein each panel is dimensioned so as to be a snap fit within two opposed grooves, one on each of two adjacent wall posts.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 54 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 23 wherein said wall includes additional bracing between adjacent wall posts, said additional bracing comprising one or more span rails, each span rail being positioned parallel to the upper and lower channel members, and engaged with some of the vertically oriented slots in the wall posts.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 28 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 26 wherein the or each span rail is formed in lengths equal to the length of one or more sections.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 115 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 26 wherein said partition wall construction further includes a plurality of angle iron posts each having two angled sides, said posts being of a length identical to the length of the wall posts, one angled side of each said angle iron post being slotted so as to slidably engage with the or each of the span rails, the second angled side being positioned to face outwards and such that a panel may be secured thereto, each said angle iron post being positioned adjacent a wall post and dimensioned so that the front of the secured panel is substantially flush with the exterior of the adjacent wall posts.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 25 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 28 wherein said wall further includes bracing means to brace said wall back to an existing wall.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 71 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 26 wherein each panel includes a front and a plurality of vertical edge flaps secured to the vertical edges of each panel, each flap being shaped so that the panel is a snap fit within two opposed grooves, one on each of two adjacent wall posts, such that when in position the front is substantially flush with the exterior of the wall post.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 63 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 30 wherein said panel is formed with a vertical series of spaced transverse slots, said transverse slots covering the front of the panel except for four or more narrow strips, one adjacent each vertical edge and the rest being evenly spaced across the width of the panel defining a plurality of vertical sets of slots.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 30 wherein one flap is continuous along the length of each of the vertical edges of said panel.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 36 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 30 wherein said flaps are of uniform length, and spaced apart by gaps along each of the vertical edges of said panel, said gaps being of uniform length.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 38 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 30 wherein each flap comprises a flat portion positioned at almost right angles to the front, and an arcuate portion which is shaped to fit into one of said grooves.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 27 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 30 or 34 wherein said wall further includes bracing means to brace said wall back to an existing wall.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 63 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 34 wherein said panel is formed with a vertical series of spaced transverse slots, said transverse slots covering the front of the panel except for four or more narrow strips, one adjacent each vertical edge and the rest being evenly spaced across the width of the panel defining a plurality of vertical sets of slots.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 19 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 36 wherein said slots are regularly spaced within each vertical set.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 83 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 36 wherein said slots are formed within indented transverse channels, each said channel being of a width identical to the width of the panel and comprising: an upper side, an inner side and a lower side; said inner side lying in a plane substantially parallel with the front of the panel; said upper side containing three or more slots and said upper and lower sides being substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the inner side.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 27 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 38 wherein the length of the flaps is the same as the distance between any two adjacent transverse channels.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 19 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 20 wherein said wall includes additional bracing between adjacent wall posts.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 37 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 40 wherein each panel contains a series of regularly spaced transverse slots, each slot being formed within the thickness of the panel and being `L` shaped in cross section.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 16 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 41 wherein said panel is constructed of wood.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 18 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 41 wherein said panel is constructed of a wood product.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 113 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 41 wherein said partition wall construciton further includes a plurality of angle iron posts each having two angled sides, said posts being of a length identical to the length of the wall posts, one angled side of each said angle iron post being slotted so as to slidably engage with the or each span rails, the second angled side being positioned to face outwards and such that a panel may be secured thereto, each said angle iron post being positioned adjacent a wall post and dimensioned so that the front of the secured panel is substantially flush with the exterior of the adjacent wall posts.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 25 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 44 wherein said wall further includes bracing means to brace said wall back to an existing wall.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 74 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein each panel includes a front and a plurality of vertical edge flaps secured to the vertical edges of each panel, each flap being shaped so that the panel is a snap fit within two opposed grooves, one on each of two adjacent wall posts, such that when in position the front is substantially flush with the exterior of the wall post.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 55 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 46 wherein said panel is formed with a vertical series of spaced transverse slots, said transverse slots covering the front of the panel except for four or more narrow strips, one adjacent each vertical edge and the rest being evenly spaced across the width of the panel.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 26 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 46 wherein one flap is continuous along the length of each of the vertical edges of said panel.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 36 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 46 wherein said flaps are of uniform length and spaced apart by gaps along each of the vertical edges of said panel, said gaps being of uniform length.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 37 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 46 wherein each flap comprises a flat portion positioned at almost right angles to the front, and an arcuate portion which is shaped to fit into one said groove.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 63 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 50 wherein said panel is formed with a vertical series of spaced transverse slots, said transverse slots covering the front of the panel except for four or more narrow strips, one adjacent each vertical edge and the rest being evenly spaced across the width of the panel defining a plurality of vertical sets of slots.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 19 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 51 wherein said slots are regularly spaced within each vertical set.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 83 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 51 wherein said slots are formed within indented transverse channels, each said channel being of a width identical to the width of the panel and comprising: an upper side, an inner side and a lower side; said inner side lying in a plane substantially parallel with the front of the panel, said upper side containing three or more slots and said upper and lower sides being substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the inner side.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 27 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 55 wherein the length of the flaps is the same as the distance between any two adjacent transverse channels.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 15 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 53 wherein each panel is formed integrally.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 18 words

A partition wall construction as claimed in claim 55 wherein each said panel is constructed from sheet metal.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 51 words

A partition wall as claimed in claim 18 wherein the distance between the pairs of ribs is slightly greater than the distance between the pair of flanges of a connecting plate, such that the end of the post may be push fitted over said pair of flanges of a connecting plate.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 324 words

A method of constructing a partition wall having at least one external surface, said method including: providing a plurality of channel member sections each comprising a flat plate having two end and two long sides and a lip formed on each of the long sides and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, a plurality of wall posts each having an upper end and a lower end, one or more panels each having two horizontal and two vertical edges, a plurality of connecting plates to connect together the sections to form channel members and being capable of interconnecting the section over a range of angles lying between about 30° and 330°, each connecting plate having a portion for engaging a section, an aperture for accommodating height-adjustable foot means and wall post engaging means for engaging an end of a wall post and comprising a pair of flanges and height-adjustable foot means; connecting together a plurality of the channel member sections with a connecting plate between adjacent sections to form a lower channel member; connecting together an equal number of the channel member sections with connecting plates between adjacent sections to form an upper channel member and securing each connecting plate to said adjacent sections; connecting four connecting plates one to each end of the channel members; engaging the lower end of a wall post with the flanges of each of the connecting plates connecting together the lower channel member sections; aligning the upper channel member such that the upper end of each wall post is engaged with the flanges of the corresponding connecting plates connecting together the upper channel member sections; engaging the height-adjustable foot means with the aperture in the connecting plates connecting together the lower channel member sections; adjusting said foot means to ensure that the lower channel member is horizontal; and securing one panel between each two adjacent wall posts along one side of said wall.

Claim 60

Independent Claim 324 words

A method of constructing a partition wall having at least one external surface, said method including: providing a plurality of channel member sections each comprising a flat plate having two end and two long sides and a lip formed on each of the long sides and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, a plurality of wall posts each having an upper end and a lower end, one or more panels each having two horizontal and two vertical edges, a plurality of connecting plates to connect together the sections to form channel members and being capable of interconnecting the section over a range of angles lying between about 30° and 330°, each connecting plate having a portion for engaging a section, an aperture for accommodating height-adjustable foot means and wall post engaging means for engaging an end of a wall post and comprising a pair of flanges and height-adjustable foot means; connecting together a plurality of the channel member sections with a connecting plate between adjacent sections to form a lower channel member; connecting together an equal number of the channel member sections with connecting plates between adjacent sections to form an upper channel member and securing each connecting plate to said adjacent sections; connecting four connecting plates one to each end of the channel members; engaging the lower end of a wall post with the flanges of each of the connecting plates connecting together the lower channel member sections; aligning the upper channel member such that the upper end of each wall post is engaged with the flanges of the corresponding connecting plates connecting together the upper channel member sections; engaging the height-adjustable foot means with the aperture in the connecting plates connecting together the lower channel member sections; adjusting said foot means to ensure that the lower channel member is horizontal; and securing one panel between each two adjacent wall posts along one side of said wall.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 82 words

The method as claimed in claim 58 wherein said connecting plates connecting adjacent channel member sections are a first type of connecting plate which comprises: a flat plate which is rectangular in plan and so dimensioned as to be slidably receivable within one end of each of two adjacent sections; and two portions for engaging the channel member sections, one on each side of a wall post engaging means which is positioned at the midpoint of the length of said first plate.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 74 words

The method as claimed in claim 59 wherein said four connecting plates are a second type of connecting plate which comprises: a flat plate which is rectangular in plan and so dimensioned as to be slidably receivable within one end of one channel member section; a wall post engaging means positioned adjacent one end of said plate; and a portion for engaging said one channel member section adjacent the other end of said plate.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 116 words

The method as claimed in claim 58 wherein any or all of the connecting plates between the sections are a third type of connecting plate which comprises: a flat plate with one straight end and an opposite arcuate end; a centrally positioned wall post engaging means; a portion for engaging a channel member section adjacent said straight end; and a pivotal connection means adjacent said arcuate end; and wherein said method further includes securing an additional wall post to each said third type of connecting plate in the lower and upper channel members, such that one or more sections of the wall may be set at a pre-determined angle to every adjacent section of the wall.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method as claimed in claim 61 wherein said four connecting plates also are said third type of connecting plate.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method as claimed in claim 62 further including: providing one or more further partition walls; and rigidly securing together the connecting plates at one end of each of the walls such that the partition walls are set at a predetermined angle in relation to one another.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method as claimed in claim 58 further including securing the or each lower channel member to a pre-existing floor.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method as claimed in claim 58 further including securing the or each upper channel member to a pre-existing ceiling.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method as claimed in claim 58 further including securing said partition wall to a pre-existing wall with a plurality of wall fixing straps.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1991-08-09	1992-02-08	1992-08-09	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1995-08-09	1996-02-08	1996-08-09	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1999-08-09	2000-02-08	2000-08-09	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Partition wall construction

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