GB2176515A - Clips for joining demountable partitioning panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A panel 22 is fixed to a support member 20 by a plurality of clips FS3 each comprising a generally flat body portion 17 having on one side an integral spring clip 18 which grips the support member 20 and on the other side at least one integral tooth portion 16, extending generally parallel to but spaced from the body portion, which is inserted into the edge of the panel 22. A second panel 21 can be joined to the panel 22 and the support 20 by metal fixing clips FS4 having a flat body portion 17 with an integral forwardly projecting nose portion 18, which is located in the gap between the support 20 and the panel 22, and at least one integral rewardly projecting tooth portion 16, extending parallel to but spaced from the body portion, which is inserted into the edge of the panel 21. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Demountable partitioning system This invention concerns improvements relating to demountable partitioning systems as widely used for example in office buildingsto enablethearrange mentofroomswithin a determined floor space to be varied atthewill oftheoccupier. Such systems are well known and generally comprise a multiplicity of sections of extruded aluminium for example each designed for one function only or, at best, for a dual function.

The present invention provides a family of sections designed to interactwith one another in multifunctional mannerwhich reduces the overall number of different sections required to instal a partition wall incorporating one or more doors, one or more wall panels, and one or more single and/or double glazed windows as its major constituent parts. The invention centres on the provision of a universal section adapted to be used alone for certain operations, and coupleable for other applications to other sections such as a blank end infill, a glazing section or infill or a doorframe infill for example in which case other sections such as single or double glazing channels, glazing beads, etc. may be engaged with the universal section andlor with the coupled on other section or sections.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention therefore there is provided a universal section for a demountable partitioning system, said universal section comprising an elongate channel-shaped member of constant, generally rectangularcrosssection throughout its length, the said member being open on one side and having formations associated with at least one other side such as to enable another elongate member having complementaryform ationsto be engaged with the said one other side in a snap-fit manner.

An exemplary embodiment of the universal section according to the invention comprises an aluminium extrusion of generally rectangular crosssection having a base wall, a pair of side walls and an open side, a glazing stool extending longitudinally of the channel-shaped member on the outer side ofthe base wall intermediate the two side edges of the base,thesaid glazing stool being undercut on both sides facing the edges of the base, and a pairofform- ations being provided extending along the two side edges of the base wall externally of the channel- shaped mem berthe said formations being undercut on their sides facing towards the undercut sides of the glazing stool, and formations being provided at the edges of the two side walls of the channel-shaped member between which the open side ofthe channel-shaped member is defined, theformations at the external edges of the base wall being spaced apartfrom one another a distance substantially equal to the spacing apart ofthe formations at either side of the open side of the channel-shaped member and being similarly shaped thereto for enabling the attachment to the base wall and/or to the open side of the channel shaped member of similarly configured further members having complementaryformations. In an alternative embodiment, the two side walls also have external formations the same as those on the base wall.

In use of the above-described exemplary embodi ment, the universal section is combined with one or more other sections having formations com plementarytotheformations on the elongate channel-shaped member, said one or more other sections being engaged with one or more ofthewalls of the elongate channel-shaped member and/or with the open side thereof by snap4itting together of the complementary formations of the respective parts, said one or more other sections being selected from thefollowing:: (a) single-glazing glazing elements each with an associated glazing bead and comprising an elongate element adapted to be snap-fitted between the undercut of a glazing stool and the facing undercut of an edge formation of the universal section for locating a glazing pane supported on said glazing stool; (b) double-glazing glazing elements comprising an elongate inner glazing element having associated glazing beads along both edges and elongate outer glazing elements having an associated glazing bead along one edge only, the inner glazing element being adapted to be engaged with a glazing stool between two glazing panes and the outer glazing elements being adapted to be engaged with the undercut of a respective edge formation and between such formation and a respective one of the two glazing panes;; (c) glazing infill elements comprising elongate and generally planarstrip-like elements having on one side thereof formations engageable with the formations ofthe channel-shaped member and on the other side thereof formations substantially the same as the formations provided at least on the base wall ofthechannel-shaped member; (d) blank end sections comprising elongate and generally planar elements having on one side thereof formations engageable with the formations of the channel-shaped member,theothersidebeing plain; (e) door infill sections comprising elongate elements having on one side formations engageable with the formations of the channel-shaped member and on the other side being shaped to define an abutment for a door; and (f) wiring ducts comprising generally channelshaped elongate members provided with formations engageable with the formations of the channelshaped universal section.

A demountable partition can thus be constructed which comprises one or more universal sections as above described which provide support, both horizontally and/orverticallyfor partition sections selected from thefollowing:- (a) single-glazing glazing panels; (b) double-glazing glazing panels; (c) solid partition wall panels; and (d) doors with the layout of such partitions being variable at the discretion of the layout designer.

According to another aspect of the invention a demountable partition comprises partition sections selected from the group comprising single-glazed glazing panels, double-glazed glazing panels, solid wall panels, and doors, in combination with multiplefunction universal sections constituting primarysupports forthe partition sections and interfacing with respective ones of the partition sections by means of interfacing sections clipped to respective side walls ofthe universal sections in snap-fit manner, the universal sections and the interfacing sections being provided with complementarily-shaped inter engageableformations enabling such clipping together ofthe respective sections and the interfacing sections being selected from the group comprising single-glazing and double-glazing sections, blanking sections, door frame sections, and ducting sections.

The invention extends furthermore to a method of erecting a demountable partition comprising partition sections selected from the group comprising single-glazed glazing panels, double-glazed glazing panels, solid wall panels, and doors, the said method comprising utilizing multiple-function universal sections as primary supports for the partition sections and interfacing the respective partition sections with their supporting universal sections by clipping appropriate interfacing sections to the respective supporting universal sections, the universal sections and the interfacing sections being provided with complementarily-shaped inter-engageableformations for enabling such clipping together of the respective sections, the interfacing sections being selected from the group comprising single-glazing and double-glazing glazing sections, blanking sections, door infill sections and ducting sections.

According to another of its aspects, the invention provides a method of supporting a butt joint between two generally coplanarwall panels of a demountable partitioning system by means of metal clips comprising a generallyflat body portion having a forwardly projecting nose portion and one or more rearwardly projecting teeth portions connected to the body portion with a spacing therefrom, the nose portion and teeth portions extending generally parallel to the body portion, the method comprising attaching a plurality of said clips to the edge of each of said two panels with the teeth portions of each clip embedded in the panel edge and the body portion closely adjacent the panel surface so thatthe nose portion projects from the panel edge generally in the plane of said panel surface, attaching the nose portions ofthe clips attached to the edge of a first panel to a support member, and abutting that edge ofthe second panel to which the clips are attached with the corresponding edge of the first panel with the nose portions of the clips attached to the second panel introduced behind the first panel on the same side thereof asthe support member.

In accordance with a variation ofthe above method which avoids the necessity of using secondaryfittings (e.g. rivets, screws, bolts, etc.) to secure the clips to the support member, the invention provides metal clips of a first and a second type, the firsttype metal clips comprising a generallyflat body portion having a spring clip on one side thereof and one or more teeth portions connected to the body portion and extending generally parallel thereto with a spacing therefrom, and the second type metal clips comprising a generallyflat body portion having aforwardly projecting nose portion and one or more rearwardly projecting teeth portions extending generally parallel to the body portion with a spacing therefrom, the method of use of such clips comprising attaching a plurality of said first type clips to the edge of a first one of said two panels with the teeth portions of each clip embedded in the panel edge, attaching said plurality offirsttype clips to a support member by engaging the support memberwiththe spring clip portions, attaching a plurality of said second type clips to the edge of a second one of said two panels with the teeth portions of each clip embedded in the panel edge so thatthe nose portions of the clips projectfrom the panel edge generally in the plane ofthe panel, and abutting the said edge of the second panel with the said edge of the first panel with the nose portions of the second type clips introduced behind the first panel on the same side thereof as the support member.

The invention extends also to wall panel fixing clips of the above-mentioned types.

The invention together with features and advantages thereof will best be appreciated from consideration ofthefollowing description given with refer encetothe accompanying drawings wherein:- Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a universal section in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a glazing section adapted to be coupled with the universal section of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a glazing infill adapted to be used with the universal section of Figure 1; Figure4shows a cross-sectional view of an end infill adapted to be coupled with the universal section of Figure 1;; Figure 5shows a cross-sectional view of a door frame infill section adapted to be used with the universal section of Figure 1; Figure 6shows a cross-sectional view of a modifiedform ofthe universal section of Figure 1 adapted for use with any of the sections of Figures 2to 5; Figures 7. 7.1,7.2 and 7.3showsross-sectional views of glazing channelsadaptedforusewiththe sections of Figures 1,2,3 and 6; Figures 8.a 1,8.2 and 8.3 show cross-sectional views of glazing beads adapted for use with the glazing channels of Figures 7; Figures 9. 1 and 9.2 show in cross-sectional view two differentsizes of a corner or reducing section; ; Figures 10.1 and 10.2, 10.3and 10.4, 10.5and 10.6, and 10.7and 10.8 show panel clips useful with the system according to the invention and Figure 10.9 shows a jointformed with such clips; Figures 111 to 11. show exemplary con figurationswhich can be realized in demountable partitions constructed principally by use ofthe universal section of Figure 1 in combination with other components; Figures 12.1to 12.11 show exemplary con- figurationswhich can be realized in demountable partitions constructed principally by use of the modi fied universal section of Figure 6 in combination with other components;; Figures 13. 1 and 13.2 show the use of the section of Figure 9.1 in the construction respectively of a corner and of a reducing panel; Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a board depth wiring duct useful with the system according to the invention; Figure 15shows a cross-sectional view of a section which can for example be used with the wiring duct of Figure 14toform a twin, divided wiring duct; Figure 16shows a cross-sectional view of a deep wiring duct section useful with the system according to the invention; Figures 17.1 and 17.2 illustrate applications ofthe board depth wiring duct of Figure 14; Figure 18 illustrates an application of the board depth wiring duct of Figure 14with the section of Figure 15;; Figure 19 illustrates an application ofthe deep with ing duct of Figure 16; and Figure 20 illustrates the versatility ofthe system according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the universal section FW1 comprises a generally rectangular section channel open at one side and comprising a majorwall 1, minorwalls 2 upstanding from the majorwall 1, and formations 3,4 and 5 as illustrated. Figure 2 shows a glazing section FW2 adapted to be secured by means of bolts, screws or adhesive to the outer surface of one or other or both ofminorwalls 2 of the universal section FW1 of Figure 1 to enable such minorwalls2 to be employed for glazing as will be described here inafterand it will be seen that FW2 has undercut formations 4 and 5 akin to those of FW1 The glazing infill FW3 of Figure 3 is adapted to be snapfitted into the open side of the universal section FW1 of Figure 1 with the lugs 8 of FW3 engaged with formations 3 of FW1, and again it can be seen that FW3 has undercut formations 4 and 5 akin to those provided on the majorwall 1 of universal section FW1.Figure 4 shows a blank end infill FW4which not only can be fitted into the open side of universal section FW1,but also can befitted onto majorwall 1 of FW1 withthe lugs 8, which are dimensioned and located relative to the unit FW4 identically to the lugs 8 of glazing infill FW3, engaged with the formations 4 of FW1 and the optionally provided pair of facing lugs 9 engaged with the formation 5 of FW1.

Figure 5 shows a doorframe infill FW5 shaped as shown and adapted to besnap-fitted either to the open side of universal section FW1 of Figure 1 orto the major side 1 thereof, the turned edges 10 of door infill FW5engagingwithformations3or4re- spectively of FWI The door infill FW5 also has a retaining groove 11 foran elastomericseal (not shown). The door infill FWSenablestheuniversal section FW1 to be used as a door frame section.

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the universal section adapted for use inter alia as a fourway post. As shown, the section FW1 1 is of generally square section with one open side and three sides which are functionally identical to major side 1 of the universal section FW1 of Figure 1 though there are differences in the shape of the undercut cornerformations 12 as compared with the correspondingformations of FW1.

The sections above-described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 preferably are formed of extruded aluminium which is anodised to provide a satin sur facefinish or may be coloured as desired, butcould be formed of other materials.

Figures 7.1,7.2 and 7.3 show glazing channels which may be formed of extruded aluminium orof extruded plastics material and are adapted for use with the sections FW1 of Figure 1, FW2 of Figure 2, FW3 of Figure 3, and FW1 1 of Figure 6. The glazing channel FVVG of Figure 7.1 is in a single glazing channel having a bead 13 along one edge adapted to be engaged with the formation 4 of universal section FW1, and a retaining groove 14 extending along its oppositeedgeforcapturing oneofthePVCglazing beads of Figures 8.1,8.2 or8.3 selected in dependence upon the required glass thickness; in use of single glazing channel FW6, foijr example with universal section FW1 of Figure 1, two such oppositely directed channels FW6 are used so asto sandwich the edge ofthe glass between the respective glazing beads with the edge of the glass seated upon or otherwise located by formation 5 serving as a glazing stool.Figure 7.2 shows a glazing channel FW7 similar to the glazing channel FW6 but of narrower dimensionsto enable the glazing section FW2to be single glazed, and glazing channel FW7 is also adapted for use with glazing channel FW8 of Figure 7.3 to enablethe universal section FW1 of Figure 1 to be double glazed, the section FW8 engaging formation 5 of universal section FW1 with its pair of opposed lugs 15 and a pair of sections FW7 being engaged bytheir edge beads 1 with the undercutformations 4 at opposite sides of the majorwall 1 of section FW1 ,the glass panes each being sandwiched as above described attheiredges between selected glazing beads.

Figures 9.1 and 9.2 show differently sized extruded aluminiumcornersectionsFW9and FWl0foruseto conceal the vertical butt joint between two wall panels extending perpendicularly one to the other, it being appreciated that the panels will be retained along theirtop and bottom horizontal edges by other means. The sections FW9 and FW10 have other uses as will hereinafter be described.

Figures 10.1 to 10.4 show two types of pressed steel panel clips useful in the construction of a demountable partition system according to the invention; Figures 10.1 and 10.3 showthe respective clips in blankform before bending to shape and Figures 10.2 and 10.4 showthe formed clips. The clip FS1 of Figures 10.1 and 10.2 has barbs 16 which areturned in underthe body 17 ofthe clip and has a released tongue 18 which is bent as shown. The clip FS2 of Figures 10.3 and 10.4 has similar barbs 16which are bentin under, and hasatongue 18which is however not bent out the plane of the body of the clip and is provided with a fixing hole 19. Tangs 20 are released downwardly from body portion 17 of the clip FS2.

Figures 10.5and 10.6 and Figures 10.7 and 10.8 show two further clips which in essence are modified forms of the clips of Figures 10.1 and 10.2 and Figures 10.3 and 10.4 and comprise parts referenced in Figures 1 0.5 to 10.8 with the same reference num erals as designate corresponding parts in Figures 10.1 to 10.4. The mode of use ofthe illustrated clips will be described hereinafter.

Referring nowto Figures 11.1 to 11.13 and Figures 12.1 to 12.11, these illustrate the usefulness ofthe sections described above. It has to be understood thatthe system according to the invention proposes to employ standard lightweight steel sections (studs) as reinforcement within the universal sections FW1 and FW11 of Figures 1 and6respectivelyandsuch studs are designated with the reference 20 in the Figures.

Figure11.1 shows a doubleskinnedwall panel comprising boards 21 and 22 secured attheir edges by means of a universal section FW1 attached to a wall, ceiling or other surface for example by means of screws.

Figure 11 .2shows a universal section FW1 with a glazing infill FW3 fltted thereto and with single pane glazing fitted by moans oftwo glazing channels FW6 fitted with appropriate glazing beads FG. A second similar combination of a universal section FW1 and two glazing channels FW6 mightconstitutethe lower transom of the window, and might have two boards 21 and 22 extend downwardly therefrom in the mannershown in Figure 11.1.

Figure 11.3 shows a door infill section FW5 secured in the open side of a universal section FW1 secured to a wall, ceiling or other surface, the formations 10 of FW5 being engaged with the formations 3 of FW1 A sealing strip FD engages in the channel 11 provided in door infill section FW5for making a draught proof seal with a door 23. A reinforcing section 24 may as required be provided within the universal section FW1.

Figurell.4showsasolid:glazedarrangement which mightforexample be utilized forthe lower transom orforthe mullion of a window. The window pane is received between glazing beads FG fitted to a pair of single glazing channels FW6 engaged with the major wall 1 of a universal section FW1, and a pair of boards 21,22 engage with the open side ofthe universal section FW1 The arrangement shown is fire rated by the addition of steel angles 25 as shown in the region of the glazing beads FG.

Figure 11.5 shows a glazed :glazed arrangement which might be employed in a windowtransom or mullion.ThearrangementissimilartothatofFigure 11 except that in place ofthe panels 21,22 there is a window pane glazed to a glazing infill FW3 received in the open side of universal section FW1 by means of a pair of glazing channels FV/6 and associated glazing beads FG. The arrangement of Figure 11.5 is fire rated similarly to that of Figure 11.4.

Figure 11.6 shows a door:glazed transom or mullion arrangementwhich comprises a universal section FW1, glazing channels FW6 and associated glazing beads FG, a door infill section FW5 with associated seal FD, and fire rating sections 25 and 26. Figure 11.7 shows a door:solid arrangementthe construc tion whereofwill be clearfrom the foregoing, Figures 11.8 and 11.9 show the application ofthe blank end section FW4 of Figure 4 in solid and glazed blank end arrangements respectively, and Figure 11.10 illustrates the construction of a chair rail (a horizontal rail in a partition wall at a heightfrom the floor approximating to the height of a chair back) in a single glazed partition wall using two opposed glazed:solid arrangements as described with reference to Figure 11.4.

Figure 11.11 shows a glazed corner constructed around a universal section FW1 provided on its majorwall 1 with a blank end section FW4 of Figure 4, provided on one of its minorwalls 2 with a glazing section FW2 of Figure 2, and having a glazing infill section FW3 of Figure 3 clipped into its open face. A first glass pane 27 is glazed to the glazing section FW2 by means of glazing channels FW7 of Figure 7.2 with associated glazing beads FG, and a second glass pane 28 is glazed to the glazing infill FW3 by means of glazing channels FW6 of Figure 7.1 with associated glazing beads FG. Figure 11.12 shows athree-way glazed junction constructed similarly to the corner arrangement of Figure 11.11 butwith athird pane of glass 29 glazed to the majorwall 1 ofthe universal section FW1.

Figure 11.13 shows a double glazed mullion or transom and illustrates how the majorwall 1 ofthe universal section FW1, and correspondinglythe glazing infill FW3, are designed for co-operation either with glazing channels FW6 of Figure 7.1 for single glazing applications or with double glazing outer channels FW7 of Figure 7.2 and inner channel FW8 of Figure 7.3.

The simplicity and flexibility ofthe system according to the invention will readily be appreciated from Figures 11.1 to 11.13.

As compared with conventional sound and fire rated partition systems which all have one thing in common, namely the use of components which each perform a single or at most a dual function only, the system of the present invention uses a universal section FW1 which fulfills a wide variety offunctions such as use as a head channel at ceiling level or as an abutment against a wall, solid partition or column. In other applications the section FW1 performs a function as a major component; it may be used for example as a single or double sided glazing mullion or transom capable of being single or double glazed and with any combination of adjacent panels, i.e.

glazed, door, or solid panel, whethervertically or horizontally. Similarly it can be used as a doorframe member against any combination of adjacent panels.

It can also be used in the construction of a corner post in glazed elevations, a three way post or a fourway post either glazed or solid, or as a finishing post either on the termination of a partition or around a clear opening or at the top of a bank rail height part ition. To fulfill these functions, the only other alumi- nium components that are necessary and which clip fix to the universal section FW1 are the glazing infill FW3toformadoublesidedmullionortransomorto glaze direct to the head channel,the end infill FW4to form a termination or clear opening or capping to a bank rail height partition, and the FW5 doorframe infill.

The plastics or aluminium glazing channels are clipped directly to FW1 or FW3with FW6 being used forsingleglazing and FW7and FW8fordoubleglazing, FW7 being usable also to glaze from FW2 (three way andfourway).

The modified universal section FW11 of Figure 6 is a universal four way post with multi-functional usage. It can be used for example as a corner post, a three way post, a fourway post in glazed elevations and also as a sill for fully glazed modules. It can also be used as a two way, three way orfourway door post. Also with the use of infill types FW3, FW4, FW5 it becomes a multi-functional glazed and doorway post. It eliminates the needfora small solid module to be constructed to form a three way which is able to havetwo door modules, one either side.

Referring more particularlyto Figures 12.1 to 12.11, some exemplary applications ofthe modified universal section FW11 are there illustrated. Figures 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3 respectively show glazed, door and solid panel connections to the FW1 1 modified universal section, the FW1 1 being shown secured to a wall, ceiling or other surface and with respective other components clipped to it in a mannerfamiliar from the foregoing descriptions of the usefulness of the FW1 section.Figures 12.4, and 12.6 illustrate deep transom arrangements respectively for glazing:glazing, glazing:doorand glazing:solid applications, Figures 12.7 shows a four doorpost configuration wherein four door infill sections FW5 are clipped to the universal section FW1 1, and Figure 12.8 shows a blank end to a double wall panel with opposed doors. Figure 12.9 shows a mullion with four glazed sides, two double-glazed and two singleglazed, Figure 12.10 shows a cill construction and Figure 12.11 shows a double-glazed corner. It is not considered that any further description is necessary of the various applications of the FW1 1 section.

The fixing clips FS1 and FS2 of Figures 10.1 to 10.4 and FS3 and FS4 of Figures 10.5to 10.8 enable panel sections to be butted at joints without gaps and avoids the requirementwhich commonlyariseswith conventional partitioning systems for cover strips to be provided in order to conceal such joints. Moreover, the use of such clips produces a sound- and fire-rateable system which can be erected quickly whilst remaining fully demountable. The clips FS2 and FS4 can be used on their own and, in such an arrangement, clips are provided at appropriately spaced locations along the respective panel edges constituting the opposed sides of a panel joint, the clips each being fixed to the respective panel edge simply by knocking the teeth 16 into the panel edge.

One side of the joint is then fixed to a supporting metal stud by pop riveting the respective clip portions 18to the stud, and the other side of the joint is butted with the first side with the portions 18 of its clips inserted behind the previously fixed panel and between the panel and the stud. Alternatively, and with the avoidance even ofthe necessity of riveting any of the clips to the supporting steel stud, the clips FS2 and FS4can be used in conjunction with the clips FS1 and FS3, the last mentioned clips being knocked into the edge of one panel and then being clipped overthe lip ofthe steel stud so asto holdthefirst panel in place, the lip of the stud being gripped by the spring portions 18 of the respective clips.The second panel fitted with the FS2 or FS4type clips can then be butted with the first panel and retained as abovedescribed. The second method which makes use of the clips FS1 and FS3 is to be preferred in that it obvi ates the need for secondary fixings (pop rivets, etc.).

The present invention is, of course, not limited to the use of clips such as FS1 to FS4 and standard clamping and cover strips known in the art may be used to provide an acceptable finish at panel joints. Figure 10.9 shows a sectional view of a joint made by use of clips FS3 and FS4 between panel edges 21 and 22 supported by metal stud 20.

The sections FW9 and FW10 of Figures 9.1 and 9.2 are aluminium sections for use asacornerorreduc- ing section for different sized boards such as 1/2" and 3/4" boards respectively. The conventional practice to finish a corner is to face fix both boards with edges overlapping to the steel studding and then use an aluminium anglewhich is counter-sunkandthen face fixed to cover the panel joint; alternatively, with the use of a clamping strip fixed to the face, then a clip on corner section can be applied. A corner is constructed in the system of the invention by using FW9 or FW10 as shown in Figure 13.1. One panel 21 is first fixed flush with the edge of the steel (corner) stud 20 with several screws.The FW9 (FW10) is fixed with pop rivets to the exposed steel stud 20 through its centre tongue 30, with the leg 31 at rightanglesto this tongue in contactwith the fixed board 21. The following board 22 is slid insidethe lip 32 ofthe FW9 (FW10). Nofixings are made on the surface atall.

Figure 13.1 illustratestheformationofadoublepan- elled corner with a second steel stud 20' secured to panels 21 ' and 22" and an aluminium cover strip FW12 clipped over a steel section 33.

Figure 13.2 illustrates an alternative use for the sections FW9 or FW10 in providing a frame for a reduced width panel section.

Figures 14,15and 16 are sectional views of further extruded aluminium components which can be used in a demountable partitioning configuration constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, particularly (though not exclusively) as ductsforwiring. Figure 17.1 shows a double pan elled wall provided with a wiring duct at dado height on both sides, the wiring ducts eåch comprising a section Few13 as illustrated in Figure 14 closed by means of a blanksection FW4 of Figure 4. Figure 17.2 shows a similar arrangement with the wiring duct at skirting level. Aswill be seen, the wiring duct FW13 is internally divided so as to enable telephone lines to be ducted separately from power lines. Figure 18 shows the wiring duct FW14 enlarged to form atwin duct by addition of a section FW14 of Figure 15, and Figure 19 shows use ofthesection FW15 of Figure 16 as a deep wiring ductfor example at dado height. It will be noticed that the wiring duct FW14 of Figure 15 is engageable directly with the universal sections FW1 and FW11 as may be desirable in certain situations.

The system according to the invention has many advantages over previously known systems in which a standard glazing section has only one function which is either to form a single or double glazed elevation. To change from one to the other is a major operation which entails taking out all the glazing frames and replacing them with completely new glazing frames. It is also very difficult in such prior artsystemps to change from 4mm glass to 10mum glass and impossible to use 10mm glass in double glazed applications without modification to standard sections.

In the system according to the invention, FW1 (and FW3-double sided)formsthe main glazing frame, and to change from single to double glazing isaccomplished by merely substituting FW7 and FW8 for FW6 and vice versa. Differences in glass thickness are accommodated by a change of glazing bead (FG1 and FG2) which fits any glazing.

The fire rating of glazed modules using standard known systems involves the removal of all complete glazing frames, the fixing of steel angle either side of the glass and then the replacement of the glazing frames. With the system ofthe invention, to fire rate glazed modules it is necessary simply to unclip FW6, FW7 or FW8 from FW1,fixthesteel angle in position againstthe glazing stool 5, and then replace FG1 with FG3 before refixing FW6. In the whole procedure the main section FW1 and the infill FW3 (where applicable) is not removed at all.

It is expected that the cost of the component parts of a system according to the invention will be no more and very probably less than those of comparable sound and fire rated systems, and that a substantial saving on installation time will be obtained.

Furthermore, since secondaryfixings (bolts, screws, rivets etc.) are to a great extent not used and the different constituent sections merely snap together,the reusability of demounted partition walling should be considerably enhanced with consequent substantial savings in cost.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein by way ofexample, itwill be appreciated by those possessed of appropriate skills thatthe described embodiments are exemplary only and that variations and modifications could be made withoutdeparturefrom the spirit and scope ofthe invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

1. A method of supporting a butt joint between two generally coplanarwall panels of a demountable partitioning system by means of metal clips (FS2; FS4) comprising a generally flat body portion (17) having a forwardly projecting nose portion (18) and one or more rearwardly projecting teeth portions (16) connected to the body portion (17) with a spacing therefrom, the nose portion (18) and teeth portions (16) extending generally parallel to the body portion (17),the method comprising attaching a plurality of said clips (FS2; FS4) to the edge of each of said two panels with the teeth portions (16) of each clip embedded in the panel edge and the body portion (17) closely adjacentthe panel surface so that the nose portion (18) projects from the panel edge generally in the plane of said panel surface, attaching the nose portions (18) ofthe clips (FS2;FS4) which are attached to the edge of a first panel to a support member (20), and abutting that edge of the second panel to which the clips (FS2; FS4) are attached with the corresponding edge of the first panel with the nose portions (18) of the clips attached to the second panel introduced behind thefirst panel onthesame side thereof as the support member (20).

2. A method of supporting a butt joint between twogenerallycoplanarwall panels of a demountable partitioning system by means of metal clips (FS1; FS3) of a first type and metal clips (FS2; FS4) of a second type, the first type metal clips (FS1; FS3) comprising a generallyflat body portion (17) having a spring clip (18) on onesidethereofand one or more teeth portions (16) connected to the body portion (17) and extending generally parallel thereto with a spacing therefrom, and the second type metal clips (FS2, FS4) comprising a generallyflat body portion (17) having aforwardlyprojecting nose portion (18) and one or more rearwardly projecting teeth portions (16) extending generally parallel to the body portion (17) with a spacing therefrom, the method comprising attaching a plurality of said first type clips (FS1; FS3) to the edge of a first one of said two panels with the teeth portions (16) of each clip embedded in the panel edge, attaching said plurality offirsttype clips (FS1; FS3) to a support member (20) by engaging the support member (20) with the spring clip portions (18), attaching a plurality of said second type clips (FS2; FS4) to the edge of a second one of said two panels with the teeth portions (16) of each clip embedded in the panel edge so thatthe nose portions (18) ofthe clips project from the panel edge generally in the plane ofthe panel, and abutting the said edge of the second panel with the said edge of the first panel with the nose portions (18) of the second type clips (FS2; FS4) introduced behind the first panel on the same side thereof as the support member (20).

3. A metal fixing clip for use in attaching wall panelsto support members in a demountable partitioning system, said fixing clip (FS1; FS3) compris ingagenerallyflatbodyportion (17) having on one sidethereofan integral spring clip (18) enabling the fixing clip (FS1; FS3) to be clipped to a support member, and having on the other side thereof at least one integral tooth portion (16) extending generally parallel to the body portion (17) with a spacing thereform for attaching the fixing clip (FS1; FS3) to the edge of a wall panel by embedding the at least one tooth portion (16) in the panel edge.

4. Ametalfixingclipforuseinattachingwall panels to support members in a demountable partitioning system, said fixing clip (FS2; FS4) comprising a generallyflat body portion (17) having an integralforwardlyprojecting nose portion (18) and at least one integral, rearwardly-projecting tooth por tion (16) extending generally parallel to the body por- tion (17) with a spacing therefrom.

5. A metal fixing clip for use in attaching wall panels to support members in a demountable partitioning system, said fixing clip being substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 10.1 and 10.2 of the accompanying drawings, or Figures 10.3 and 10.4ofthe accompanying drawings, or Figures 10.5 and 10.6 ofthe accompanying drawings, or Figures 10.7 and 10.8 ofthe accompanying drawings.