Releasibly locking demountable partitions and studs

Claim 1

A demountable partition assembly comprising: A. two opposed spaced-apart rows of partition panels having kerfs provided in their vertical edges, adjacent panels being arranged in edge-to-edge abutting relationship, B. a plurality of studs positioned intermediate said rows, each positioned at a joint between a pair of adjacent panels, each of said studs comprising: 1. a web portion extending across at least part of the space between the rows of panels, 2. panel supporting means engaging the kerfs of said pair of adjacent panels at said joint, at least one of said panel supporting means comprising: a. at least one flange struck from and integral with said web portion extending a distance laterally from said web portion, a distance longitudinally thereto, and returning a distance toward said web to define a vertically extending socket between said flange and said web portion, said entire socket being positioned intermediate the inner wall surfaces of said two rows of partition panels, and spaced from the edge of said web portion, b. an L-shaped mounting member having a kerf-engaging leg disposed within the kerf of one of said adjacent panels, and a second leg having a margin folded over to provide detent means at its end releasibly disposed within said socket; whereby said L-shaped mounting member-engaging panel may be demounted from the assembly without disturbing said stud member, said adjacent panel, or the panels of the opposite row.