NZ743747A - Partition system - Google Patents

Abstract

An adapter channel for mounting a fixed panel and a sliding panel to a ceiling channel, the adapter channel being configured to be mounted within a ceiling channel connected to a ceiling, the width of the adapter channel being the same or less than the ceiling channel, the adapter channel defining a sliding track towards one side for mounting a sliding panel and a fixed panel track towards the other side for receiving the top edge of a fixed panel, the fixed panel and sliding panel capable of being located side by side whilst within the width of the ceiling channel. sliding track towards one side for mounting a sliding panel and a fixed panel track towards the other side for receiving the top edge of a fixed panel, the fixed panel and sliding panel capable of being located side by side whilst within the width of the ceiling channel.

Description

Partition system Field of the invention The present invention relates to internal wall partition systems, more particularly to partition systems that utilise at least one fixed panel and at least one sliding panel.

Background of the invention Some existing internal wall partition systems utilise a frame about a fixed panel, typically a glazing panel. The fixed panel frame would typically align with the internal wall on both sides. A ceiling frame would sit over the top of the internal wall and the fixed panel frame, such that the fixed panel becomes an extension of the existing internal wall. The ceiling channel directly abuts and is fixed to the ceiling. A separate channel for a sliding panel would sit adjacent to the ceiling frame, so that the sliding panel could slide on the outside of the fixed panel and/or internal wall. This type of partition system encroaches on the floor space of the rooms being partitioned, as the sliding door sits outside the internal wall.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative partition system.

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art. 1002216808 Summary of the invention According to a first aspect, there is provided an adapter channel for mounting a fixed panel and a sliding panel to a ceiling channel, the adapter channel being configured to be mounted within a ceiling channel connected to a ceiling, the width of the adapter channel being the same or less than the ceiling channel, the adapter channel defining a sliding track towards one side for mounting a sliding panel and a fixed panel track towards the other side for receiving the top edge of a fixed panel, the fixed panel and sliding panel capable of being located side by side whilst within the width of the ceiling channel.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a partition system including: a substantially horizontal adapter channel configured to be mounted within a ceiling channel connected to a ceiling, the width of the adapter channel being the same or less than the ceiling channel, the adapter channel defining a sliding track towards one side and a fixed panel track towards the other side; at least one substantially vertical end frame member connected to the adapter channel, the end frame member having a first receiver channel extending in a first direction and two second receiver channels extending in a second direction, the second receiver channels configured to receive the ends of wall panels of an adjacent internal wall; a substantially vertical central frame member connected to the adapter channel and having a receiver channel extending in the second direction; a fixed panel having a top edge receivable in the fixed panel track, a first side edge receivable in the first receiver channel of the end frame member and a second side edge receivable in the receiver channel of the central frame member; a sliding panel having an upper edge connected to a roller mechanism, the roller mechanism slidably mountable in the sliding track, the sliding panel capable of being located beside the fixed panel whereby both are within the width of the ceiling channel.

The ceiling channel sits over the internal walls and has an overall width of approximately 100mm to 135mm, most typically 100mm. The fixed panel and sliding 1002216808 panel therefore being capable of being located side by side whilst within the width of the internal wall thickness.

The partition system can include the ceiling channel. There may be two or more different profiles for the ceiling channel. The first being a standard box structure, with a flat panel for connection to the ceiling and two side walls depending perpendicularly directly from the flat panel. The second profile may be a shadowline profile, whereby there is a flat panel for connection to the ceiling, two depending side wall projecting perpendicularly directly from the flat panel, with outwardly projecting stepped sections on either side, each with outer depending side walls, such that a shadowline is created in the gap between the ceiling and the stepped section. This profile creates somewhat of a top-hat shape. In either profile, the outermost sidewalls are the same distance apart, generally being 100mm.

Inside the ceiling channels are two downwardly depending internal legs. These downwardly depending legs may initially extend downwardly further in height than the outermost side walls. The gap between the side walls and the legs may be positioned over the top edge of wall panels. The internal legs may include weakness lines at spaced intervals along their height, such that one or both of the internal legs may be shortened to accommodate the adapter channel in either orientation.

The adapter channel preferably attaches to the ceiling channel via a clip arrangement, such that it can be pushed upwardly into the ceiling channel and held in place without additional fastening or with additional screws through the sliding track and ceiling channel into the ceiling. The adapter channel is an integral extrusion defining both the sliding track and fixed panel track adjacent to one another. The height of the sliding track is typically greater than the fixed panel track.

The fixed panel may be glazing, such that a sheet of glass is fixed within the frame elements. The bottom edge of the fixed panel may be held within a sill section, which can be connected at either end to the end frame member and the central frame member.

The sliding panel may be timber or framed glass. The sliding panel may include one or more brackets on its upper edge for connection to a roller assembly that slides 1002216808 within the sliding track. The sliding panel does not include a bottom roller assembly or track, as it is a top hanging roller system.

The two second receiver channels extending in a second direction in the end frame member are spaced apart and adjacent the outer edges of the frame member, so as to form the closure for the cavity between the two spaced apart wall sheets. The first receiver channel in the end frame member may be towards one side.

In some embodiments, a second end frame member is provided. The second end frame member is connected at its upper end to the adapter channel. The second frame member includes a receiver channel extending in the second direction that may include door seals, the forward edge of the sliding panel may be received in the receiver channel when the sliding panel is in a closed position. Two spaced apart receiver channels extending in the first direction may be provided in the second end frame member for receiving two spaced apart wall panels.

Advantageously, internal brackets are utilised to connect various frame members and channels together, such that fixings are generally internal.

Brief description of the drawings Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an assembly according to another embodiment; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an assembly according to another embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an assembly according to another embodiment; Figure 5 is a cross sectional view through an assembly; Figure 6a is an end view of a ceiling channel according to a first embodiment; 1002216808 Figure 6b is an end view of the ceiling channel of Figure 6a with inner legs removed; Figure 7a is an end view of a ceiling channel according to a second embodiment; Figure 7b is an end view of the ceiling channel of Figure 7a with inner legs removed; Figure 8 is a representative exploded end view of an adapter channel, cap, sill and sill bead; Figure 9 is a representative top view of a first end frame member, a central frame member and a second end frame member; Figures 10a through 10d show a drilling jig positioned to create screw holes in various components; Figures 11a through 11f show the successive assembly; Figure 12 is a side view of the roller assembly; Figure 13 is an end view of the mounting of the adapter channel in the ceiling channel Figure 14a is outward end view of the second end frame member; Figure 14b shows the assembly of the second end frame member to the adapter channel; and Figure 15 is a side view of the completed assembly. 1002216808 Detailed description of the embodiments Two different embodiments of a partition system are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The only difference between these two embodiments is a cross-sectional profile of the ceiling channels 10, to be described further below.

The partition system generally includes an adapter channel 12, a first end frame member 14, a second end frame member 16, a central frame member 18 and a sill section 20. These frame members define the boundary for insertion of a fixed panel member in to opening 22, and define a door opening 24 for installation of a sliding panel.

The present invention is designed so that the adapter channel 12 and associated frame members are able to be installed within the boundary of an existing ceiling channel 10, which may be limited to approximately 100-135 mm in width.

The embodiment of Figure 3 shows a glass sheet 30 installed in opening 22. A sliding panel 26 in the form of a timber door with handle 28, is shown in the closed position covering the gap 24. The door 26 can be slid to sit adjacent the glass sheet 30, opening the gap 24.

In Figure 3, the adapter channel 12 and ceiling channel 10 have been omitted to allow the interaction of the various components to be clearly viewed. A first side 30a of the glass sheet 30 sits within a receiver channel 32 that opens towards a first direction A of first end frame member 14. A second side 30b sits within a receiver channel 34 of the central frame member 18, the receiver channel 34 opening towards a second direction B. The bottom edge 30c sits within the sill section 20. Typical glazing techniques are used to install the glass sheet 30 in the frame.

The present invention is designed to integrate with a building ’s internal walls.

Internal walls are typically created from two spaced apart wall panels 36. Each of the end frames 14, 16 include two spaced apart receiver channels 38 that receive the ends of the wall panels 36. The end frames 14, 16 extend the full height of the wall panels and close the wall cavity 40 between the two wall panels 36, effectively integrating the partition system into the internal walls. 1002216808 A cross-section of the partition system is shown in Figure 5. A ceiling channel 10 similar to that shown in Figure 2 is illustrated affixed to a ceiling 42. The ceiling channel includes a flat plate 44 that directly abuts the ceiling under surface. The general profile shape of this ceiling channel is top-hat shaped. Side walls 46 extend perpendicularly downwards from the edges of flat panel 44. Outwardly extending step sections 48 having downwardly depending side walls 50 create a cut out region 52 that creates a shadowline on the ceiling for aesthetic appeal. The outermost side walls 50 define the width of the ceiling channel 10.

A key aspect of the present invention is the use of a universal adapter channel 12 that can be attached to ceiling channels having different profiles. The uniqueness of the adapter channel is that it positions a sliding track 54 and a fixed panel track 56 adjacent each other, but both within the confines of the ceiling channel 10. In the embodiment illustrated the width of the adapter channel 12 is identical to the width of the ceiling channel 10. Corresponding formations 58, 60 respectively on both sides of the ceiling channel and the adapter channel allow the adapter channel 12 to clip into the ceiling channel 10 without additional fasteners.

The profile of the ceiling channels are shown in Figures 6a-7b. Receiver channels 66 are formed between the inner legs 62 and the outer side walls 50 for receiving the top of wall panels 36 when the ceiling channel overlies internal building walls. The adapter channel is shaped such that the sliding track 54 sits higher upwardly than the fixed panel track 56. To accommodate this and ensure correct positioning, the ceiling channels 10 are designed so that the internal legs 62 having weakness lines 64 to allow shortening on either or both side to accommodate the adapter channel. Figure 6a shows the shadowline ceiling channel 10 with internal legs 62 of full-length. Figure 6b shows the bottom section 62a of the left leg removed, the bottom section 62a and upper section 62b removed from the right leg. Figure 7a shows the straight version of the ceiling channel 10 whereby the flat panel 44 extends the full width and has two downwardly depending side walls 50. In Figure 7b internal leg 62 is then reduced further on the right side than the left side. In both of the configurations shown in Figures 6b and 7b the adapter channel 12 would sit with the sliding track 54 on the right-hand side abutting against the shorter leg. 1002216808 Turning back to Figure 5 it is shown that the sliding track 54 accommodates a roller mechanism 68 having two rollers 70 that roll along guide rails 72 on either side.

The fixed panel 26 is connected to the roller mechanism 68 via spaced bolts 74 that project upwardly from fixed plate 76. The bolts lock into the underside of the roller mechanism 68 on insertion of the sliding panel. The sliding panel is hung from above and does not include a bottom track, such that a gap is formed between the floor 78 and the bottom of the sliding panel.

Glass sheet 30 has its upper edge 30d inserted into fixed panel track 56 during installation with the bottom sill 20 being open on one side during installation of the glass to allow insertion. A sill bead 80 is clicked into sill 20 after installation of the glass sheet.

The installation of the glass sheet is according to standard procedures and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The thickness of the glass sheet can vary, as it depends on the width of the piece of glass being installed, but it would typically be between 6mm to 12mm.

An exploded view of the horizontally extending extrusion sections is shown in Figure 8. It can be seen that the sill bead 80 is able to be clipped into the sill 20 by inserting a foot 82 into the opening 84 and then lowering a clip 86 to lock into the opening 88. The outer walls of the sill 20 and sill bead 80 are aligned.

In the section of the fixed panel track 56 where the glazing is not present, a cover 90 is clicked into place to close the opening of track 56 for aesthetic purposes above the door opening.

Figure 9 shows a top view of the two end frame members 14, 16 and central frame member 18. It can be seen that the end frame member 14 in the centre frame 18 have co-aligned receiver channels 32, 34 for holding the two ends of the glass sheet 30.

The side edges of each of the frame members are also aligned such that side edges 14a, 18a, 16a are in alignment. On the opposite side, edges 14b and 16b are in alignment. End frame member 16 includes a receiver channel 91 for receiving the end of door 26 in the closed position. Door seals (not shown in Figure 9) may be inserted into openings 92 to assist with sound installation when the door is closed. As discussed in relation to Figure 4, the end frame members 14 and 16 include receiver channels 38 to hold wall panels 36. 1002216808 Figures 10a through 10d show a drilling jig 94 that can be used to quickly and efficiently predrill all holes in the frame members to enable assembly. Figure 10a and Figure 10b show, respectively, top and bottom ends of end frame member 14, with the arrows pointing to the holes to be used for drilling. Figure 10c shows the holes used for drilling the adapter channel 12 for attachment of the central frame member 18, and Figure 10d shows the drilling holes for end frame member 16.

Assembly of the partitioning system is explained in relation to Figures 11a through 15. To begin, the ceiling channel 10 is fixed to the ceiling 42, which would have occurred when the internal walls were installed, leaving the unfinished opening for insertion of partition system. Depending on which side the door is being installed, the legs 62 within the ceiling channel 10 are shortened as required.

The various frame members can either be predrilled prior to assembly or successively drilled as the frame members are assembled. Assuming that all of the holes have been predrilled, the first step is to fix the bottom of frame member 14 to sill section 20 using screws 96 through screw ports 20p and 14p (as shown in Figures 8 and 9), the frame members being fixed at right angles to each other. At the opposite end of sill section 20, a corner stake 98 is used in order to conceal the fasteners 96 and not have them exposed to the door opening. Corner stake 98 is inserted into the end of the sill section 20 and fastened in place with a screw 96 through screw port 20q (see Figure 8). Central frame member 18 is then inserted downwards onto the upward projecting portion of stake 98 as shown in Figure 11d. Two screws 96 are used to fasten central frame member 18 to corner stake 98 through screw ports 18p (see Figure 9).

This creates a U-shaped frame section, the top ends of which are to be connected to adapter channel 12, as shown in Figures 11e and 11f. Central frame member 18 is attached to the adapter channel 12. first end frame member 14 is then attached to the end of adapter channel 12. This creates the glazing pocket 22.

A roller assembly 68 is shown in Figure 12 for installation within the sliding track 54 prior to installation of the door.

The assembled adapter channel 12, frame member 14, central frame member 18, and sill section 20 are then ready for insertion into the ceiling channel 10. As shown in Figure 13, an MDF packer 100 may be used with a shadow line version to ensure 1002216808 correct positioning and fixing to the ceiling. The adapter channel 12 is clicked into the ceiling channel by sliding upwards at an angle and then bringing it into vertical alignment connecting clips 60 into openings 58.

End frame 16 is then attached to the adapter channel 12 using joining cap 102 following insertion of door seals 104. This completes the assembly of the frame. Glass sheet 30 is then inserted into glazing pocket 22 as per standard installation and sill bead 80 clipped into position. Cover 90 can then be inserted from below into fixed panel track 56. The door 26 is then hung by attachment to the roller assembly 68 in the sliding track 54 and the partition system shown in Figure 15 is ready for use.

The present invention provides an alternate partition system for integration into internal walls, such that the lines from the internal walls through the partition system are seamless. Both the fixed panel and the sliding panel are able to be positioned within the width of the ceiling panel and therefore within the width of the internal walls.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. 1002216808

Claims (17)

1. An adapter channel for mounting a fixed panel and a sliding panel to a ceiling channel, the adapter channel being configured to be mounted within a ceiling channel connected to a ceiling, the width of the adapter channel being the 5 same or less than the ceiling channel, the adapter channel defining a sliding track towards one side for mounting a sliding panel and a fixed panel track towards the other side for receiving the top edge of a fixed panel, the fixed panel and sliding panel capable of being located side by side whilst within the width of the ceiling channel. 10

2. An adapter channel according to claim 1, wherein width of the adapter channel is also within the width of the internal wall thickness.

3. An adapter channel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein connection to the ceiling channel is via a clip arrangement, whereby corresponding formations are provided on the adapter channel and the ceiling channel, such that the 15 adapter channel can be pushed upwardly into the ceiling channel.

4. An adapter channel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter channel is an integral extrusion defining both the sliding track and fixed panel track adjacent to one another.

5. An adapted channel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a 20 roller assembly can be held within the sliding track.

6. A partition system including: a substantially horizontal adapter channel configured to be mounted within a ceiling channel connected to a ceiling, the width of the adapter channel being the same or less than the ceiling channel, the adapter channel 25 defining a sliding track towards one side and a fixed panel track towards the other side; at least one substantially vertical end frame member connected to the adapter channel, the end frame member having a first receiver channel extending in a first direction and two second receiver channels extending 1002216808 in a second direction, the second receiver channels configured to receive the ends of wall panels of an adjacent internal wall; a substantially vertical central frame member connected to the adapter channel and having a receiver channel extending in the second direction; 5 a fixed panel having a top edge receivable in the fixed panel track, a first side edge receivable in the first receiver channel of the end frame member and a second side edge receivable in the receiver channel of the central frame member; a sliding panel having an upper edge connected to a roller mechanism, the 10 roller mechanism slidably mountable in the sliding track, the sliding panel capable of being located beside the fixed panel whereby both are within the width of the ceiling channel.

7. A partition system according to claim 6, further including the ceiling channel.

8. A partition system according to claim 7, wherein the ceiling channel sits over 15 internal walls of a building, the fixed panel and sliding panel being located side by side whilst within the width of the internal wall thickness.

9. A partition system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the adapter channel and ceiling channel have an overall width of approximately 100mm to 135mm.

10. A partition system according to claim 7, wherein there may be two or more 20 different profiles for the ceiling channel and the adapter channel is able to be universally used for each.

11. A partition system according to claim 7, wherein inside the ceiling channels are two downwardly depending internal legs that include weakness lines at spaced intervals along their height, such that one or both of the internal legs 25 may be shortened to accommodate the adapter channel in either orientation.

12. A partition system according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein connection to the ceiling channel is via a clip arrangement, whereby corresponding 1002216808 formations are provided on the adapter channel and the ceiling channel, such that the adapter channel can be pushed upwardly into the ceiling channel.

13. A partition system according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the adapter channel is an integral extrusion defining both the sliding track and fixed panel 5 track adjacent to one another.

14. A partition system according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein a roller assembly can be held within the sliding track.

15. A partition system according to any one of claims 6 to 14, further including a second end frame member including a receiver channel extending in the 10 second direction, whereby the forward edge of the sliding panel may be received in the receiver channel when the sliding panel is in a closed position.

16. A partition system according to claim 15, wherein the second end frame member includes two spaced apart receiver channels extending in the first direction for receiving two further spaced apart wall panels. 15

17. A partition system according to any one of claims 6 to 16, wherein internal brackets are utilised to connect the frame members and channels together, such that fixings are generally not visible. 1002216808