GB2368078A

GB2368078A - Partitioning system

Info

Publication number: GB2368078A
Application number: GB0121321A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Arnold Roth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-04
Filing date: 2001-09-04
Publication date: 2002-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-04
Also published as: GB0121321D0; GB2368078B

Abstract

An assembly for a partitioning system comprising a primary elongate member (21), a secondary elongate member (22) and a metal clip (10), having a U shaped section with inwardly and outwardly directed tangs (3, 4, Figures 1a and 1b) on each side wall. In use, the tangs engage side walls (23, 24) of the primary and secondary members to hold the members together. Preferably, the clip engages the secondary member such that the member must be removed by rotational force in order to prevent damage. In a preferred embodiment the primary and secondary members are used to secure glazing panels.

Description

SPECIFICATION PARTITIONING SYSTEMS Description Technical Field The invention relates to partitioning systems having primary and secondary elongate members which together form the vertical and horizontal components of a structure of a building, the areas between these components being filled with panels of opaque or transparent material. thereby forming partitions. Such partitions are used as windows and/or walls to separate. for example, rooms and corridors within a building. or to separate the interior of a shop or other building from the outside. Accordingly in this specification the terms'partition'and'partitioning system'are to be interpreted broadly as embracing all such aspects.

Background Art UK Patent Application GB 2334730 discloses an assembly for a partitioning system comprising an elongate primary member and an elongate secondary member which are secured together through the intermediary of a metal clip which engages both members. The arrangement is such that the secondary member can be detached from the primary member. The present invention is concerned with an improved arrangement to facilitate the securing of members in a partitioning system.

Disclosure of the Invention.

According to the invention an assembly for a partitioning system comprises a primary elongate member providing a pair of parallel wall surfaces facing one another; a clip comprising a metal channel-shaped member of square-U cross-section having a base and two side-walls perpendicular to the base, each side-wall being provided with at least one inwardly-directed tang opening towards the base and at least one outwardly-directed tang opening away from the base ; the clip being disposed between the wall surfaces of the primary member so that the outwardly-directed tangs of its side-walls engage the wall surfaces of the primary elongate member ; and a secondary elongate member providing a pair of parallel outwardly-facing wall surfaces which are engaged by the inwardly-directed tangs of the side-walls of the clir In this specification the words'horizontal'and'vertical'are used merely as relative directions the one to the other. and are not intended to indicate directions in real space.

Also in this specification the word'aluminium'is intended to cover both aluminium peur vie and alloys containing aluminium.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure la represents a three dimensional view of a clip pertinent to the invention Figure I h represents an end view of the clip of Figure la.

Figures 2a and 2h represent an assembly of a partitioning system using a clip according to Figure la.

Figure 3 represents another assembly of a partitioning system using the clip of Figure la.

Figure 4a represents a three-dimensional view of a modified clip.

Figures 4b represents an end view of the clip of Figure 4a..

Figures 5a and 5b represent three-dimensional and end views of a further clip pertment to the invention.

Figure 6 represents an assembly of a partitioning system utilising clips according to Figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 7 represents a component of a partitioning system utilising clips according to Figures 4a. 4b, and 5a, 5b.

Figure 8a and 8b represent a further arrangement utilising the clip of Figures I a and lb.

Figures 9a and 9b represent yet a further arrangement utilising the clip of Figures 4a and 4b. Figures 70A Ob and 10c disclose a further arrangement utilising a clip which is a modified form of that of Figures 4a and 4b.

Figure. v I Ia, I I b and I Ic disclose a further arrangement somewhat similar to that of Figures lOa to 1Oc.

Figures J la. J 2b and J 2c disclose a further arrangement somewhat similar to that of Figures I I a to He. but utilising a clip of the kind shown in Figures I a and Ib.

Modes for carrying out the invention.

Figures ta and I b show a channel-shaped metal clip 10 of square-U cross-section having a rectangular base I and upstanding perpendicular side-walls 2. Each side-wall is provided with an inwardly-directed tang 3 opening towards the base 1 and two outwardly-directed tangs 4 opening away from the base. Further tangs may be provided according to the length of the clip 10. The clip is preferably of steel. The base may have apertures for the passage of fixing elements such as screws.

Figures 2a and 2b show an assembly of a partitioning system comprising a primary elongate metal member 21 of which only the right-hand side of the cross-section perpendicular to its length is shown. A secondary elongate metal member 22 provides a closure element. The primary member 21 includes two outwardly-directed horizontal arms 23. and the secondary member 22 has two inwardly-directed horizontal arms 24. A steel clip as in Figures ta and I b is disposed between the arms 23 such that the inner wall surfaces of these are engaged by the outwardly-directed tangs 4 of the clip 10. On assembly the secondary member 22 is moved laterally so that the outer wall surfaces of the arms 24 are engaged by the inwardly-directed tangs 3 of the clip 10.

A significant feature is that the members 21,22 are of material, for example of aluminium or aluminium alloy, which is softer than that of the steel clip 10.

Accordingly the horizontal edges of the tangs 3,4 positively engage the arms 23. 24 so that there is strong resistance to removal of the member 22 laterally in the direction of the arrows A as the tangs bite into the inner wall surfaces of arms 23 and 24, and this member cannot be so removed without damage or permanent deformation to some member of the arrangement.

However. the total arrangement, including choice of materials, size, disposition and arrangement of the tangs, size, disposition and arrangement of the primary and secondary members, and the inter-reaction of all these. is such that, whilst a straight pull in the direction A cannot remove the secondary member without damage or deformation. release of the secondary member may be effected by a rolling or turning action as shown by the arrow B about an axis parallel to the length of the

channel member 10. which axis may shift laterally during the action of rotation..

This feature applies to all the embodiments of the invention disclosed in Figures la through 9b This means that the secondary member can readily be removed and subsequently replaced for procedures such as glazing and panel fixing in the construction of a partition. It also means that the appearance of the partitioning may be changed, by changing the secondary member for one of a different colour. texture or material.

Figure 3 shows an assembly for a partitioning system in which a primary elongate metal member 30 is utilised. the member 30 differing from the member 21 of Figure 2 by the provision of stop arms 31. A clip 10 and a secondary elongate member 22 as in Figure 2 are provided, but in this case partition filler members 32 are held between the stop arms 31 and the secondary member 22. The filler members may be glass or an opaque material such as a building board.

Figures 4a and 4b show a clip 11 which differs from the clip 10 of Figure I in that outwardly-projecting wings 5 extend parallel to the base I from the tops of the side-walls 2.

Figure 5a and 5b show a clip 12 which is a modification of the clip of Figure 4 in that it has only one wing 5.

Figure 6 shows an assembly of a partitioning system comprising a primary elongate metal member 40 associated with three secondary elongate wooden members 41, 42 and 43 through the intermediaries of three winged clip members 11. Glass panes 44 are provided for double-glazing, and sealing gaskets 45 are provided between the glass and the member 42 which is a closure member. A second closure member 42 and associated sealing gaskets have been omitted from the left-hand side of Figure 6 to show more clearly the disposition of a fourth clip 11. The steel winged clips 11 provide a measure of fire protection for the primary elongate metal member 40. The closure member 42 can readily be removed by the rolling or turning action previously described. after initial removal of the gaskets, and it can readily be replaced by a different closure member presenting a different visual aspect to a viewer.

Figure 7 shows a different primary elongate metal member 50 connected on the right-hand side with a wooden secondary member 51 by means of a clip 12 having a single wing, and on the lower side with a wooden secondary member 43 through a double-winged clip 11. As shown panes of glass 44 are provided for double-glazing. but for clarity the closure member 51 and sealing gasket 45 on the left-hand side have been omitted.

Figure 8 represents a further embodiment with a different primary elongate metal member 60. The member 60 is secured to a substrate 61 by means (not shown) such as screws. or adhesive, and is provided with outwardly-directed horizontal arms 63 similar to the arms 23 in Figure 2a. A clip 10 is engaged between the arms 63. A wooden secondary elongate member 62 having outer legs 64 and a central leg 65 can be connected to the member 60 as shown in Figure 8b, with inner tangs 3 engaging

the central leg 65. The arrangement is such that member 60 is completely concealed from view.

Figure 9 represents an arrangement wherein a clip I ! is inserted in a recess 71 in a substrate 70. and a secondary member 42 as in Figure 6 is engaged within it so that the clip is concealed.

Figures t0a, lOb and 10c relate to an embodiment in which a clip III, similar to the clip 11 in figures 4a and 4b but having a base narrower than its side-walls is utilised.

In this arrangement a primary elongate member 112, possibly of wood. has a relatively substantial cross-section, and is provided in its width with a groove 113.

Glass panes 44 abut the end of the member 112, and are secured in position by a clip 111 as best shown in Figure I Ob, with the outer-facing tangs of the clip engaging the parallel wall surfaces of the groove. A secondary elongate member J 14 having a narrow stem 115 is disposed in the clip with its stem engaged by the inwardly-facing tangs of the clip HI. The member 114 secures the glass in position through the intermediary of resilient gasket members 116.

Figures I I a, 11b and 11 c relate to an embodiment which is similar to that of Figures I Oa to I Oc. In this case the primary elongate member 120 is of metal, and comprises a cross bar 121 provided with parallel arms 122 to the ends of which transverse wings 123 are connected. The wings abut glass panes 44 through resilient gaskets 124. On inserting a clip I I I glass panes 44 are held in position. A secondary member 114

which engages the inner tangs of the clip 11 secures the assembly through gaskets 116 Figures 12a, 12b and 12c relate to an embodiment which differs from that of Figures ! ! a to 1 Ic in that a clip 110 similar to the clip 10 of Figure 1 a but narrower is used. In this case the glass is not held by wings on the clip.

In all embodiments of Figures la through 9b the secondary elongate member can be removed by a turning or rolling action about an axis parallel to the length of the clip without damage or deformation, it being understood that this axis may be shifted laterally during rotation, and it being also understood that any resilient gasket may need to be removed before removal begins.

Claims

CLAIMS I. An assembly for a partitioning system comprising a primary elongate member providing a pair of parallel wall surfaces facing one another ; a clip comprising a metal channel-shaped member of square-U cross-section having a base and two side-walls perpendicular to the base, each side-wall being provided with at least one inwardly-directed tang opening towards the base and at least one outwardly-directed tang opening away from the base; the clip being disposed between the wall surfaces of the primary member so that the outwardly-directed tangs of its side-walls engage the wall surfaces of the primary elongate member ; and a secondary elongate member providing a pair of parallel outwardly-facing wall surfaces which are engaged by the inwardly-directed tangs of the side-walls of the clip.
2. An assembly for a partitioning system according to Claim I wherein the width of the base of the channel-shaped clip is greater than the height of its side-walls.
3. An assembly for a partitioning system according to claim I or Claim 2 wherein the arrangement is such that the secondary member cannot be removed by a straight force directed parallel the side walls of the of the clip without damage or permanent deformation, but can be so removed by a rolling action about an axis parallel to the length of the clip, which axis may shift during rotation.
4. An assembly for a partitioning system according to Claim I in which the clip has an outwardly-projecting wing which extends parallel to the base from the top of a side-wall.

5.. An assembly for a partitioning system according to claim 2 in which the clip has outwardly projecting wings which extend parallel to the base from the tops of both side-walls.

6. An assembly for a partitioning system according to claim 1 wherein the width of the base of the channel-shaped clip is less than the height of its side-walls.

7.. An assembly for a partitioning system according to Claim 1 wherein the primary and/or the secondary elongate members is/are of aluminium..
5. An assembly for a partitioning system as in Claim I wherein the primary and/or the secondary elongate member is/are of wood..
6. An assembly for a partitioning system according to Claim I wherein the secondary elongate member is a closure member.
7. An assembly for a partitioning system as in Claim I wherein the primary and secondary elongate members are used to secure a filler member such as glass.
8. An assembly for a partitioning system according to any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement is such as to secure glass for a glazing system.
9. An assembly for a partitioning system substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.