RELATED METHODS

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claim s the benefit of the filing date of United States Patent Application Serial No. 1 3/305,480, filed November 28, 201 1 , for "Header Assemblies for Movable Partitions, Movable Partition System s Including Such Header

Assemblies, and Related Methods." The subject m atter of this application is also related to the subject m atter of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/477,056, filed June 2, 2009, now U.S. Patent No. 8,051 ,61 6, issued November 8, 201 1 .

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodim ents of the disclosure relate generally to header assemblies for m ovable partitions, m ovable partition system s including header assemblies, and m ethods of forming and installing movable partitions and header assemblies. More specifically, embodim ents of the disclosure relate to header assemblies including a header pan form ed from at least two m embers.

BACKGROUND

Movable partitions are utilized in num erous situations and environm ents for a variety of purposes. Such partitions m ay include, for example, a movable partition comprising foldable or collapsible doors configured to enclose or subdivide a room or other area. Often such partitions are utilized simply for purposes of versatility in being able to subdivide a single large room into multiple sm aller room s. The subdivision of a larger area m ay be desired, for example, to accommodate multiple groups or m eetings simultaneously. In other applications, such partitions m ay be utilized for noise control depending, for example, on the activities taking place in a given room or portion thereof.

Movable partitions m ay also be used to provide a security barrier, a fire barrier, or both a security and a fire barrier. In such cases, the partition barrier m ay be configured to autom atically close upon the occurrence of a predetermined event such as the actuation of an associated alarm . For example, one or more accordion-type folding or otherwise extending m ovable partitions may be used as a security barrier, a fire barrier, or both a security and a fire barrier wherein each partition is formed with panels connected to one another with hinges. The hinged connection of the panels allows the partition to fold and collapse into a compact unit for purposes of storage when not deployed. The partition m ay be stored in a pocket form ed in a wall of a building when in a retracted or folded state. When the partition is deployed to subdivide a single large room into multiple sm aller rooms, secure an area during a fire, or for any other specified reason, the partition m ay be extended along an overhead track, which is often located above the door in a header assembly, until the partition extends a desired distance across the room .

In som e applications, the header assembly m ay provide structural support for the overhead track, the m ovable partition, and a m otor. In fire barrier applications, it m ay be necessary that the m ovable partition and the header assembly of the partition provide a degree of resistance to fire. Generally, a fire barrier system or assembly provides a barrier to fire, sm oke, and heat. Thus, a fire barrier m ay retard or resist the deleterious effects of fire, sm oke, and heat for a certain period of tim e. A number of standardized tests that evaluate the effectiveness of fire barrier assemblies have been developed for use in the building industry. These are published, for example, in the Uniform Building Code (UBC), the International Building Code (IBC), and by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), UNDERWRITERS

LABORATORIES® (UL), and the Am erican Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), among others. Various agencies test fire barriers using these standardized tests, and assign ratings to fire barriers that indicate their effectiveness at slowing the progress of a fire. Barrier testing agencies include Intertek Testing Services, UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES®, Chiltern International Fire, Ltd., and Warrington Fire Research, am ong others. Ratings of fire barrier assemblies are generally provided in m inutes, and typically vary from 20 minutes to 180 minutes. Examples of fire barrier assembly standards and testing m ethods can be found in UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES® UL 10B docum ent titled, "UL Standard for Safety Fire Tests of Door Assemblies."

To provide a fire barrier, the header assembly along with the movable partition and surrounding walls m ust also provide som e level of fire resistance in addition to the movable partition. Thus, when the partition is employed as a fire barrier, it is known to attach the m ovable partition to a header structure that is configured to provide resistance to fire. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a conventional fire-resistant header assembly. A header assembly 10 is provided in a header space 12 form ed between two fire rated walls 14, which include an opening for the movable partition (not shown). The header assembly 1 0 includes rods 16 extending from a structural support 1 8 provided above the two fire rated walls 14. The rods 16 extend from the structural support 1 8 to a location proxim ate an overhead track 20 provided for the m ovable partition. Layers of plywood 22 are attached to the rods 16 extending from the support structure 1 8. The layers of plywood 22 are typically custom fitted onsite during installation of the m ovable partition and extend longitudinally along the length of the m ovable partition and the overhead track 20. The layers of plywood 22 also extend laterally across the header space 12 to the two fire rated walls 14. Layers of gypsum board 24 are provided between the overhead track 20 and the layers of plywood 22. The layers of gypsum board 24 also extend longitudinally along the length of the movable partition and the overhead track 20 and extend laterally across the header space 12 to the two fire rated walls 14. Som e of the layers of gypsum board 24 extend only partially across the header space 12 in a lateral direction in order to provide a pocket for the overhead track 20. That is, som e layers of gypsum board 24 extend longitudinally along a lateral side of the overhead track 20 and extend laterally between a lateral side of the overhead track 20 and one of the two fire rated walls 14. The layers of gypsum board 24 (together with the layers of plywood 22 and the overhead track 20) provide a fire-resistant barrier extending across the header space 12.

DISCLOSURE

In som e embodim ents, header assemblies for m ovable partitions comprise an overhead track. A header pan is configured to abut against and be secured to the overhead track and comprises at least two header pan m embers defining opposing lateral portions of the header pan . At least one of the overhead track and the header pan is configured to form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of an adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. In additional embodim ents, movable partition system s comprise the header assembly as set forth in the preceding description of som e embodim ents. A movable partition comprising at least one structure of hingedly connected panels is suspended from the overhead track.

In yet additional embodim ents, m ethods of forming fire-resistant header assemblies for movable partitions comprise forming a first header pan m ember to define a first lateral portion of a header pan. A second header pan m ember is formed to define a second, opposing lateral portion of the header pan. The header pan is configured to extend laterally across a header space between a wall of an adjoining structure and an opposing wall of the adjoining structure and to at least substantially longitudinally occlude the header space when the first and second header pan m embers jointly form the header pan.

In yet additional embodiments, m ethods of installing m ovable partitions comprise forming a header pan. A first header pan m ember and a second header pan m ember are combined to jointly form the header pan. An overhead track is coupled from an adjoining structure. A header pan extending laterally across a header space between a wall of the adjoining structure and an opposing wall of the adjoining structure is form ed. Form ation of the header pan comprises abutting the overhead track with a first lateral portion of the header pan extending from overhead track toward the wall of the adjoining structure. The overhead track is abutted with a second lateral portion of the header pan extending from overhead track toward the opposing wall of the adjoining structure. A m ovable partition comprising at least one structure of hingedly connected panels is suspended from the overhead track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claim s particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages of disclosed embodim ents m ay be m ore readily ascertained from the following description of som e example embodim ents when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art header assembly for a movable partition; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a m ovable partition system ;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a header assembly of the m ovable partition system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the movable partition system of FIGS. 2 and 3 with various components and sections stripped away for the sake of simplicity;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the header assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a header pan;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the header pan section of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cross brace for the header assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cross brace of FIG. 8;

FIG. 1 0 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a m olding member for the header assembly shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the m olding m ember of FIG. 10.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The illustrations presented herein are not m eant to be actual views of any particular striker, movable partition system , or component thereof, but are m erely idealized representations that are employed to describe example embodim ents. Thus, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and relative dim ensions m ay have been exaggerated or diminished for the sake of clarity. Additionally, elements common between figures m ay retain the sam e or sim ilar num erical designation.

Embodim ents of the disclosure relate to header assemblies including a header pan form ed from at least two m embers defining opposing lateral portions of the header pan. More specifically, disclosed embodim ents relate to header pans that are easier and safer to install and simpler to m ake at least in part because of the reduced weight and complexity of the individual components of the header pans.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction parallel to a direction of intended m otion of a m ovable partition. Sim ilarly, the term "lateral," as used herein, refers to a direction perpendicular to a direction of intended motion of the movable partition. Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a m ovable partition system 100 is shown. The movable partition system 100 includes a m ovable partition 102 in the form of an accordion-type folding door. The movable partition 1 02 may be used as a barrier (e.g., a security barrier, a fire barrier, or both). As used herein, the term "fire barrier" or "fire resistant" m eans any m aterial, structure, or elem ent configured to provide a barrier to fire, sm oke, heat, or combinations or fire, smoke, and heat or configured to retard or resist the deleterious effects of such for a certain period of tim e. In other embodim ents, the m ovable partition 1 02 m ay be used, for example, to subdivide a relatively larger space into relatively sm aller spaces (e.g., room s or areas). The m ovable partition 1 02 m ay include at least one structure of hingedly connected panels 1 04 form ed from a plurality of panels 106 that are connected to one another with hinges or other hinge-like m embers 108 to form a pleated (i.e., plicated) structure. The movable partition 102 is engaged with (e.g., suspended from) an overhead track 120 along which the movable partition 1 02 m oves as the m ovable partition 1 02 is extended (i.e., closed) and retracted (i.e., opened). The hinged connection of the panels 1 06 enables the m ovable partition 102 to be compactly stored in a pocket 1 10 formed in a wall 1 14 A of a building when in a retracted or folded state.

To deploy the m ovable partition 102 to an extended position, the movable partition 1 02 is m oved along the overhead track 120. A leading end of the m ovable partition 1 02 m ay include a lead post 124 configured to engage with a door jamb or another post, which m ay be provided in a wall 1 14B of a building to which the m ovable partition 102 m ay extend in an extended state. While the embodim ent of the m ovable partition 102 shown and described with reference to FIG. 2 contains a single accordion-type door, additional embodiments of the present disclosure m ay include multiple doors. For example, a partition m ay include two doors (e.g., accordion-type doors) configured to extend across a space and join together to partition a space, comm only known as a bi-part configuration.

The movable partition system 100 also includes a header structure 126. The header structure 126 includes a structural support m ember 1 1 8 and a header assembly 1 1 1 , as discussed in further detail with reference to FIGS. 3 through 5. The m ovable partition 1 02 m ay be suspended from and supported by the header structure 126. In other embodim ents, the m ovable partition 1 02 m ay be supported by the floor below the m ovable partition 102, and the header structure 126 m ay simply serve as a guide for the movable partition 102. While the embodim ent of the header structure 126 shown and described with reference to FIG. 2 protrudes into the space where the movable partition 1 02 is located, the header structure 126 may be partially or entirely located in an overhead structure in additional embodiments. For example, the header structure 126 m ay not protrude into the space where the m ovable partition 1 02 is located, but rather, m ay be located in an overhead structure such that the overhead track 120 is mounted generally flush with the ceiling of the space.

Referring to FIG. 3, a partial cross-sectional view of the header structure 126 of the m ovable partition system 1 00 of FIG. 2 is shown. The header structure 126 includes a header assembly 1 1 1 located at least partially within a header space 1 12 in the header structure 126. The header space 1 12 m ay be sim ilar to the header space 12 shown in FIG. 1 and m ay be provided between a first wall 122, a second, opposing wall 123, and an overhead support m ember 1 1 8. In som e embodim ents where the movable partition system 100 is implem ented as a fire barrier, the first and second walls 122 and 123, respectively, m ay be form ed from a fire-resistant material. It is noted that while the embodim ent of FIG. 3 illustrates a header assembly 1 1 1 located within a header structure 126, the current disclosure is not so limited. The header structure 126 m ay not be located in a header recess, but rather, may be located in any suitable location or m ay be m ounted directly to an overhead support structure.

In som e embodim ents, the header assembly 1 1 1 m ay include an overhead track 120. The overhead track 120 may include, for example, a first channel 130 and a second channel 1 32. The first channel 130 m ay be configured for receipt of slide m echanism s or rollers that m ay be attached to individual panels 106 (see FIG. 2) associated with a first side of a movable partition 1 02, while a second channel 132 m ay be configured for receipt of similar slide m echanism s or rollers associated with individual panels 1 04 associated with a second side of the movable partition 1 02. The overhead track 120 m ay further include a central channel 134 that may be disposed between the first and second channels 130 and 132. The central channel 1 34 m ay be configured for receipt of a trolley therein, m ay provide a raceway for a belt or chain, or both. The overhead track 120 may be supported by the overhead support member 118. For example, attachment hardware 135, such as, for example, bolts and nuts, wood screws, sheet metal screws, or machine screws, may connect the overhead track 120 to structural elements 136 located above the overhead track 120. The structural elements 136 may comprise, for example, metal members extending along a longitudinal length of the movable partition 102 (see FIG.2) and defining a channel 138, such as a"U" shaped channel 138, in the metal members of the structural elements 136. As a specific, non-limiting example, the structural elements 136 may comprise strut channels, such as, for example, those available from UNISTRUT® Corporation of Wayne, ML The structural elements 136 may extend in sections or continuously along the length of the overhead track 120 to support the overhead track 120 and the movable partition 102 (FIG.2). The attachment hardware 135 may extend upwardly through holes in upper surfaces of the overhead track 120 defining the first and second channels 130 and 132, through a lower surface of the structural elements 136, into the channel 138. The structural elements 136 may be attached to and suspended from a cross brace 140.

Fastener elements such as rods 116 may connect the cross brace 140 to the overhead support member 118. For example, one end of each of the rods 116 may be attached to the overhead support member 118. In some embodiments, the rods 116 may be threaded and may be anchored to the overhead support member 118. The rods 116 may be coupled or fastened to the overhead support member 118 by any suitable manner such as, for example, using conventional nuts. More specifically, each rod 116 may comprise a threaded rod that extends through the cross brace 140, and a nut (not shown) may be threaded onto the end of each rod 116 on a side of the overhead support member 118 opposing the header space 112 to retain the rod 116 in position relative to the overhead support member 118. The overhead support member 118 may be, for example, a wood or metal beam, a truss structure, floor joists, etc. The rods 116 extend from the overhead support member 118 to support the cross brace 140, which, in turn, supports the structural elements 136. For example, the ends of the rods 116 opposite the overhead support member 118 may extend through the cross brace 140, and nuts 137 and washers 139 may be used to suspend the cross brace 140 from the rods 116. Attachment hardware 135, such as, for example, bolts, may extend through the cross brace 140 and into the channels 138 defined by the structural elements 136, and nuts 137 and washers 139 may be used to suspend the structural elements 136 from the cross brace 140. Finally, the overhead track 120 may be suspended from the structural elements 136, as described previously. In this way, the overhead track 120 may be supported from the overhead support member 118.

In some embodiments, the rods 116 may be located at set distances along the longitudinal length of the overhead track 120 to attach the structural elements 136 to the overhead support member 118. For example, the rods 116 may be spaced at set intervals along the overhead track 120, each interval being spaced a set distance, such as 18 inches (45.72 cm) apart. Further, in some embodiments, when the movable partition 102 is retracted (i. e. , opened), the weight of the movable partition 102 will be concentrated in the area of the overhead track 120 located above the retracted movable partition 102 (e.g., the section of the overhead track 120 located in the pocket 110). Therefore, the rods 116 may be spaced at shorter intervals, such as 12 inches (30.48 cm), in the area where the movable partition 102 is stored in a retracted state. It is noted that while the structural elements 136 of FIG.3 are shown suspended from the overhead support member 118 by the rods 116 and the cross brace 140, the structural elements 136 may be attached, suspended, or spaced from the overhead support member 118 by any suitable manner including, but not limited to, attaching the structural elements 136 directly to the overhead support member 118 or attaching the structural elements 136 to an intermediate support member (not shown) attached to the rods 116.

The cross brace 140 may be sized and configured to maintain the ends of the rods 116 remote from the overhead support member 118 in an intended lateral position. In other words, the rods 116 may be susceptible to lateral deflection, and the cross brace 140 may be used to prevent the rods 116 from deflecting laterally in any significant manner. In some embodiments, the cross brace 140 may extend laterally across the header space 112 from the first wall 122 to the second, opposing wall 123, such that the cross brace abuts against each of the first wall 122 and the second, opposing wall 123. The cross brace 140 may include vertically extending flanges 142 positioned on the sides of the cross brace 140. The flange 142 on one side of the cross brace 140 may abut against the first wall 122, and the flange 142 on an opposite side of the cross brace 140 m ay abut against the second, opposing wall 123. In such an embodim ent, the flanges 142 m ay be used to secure the cross brace 140 in lateral position against the walls 122 and 123 of the header structure 126. The flanges 142 may be physically attached to the walls 122 and 1 23 using attachm ent hardware 135 in some embodiments. In other embodim ents, the flanges 142 m ay not be physically attached to the walls 122 and 123. For example, the rods 1 16, the cross brace 140, and the flanges 142 m ay be positioned relative to the walls 122 and 123 (e.g., the flanges 142 m ay each abut an associated wall 122, 123) to prevent displacem ent of the header assembly 1 1 1.

The cross brace 140 m ay further include holes 144 form ed therein, and the rods 1 1 6 and attachm ent hardware 135 m ay extend through the holes 144. Nuts 137 may optionally be threaded on the rods 1 16 above the cross brace 140. Such nuts 137 may be located at a selected vertical location in order to position the cross brace 140, and other components of the movable partition system 1 00 (see FIG. 2), at a preselected and determined vertical height and in a desirable orientation (e.g., level at a height that enables a m ovable partition 102 to extend from floor to ceiling). In such an embodiment, the cross brace 140 m ay be sandwiched between the nuts 1 37 above the cross brace 140 and the washers 1 39 and nuts 1 37 below the cross brace 140.

The cross brace 140 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. The cross brace 140 m ay comprise a lateral restraint 143. The holes 144 m ay be formed in the lateral restraint 143, and the body of the lateral restraint 143 m ay prevent the rods 1 16 (see FIG. 3) from laterally displacing to any significant degree as the rods 1 16 press against the walls of the holes 144 defined by the lateral restraint 143. The flanges 142 at the lateral ends of the lateral restraint 143 m ay comprise "L" shaped brackets 145 attached to the lateral restraint 143, which m ay be laterally adjustable. For example, slots in the brackets 145 m ay enable the brackets 145 to slide laterally outward from the lateral restraint 143 to abut the flanges 142 against the walls 1 30 and 1 32.

Attachm ent hardware 1 35 m ay secure the brackets 145 to the lateral restraint 143, and may fix the lateral length of the cross brace 140 when tightened such that the brackets 145 are not laterally slidable until the attachm ent hardware 135 is loosened.

Returning to FIG. 3, the header assembly 1 1 1 m ay include a header pan 1 52 that extends across the header space 1 12 between the first wall 122 and the second wall 123 to form at least a portion of a barrier. The header pan 152 may at least substantially seal off the header space 112 alone or in combination with other components of the header assembly 111, when present. In some embodiments, the header pan 152 may form at least a portion of a fire-resistant barrier. The header pan 152 may comprise at least two members 151 A and 151 B (e.g., sheet metal members) that define opposing lateral portions of the header pan 152 and jointly form a structure (e.g., a metal pan) that extends between the first wall 122 and the second wall 123 over the movable partition 102 (FIG.2). For example, the header pan 152 may be formed by at least two members (e.g., two separate members such as a first discrete member 151 A and a second discrete member 15 IB). In some embodiments, the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB may each be abutted to a portion of the header assembly 111 to form the header pan 111. For example, the first and second members 151 A and 151B may each be abutted to a portion of the overhead track 120. In some embodiments, the first and second members 151 A and 151 B may be abutted to one another. For example, the first member 151 A may be abutted to (e.g., overlapped with) second member 15 IB to form the header pan 152. In other embodiments, e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIG.7, a gap 148 may remain between the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB.

In some embodiments, the header pan 152 may be sandwiched between the overhead track 120 below the header pan 152 and the structural elements 136 above the header pan 152. The header pan 152 may be secured to the overhead track 120 and the structural elements 136 using, for example, the attachment hardware 135 extending from the first and second channels 130 and 132 of the overhead track 120, through the header pan 152, into the channels 138 of the structural elements 136.

In some embodiments, the header pan 152 may be formed to provide a channel 154 located, for example, in a laterally central portion of the header pan 152, such that the header pan 152 extends over or at least partially around the overhead track 120. The overhead track 120 may be at least partially received within the channel 154 jointly formed by the two members 151 defining opposing lateral portions of the header pan 152. While the header pan 152 shown in FIG.3 includes a channel 154, the header pan 152 may not include a channel in other embodiments. For example, the header pan may be substantially flat or the header pan may not extend partially around the overhead track 120, but rather, may simply abut against and be coupled to an upper surface of the overhead track 120. The header pan 152 also may comprise flanges for abutting against the first and second walls 122 and 123, like the flanges 142 of the cross brace 140 previously described herein in some embodiments. In other words, the header pan 152 and molding members 146 and 147, discussed below, may be integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the first and second members 151 A and 151B may be formed to extend to and abut with (e.g., be attached to) an associated wall 122, 123.

In other embodiments, the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB may be formed to not extend to the associated wall 122, 123. In other words, the lateral distance that the first and second members 151 A and 151B extend from either side of the overhead track 120 is less than a lateral distance between the side of the overhead track 120 and the associated wall 122, 123. In such an embodiment, the header assembly 111 may further include a first molding member 146 extending from the first member 151 A of the header pan 152 to the first wall 122, and a second molding member 147 extending from a second member 15 IB of the header pan 152 to the second wall 123. While the embodiment shown and described in FIG.3 includes the first and second molding members 146 and 147, the header assembly 111 may comprise one or a plurality of such molding members. As shown in FIG.3, the first and second molding members 146 and 147 may abut against, for example, a surface of the first and second walls 122 and 123, respectively, defining the header space 112. The first and second molding members 146 and 147 may be laterally adjustable with respect to the header pan 152. For example, the first and second molding

members 146 and 147 may slide laterally outward from the header pan 152 to which they are connected to abut surfaces of the first and second molding members 146 and 147 against the opposing walls 122 and 123 of the adjoining structure of the header structure 126. The first and second molding members 146 and 147 may be attached to the first and second walls 122 and 123, respectively, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the first and second molding members 146 and 147 may abut the first and second walls 122 and 123, respectively, without physically being attached to the first and second walls 122 and 123. In such an embodiment, a structural barrier (which may comprise a fire barrier) is formed by the various components of the header assembly 111.

The first molding member 146 is shown in further detail in FIGS.10 and 11. It is noted that while the first molding member 146 is shown in detail in FIGS.10 and 11, the second molding member 147 may be identical to the first molding

member 146. Such molding member 146 and 147 may comprise molding members such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.13/183,250, filed July 14, 2011 on behalf of Garrett et al. The molding member 146 may include several regions or portions including an at least substantially flat base 170, an at least substantially flat back 172, and an at least substantially flat lever 174, each of which may comprise integral portions of a unitary structure in some embodiments. In other embodiments, at least one of the base 170, the back 172, and the lever 174 may comprise a discrete structure attached to others of the base 170, the back 172, and the lever 174. The base 170 may extend laterally outward to an end 176 of the base 170 configured for positioning proximate the header pan 152 (see FIG.3). The back 172 may be oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the base 170 and may be positioned opposite the end 176 of the base 170 opposing the back 172. The lever 174 may extend from the back 172 toward the base 170 at an oblique angle relative to the base 170, leaving a first distance 178 between the lever 174 and the base 170 proximate the back 172, in some embodiments. The lever 174 may be configured to contact the base 170 along a line of contact 180 proximate the end 176 of the base 170 opposing the back 172. In other embodiments, the lever 174 may extend from the back 172 at least substantially parallel to the base 170. In either case, the molding member 146 may have an overall shape approximating a capital letter "T" when viewed from a longitudinal end in such embodiments.

One or more internal surfaces of the molding member 146 may define a recess 182 (e.g., a generally triangular recess). For example, internal surfaces of the base 170, the back 172, and the lever 174 may define the recess 182. The recess 182 may be configured to receive a portion of the header pan 152 (see FIG.3). For example, an edge portion 155 (see FIG.3) at a laterally outermost portion of the first member 151 A may be received into the recess 182 of the molding member 146 to slidably connect the molding member 146 to the header pan 152. The molding m ember 146 m ay be laterally adjustable with respect to the header pan 1 52 (see FIG. 3) because the edge portion 1 55 of the header pan 152 is sandwiched between the base 1 70 and the lever 174, which may elastically deform (i.e., bend without permanent deformation) as the edge portion 1 55 is inserted into the recess 1 82. The first distance 178 between the lever 1 74 proxim ate the back 172 and the base 1 70 m ay be any distance sufficient to enable insertion of the edge portion 1 55 (see FIG. 3) into the recess 1 82. Accordingly, the first distance 1 78 m ay be greater than a thickness of the first and second members 1 51 A and 1 51 B of the header pan 1 52. By way of example and not limitation, the first distance 178 m ay be between about 0.05 inch (1 .27 mm) to about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm).

The molding m ember 146 may also include a lip 1 84 between an end 1 86 of the lever 174 laterally opposing the back 172 and the line of contact 1 80 between the base 1 70 and the lever 174. The lip 1 84 m ay extend from the line of contact 1 80 between the base 1 70 and the lever 1 74 away from the base 170 at an oblique angle such that the ends 1 76 and 1 78 of the base 1 70 and the lever 1 74, respectively are separated by a second distance 1 88. The second distance 1 88 m ay be provided to improve the ease of insertion of the edge portion 1 55 of the header pan 1 52 (see FIG. 3) between the ends 176 and 178 of the base 1 70 and the lever 174, respectively. Accordingly, the second distance 1 88 m ay be greater than a thickness of the first and second m embers 1 51 A and 1 51 B of the header pan 1 52. By way of example and not limitation, the second distance 1 88 may be between about 0.05 inch (1 .27 mm) to about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm ).

With reference to FIG. 4, a simplified perspective view of the movable partition system of FIGS. 2 and 3 with various components and sections stripped away for the sake of simplicity is shown. The header pan 152 may extend longitudinally along at least a portion of the overhead track 120. Further, the header pan 1 52 m ay also extend laterally from the overhead track 120 to the first and second m olding m embers 146 and 147. By way of example and not limitation, the header assembly 1 1 1 m ay have a longitudinal axis Ln ₀ . The longitudinal axis Li io m ay be located centrally between the first and second walls 122 and 123 of the adjoining header structure 126 and m ay extend parallel to a direction in which the m ovable partition 102 is extendable for an entire span of the m ovable partition system 1 00. In some embodiments, the header pan 152 may include a plurality of longitudinal header pan sections 158, which may extend for the entire longitudinal span of the movable partition system 100 when assembled. Each header pan section 158 and the track 120 may extend at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Li i ₀ of the header assembly 111 for at least a portion of the longitudinal span of the movable partition system 100. Each header pan section 158 may comprise at least two members (e.g., members 151A and 151B) defining opposing lateral portions of the header pan section 158 and may be contiguous with an adjoining header pan section 158 or to adjoining header pan sections 158 because of at least one header pan joint member 160. The header pan joint members 160 may be used to cover joints between longitudinal ends of the header pan sections 158. The header pan joint member 160 may be attached to adjacent longitudinal ends of adjoining header pan sections 158 to form a contiguous structure. For example, the adjacent longitudinal ends of adjoining header pan sections 158 and the header pan joint member 160 may be mutually sandwiched between the track 120 and the structural elements 136 (see FIG.3) and secured in place by attachment hardware 135 extending through the track 120, the adjacent longitudinal ends of adjoining header pan sections 158, and the header pan joint member 160. To ensure that the attachment hardware 135 (see FIG.3) extends through both header pan sections 158, there may be some longitudinal overlap between the ends of the header pan sections 158.

Alternatively, the header pan joint member 160 may be secured to longitudinally adjacent header pan sections 158 by adhesives, crimping, or welding to form the contiguous header pan 152 structure. In other embodiments, the header pan 152 may comprise at least two members 151 (e.g., members 151A and 15 IB) that extend along the longitudinal axis Li _\ o of the header assembly 111 for the entire longitudinal span of the movable partition system 100 and define opposing lateral portions of the header pan 152.

A header pan section 158 of the header pan 152 is shown in FIGS.6 and 7. The header pan joint member 160 may conform to the assembled header pan section 158. For example, in embodiments where the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB of the header pan section 158 jointly define a channel 154 configured to receive at least a portion of a track 120 (see FIG.4), the header pan joint member 160 may similarly define a channel. Each member 151 A and 15 IB may comprise a sheet of material (e.g., fire resistant material) extending laterally inward at the edge portions 155, extending upward to define a depth of the channel 154, and extending laterally inward over the channel 154 toward the other member 151Aorl51B mutually defining the channel 154. The header pan joint member 160 may comprise a unitary structure extending laterally inward along the edge portions 155 of the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB, extending upward along the channel 154, and laterally inward over the channel 154. The header pan joint member 160 may be configured to be positioned above the members 151 A and 15 IB in some

embodiments. In other embodiments, the header pan joint member 160 may be configured for positioning below the member 151 A and 151 B (e.g. , by being received into the channel). In embodiments where the first and second member 151 A and 15 IB of the header pan section 158 do not define a channel 154 into which at least a portion of the track 120 (see FIG.4) is receivable, the header pan joint member 160 may comprise a flat sheet of material or may otherwise conform to the contour of the header pan section 158. In some embodiments, a gap 148 may remain between the laterally adjacent members 151 A and 15 IB in some embodiments. For example, a gap 148 of between 1/32 inch (0.79 mm) and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) may be defined by the laterally adjacent members 151 A and 151B of the header pan 152. In other embodiments, the laterally adjacent members 151 A and 151B may abut one another such that no gap is present between the members 151 A and 15 IB along all or a portion of the header pan 152.

In embodiments where the movable partition 102 is employed as a fire barrier, the header pan 152, the overhead track 120, and the first and second molding members 146 and 147 may comprise a fire-resistant material such as steel, composite materials, or any material capable of exhibiting fire-resistant qualities over a set period of time or any material treated with a fire retardant coating. As the various components of the header assembly 111 may be formed from a fire-resistant material such as steel, embodiments of header assemblies 111 of the present disclosure may be substantially free of gypsum board and other gypsum board-like materials typically used in fire rated walls and barriers. With reference to FIG.5, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the header assembly 111 of FIG.3 is shown. When installing the movable partition system 100, the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB defining opposing lateral portions of a header pan 152 may be provided to jointly form the header pan 152. The first and second members 151 A and 15 IB may be temporarily suspended from the structural elements 136, which may have been previously suspended from the overhead support member 118 (see FIG.3). Providing the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB may comprise providing a plurality of longitudinal header pan sections 158 (see FIG.4) in some embodiments. Each header pan section 158 may comprise two members 151 A and 151 B defining the opposing lateral portions of the header pan sections. Longitudinally adjoining header pan sections 158 may abut against one another to form a contiguous structure. Header pan joint members 160 may cover seams between longitudinally adjacent header pan sections 158. In other embodiments, the first and second members 151 A and 15 IB of the header pan 152 may extend along an entire longitudinal span of the header space 112 in which they are disposed. A gap 148 (see FIGS.6 and 7) may be defined between the laterally adjacent first and second members 151 A and 15 IB of the header pan 152 along some or all of the longitudinal length of the header pan 152 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the first and second members 151 A and 151B may abut against one another or overlap with one another such that there is no gap extending longitudinally along the header pan 152.

The overhead track 120 may abut against the header pan 152. The overhead track 120 may be received into a channel 154 jointly defined by the first and second members 151 A and 151B of the header pan 152 such that a lower surface of the track 152 is flush with the laterally extending edge portions 155 of the header pan 152 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the overhead track 120 may protrude beyond or be recessed below the edge portions 155 of the header pan 152. In still other embodiments, an upper surface of the overhead track 120 may simply abut against a lower surface of the header pan 152 not positioned in such a channel 154. In embodiments where a gap 148 extends longitudinally between laterally adjacent members 151 A and 151 B of the header pan 152, the upper surface of the overhead track 120 may cover the gap 148 such that the gap 148 is concealed by the track 120. In other words, the combination of the first and second members 151 A and 151 B and the overhead track 120 may form a barrier (e.g., a fire barrier).

The overhead track 120 and the header pan 152 may be secured to one another. Attachment hardware 135 may extend through holes in the track 120, holes in the header pan 152 (e.g. , in the members 151 of adjoining header pan sections 158 and in the header pan joint member 160), and holes in the structural elements 136 to secure the overhead track 120 and the header pan 152 to one another and to suspend the overhead track 120 and the header pan 152 from the overhead support structure 118 (see FIG.3) in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the overhead track 120, the header pan 152, and the structural elements 136 may be secured to one another using, for example, an adhesive, a weld, or a crimp.

The header assembly 111 may contact laterally opposing walls 122 and 123 to provide a barrier to fire. As discussed above, in some embodiments, a portion of the first and second member 151 A and 15 IB may contact one of the laterally opposing walls 122 and 123. In other embodiments, the first and second member 151 A and 15 IB may not contact the laterally opposing walls 122 and 123 and may be spaced a distance from the wall 122 and 123. In such embodiments, the edge portions 155 of the first and second members 151 A and 151B may be inserted into recesses 182 defined between the base 170 and the lever 174 of the first and second molding members 146 and 147, respectively. The edge portions 155 of the first and second members 151 A and 151 B may be sandwiched between the base 170 and the lever 174 because of the natural resistance of the lever 174 and the base 170 to deformation as the edge portions 155 displace the base 170 and the lever 174 from their natural dispositions. In other words, the base 170 and the lever 174 may bend away from one another as the edge portions 155 are inserted into the recess 182, and may press against the edge portions 155 because of their natural spring-like resilience. In embodiments where the header pan 152 includes a plurality of header pan

sections 158 (see FIG.4), the base 170 may optionally be sandwiched between the header pan joint member 160 and the members 151 of the header pan section 158 to better secure the molding members 146 and 147 to the members 151 A and 15 IB.

After connection to the edge portions 155 of the header pan 152, the first and second molding members 146 and 147 may be displaced laterally outward from the overhead track 120 to abut against the first and second walls 122 and 123 of the adjoining structure. The m olding m embers 146 and 147 m ay optionally be secured to the walls 122 and 123 they respectively abut. For example, the m olding m embers 146 and 147 m ay be screwed, bolted, adhered, or otherwise connected to the walls 122 and 123 they abut. In other embodiments, the edge portions 1 55 of the header pan 1 52 m ay directly abut the first and second walls 122 and 123 of the adjoining structure.

A m ovable partition 1 02 (see FIG. 4) m ay be suspended from the track 120. For example, a movable partition system 1 00 including a header pan 1 52 having first and second m embers 1 51 A and 1 5 IB defining opposing lateral portions of the header pan 1 52 m ay be installed. Such a m ovable partition system 1 00 m ay provide a barrier to heat, sm oke, flam e, light, noise, hum an access, or other things that are not desired to pass from one side of the m ovable partition system 1 00 to the other.

In view of the above, embodim ents of the present disclosure m ay be particularly useful in providing a header assembly for a m ovable partition. Use of a simplified barrier such as the first and second m embers of the header pan to provide a header assembly m ay allow for a simplified installation of a movable partition. For example, the first and second m embers m ay be easier and safer to handle, lift, and secure within the header assembly because of their decreased size and weight as compared to prior header pans. In addition, the first and second m embers may be simpler to m ake and easier to package and transport than prior header pans. Use of the cross brace m ay allow the header assembly to be aligned and secured within a header structure. The use of the header assembly allows for parts of the m ovable partition system to be pre-prepared before installation and reduces the need to customize parts and m aterials such as layers of plywood and gypsum board to fit each individual installation. Moreover, in applications where the movable partition is employed as a fire barrier, the header assembly provides an adaptable fire-resistant barrier.

While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain example embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Rather, m any additions, deletions, and m odifications to the embodim ents described herein m ay be m ade without departing from the scope of the disclosure as hereinafter claim ed, including legal equivalents. In addition, features from one embodim ent m ay be combined with features of another embodim ent while still being encompassed within the scope of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventor.