TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to walls connected to floors and ceilings where allowance for relative movement is desirable, for example in case of earthquake or other movements.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In many multistory buildings non-structural walls are prone to horizontal sheer forces since allowance is required for floor movement. This allowance is usually in the form of a gap at the top of the wall. In order to improve structural integrity of a wall Applicant has proposed a system employing an upper track and spaced bolts which prevents this sheer problem but still permits relative movement. This is described in Applicant’s Australian Patent Application No. 2018236776.

[0003] Walls have been around for millenia. This means the Applicant’s invention arises in a mature and crowded art so this is the lens through which the notional skilled person should see the present invention in order to avoid hindsight, this is one of a vast number of alternatives, so the skilled person must not only select integers of Applicant’s invention from many possibilities but that selection must necessarily involve rejection of others of the vast number of possibilities.

OUTLINE

[0004] Applicant has devised a number of preferred improvements in systems for keeping non-structural walls from being adversely affected by movement of adjacent structural surfaces and these preferred forms are described below independently and in combination. Applicant reserves his right to claim the improvements individually or in combination or file one or more divisional applications. It is an object of the present invention to provide a limited universal movement mounting means, where a few examples are given, but the skilled persons will envisage many possibilities that perform this function. Further, it will be appreciated that initially when the movement means is being installed, the movement means is set up within a neutral zone, meaning that under the influences of movement of the structural divider the non-structural divider remains in a neutral position, effectively the relative relationship is being controlled over a range of movement of the structural divider to an amount necessary for parts of the non-structural divider to break. The is effectively a controlled and predetermined lost most connection.

[0005] As described herein“structural” is used to refer to load bearing structures,

“non-structural” refers to non-load bearing structures as in for example“fixed walls” dividing a space between the structural counterparts. In the example of fixed walls this refers to walls that are not temporary as in for example movable partitions and dividers but to non-structural walls that are intended to remain fixed long term even though they may be replaced in the case of say, a new fitout.“Connected” as used herein does not mean directly connected to, there may be intervening parts, whereas“joined” as used herein means joined directly to the other part without any intervening parts.

[0006] In one aspect there is provided, in a building, spaced non-structural dividers inside a space formed by structural dividers, the non-structural dividers being held in place by connectors being rigid with the structural dividers and connecting the structural dividers to the non-structural dividers, the connectors permitting limited relative movement between the structural and non-structural dividers responsive to a force imposed by any up, down or sideways movement of the structural dividers, the permitted limited relative movement comprising reversible relative displacement of the connectors relative to the non-structural dividers while the non-structural dividers remain substantially neutral, the said connectors being rigid with the structural dividers and moving in concert with the structural dividers. Various connectors are disclosed that permit reversible relative displacement having a limited displacement capacity.

[0007] Preferably, a said non-structural divider comprises at least one panel forming a wall, the wall having an upper edge running along a line of the wall, the upper edge being spaced from a said structural divider being an overhead structural divider, the said connectors comprising spaced apart connectors embedded in said overhead divider either along the line of the wall and/or spaced along the wall on laterally opposed wing means. The laterally opposed wing means may be symmetrical across a line of the wall or asymmetrical. The wing means may be separate spaced elements or may be elements extending along the wall.

[0008] Typically, the spaced apart connectors embedded in said overhead divider along the line of the wall comprises at least one of the following: a. a resilient damper between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider;

b. a slotted track between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider.

[0009] Typically, the laterally opposed wing means comprises at least one of the following: a. a bracket between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider; b. respective opposed tilt panels extending along the upper edge of the wall;

c. respective opposed tilt panels extending along the upper edge of the wall and being responsive to said force to extend, compress, elevate, tilt or rotate;

d. a bracket assembly between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider and being responsive to said force to rotate and be axially displaced along the wall;

e. an assembly connected to the structural divider by said imbedded connectors on and on opposite sides of the wall upper edge, and also to the upper edge of the wall.

[0010] Preferably, at least one resilient damper between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider, the resilient damper having a flexible boot section having an upper section connected to the overhead divider and a lower section connected to the upper edge of the wall.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one slotted track between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider, the slotted track being spaced from the overhead divider by a predetermined gap.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one bracket between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider comprises a bracket being connected to the upper edge of the wall and extending bilaterally on opposite sides of the upper edge of the wall.

[0013] Preferably, each tilt panel has an axially extending edge connected to the wall and an axially extending edge connected to the overhead structural divider, each tilt panel being expandable and retractable in response to said force.

[0014] Preferably, the bracket assembly between the upper edge of the wall and the overhead structural divider and being responsive to said force to rotate and be axially displaced along the wall fits into slot on the wall, the upper edge of the wall being slotted to receive a lower end of the bracket assembly, the lower end of the bracket assembly having a bearing end being rotatable and slidable in said slot, the bracket having bilateral extending arms connected to the bearing end, the arms having respective extremities connected to the overhead structural divider.

[0015] Preferably, the laterally opposed wing means comprising respective extendable and retractable spaced brackets connected to the structural divider by said imbedded connectors on opposite sides of the wall upper edge, and to or adjacent the upper edge of the wall comprises brackets, each having a serpentine shape to facilitate extension and retraction.

[0016] Preferably, the non-structural dividers are wall sections secured so that marginal edge portions are secured by connectors so that the marginal edge portions are relatively free compared to a medial region of the wall section.

[0017] In another aspect there is provided in a wall assembly located between a floor and a ceiling or overhead divider, a flexible connector assembly comprising a fastener between the wall and a surface of one of the floor or ceiling and a resilient interface between the fastener and the wall such that the interface permits relative movement between the wall and the surface.

[0018] In further aspect there is provided in a wall assembly located between a floor and a ceiling or overhead divider, the wall assembly having a top, opposite sides and a bottom, movement gaps being provided between at least one of the sides and the top or bottom of the wall. In embodiments requiring a wider gap some form of intermediate spacer or bracket may be employed. Typically, where a top track is used on the wall, the bracket may be used for securing the top track indirectly to an upper concrete surface while still maintaining a same rigid wall and allowing for relative movement of the concrete with respect to the wall. Each bracket typically has fasteners to secure the bracket, preferably the fasteners have a spring clamped by the fastener between the bracket and the surface being fastened, to allow movement at the fastener. Where the bracket has a flange or other part at the fastener a spring may be employed on one or both sides of that part.

[0019] In another from there is provided in a non-structural divider or wall assembly having a gap between an edge of the wall assembly and an adjacent surface, the gap being bridged at spaced intervals by a first type of connector permitting limited relative transverse movement between the wall and the surface. Preferably, the at least one of the said first type of connectors is proximal a corner or T- juncture between adjacent walls and there is a second type of connector at a predetermined distance from the said first type of connector, the second type of connector inhibiting the movement permitted by the said first type of connector. The first type of connector is typically an extendible connector in the transverse direction, it may have elastic characteristics, it may be retractable or may permit back and forth motion. Preferably, it may hold the juncture of the walls substantially stationary in response to movement of the adjacent surface.

[0020] Typically, the first type of connector is a connector assembly comprising at least one fastener and at least one movable element. The movable element may be a deformable element or may simply carry the fastener over a distance corresponding to a desired or permitted range. In another form of connector there may be a slidable and swivel connector assembly having respective arms and a pivot portion and a bar so that the swivel assembly may be inserted through a slot in a track and the arms having free ends which may be pivotally secured to a structural or other wall by fasteners so that in terms of relative movement of the structural wall relative to the non-structural wall afforded by the track results in sliding and/or swivelling or a combination of the two movements to permit dynamic relative movement between the structural and non-structural elements.

[0021] It will be appreciated that the non-structural walls are generally configured with a frame assembly having a top track, a bottom track, vertical end tracks and vertical and horizontal frame members as a grid of intermediate frame members in between. In order to aid installation there may be a reduced width marginal vertical end frame assembly adapted to fit inside a vertical track so that this narrow end frame assembly comprising, a vertical section and short horizontal sections, which sections may slide into the tracks and any intermediate sections so that the marginal vertical frame assembly will facilitate the insertion and final installation of the frame assembly.

[0022] In another improvement there is provided in a nonstructural wall of the type described herein a cover strip which may extend right along an upper side juncture between the wall and a roof or ceiling and being preferably an angle having respective flanges set generally at 90°. It will be appreciated that a similar strip may be used on both sides of a wall running along between the top of cladding and a ceiling and this may be employed to aiding relation to fire protection or may be employed in relation to aiding acoustic properties of the non-structural wall.

[0023] In a still further improvement applicable to slotted tracks of the type described the use of an insert, typically made from plastics, the insert being designed to reduce any squeaking as might occur with the fasteners used in the slots according to the versions of the invention as described herein.

[0024] In one aspect there is provided a suspension joint along a wall upper between the wall upper and an overlying structure, typically a concrete structure, the joint comprising a first connection between the wall upper and the overlying structure and a second connection between the wall upper and the overlying structure, by reason of the connections the suspension joint has at least two degrees freedom, a first degree of freedom permitting axial movement of the joint, the second degree of freedom permitting transverse movement of the joint. Typically the wall has a periphery or side and at least one of the connections to the overlying structure is located along the structure outside a line of the periphery. In usual form the periphery will be in flat plane but needn't be, in this case the wall will usually have a defined thickness and preferably, at least one of the connections to the overlying structure is located outboard of an imaginary plane corresponding to an outer surface of the wall. The two connections to the overlying structure may both be outside the plane of the wall. In this case they may comprise panels where the connections are wider apart on the structure than they are on the wall.

[0025] In another aspect there is provided a joint management system in a wall connected to an overlaying structure, typically a concrete structure, the management system comprises a joint between the wall and the structure a first degree of freedom permitting axial movement of the joint, the second degree of freedom permitting transverse movement of the joint. Typically, the first connection comprises one or more separate connectors each of which enables axial movement and the second connection provides multiple connectors that permit the transverse movement. The movements managed may have components in both directions.

[0026] The axial or the axial component of movement is typically substantially along or in the plane of the wall. This may be movement which is sliding, possibly back and forward, or an axial vibration. The transverse or the transverse component of movement is typically across the plane of the wall. This may be side to side or a rocking motion or vibration in these directions.

[0027] The transverse and axial movement is typically that of the concrete structure rather than the wall, thus the structure moves relative to the wall. The axial and transverse effect may be simultaneous. For example, there may be axial and sideways movement reflected in the connections at the same time. The present invention may also cater for a limited twisting action. The objective of the invention is to permit movement but retain the integrity of the suspension joint. [0028] In one preferred aspect there is at least one deformable connection between the wall upper and the overlying structure. Typically, there are two deformable connections one on either side of the wall upper and bridging across to the overlying structure. Usually there will be a gap between the wall upper and the overlying structure and connections will bridge across this gap. The connections are typically elongate mouldings, cornices or covings that can stretch, compress, fold or unfold or otherwise operate to accommodate the relative movement.

[0029] It should be appreciated that as used here "connection" covers the possibility of connection via an intermediary thus connection does not limit the invention to the context of being "joined" so connect is used in the sense that there may be intermediate parts as in for example intermediate brackets or other intermediate connectors whether flexible or rigid between the wall upper and the overlying structure.

[0030] In an especially preferred form there is provided in a building a said non-structural divider comprising at least one panel forming a wall, the wall having an upper edge running along a line of the wall, the upper edge being spaced from a said structural divider being an overhead structural divider, the said connectors comprising spaced apart connectors embedded in said overhead divider along the line of the wall and spaced along the wall on laterally opposed wing means, a flexible and gradually distending spacer positioned between the said connectors spaced along the line of the wall and an upper edge of the wall, the spacer flexing in response to said force. Typically, the laterally opposed wing means cover said spacers along the wall. Preferably, the wing means have spaced slots and themselves flexing in response to said force. In a further modification, said spacer comprising a generally U-shaped bracket has a slide fitted into a guide, the guide being in the upper edge of the wall, opposite ends of the U-shape being secured by fasteners embedded in the overhead divider. As a further preference, the wing means comprises tilt panels extending along opposite slides of the wall, each tilt panel having spaced slots along an outer edge of the tilt panel, each tilt panel being secured along its outer edge by slide fasteners passing through the slots along the outer edge of the tilt panel and embedded in the overhead divider. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order that the present improvements may be more readily understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:-

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating internal non-load bearing walls and load bearing walls;

Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating internal non-load bearing walls in a typical movement situation where one improvement accompany to the present invention is employed;

Figure 3 is a cutaway schematic showing relative movement applicable to non-load bearing walls according to an example of one improvement according to the present invention;

Figures 4A and 4B show some typical connections;

Figures 5A and 5B show further typical connections;

Figure 6 is a bottom up view of a connection between a concrete wall and a concrete ceiling providing a“shadow line”;

Figure 7 is a drawing of an intermediate spring fastener assembly;

Figures 8A and 8B are views similar in operation to Figure 7 but showing a different embodiment;

Figure 9 is a drawing illustrating a typical resilient interface for a fastener and wall to a concrete ceiling/floor;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing a different embodiment;

Figure 11 is further embodiment similar to Figure 9;

Figures 12A and 12B are embodiment similar to Figures 4A through 5B;

Figure 13 is further embodiment of a connector according to the present invention;

Figures 14, 15A and 15B illustrate examples of application of the connector of Figure 13;

Figure 16 to 18 are drawings of another connector for use adjacent the end of a top track; Figure 19 is a drawing illustrating a frame assembly to ease installation on-site employing a reduced width telescopic track and nogging extensions and vertical frame fitting inside the main vertical wall frame that may be employed with the present invention; Figures 20 and 21 are drawings similar to preceding Figures herein but including optional protection strip(s) against fire or for acoustic purposes if required;

Figure 22 is a drawing illustrating use of plastics insert in slots;

Figures 23A through 23D are respective pan, side cutaway perspective and section 23D-23D through a plastics insert of the type employed in Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a top down view showing the use of intermediate brackets;

Figure 25 is a section showing use of the intermediate bracket of Figure 24;

Figure 26 is another embodiment showing a bracket and wall arrangement similar to Figures 24-25 used to locate the movable portion of the wall a set distance from the concrete surface above;

Figures 27 and 28 are embodiments similar to Figures 16-18 but employing a bracket above the wall track;

Figures 29-31 illustrate further embodiment employing additional available movement of fasteners;

Figure 32 is a schematic drawing of a wall frame showing a gap to an overlying concrete slab and a connection between the wall upper and the overlying concrete slab;

Figure 33 is a planned view showing a rectangular structure of walls showing elements of the present invention;

Figures 34A and 34B are section and perspective drawings of a form of connection that may be used with the present invention;

Figures 35A and 35B are respective section type drawings showing use of the embodiments of Figures 34A and 34B;

Figure 36 5 is an embodiment similar to the embodiments of Figures 35A and 35B;

Figures 37 through 42 illustrate another embodiment;

Figures 43 through 49 illustrate a further embodiment;

Figures 47 and 48 illustrate are still further embodiment;

Figures 49 and 50 illustrate another embodiment;

Figure 50A is a variation on a slide fastener with a shank that slides through slots in the slotted embodiments herein;

Figures 51 A and 51 B are section and perspective views of an intermediate bracket used to connect a deformable type connector; Figure 51 C is a variation on a slide fastener with a shank that slides through slots in the slotted embodiments herein but for connection to an intermediate bracket;

Figures 52 through 55 show the configuration using the barracks and fasteners of Figures 51 A 21 A through 51 C with the panel of Figures 49 and 50;

Figures 56 through Figure 58 illustrate an integrally formed arrangement made from sheet material;

Figures 59 through 62 illustrate use of the type of arrangement as shown in Figures 56 to 58; Figures 63 through 67B illustrate arrangements using intermediate plates for connection to different types of overlying concrete structures;

Figures 68 through 69B illustrate further detail applicable to a preferred form of the invention; Figures 70 and 71 illustrate use of an intermediate bracket which is rigidly coupled to the overlying concrete structure to effectively extend it;

Figures 72 through 76 are further variations on components suitable for use while implementing the present invention; and

Figure 77A though 77C show another embodiment..

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE

[0032] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is illustrated in schematic a top down floor layout 10 of dividers showing structural walls 11 and 12 and non-structural walls 13, 14, 15 and 16. Each of these walls is equipped along a top edge with a top track 17 which has spaced slots 18 and there is also a vertical gap 19 at each end of each non-structural wall.

There is also a horizontal gap along the top. The arrangement is configured so that the non-structural walls remain within limits unaffected by some movement of the structural walls but are themselves also secured via top and bottom tracks. Each non-structural wall is typically a rigid structure.

[0033] Although it cannot be seen in this view the horizontal gap at the top of the non-structural walls is depicted in Figure 2 by the cross hatched horizontal section 20 and may be filled with a flexible filler. The gaps 19 may also be filled with a flexible filler. There are also spaced fasteners of various kinds that will be described below. It is to be noted that non-structural walls illustrated in Figure 2. In Figure 2 this represents a case for buildings over 8.5 metres (three storeys in height) examples are storeys 21 , 22 and 23. The arrangement of dividers in this example is for part of a highrise building. The walls may have a frame or be frameless.

[0034] The embodiments herein describe various examples of connectors that may be used to permit the relative movement depicted schematically in Figure 2. Where appropriate, in the drawings like numerals illustrate like features. Double ended arrows shown at each level show movement of a highrise building as would be in the case for example, in a small earthquake, and it can be seen that due to the gaps 19 and 20 that there is able to be relative movement between the structural and non-structural parts of the building. This means that the walls in this case 24, 25 and 26 are effectively boxes with a box and are able to remain stable

notwithstanding the relative movements of the structural portions of the building surrounding these walls. In the present example there are four floor sections 27, 28, 29 and 30.

[0035] In each case the wall sections 24, 25 and 26 are secured top and bottom along the horizontal to the adjoining portions of the building and also along the vertical sides across the gaps 19. Across the gaps 20 are spaced fasteners, options for which are described in the drawings to follow. The wall sections may be thought of as a panel and preferably, a medial region of any panel is secured with a first type of connector while the marginal edge portions are secured with a second type of connector. The second type of connector allows a more flexibility adjacent ends of the panels. This also will become clear from the examples in description to follow.

[0036] As will be appreciated in Figure 1 it is not only where a non-structural wall adjoins a structural wall, there may also be gaps provided where two non-structural walls meet at a T-junction or at a corner and an example is illustrated in Figure 3 where a top track 31 is used to secure each wall 32, 33 to an underside of upper structural concrete slab (usually the other side of this corresponds to a floor of the building of the level above) each track having slots 34 some of which utilise fasteners 35. These fasteners carry a shank section 36 so that the fastener automatically locates the track 31 at a specified distance based on the length of the shank from the undersurface (ceiling) of the floor above. [0037] At panel ends a gap 19 may be formed by using a track 36 which may be a simple channel form, this may include horizontal slots 37 and similar types of fasteners to the fasteners 35 so that again there is the set gap 19 devised by use of the fasteners. This wall 32 may continue on as indicated by the dotted lines 38 or may terminate in a corner shown in solid outline utilising another channel 39. A suitable track may be used at the bottom at 40 and this may be secured using spaced fasteners 41. In the embodiment Figure 3 there are solid arrows which indicate the possible movements of the structural walls as relative to the non-structural walls thus retaining the integrity of the non-structural walls.

[0038] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B there is illustrated an arrangement showing how cladding 42, 43 may be fitted to an arrangement of the type illustrated in Figure 3 and in this case there is a structural wall 44, the bottom floor 45 and the top floor is not shown but it will be appreciated that this fits against cushion infill material on the surface shown in phantom at 46. Thus the track 31 is secured by the fasteners 35 as in a previous embodiment with the cladding 42, 43 fitting inside the channel 39 which in turn fits outside the bottom track 40.

[0039] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate further arrangement wherein in this case, cladding 47, 48 is located on the outside of a channel 49 and is positioned to leave a shadow line at 50 for extra decorative effect.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown another embodiment for a structural wall.

Figure 6 is a sectional view from below of the juncture between a non-structural wall 52 comprising tracks 17 with slots 34 as previously described and spaced fasteners 35. Two layers of cladding 53, 54, 55 and 56 are on the sides of the track 17 and extending around side walls 57 and 58 of a channel 60. The channel 60 holds compressible material 59 and is secured through cladding 61 which is in turn spaced from a structural wall 62 by reason of horizontally spaced vertical elongate spacer or batten 63 (one being shown in the figure). The spacer 63 is secured by fasteners 64 spaced along the back part 65 of the spacer 63 which two parts are clipped together. The fasteners shown at 66 serve to secure the cladding 61 and the channel 60 through the cladding and onto the spacer 63. This fastener and batten arrangement is repeated across the wall cladding 61 . In the present example of Figure 6 the edges 67 and 68 are spaced away from the cladding 61 to provide a shadow line effect adjacent the juncture between the cladding 53 and 56 and the cladding 61 . This also prevents metal on metal squeaking in response to dynamic movement as might occur.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 7 there is illustrated an alternative arrangement for connecting the cladding 61 to a structural wall 69. In this case the cladding is secured by a fastener or otherwise secured to an elongate spacer or batten 70 which in turn is fitted to a second part 71. A fastener 73 includes a shaft section 74 about which is located a coil spring 75 such that the coil spring locates as shown against the surface 76 of the structural wall 69 and the underside 77 of the fastener head 78 thus permitting limited movement of the non-structural wall cladding 61 relative to the structural wall 69. These fasteners 73 may be positioned along the profile 71 and this profile at 71 may initially be secured in place and then to the batten 70 or vice versa and this arrangement is repeated as required.

[0042] Figure 8A is an embodiment similar to Figure 6 but in this case there is only a single sheet of cladding 79, 80 on each side, the shadow line effect is also provided with this and there is a resilient material infill at 81.

[0043] Figure 8B is a similar embodiment to Figure 8A except in this case the cladding is marginally nearer to the surface 82 of the cladding 83.

[0044] Referring now to Figures 9 and 10 there is illustrated a further embodiment permitting relative movement between a structural concrete beam or slab 82 although there are some differences between Figures 9 and 10 they are substantially the same and where appropriate like numerals illustrate like features.

[0045] The clear difference in the two drawings is the position of the cladding 83, 84 and 85, 86 relative to the side walls 87 and 88 of the upper track 31 . The track 31 is secured to the surface 82 by a bolt 35 of the type previously described. Bolts 35 are used elsewhere along the track. The arrangement in Figures 9 and 10 is applied to the first fastener adjacent an end of a non-structural wall.

[0046] Now in the present case there is a rubber sleeve or boot 89 positioned as shown and this has been fitted into the track 31 into a hole 90. This means that there is a circular rubber surface 91 which has a hole through which the shaft section 92 of the fastener 35 passes while the surface 93 of the boot 89 abuts against the surface 94 of the structural slab 82. The boot is fastened to the track in this case at four positions, two positions being shown at 95 and 96, the boot has wall sections 97 and 98. It will be appreciated that the boot permits a universal type of dynamic relative movement in terms of the depiction of Figures 9 and 10 consequent upon movement of the slab 82 so that there is relative movement available for the track 31 and its joined wall sections of cladding 83 and 84. The same applies in Figure 10.

[0047] In terms of operation and function any equivalents may be employed and Figure 10 includes in terms of mechanical equivalence a flexible membrane illustrated in phantom at 99 and a stepped membrane at 100 so that it can be appreciated that it is this flexible connection between the fastener head at 101 and the rigid connection to the slab at the threaded shaft 102 and the ability of the connector to respond and move relative to those parts that is accounted for by reason of the boot example or flexible connections 99 and 100.

[0048] In terms of position and use this type of arrangement may be utilised anywhere in the wall but it is usually to utilise this in connecting the upper track at the first slot or thereby wherever non-structural walls come to a T-junction at each of the nearest slots on each of the walls along the top track so for instance where there is a non-structural wall coming against a structural wall there will usually be a gap 19 and just above that gap there will be a boot at the nearest slot and then there will be two boots on the passing wall nearest the gap. If there is another wall coming from the opposite side to create a cross junction there will be another boot there. This will be repeated throughout the building wherever these non-structural walls come together then there will be one of these boots or equivalent. (See Figures 13-16).

[0049] Of course it will be appreciated from the foregoing that there are many other options and variations upon these preferred forms as illustrated. [0050] For example, Figure 11 illustrates a similar embodiment to the previous embodiments of Figure 6 where in this case the track 17 has cladding 103, 104 which fits at end portions 105 and 106 inside a channel 107 holding flexible cushion material 108. In this case the channel 107 is slightly wider, is similar to the previous embodiments but utilised in a slightly different finish. Likewise there is another variation illustrated in Figures 12A and 12B similar to the

embodiments illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B except in this case bolts 41 are utilised in a different track 109 which includes slots 110 thus the bottom track is also slotted.

[0051] There are of course many other ways in which a flexible connection may be made to permit relative movement and another example is illustrated in Figure 13. This is an alternative to the boot of Figures 9 and 10 (the boots would be used at the position of first slot nearest the wall ends in Figures 14-16). This example shows a connector 111 which has a flange 112 with a through hole 113 and at its opposite end another flange 114 with a through hole 115 set at 90° to the first mentioned flange 112. Between these is a concertina type section 116 and this can be made from any suitable material so that the connector is expandable (or contractible) in the direction of arrows 117 and 118.

[0052] An example of use of the connectors 111 is shown in Figure 14 where a wall panel assembly 119 is secured between fastener assemblies 120 each of which has a spacer collar 121 to set the spacing of the end wall 122 predetermined distance from the structural wall 123. The non-structural wall panel 119 is therefore able to retain its position notwithstanding any relative movement of the structural body 123. Likewise in an environment where non-structural walls are mounted head tracks 124 either a T-junction as illustrated in Figure 15B or a corner for example as illustrated in Figure 15A the connectors 111 are utilised as shown where the flange 114 is used to secure the non-structural walls to an upper ceiling 123/125. In this case the slots 126 nearest the corner of the T-junction are not used but the nearest connection through the slots is in this example about 1.5 metres from the corner thus there is a rigid coupling remote from the corner or remote from the T-junction whereas adjacent the T-junction or the corner there is the ability for the use of the connectors 111 so that the corner may flex in response to any relative movement and thereby inhibit the corner juncture 127 or the T-juncture 128 from separating.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 16 through 18 there is illustrated a top track 129 connected adjacent one end of the top track, usually at the first slot 130 a slidable and swivel connector assembly 131 having respective arms 132 and 133 a pivot portion 134 and a bar 135 so that the swivel assembly may be inserted through the slot 130 and secured by fasteners 136 and 137 about collars 138 and 139 so that it will be appreciated that the movement depicted by arrows 140 and 141 , in terms of relative movement due to any movement of the track 129 in terms of relative movement of the structural wall relative to the non-structural wall afforded by the track 129. The various end connections to any vertical wall may apply and this type of swivel connection will permit dynamic relative movement between the structural and non-structural elements of the wall.

[0054] It will be appreciated from these various connections that have been disclosed here that the end portions or the marginal portions of the wall will be able to move relative to other parts of the walls. It would also be observed that these various connections may be used anywhere along the wall.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 19 there is illustrated an alternative frame assembly 142 where in this case a top track 143 bottom track 144 vertical frame members 145 nogging section 146 may have a reduced width marginal end frame section 147 adapted to fit inside vertical track 148 so that the end frame section comprising a vertical section 149 and short sections 150, 151 and 152 may slide into the tracks 143, 144 and the nogging section 146 which may be a horizontal section with vertical nogging or vertical section with horizontal nogging may be employed but it will be appreciated that this arrangement will facilitate the insertion and final installation of the frame assembly 142 into the vertical frame section 148.

[0056] Referring now to Figures 20 and 21 these drawings illustrate drawings similar to the previous embodiments but it will be noted that there is shown part of a strip 153 which may extend right along the side as shown part of the strip only being shown in Figure 20. It will be appreciated that a similar strip may be used on the other side at 154 running along between the top of the cladding and the ceiling and this may be employed to aiding relation to fire protection or may be employed in relation to aiding acoustic properties of the non-structural wall.

[0057] Now as a further variation Figures 22 through 23D illustrate the use of a plastics insert either of the form 155 or the form 156, these inserts fit into the slots 157 in the top horizontal track 158 or the vertical track 159. They may be fitted in position by screw fasteners 160 or as a resilient clip in the version having a shoulder section 161 as illustrated in Figure 23D. In this case the plastic section may clip into place. These inserts are designed to reduce any squeaking as might occur with the fasteners used in the slots according to the versions of the invention as described herein.

[0058] Referring now to Figures 24-28, there is illustrated embodiments which serves to provide for a larger gap 20 using some form of intermediate bracket or the like securing the top track 31 indirectly to the upper concrete surface while still maintaining the same rigid wall and allowing for relative movement of the concrete with respect to the wall. Thus from and including the top track 31 and below the operation is as previously described except the fasteners 35 are secured indirectly to the concrete. Where appropriate like numerals illustrate like features.

[0059] In the previous embodiment a gap 20 was determined by the cylindrical shank section 74, 92 of the fasteners 35. The shank section is fitted in slots 34 in the top track 31. This type of fastener and variations on it may be used whatever slide function on the shaft is required.

[0060] In Figures 24 and 25 a fastener 162 similar to fastener 35 is secured by a nut 163 and due to the slot 34, the cylindrical section is able to move in the slot in response to movement of the concrete 30 above.

[0061] This movement is transmitted through an intermediate bracket assembly 163 comprising a one piece unit having four arms 164 which is rigidly secured to the concrete 30 using fasteners 165. These can be similar to the fastener 35. The bracket flanges 166 may be fitted using a spacer 167. [0062] In Figure 26 an embodiment 168 employs a similar bracket assembly 169 having arms 170 but in this case there is a wall extension section 171 with tracks 172 and 173. The gap 174 between the wall section 24 and 17 is filled with a suitable resilient strip or filler. Thus the top wall section and bracket assembly moves with the concrete 30 relating to the wall 24.

[0063] Referring to Figures 27 and 28, in this case a bracket assembly 175 fits rigidly in the gap 20 by reason of six fasteners 176 securing the six arms 177 to the concrete 30 via flange 178.

[0064] As for Figures 16-18 there is no need for a screw fastener as such, in the slot 34 but rather a pivot pin with the arms 132 and 133 is used so that the relative movement is as for Figures 16-18.

[0065] Referring to Figures 29 and 30 there is illustrated embodiment 179 and 180, the variation here being the collection of springs in Figure 29 on one side of the bracket flange 182 and springs 183,184 on both sides of the bracket flange 182. The bracket flange 182 may have a hole 185 or slot 186.

[0066] Figure 31 illustrates an example of movement in the case of the embodiment of Figure 29 with compression at 187 and tilting of the fastener at 188 in its corresponding slot.

[0067] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 32 and 33, in Figure 32 there is illustrated a wall frame 210 comprising a bottom track 211 and a top track 212 spaced by a gap 213 from an overlying concrete slab 214. The wall frame has the top track 212 and this part comprises the wall upper and is suspended from the concrete slab 214 by an intermediate strip 216 bolted at spaced intervals by bolts 217 to the underside 218 of the slab 214 and to the wall upper via studs 219 or the track 212 and screws or the like fasteners at 220 at each stud 219. Another strip 216 is mounted in the same way on the other side of the wall (see Figure 33).

[0068] These strips can be cornice type arrangements and are set bilaterally on opposite sides of the walls so that the wall is effectively suspended and these cornice like arrangements 216 cover the gap 213. These can be in the form of a rolled or folded form of known construction and shape, but as will be seen in the following are able to flex and move in response to movements of the slab 214. They may also be fitted to permit axial movement using slots for the bolts 217. The fasteners at 220 may also pass through slots. Broadly they may be considered as tilt panels, being operable to extend, tilt, compress and elevate in response to movement of the overhead structural divider.

[0069] Figure 33 illustrates schematically four walls forming a rectangular room 221 and these four walls also include vertical joins of elastics, resilient or deformable parts 222 on the comers so that in the illustrated embodiment, the only fixed connection is the track 211 to the floor 223.

[0070] Figures 34A and 34B illustrate one example of a folded metal sheet which may be formed into the strip 216 that runs along the top of the wall. By reason the strip having fixing flanges at 224 and 225 and a "V" shape at 226 it may compress slightly or expand slightly when fitted out in the arrangement illustrated in Figures 35A and 35B.

[0071] In the version employing a track 212, the track 212 has axial slots in which is located a ferrule or sleeve, or smooth shank 227 of spaced fasteners 228 which holds the track 212 at a set distance from the underside 218 of the slab 214. The fasteners are rigid with the slab 214 but may slide in concert with the slab and in the slots in the track as the slab moves. A deformable filler 229 fills the gap 213 between the track 212 and the underside 218 of the slab. The cover strips 216 are secured to the slab 214 and to the wall 210. Transverse movement of the slab being a form of movement as shown in Figure 35B may be accommodated, where the left side strip 216 is placed under tension and the right side strip 216 is placed under compression. As can be seen the strip on the left extends and the strip on the right side compresses.

[0072] In Figure 36 a similar arrangement is employed but on this occasion the wall 231 is a frameless panel system which could be a sandwich panel or other non frame panel. This is secured within the track 212 and in all other respects the operation of the system is the same as in the previous drawings. [0073] Referring now to Figure 37 there is illustrated an alternative cover strip connector 232 which in this case is made from a form of metal sheet 233 laminated or coated, on its inside, with a fire or acoustic or other material at 234. In this case, the flange 235 is outboard of fixing slots 236. These slots permit the use of a barrel shanked fastener with a barrel 237 so that the slots 236 again provide for axial movement of the barrel section 237 of the fastener 238 within the slots 236. The track 212 and fasteners 228 may be omitted.

[0074] Fasteners 239 may be used to secure the panel 232 to some form of wall, the character of the wall is not important, again there is a gap at 240, the wall being shown generally at 241 and typical examples of movement in such an arrangement are shown in Figure 40. Again there is complementary movement on the right and left sides at 242 and 243 by reason of the arcuate shape of the cover strips or panels 232.

[0075] Figure 42 illustrates the change in shape of the forms 232 under downward deflection of the concrete 214 so both are under compression but it will be appreciated that both motions may be imposed as in Figures 40 and 42 so that the resultant motion is downward and sideways and the present invention will operate in that effect as well. It will be noted that in Figures 39 through 42 there is no use of a central fastener and that axial movement is accommodated by reason of slots 236.

[0076] Figures 43 and 44 are a still further arrangement similar to the previous embodiment except with a variation in the flange area at 244.

[0077] This arrangement 245 is illustrated in position in Figures 45 and 46 with Figure 46 showing distortion again in response to compression with downward deflection of the concrete structure above.

[0078] Figure 48 shows response to sideways movement of the slab but again it will be appreciated that the movement could be in any direction and by reason of the slots and fasteners there can be a contribution in axial as well as sideways movement by the two types of connections namely the spaced fasteners and slots and the operation of the side panels in compression and tension, thus the axial and sideways allowance are together a complementary effect.

[0079] Figures 49 and 50 illustrate another embodiment 246, again employing slots 236 and fasteners 247 permitting axial movement and the bulb shape at 248 permits for compression and tension to be applied in order to manage movement. Figure 50A illustrates a slide fastener that may be used with a nut.

[0080] In some situations it may be desirable to fix the side connection strip or panel via an intermediate bracket of the type illustrated, for example, in Figures 51 A and 51 B at 249. This bracket 249 effectively becomes movable in concert with the concrete slab as illustrated in Figures 52 and 53. The wall 250 is shown with the strips 246 being the folded rolled deformed panels as shown fitted both to the upper of the wall and to the concrete slab and able to flex and move in response to movement of the slab. An example is given in Figure 53 where again tension is at 251 and compression at 252 for sideways movement. Movement in this arrangement in downward deflection is shown in Figure 55 where both panels 246 are under compression at 253.

[0081] While various arrangements have been illustrated in terms of using a top track with an axially slidable bolt fitted into the top track passing and bridging the gap between the track and the concrete overhead, this is shown in combination with the side panels. The side panels are also shown used without the central track connection. There are other arrangements possible where there can be other forms of connections.

[0082] One example is an integrally formed connection shown at 254 which has a central wall fitting portion or channel 255 with folded walls 256, 257 so that these walls may be secured to a wall and outside these are curved side panels 258 and 259 with fitting flanges 260 and 261. Thus there is a formed upper central track section in the channel 255 and the same operating and functioning side panels are also employed. [0083] Of course the shape of these arrangements may vary. The arrangement 254 being shown in pictorial view in Figure 57 has axially sliding slots as previously described, these are shown at 262 on each side of the fitting flanges and a different arrangement of the basic form is illustrated in Figure 58 at 263. Like numerals illustrate like features. Slide fasteners are also employed as before, the slots may be formed in the top section for either the indirect fixing or direct fixing.

[0084] The use of these constructions is shown with the example of 254 shown in situ, in Figures 59 and 60, with a wall 264, it will be appreciated that the fasteners 265 are of the type previously described these are at 247 or 237, thus there is permitted axial movement and also again by reason of deformation of the panel sections 258 and 259 the connections cater for transverse movement. Therefore there is a combination of axial and transverse movement permitted by these two degrees of freedom as reflected in the broad form of the invention set out above and in the previous embodiments.

[0085] As in the case of the other embodiments Figure 62 shows the same configuration as in Figure 59 but in this case downward deflection of the concrete slab and this causes

compression evenly on each of the side panels 258 and 259.

[0086] Now as shown in Figure 51 A and 51 B an intermediate bracket may be employed and this may of course depend on the nature and form of the overlaying structure or how one wishes to connect the upper part of the wall via the respective side panels.

[0087] Figure 63 shows the use of a flat bar plate at 266 and the angle plate similar to the previous embodiment at 267, in this case the concrete slab 268 has voids 269. A slab 270 illustrated in Figure 64 has pillars 271 and a suitable flat bar 272 may be used as an

intermediary in similar fashion as described in the previous embodiment. Another form of slab 273 illustrated in Figure 65 and again a metal angle as previously described of a similar type, in this case 274 is employed and there are various fasteners 275, 276 joined to beams 277. The angle 274 is for the purpose of providing an intermediary rigid connection via the metal plate that can run along the top of a wall connected and suspended utilising side panels according to the present invention.

[0088] Examples of these plates are shown in Figures 66A through 67B. Now the various slots 236 may have a certain configuration and if preferred in some cases to add strength, these may be rolled along their edges as shown in Figures 68B and 69B.

[0089] As is previously mentioned, connection to the concrete slab need not be direct but could be indirect, examples being given in terms of the angled and flat plates previously described but this may go further still to any kind of useful intermediary. For example, a further bracket arrangement of the type illustrated in Figure 70 at 278 may comprise an elongate bracket or separate brackets in order to drop the wall lower. The wall 279 in this case may be fitted completely as previously described in this case, there is a gap 280 which in effect corresponds and operates the same as the basic arrangement of the gap 213 in Figure 32. The bracket 278 only serving to drop and extend the rigid connection to the concrete overlying surface by reason of the rigid connection of the bracket 278 to the concrete.

[0090] So there may be separate brackets and bridging between these brackets could be a flat base plate in this case at 281 which in turn has slots 230 and a slide fastener similar to the fastener 247 so therefore there is axial movement permitted.

[0091] Now bridging across this of course could be any of the side panels to give that extra degree of freedom. This may bridge just across to the bracket as shown by the dotted lines at 282 and 283 and of course it will be appreciated that there may be many arrangements of intermediate connections which in case give rise to the two degrees of freedom.

[0092] An alternative bracket arrangement is illustrated at 284 in Figure 71 and in this case there are angles 285 that permit fastening of the brackets 284 to the wall 286 via a connection of the type illustrated in Figure 58 at 263. It will of course be appreciated in terms of movement of the concrete slab then the side panels 287 and 288 will operate in the fashion as previously described. [0093] Figures 72 though 76 show variations on components suitable for use with the present invention. Fasteners of the type 35 may be used with a nylon sleeve 289, examples being given in Figure 73 for a central slot fixing and Figure 74 for a wing slot fixing. Figures 75 and 76 show typical framed walls 290 and 291 with respective bracing 292 and 293 which is appropriately fixed to the frames.

[0094] Figure 77A though 77C show another embodiment comprising a generally U-shaped bracket 294. This is functionally similar to Figures 16, 17 and 18 or even Figure 10 with the cover panels 99 and 100. This version may be used inside panels of the type 99,100 or with other tilt panels as previously described. The brackets 294 are used at spaced locations along the upper edge of a wall and these are effectively flexing spacers and operate in conjunction with a slotted track 295. The bracket has a T-shaped rotary bearing so it may pass through the slot 297 and then rotate 90° relative to the slot to the position shown in Figure 77C. Fasteners attach opposite ends of the U-shape to the overhead divider. The bracket caters for limited universal movement in the pane of the wall and out of the plane of the wall while the wall remains neutral. The bracket is made for a material able to flex including Nylon, PVC, acetyl plastics or any other suitable material known to the skilled person. As an alternative to the integral T-section 296, the arrangement of Figure 77D (showing part only of Figure 77A) may be employed. In this case a slide bolt 299 of the type shown in Figure 51 C or using a nylon sleeve 289 of Figure 28 fits into the slot 297 and it held in place by a nut 300.

[0095] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.