Abstract:
A system and apparatus for construction interior partitions including a generally U-shaped horizontal track profile including a horizontal base extending to outside rails, a central channel in which to receive a shim and/or panel element and opposing channels in which to secure a gasketed panel retainer. Vertical framing elements at each end of a partition likewise provide side mounted channels with a cooperative channel in which a panel retainer may be secured. With track and framings in place the panel retainers on a first side are installed followed by the panel elements, optionally butt-jointed, and finally the opposing panel retainers. Additionally, a track support element and fastener catch is disclosed to allow a side-mounted sliding door track or other component to be face mounted (screwed) directly therein.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/824,470 filed 17 May 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to partitioning systems for interior spaces and more specifically to an adaptable partitioning system capable of supporting heavy and operative panels. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Background 
         [0005]    Division of interior spaces in office buildings, convention halls and the like is a common need. The use of light weight assemblies of extruded aluminum shapes as a framework to construct partitions to divide such spaces is well known. Such assemblies are more or less mechanically “integrated” with the structural elements of the building, integrated being herein defined as fastened to some extent to the surrounding building such as an overhead bulkhead, or flanking drywall. 
         [0006]    For example, the system may be fastened lengthwise at the top to an overhead bulkhead, ceiling or other structure, and this helps to increase the structural strength of the assembly including its ability to support heavy partition panels. However, the structural elements of the building are not always cooperative. As a result, it may only be possible to fasten the system intermittently at certain points or in very short lengths along the top, or minimally only along its sides at both ends. As the external structural support of the building is reduced so too is the total load-bearing capacity of the system, and the inherent capacity of the system alone must suffice. 
         [0007]    Such lightweight, extruded aluminum frame systems cannot readily support heavy panels, panes of tempered glass, heavy doors, or other partitioning components that impose dynamic loading conditions. For example, heavy glass panes such as track mounted rolling doors pose a particular problem. An optimal solution would have sufficient inherent load-bearing capacity for an entire range of possible configurations so as to provide ample structural support in all such cases. 
         [0008]    Previous attempts to overcome these deficiencies have led to more rigid track systems. However, such rigid track systems are incapable of accommodating even minor variation in floor surface conditions as are common in modern poured concrete floors. Absent an unrealistically flat floor surface, prior art systems place a deformable filler piece beneath the rigid track to conform to the floor surface. Thus unduly increases the cost and complexity of the installation process. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a space partitioning system that is capable of supporting heavy and/or operable panels in and throughout a range of partially-integrated or fully-integrated configurations, and which additionally has the ability to conform to any irregularities in a floor surface without the need for additional, pliable components or sealant. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a system and method of partitioning interior spaces by a partitioning system capable of supporting heavy operative wall panels. The system utilizes a horizontal track profile preferably formed of extruded aluminum and having a horizontal base portion extending upward at distal rails to form an open U-shaped element. Within the U shape is a central longitudinal channel flanked on either side by a channels formed between a protruding trim stop and protruding channel side wall. A cooperative panel retainer having a pair of spacer arms extending downward from a top portion closes one side of the U-shaped channel, the spacer arms being secured within the channel of the track profile by a clip periodically secured there along the length of the channel. The panel retainer seats a gasket in a longitudinal J-channel and presents the gasket in cooperative alignment with the central longitudinal channel horizontal track profile for engagement with a panel element such as a series of panes of glass inserted into the channel central longitudinal channel. With the panel element in place, a second, gasketed cooperative panel retainer is installed on the opposite side of the horizontal track profile to secure the panel element on both sides. A shim or similar element may be inserted into the central longitudinal channel to support and adjust the location of the panel element. The end of each run of panel elements terminates on a vertical framing member having a channel on each side. A vertical, gasketed panel retainer is retained in each of the channels of the framing member to engage and secure the panel members. 
         [0011]    During installation, top and bottom track elements are aligned vertically with the open “U” shapes facing one another and the framing members are secured within the track elements at the ends of each run. The bottom track is laid directly on and conforms to the floor surface and any irregularities therein so as not to require any additional element or step to accommodate the floor surface. The panel retainers are installed on one side of the partition-to-be and a shim is placed within the longitudinal channel of the bottom track element if necessary. The panel elements are then installed against the gaskets of the panel retainers by inserting the top edge first and then swinging the bottom edge under to rest on the shim. In this configuration, the top track element trim stop prevents the panel element from tipping out of the track. The opposing panel retainers are then installed and the panel thus secured in place. 
         [0012]    Optionally, where it is desired to attach the top track element of the partition to an overhead, a track support may be provided for additional support of heavy or operative panel elements. The track support is in the form of a closed form, hollow rectangular member with two internal, vertically oriented, longitudinal stiffening fastener catches which provide additional support to side mounted hardware such as a sliding door track. One or more alignment fins may also be provided extending from the lower surface of the rectangular member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of track profile according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of a widening adapter  90  according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of a trim element according to the present invention for use with the track profile of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4(A-C)  is a vertical section composite-series of the assembly steps of the method according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of framing profile  40  according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a trim element  50  according to the present invention for use with the framing profile of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a horizontal section series of an assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a track support  100  according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0022]    The present invention is an apparatus and system for constructing partition walls capable of supporting heavy and operative panel elements, accommodating variation in floor surface level, and still allowing for ease of assembly and reconfiguration as needs change. 
         [0023]    With specific reference to  FIG. 1 , and general reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , an exemplary embodiment of the system and apparatus of the present invention includes a particular track profile  10  as shown ( FIG. 1 ) to anchor each partition wall. In practice, both a top track profile  10  and identical bottom track profile  10  will be provided, one each at both the lower extremity of a partition wall (typically at the floor) and at the upper extremity of the partition wall (typically at the ceiling). The top track profile  10  may be attached to an overhead portion of the surrounding building structure such as a ceiling, dropped ceiling, bulkhead, joist, beam etc. However, one skilled in the art should understand that the overhead building elements need not be continuous and indeed the partition wall need not be full height. In such case the top track profile  10  may be intermittently attached overhead or minimally attached at both ends to the structure of the surrounding building. The bottom track profile  10  is typically in contact with the floor slab or other floor surface and is preferably mechanically affixed to the floor surface as by screws or the like. The top and bottom track profiles  10  are positioned in vertical alignment with one another and trace the horizontal path of the partition wall through and within the space to be divided. 
         [0024]    Each track profile  10  is characterized by a generally U-shaped cross section open to one side (the upper side in the depicted embodiment), and with a plurality of projecting appendages as will be described. Track profile  10  is preferably symmetrically situated about a centerline (dotted). The U-shaped cross section is defined by a base member  12  which extends outward from a partition channel  16  at the centerline to side rails  14  situated at its distal ends. The side rails  14  extend generally orthogonally and typically perpendicularly to the overall plane of the base member  12 , and cooperatively form opposing sides of the “U”. The side rails  14  preferably extend upward a distance from one to three inches from the plane of the base member  12  to an optional trim-engaging element. In the illustrated embodiment the trim-engaging element comprises an inward flange  13  at the distal ends of side rails  14  presenting a flat surface parallel to the plane of the base member  12 , and turned downward at a lip  15 . It should be noted that the side rails  14  may terminate without a flange  13  and/or lip  15 , or any other form of trim-engaging element. 
         [0025]    Between the side rails  14 , the base member  12  is preferably formed to include a partition channel  16  along its centerline. The partition channel  16  is preferably a drop-channel formed below the plane of the base member  12  by channel sidewalls  17  that extend downward from the plane to a channel bottom  18  as depicted, but may alternately be formed as an elevated channel by extending a pair of spaced sidewalls upward from the base member  12 . When formed as a drop-channel, additional standoffs  19  are preferably provided on opposing sides of the center channel  16  to add support for the base member  12 . The drop-channel embodiment is preferred because the base member  12  and center drop-channel  16  permit greater lateral flexibility and less contact area with any abutting surface (such as a floor) and better accommodate irregularities in that surface without the need for an additional element such as an elastomer. 
         [0026]    Also provided on each side of the center channel  16  between the channel and side rails  14  is a trim stop  20  projecting upwardly from base member  12 . In a preferred embodiment the opposing trim stops  20  are upward extensions of stand offs  19 , and the demarcate channels  21  which serve to laterally align and longitudinally locate slide clips  23  (see overhead insets) which are screwed to the bottom of channels  21  for securing a trim panel therein as will be described. Each trim stop  20  is preferably provided in the form of a protrusion extending upward from the plane of the base member  12  a predetermined distance for cooperative, engagement with a trim element (not shown). An optional channel side wall  22  of commensurate height may also be provided as a second trim stop, spaced from trim stops  20 , to demarcate the outer extent of channels  21 . In practice, slide clips  23  (insets) are affixed within channels  21  to secure a panel retainer  30  in place (as described below) during assembly of the system. The panel retainers  30  slide into the channels  21  about slide clips  23  (see also,  FIG. 8 ), and the clips  23  retain panel retainers  30  therein. The height of the channel  21  between side wall  22  and trim stop  20  above the plane of the base member  12  is necessarily less than that of the side rails  14 . 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a panel retainer  30  is provided for cooperative engagement with the track profile  10 . The panel retainer  30  includes a top portion  31  intended to close off a portion of the open top of the U-shaped track profile  10  while also supporting from one side an inserted panel element, e.g., a conventional wall panel or partition. The top portion  31  may be a flat, planar surface or may be adorned for aesthetic purposes as desired. Extending downward from a bottom surface of the top portion  31  is at least one spacer arm  32  and preferably a pair of opposing spacer arms  32  spaced for cooperative alignment and slidable insertion within the channel  21  of the track profile  10  of  FIG. 1 . Each spacer arm  32  extends to a distal end tapered to a preferably rounded point extending to form an inward facing hook  33  which embraces slide clips  23  ( FIG. 1  insets) to secure panel retainers  30  in track profile  10 . 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , when the panel retainer  30  of  FIG. 3  is mated to the track profile  10  of  FIG. 1 , the outside surface(s) of the spacer arm(s)  32  engage the inside surfaces of the trim stop  20  and channel sidewall  22  to removably secure the panel retainer  30  in place without the need for additional tools or fasteners. 
         [0029]    Referring back to  FIG. 3  the outside surface of the spacer arm(s)  32  is provided with a rib  37  that engages the distal end of the trim stop  20  or channel sidewall  22  to limit the depth of engagement of the spacer arms  32  within the channel  21  so as to positively align the panel retainer  30  in its proper position, again without the need for an additional tool or particular care by the installer. Also extending downward from a bottom surface of the top portion  31  is a J-channel  34  or other suitable form in which to seat a foam or elastomeric gasket  37  (to provide a bumper for the panel element). In addition to seating the gasket  37 , the J-channel  34  presents a larger surface area abutting the panel element so as to reduce any localized stresses. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIGS. 4(A-C) , installation or assembly of a partition wall according to the present invention starts by securing a length of the track profile  10  on the floor of the space to be partitioned, along the path of the desired partition as at  FIG. 4(A)  bottom. As previously described, the track profile  10  may be typically secured to the floor mechanically as by screws or the like. Due to the cross sectional shape of the base member  10 , the base member  10  will accommodate irregularities in the floor surface such as non-flat and non-level areas so that no elastomeric filler/sealer nor mechanical adapter is required between the base member  10  and the floor surface. Additionally, it is not necessary for the installer to take any steps to shim, level or otherwise modify the base member  10  relative to the floor surface. If the top of the partition is to be secured to the building structure, another length of track profile  10  is installed directly above lower track profile  10  with the open end of the “U” shape facing downward. As seen at  FIG. 4(A)  top, the top length of track profile  10  is secured to the building or ceiling structure by means suitable for the given structure as will be understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0031]    A framing member  40  as depicted in  FIG. 4(A)  middle is then installed between the top and bottom track profiles  10  running top to bottom alongside each run of panel elements. Framing members  40  will typically be secured to existing building drywalls at the beginning and end of the partition system run. 
         [0032]    With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a section view of the framing member  40  of  FIG. 4  is depicted. The width of the framing member  40  is preferably selected to fit closely between the side rails  14  of the base member  10 . In cross section, the framing member  40  is provided in the form of closed generally-rectilinear tubular member such as depicted in the figure defining a hollow central region  42 . Central region  42  is preferably depressed toward the back of the framing, the back of the framing being the top side of the depicted image. A depressed wall  43  at the front of the framing  40  member provides a recessed exterior well into which a panel element may be received as will be described. The back side of the framing member  40  is preferably provided with a pair of standoffs  44  to hold the closed central region  42  away from and thereby accommodate irregularities in the surface to which it is secured. The framing member  40  may be secured mechanically as by screws or the like to a structural wall as in that of the building in which the partition is being erected or to another partition element such as, for example, an extruded aluminum corner post. 
         [0033]    Each side of the framing member  40  is constructed to include a channel  46  defined by opposing flanges  47 . As with the channel  32  of the base member  10 , the channel  46  of the framing member  10  serves to laterally align and longitudinally locate slide clips  23  for securing a panel retainer  50  described below. 
         [0034]    As seen in  FIG. 6 , a panel retainer  50  is provided for cooperative lengthwise engagement with the vertical framing member  40  to engage and support the panel element. The panel retainer  50  includes an outside portion  51  intended to enclose one side of the framing member  40  while also supporting from one side an inserted panel element. The outside portion  51  may be made up of two flat, planar elements  51   a ,  51   b  orthogonally arrange in an “L” shaped configuration or may be otherwise formed for aesthetic purposes as desired. Extending outward (as depicted) from an inner surface of the planar element  51   a  is at least one spacer arm  52  and preferably a pair of opposing spacer arms  52  spaced for cooperative alignment within the channel  46  of the framing member  10  ( FIG. 1 ). Each spacer arm  52  extends to a distal end tapered to a preferably rounded point extending to form an inward facing hook  53  which slidably embraces slide clips  23  to secure panel retainer  50  in framing member  40 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , when panel retainer  50  is mated to the framing member  40  the outside surface(s) of the spacer arm(s)  52  are engaged against the inside surfaces of the channel  46  while the hook(s)  53 , as the case may be, interact with the slide clips  23  ( FIG. 1  inset) within the channel  46  to removably secure the panel retainer  50  in place without the need for additional tools or fasteners. An outside surface of the spacer arm(s)  52  is provided with a protrusion  56  that engages the distal end of the channel  46  sidewalls to limit the depth of engagement of the spacer arms  52  within the channel  46  so as to positively align the panel retainer  50  in its proper position, again without the need for an additional tooling or particular care by the installer. Also extending from an inside surface of the planar element  51   b  of the outside portion  51  is a J-channel  57  or other suitable form in which to seat a foam or elastomeric gasket  59  against which to secure the panel element. Here again, in addition to seating the gasket  59  the J-channel  57  presents a wider surface area against which the panel retainer  50  can bear so as to reduce any localized stresses induced within the panel retainer  50 . 
         [0036]    With renewed reference to  FIG. 4 , installation or assembly of a partition wall according to the present, continues after securing the horizontal top and bottom track profiles  10  in vertical alignment along the path of the partition and further securing the vertical framing members  40  between the side rails  14  of the base member  12  at the end of each run of panels. If not installed prior to securing the track profiles  10  in place, retaining clips  23  are next periodically affixed within the channels  21 ,  46  of the track profiles  10  and framing members  40 . The panel retainer  50  is installed in the framing members  40  on one side of the partition wall, and the panel retainer  30  is likewise installed on the same side of the top and bottom track profile  10 . If not already in place, a resilient gasket  37 ,  59  is inserted into the J-channels  34 ,  59  of the installed panel retainers  30 ,  50  and a shim element  60  is next placed within the channel  16  in the bottom track profile. The shim element  60  is preferably an elastomeric or foam bumper strip having a rectangular cross-section. 
         [0037]    As seen in  FIGS. 4(B-C)  a panel element  70  is next introduced. The panel element  70  is a generally planar element in the nature of a board or glass pane and may be opaque, translucent or transparent. The width of the panel element  70  is variable as a matter of design choice, typically from ⅜″ to 1″. The height of the panel element  70  is selected based on the ultimate height of the partition wall as determined by the vertical spacing between the top and bottom track profiles  10 . The height of the panel element  70  is preferably selected to be greater than the distance between the top surface of the shim element  60  and the distal end of the trim stop  20  on the top track profile  10 , and less than the distance between the top surface of the shim element  60  and the bottom of the channel  16  in the top track profile  10 . 
         [0038]    The panel element  70  is installed by inserting its top edge into the channel  16  of the top track profile  10  and then rotating the bottom of the panel element  70  under the top edge so that the panel  70  is in vertical alignment with the top and bottom track profiles  10  and engaged against the resilient gasket in the J-channels  34 ,  59  of the installed panel retainers  30 ,  50 . The panel element  70  is then allowed to rest on the shim element  60 . With the panel  70  height properly selected as described above, the trim stop  20  on the second side of the top track profile  10  serves as a safety stop at this stage. Even if the top edge of the panel element  70  were to tip away from the gasket, the panel element would not be permitted to fall to the ground as the top of the panel element  70  will be caught by the trim stop  20 . Additional panel elements  70  are inserted in this manner along the length of the partition wall. Importantly, the panel elements may be butted directly against one another without the need for spacers or other intermediate members. With all of the panel members in place, the gasketed panel retainers  30 ,  50  are installed on the second side of the framing  40  and top and bottom track profiles  10  via the clips as described above to complete the installation. 
         [0039]    In certain instances, such as where a door is desired, a panel element  70  may be omitted along the length of a partition. Likewise, the bottom track profile  10  may be omitted at the threshold across the door. The top track profile  10  may receive a widening adapter  90  as seen in cross section in  FIG. 2  in order to accommodate a door system or to provide a finished aesthetic. The widening adapter  90  is intended to be snap-fit to the top track of an existing door way. Once installed on top of the door way, in the top track, the widening adapter  90  provides compatibility with peripheral components such as a door frame and swing or sliding door combination, or simply insertion of a trim cover plate to finish the bottom of the top track at the door way. The widening adapter  90  includes on one side a pair of clip elements adapted to engage the distal ends of the opposing trim stop  20  of the track profile  10 . The opposite side provides a secondary U-shaped channel sized to fit within the side rails  14  of the track profile  10  for purposes described above. 
         [0040]    Minimally, framing members  40  will be secured along their vertical lengths to existing building drywalls at the beginning and end of the partition system run. The upper track profile  10  (or other extruded aluminum element) may or may not be secured along some or all of its length to any portion of the building structure. Again, any unsupported length of the partition is limited by the strength of the material, the weight of the panel element  70  to be used and whether or not operative panels such as a track mounted sliding door panel are to be used. Where the unsupported span of the partition wall exceeds the capacity of the track profile  10 , a track support  100  may be provided as depicted in  FIG. 8 . Typically, the track support  100  will be fastened to an overhead bulkhead. However, the track support  100  also allows fastening of face mounted sliding door systems or other peripheral components. Track support  100  provides a thick walled box formed beam element  101  with internal vertical fastener catches  102 . While the fastener catches  102  add strength and rigidity strengthen the box formed beam element they also receive the distal end of fasteners such as screws driven through the outside walls of the box formed beam element to, for example, affix a side-mounted sliding door track to the side of the track support  100 . Fasteners engaging the box formed beam element  101  at both the outside wall and the fastener catches  102  offer significantly more holding power than those which engage only the outside wall and fastener length should be selected accordingly. A pair of positive alignment fins  105  are provided on the lower surface the box formed beam element  101  parallel to the fastener catches  102  for positive alignment with additional elements such as the track profile  10 . 
         [0041]    It should now be apparent that the above-described method and apparatus effectively dampens the rebound of a lacrosse ball received in a head  10  pocket particularly one in which the webbing is strung taught according to the rules of the game. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.