EP3155198B1

EP3155198B1 - Easily transported and assembled wall structure with or for sliding door

Info

Publication number: EP3155198B1
Application number: EP15741308.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Migliorini
Original assignee: Koblenz SpA
Current assignee: Koblenz SpA
Priority date: 2014-06-13
Filing date: 2015-06-10
Publication date: 2018-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-10
Also published as: RU2016147510A; EP3155198A1; WO2015189683A1; RU2682342C2; ES2683244T3; RU2016147510A3

Description

Technical Field

The object of the present invention is an easily transported and assembled wall structure with or for sliding door.
Some details, which will be pointed out in the following description, may also be separately used as such with wall structures of a different kind, for example with slide-swinging doors or with folding doors; otherwise, in general, said details may be separately used as such for coupling sliding rails (or, generally speaking, sliding guide means) with horizontal parts of the perimeter frames of wall structures for doors (in particular, with a crosspiece of the opening where the door has to be housed).

Background Art

Generally speaking, various situations are known in which a door is given a sliding movement. In particular, three types of door can be found which comply with said situations: sliding doors, slide-swinging doors, folding doors.
In the case of the sliding door, the door slides between two extreme positions, a closed position and an open position, while maintaining its own lying plane constant (or parallel to itself), and is supported by a sliding rail whereupon at least two carriages are engaged, which are attached to a horizontal edge of the door.
In the case of the slide-swinging door, during the opening/closing movement the door slides along a sliding track, while at the same time it rotates its own lying plane about an axis of rotation which, generally speaking, is carried by the carriage supporting the door onto the sliding track.
In the case of the folding door, the door is composed by a plurality of wings (or segments) hinged to one another at their vertical edges to define a series of rotation axes. Passing from the closed configuration to the open configuration, when the folding door is being folded to an accordion-like shape at a side of the wall structure, the various wings of the folding door rotate about said rotation axes. Each individual wing therefore undergoes a slide-swinging movement which is analogous to the movement of a single slide-swinging door; one of the two rotation axes of each wing is carried by a respective carriage which, in turn, is engaged with a sliding track supporting the door.
All these situations are characterized by the problem of coupling the sliding rails (or the sliding guide means) with horizontal parts of the perimeter frames of wall structures for doors, in particular with a crosspiece of the opening where the door has to be housed.
In particular with sliding doors (and above all when the door, once in the open position, must be hidden inside a respective housing), the problem is faced of how to build up the structure of the frame which is necessary for supporting and/or housing the door itself.
Various wall structures with sliding doors are known. One of these, for example, comprises a preformed element of parallelepiped shape to be associated with the perimetral elements of the wall structure and having a seat for receiving the sliding door during its movement. The wall panels of the structure (for example of plasterboard) are fixed to said element by screws or equivalent members. Those regions in which said screws are inserted into the wall panels are then suitably plastered over.
This known arrangement has various drawbacks such as the large dimensions of the preformed element (at least equal to those of the sliding door), resulting in obvious problems in terms of transport, weight and handling during the assembly of the wall structure. Because of the dimensions of the preformed element, the method of its fixing to the wall panels and the transport difficulties, several persons (at least two) are required for assembling the wall structure, so negatively affecting the assembly cost. In addition, this known arrangement only enables wall structures of predetermined dimensions to be obtained, each requiring an appropriate preformed element of suitable dimensions. This means that a provider of such structures must necessarily stock elements of all possible dimensions, resulting in very high storage costs.
Finally, because of the dimensional constraint of known wall structures, it is not possible to form structures of special non-standard dimensions.
Another known arrangement is applicable in particular when the frame of the building into which the aforsaid structure is to be inserted is mainly of wooden beams. In this case, having chosen the position in which the structure with the sliding door is to be located, elements (also of wood) are fixed to said beams to define the compartment for said door, the plasterboard wall panels then being fixed to these. This arrangement also has various drawbacks, including the fact that it can be used only for particular sizes of wall structure and only in buildings having a wooden beam frame. In addition, several persons are necessary to assemble the structure with the sliding door, so implying a considerable assembly cost.
Document US 4,561,210 illustrates a wall structure for sliding doors which can be used also when the walls are composed by pairs of mutually facing, parallel panels, in particular prefabricated and/or plasterboard panels. It comprises a perimetral frame where a pair of uprights connects a top longitudinal member having an inverted "U" shaped cross section, with a bottom lungitudinal member which has an inverted "U" shaped cross section and is interrupted in correspondence with a wall opening to be closed by the sliding door. For receiving the sliding door when it goes towards the opened position, a door housing case is made by fixing a plurality of mutually facing vertical elements to both the top and bottom longitudinal element (and then covering the same plurality of elements by means of plasterboard panels or similar panels). The top end of each vertical element is inserted in a correspondingly shaped hole of a given size which is made in the horizontal face of the top element. The bottom end of each vertical element is suitably shaped into a structure featuring two arms, so as to be engaged in a "fork-like" manner with one of the vertical flanges of the bottom longitudinal element and fixed thereto by means of screws. The sliding rail, whereupon the sliding door support wheels (or carriages) are engaged, is fixed by screws onto the end of two further uprights which are fixed to the bottom longitudinal element and are fixed by screws onto the top longitudinal element. Even if the problem of the overall dimensions of the preformed element is eliminated, this solution has several drwbacks, including being itself usable only into wall structures of specific dimensions. Specifically, the vertical elements must be located at positions which are rigidly imposed by the shaped holes where the top ends of the vertical elements must be inserted, said holes having to be previously made into the central face of the top longitudinal element when this latter is produced. Furthermore, for fixing the bottom ends of the vertical elements to the bottom longitudinal element, a complex and specific processing of the bottom end itself is required. In addition, support for the sliding rail is obtained in a laborious way.
Document EP 0 751 275 B1 discloses a wall structure of the type illustrated in US 4,561,210 , which is semplified and improved to eliminate some of the drawbacks of the latter. In particular, the sliding door housing case is defined by pairs of vertical elements, whose bottom and top ends are identical to each other and have a shape enabling them to be engaged in a "fork-like" manner with the vertical flanges of the bottom longitudinal element: in such a way, during assembly, the vertical elements are symmetrical with respect to exchanging their top part with their bottom part.
The wall structure further comprises a set of guide means which is composed during assembly by cutting it at the required size. Said set of guide means comprises a support element and a sliding rail. The latter is fixed to a face of the support element. To the face of the support element opposed to the one where the rail is fixed, there is also applied a pluralty of strip-like spring clips of omega shape, whose opposing lugs are bent towards the interior of the support element. Coupling the strip-like spring clips with the top longitudinal element allows a stable connection between the latter and the rail before finally fixing the position of the rail with related screws, thus simplifying the rail assembly step.
The top end of each vertical element does not reach the top longitudinal element, but abuts a respective side face of the rail support element. By exploiting the "fork-like" engagement between the bottom end of the vertical element and the vertical flange of the bottom longitudinal element (while manually keeping the top end abutted onto the side face of the rail support element) - and before fixing everything with screws - it is possible to make the vertical elements freely slide along the bottom longitudinal element, thus changing at will the dimension of the housing case which corresponds to the door width. Once the correct location of the vertical elements has been individuated, their stable positioning may be insured by blocking their ends to the rail support element and to the vertical flanges of the bottom longitudinal element respectively, by using respective fixing screws. Although the wall structure assembly operations are simplified and a certain freedom in applying the same system to sliding doors of different widths is allowed (in particular, thanks to the possibility of making the vertical elements freely slide along the bottom longitudinal element before definitely fixing them), also this solution is not free from drawbacks. Specifically, the wall structure is not directly applicable to sliding doors of different heights: the processing of the ends of the vertical elements which is necessary for their engagement with the bottom longitudinal element, in fact, makes the application of those same vertical elements to doors of different heights impossible, thus making it necessary to produce and stock vertical elements of different lengths. Futhermore, when moving the vertical elements along the bottom longitudinal element, before their final fixing which determines their correct positioning, the top end of the vertical elements is kept simply abutted against the rail support element, which permits oscillations of the vertical element itself far from the rail support element, which oscillations are the more annoying the higher the door.
A further drawback is that fitting the structure on walls of different thicknesses, in particular on perimetral frames having horizontal longitudinal elements of different widths, is difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, the strip-like spring clips located onto the rail support element cannot be easlily fitted on longitudinal elements having different widths (where the term width is referred to the thickness of the wall the door is to be applied to). In fact, by exploiting the elasticity of the opposing lugs of the "omega" shape" of the strip-like spring, it is possible to only partially cope with small variations of the longitutinal element width (specifically, with small variations of the thickness of the related wall).
The problem of fitting the connecting device of the guide system on walls and/or perimetral frames of different thicknesses exists for all the wall structres not only for sliding doors, but also for slide-swinging doors or folding doors and, in general, for all those wall structures implying the use of a guide system which allows a sliding movement of a door and has to be fixed to a horizontal part of the perimetral frame. Generally speaking, in all these cases using a rail support element provided with strip-like spring clips of the above described type dose not fully solve the problem. In fact, the strip-like spring clips located onto the rail support element cannot be easily adapted to horizontal parts of the perimetral frame having different widths (the width being meant to correspond to the thickness of the wall the door is to be applied to). In fact, the elasticity of the opposing lugs of the "omega" shape" of the strip-like spring helps coping only partially with small variations in the width of said horizontal parts (specifically, with small variations in the thickness of the related wall).
Document US 4 742 645 A illustrates a wall structure which may be inserted into a perimetral frame made by a top longitudinal wooden member and two vertical wooden uprights. The wall structure comprises a sliding track which is located on top. Two pairs of vertical elements are associated to the sliding track and define the sliding door housing case. Each of said vertical elements is made by a metal profile having an "omega-like" transverse section inside which a related long lumber piece is axially inserted. The lumber piece fills the whole transverse section of the profile along the whole length of the profile itself, exception made for two side spaces which develop along the whole length of the same profile. Connection between each vertical element of the wall structure and the sliding track is obtained by using a corresponding shaped bracket which, in turn:

at its bottom is provided with two side wings, each of which is insertable in one of the side spaces formed between the lumber piece and the profile constituting the vertical element;
at its centre is provided with two slots for the insertion of a side border of the sliding track;
on top is provided with a flat flange, which projects above the sliding track. By means of said flat flange (trough the use of nails, screws or similar means), the set comprising the sliding track and the vertical elements connected to it is fixed to the side faces of the top wooden longitudinal element of the periferal frame.

Document US 4 742 645 A thereby discloses all the features of the preamble of claim 1.
Document EP 2 299 043 A1 illustrates a wall structure which may be inserted in a perimetral frame made by a metallic top longitudinal element and by two metallic vertical uprights. The sliding door housing case is defined by the wall structure by means of a single top longitudinal element having a reversed "U" cross section, and by two pairs of vertical elements. At the extremities of the top longitudinal clement, snap-like fixing means are integrated into the top longitudinal element at predetermined positions, for fixing the vertical elements to the top longitudinal element. The position of any vertical element along the top longitudinal element is therefore fixed by the location of the corresponding snap-like fixing means. A sliding track is slidingly inserted into the reversed "U" cross section of the top longitudinal element and fixed therein at a predetermined position by the interaction between reference notches provided on the sliding track and corresponding reference teeth provided into the top longitudinal element. The so obtained whole set may then be fixed to the perimetral frame. Specifically, the sliding track is fixed to the vertical uprights of the perimetral frame by means of metal brackets mounted at the ends of the sliding track. The sliding track may then be fixed also to the top longitudinal element of the perimetral frame by means of further metal brackets.

Disclosure of the Invention

An object of the invention is to provide an easily transported and assembled wall structure with or for sliding door which obviates the above mentioned drawbacks. A particular object of the invention is to provide a wall structure the components of which are easily transported, are of small dimensions allowing them to be packaged into a box, and possess a considerable applicational versatility, enabling wall structures of different dimensions to be obtained substantially from the same basic components without particular additional working operations.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wall structure which can be easily fitted into walls of different thicknesses, even if starting from the same basic components.
These aims and others, which shall become more readily apparent in the description that follows, are achieved, in accordance with this invention, with an easily transported and assembled wall structure having the structural and functional features described in the independent claims herein, further embodiments being described in the related dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred, non-limiting embodiment.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known perimetral frame used in the wall structure according to the invention, with the illustration of some of the related wall panels (one of which is only partially represented by dashed lines) and of the shape (see dashed lines) of a related sliding door shown in closed condition.
Figure 2 illustrates a wall structure for a double sliding door applied to the same opening and shown in a perspective view which is analogous to figure 1.
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the main components of the wall structure according to the invention, with some details emphasized by dashed lines.
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a wall structure according to the invention shown in assembled form with some parts hidden or taken away the better to illustrate others.
Figure 5 is a section along line 5-5 of figure 4 taken through the finished wall structure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the guide means for the sliding movement of the door, with a central portion taken away and with evidence of a rail section.
Figure 7 is a transverse section of the guide means of figure 6.
Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated as "(i)" in figure 3, evidencing an innovative spring coupling.
Figure 9 is a transverse section of the guide means, which is analogous to that in figure 6, where a spring coupling is shown not sectioned.
Figure 10 is a perspective schematic view of a spring coupling as that in figure 8, shown disengaged from the guide means in order to evidence some of its details.
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated as "(ii)" in figure 3, showing an exploded view of an extremity of the guide means (in particular of a rail section), of an embodiment of the related end closure member, and of two alternative embodiments (indicated as "(a)" and "(b)" respectively in figure 11) of an additional member which may be coupled to the end closure member.
Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated as "(iii)" in figure 3, showing an exploded view of an extremity of the guide means (in particular of a rail section), opposed to the extremity illustrated in figure 11.
Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated as "(iv)" in figure 3, with some details taken away the better to illustrate others. Specifically it is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first extremity of a pair of rectilinear support elements (in particular a first embodiment of the latter, which is destined to define an internal portion of the sides of the compartment where the sliding door is to be contained), together with a first embodiment of the respective end elements and a related section of the guide means 12.
Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated as "(v)" in figure 3 with the addition of two further details, indicated as "(a)" and "(b)" respectively. Specifically, there is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second extremity of a pair of rectilinear support elements (in particular a second embodiment of the latter, which is destined to define the inlet portion of the compartment where the sliding door is to be contained) together with the related further end elements. Detail "(a)" is a view of the second extremities of the second embodiment of the rectilinear support elements, taken from the bottom in order to evidence some related details (in particular, the further axial coupling means which, by way of an example, is specifically illustrated as elongated holes). Detail "(b)" is a view of the second extremities of the first embodiment of the rectilinear support elements, taken from the bottom in order to evidence some related details (in particular, the further axial coupling means which, by way of an example, is specifically illustrated as elongated holes).
Figure 15 is a view analogous to that in figure 13, but showing the detail of the rectilinear support elements which define the inlet of the compartment for containing the door.
Figures 16 and 17 illustrate some embodiments of the end elements (with the related rectilinear support elements - in particular, but not exclusively, those defining the inlet of the compartment for containing the door) and some further accessories.
Figure 18 is an enlarged detail of figure 16.
Figure 19 is a transverse section of the ensemble constituted by the guide means 12 and a pair of rectilinear support elements with the related end elements, with all the components assembled together.
Figure 20 is a transverse section analogous to that in figure 19, illustrating the use of a side extension of the head of the end elements, for adapting the system to horizontal parts of the peripheral frame having different thicknesses (in particular, for adapting the system to different wall thicknesses).
Figure 21 is a detail (with some parts taken away the better to illustrate others) of the section in figure 5 (where, specifically, the door has been hidden), showing a further detail of the section according to section plane I-I (which is also representative of how an analogous section, made according to section plane II-II, would appear).
Figure 22 is an exploded version of the section shown in figure 19, with some parts taken away the better to illustrate others, which is useful - in combination with figure 19 itself - for illustrating the mutual engagement between the guide means of the wall structure and the end elements of the rectilinear support elements of the wall structure itself.
Figure 23 is a back perspective view of a side extension of the head of an end element for the rectilinear support elements, with evidence of the means for being hooked to the head itself.
Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the usability of the side extension on heads of different type and size.
Figure 26 is a transverse section of the guide means according to the plane indicated as A-A in figure 3, illustrating always in exploded transverse section a pair of finishing transverse elements to be associated sideways with the guide means in a first position of minimum width (detail labelled as "(i)" in the figure) and in a second position of maximum width (detail labelled as "(ii)" in the figure).
Figure 27(a) is a transverse section of the guide means always according to the plane indicated as A-A in figure 3, with evidence of the finishing transverse elements mounted in the position of minimum width.
Figure 27(b) is a transverse section of the guide means always according to the plane indicated as A-A in figure 3, with evidence of the finishing transverse elements mounted in the position of maximum width.
Figure 28 is a plan view of the end closure member of figure 11, coupled with the embodiment of the additional member which can be coupled with it and which is indicated therein as "(a)".
Figure 29 is the section indicated as A-A in figure 28 of the coupled together end closure member and additional member of figure 28.
Figure 30 is the section indicated as B-B in figure 28 of the coupled together end closure member and additional member of figure 28.
Figure 31 is a plan view of the end closure member of figure 11, coupled with the embodiment of the additional memeber which can be coupled with it and which is indicated therein as "(b)".
Figure 32 is the section indicated as E-E in figure 31 of the coupled together end closure member and additional member of figure 31.
Figure 33 is the section indicated as F-F in figure 31 of the coupled together end closure member and additional member of figure 31.
Figure 34 schematically illustrates the use of end closure members and additional members for the mutual junction of different rail sections of the guide means, in particular for the case of a double door.

Embodiments of the Invention

With reference to the drawings, a wall structure with or for a door having a sliding movement, in particular a sliding door, or a slide-swinging door, or a folding door (this latter being substantially equivalent to a group of slide-swinging doors for the aims of the present description, as already mentioned in the introduction of the present description itself), generally speaking comprises a first set of elongated constructional elements 21, destined to be operatively connected to a peripheral frame 1 to define guide means 12 (in particular, at least a rail section 21 to be connected to a horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1) for guiding the door along its sliding movement.
Generally speaking, the peripheral frame 1 is of the type having a plurality of interconnected elongated elements joined together. Wall panels 14, 15 are destined to be fixed to opposing faces 7, 8 of said interconnected elongated elements. In particular said wall panels may be plasterboard panels or panels made of a similar material. A compartment 41 is defined between said wall panels 14, 15. In the particular case of a sliding door, a door 16 may slide into said compartment 41 to be contained therein.
The interconnected elongated elements joined together and defining the peripheral frame 1 comprise: a first peripheral element 2, a second peripheral element 3, a third peripheral element 4. Said first 2, second 3 and third 4 peripheral element are fixed together in the usual manner. Each of these latter has a "C" shaped cross section and comprises an intermediate part 6 from which flanges 7 and 8 project from its lateral edges (in particular, in a non-limiting embodiment, the related opposing faces 7, 8 of the interconnected elongated elements of the peripheral frame 1 are obtained on these flanges).
The width of the structure span may be changed in a known way by using a a second peripheral element 3 of different length and/or by fixing it in a different position with respect to the first 2 and third 4 peripheral element. Generally speaking, the second peripheral element 3 is located on top (specifically: in lintel position, as a top longitudinal element). Also the height of the structure span may be changed in a known way, by using a first 2 and a second 4 peripheral element of different length.
In particular, an easily transported and assembled wall structure with or for sliding door, comprises elongate constructional elements 21, 10, 10A, 11, 11A destined to be operatively connected to a peripheral frame 1.
Said elongated constructional elements 21, 10, 10A, 11, 11A are destined to be located proximate to said peripheral elements 2, 3, 4.
A first set of said elongate constructional elements 21 defines guide means 12 for guiding the door 16 during its sliding movement. The door 16 slides along the guide means 12 via wheels 17 fixed to the door by usual fixing elements 18. At least a known brake 20 is provided to counter the free movement of the wheels along the guide means 12. According to the invention the guide means 12 comprise at least a rail section 21 to be connected to a horizontal part 3 (specifically, in particular, the second peripheral element 3) of the peripheral frame 1. This is also fitted to several types of doors 16 and could even comprise only the first set of elongated constructional elements (indicated above by the reference numeral 21), which defines the guide means 12. In an embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rail section 21 is constrained to a respective support element 22. The support element 22 of the rail section 21 may be made of wood or of another material (for example of a plastic material of wooden appearance). Preferabily, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures (see, in particular, figures 6 and 7 among the others), the support element 22 of the rail section 21 is made a single body with the related rail section 21. Specifically, they may be produced together as a single extruded profile.
To the guide means 12 there is also associated a plurality of spring clips 27 arranged to engage the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1, to couple the guide means 12 with the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 before the possible, final fixing of the guide means 12 to said horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 by means of screws or the like. Specifically, in particular, when the peripheral frame 1 is provided with the elongated elements joined together conprising the first 2, the second 3 and the third 4 peripheral element, the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 is the second peripheral element 3. Preferably the second peripheral element 3 is a top longitudinal element of the peripheral frame 1. In this case, therefore, the plurality of spring clips 27 supports the guide means 12 to the second peripheral element 3 prior to the possible, final fixing of the guide means 12 to said peripheral element 3. As already stated, said final fixing may be carried out by means of screws or the like.
The strip-like spring clips 27 may be the usual "omega" shaped clips, which comprise a central portion, which is destined to be fixed onto the guide means 12, and two opposing lugs which project from said central portion far from the guide means 12 and are bent towards the interior of the "omega" shaped structure, in particular above the central portion. Preferably the spring clips 27 have an innovative shape, more adaptible to walls of different thicknesses (in particular to horizontal parts 3 of the peripheral frame 1 having different thicknesses). The following description of the spring clips 27 will be made with particular reference to the figures from 8 to 10. The spring clips 27 are of the type comprising a central portion 27a, coupled with the guide means 12 on an elongated face 123 of the guide means 12 which is destined to face the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1. In particular, specifically, when the guide means 12 comprise the at least one rail section 21 and the support element 22 of the rail section 21 (which is preferably made as a single body with the rail section 21 itself, as above stated), the central portion 27a of the spring clip 27 is coupled with a face of the support element 22 of the rail section 21. In particular and specifically, the central portion 27a of the spring clip 27 is located onto the support element 22 on the other side of the latter with respect to the related rail section 21. The spring clip 27 further comprises at least two lugs 28, 29 located at opposite sides of the central portion 27a with respect to an axis X of the spring clip 27. The axis X of the spring clip 27 is destined to coincide with a longitudinal axis of the guide means 12 when the spring clip 27 is applied onto the guide means 12 itself. Between its first extremity 270a, in correspondence of which one 28 of the two lugs 28, 29 is located, and its second extremity 270b, in correspondence of which the other 29 of the two lugs 28, 29 is located, the central portion 27a develops along the axis X of the spring clip 27 through a plurality of sections 271, which are consecutive to each other and transversal to the axis X of the spring clip 27 following a zigzag course along the same axis X of the spring clip 27. An accordion-like structure is generated by the plurality of consecutive sections 271, which is compressible or extendable along the axis X of the spring clip 27. A compression of the accordion-like structure along the axis X of the spring clip 27 determines a respective enlargement of the same accordion-like structure perpendicular to the same axis X, following which the lugs 28, 29 of the spring clip 27 go away from each other perpendicularly to the axis X of the spring clip 27 itself. An extension of the accordion-like structure along the axis X of the spring clip 27 determies a respective contraction of the same accordion-like structure perpendicular to the same axis X, following which the lugs 28, 29 of the spring clip 27 go towards each other perpendicularly to the axis X of the spring clip 27 itself. In this way, an exploitation of the accordion-like structure of the central portion 27a allows fitting the spring clips 27 to horizontal parts 3 of the peripheral frame 1 having different widths corresponding to different wall thicknesses.
Hooks 272 are associated to the common ends of the consecutive sections 271 and are destined to engage the guide means 12. Specifically, the hooks 272 are destined to be engaged with respective seats 273 obtained on the elongated face 123 of the guide means 12. Preferably the seats 273 for the hooks 272 are made as longitudinal grooves of the elongated face 123. When the seats 273 for the hooks 272 are made as longitudinal grooves of the guide means 12, they may be obtained by a single extrusion step together with the guide means 12, in particular together with the rail section 21 and the related support element 22. A respective, further hook 272', which is destined to be engaged with the guide means 12, is associated to the first extremity 270a of the central portion 27a of the spring clips 27. A respective, further hook 272", which is destined to be engaged with the guide means 12, is associated to the second extremity 270b of the central portion 27a of the spring clips 27. Preferably, the further hooks 272', 272" of the central portion 27a of the spring clips 27 are engaged with she same seats 273 made for the engagement of the hooks 272. In order to use the same guide means 12 (specifically, the same rail section 21) onto walls of different thicknesses, the elongated face 123 of the guide means 12 may be provided with various seats 273, 273' for the hooks 272, 272', 272" which correspond to different wall widths and/or different widths of the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1.
The free end 280, 290 of the lugs 28 and 29 of the spring clip 27 distal from the central portion 27a is bent towards the X axis of the spring clip 27 itself. In this way, at least when looking at the spring clip 27 along its axis X, the "omega-type" structure of the spring clip 27 itself is reproduced, which is used for coupling to the horizontal part 3 (specifically, in particular, to the second peripheral element 3) of the peripheral frame 1. As illustrated in particular in figure 10, preferabily the spring clip 27 comprises a metallic wire of predetermined length, which is folded according to a predetermined scheme to produce at least both the accordion-like structure of the central portion, and the lugs 28, 29. Preferably, the predetermined folding scheme allows also the production of the hooks 272. Preferably, the predetermined folding scheme allows also the production of the further hooks 272', 272". The metallic wire may be made of steel. Preferabily the steel used is of the spring steel type. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in particular in figure 10, all the elements of the spring clip 27 are obtained with a single metallic wire folded according to the predetermined folding scheme. The wire of predetermined length has a first end 274a, which corresponds to the first extremity 270a of the central portion 27a, and a second end 274b, which corresponds to the second extremity 270b of the central portion 27b.
Specifically, starting from the first end 274a of the wire of predetermined length and going towards the second end 274b of the wire of predetermined length, the predetermined folding scheme produces a structure on the wire itself that comprises:

a shaped first section 275 embodying the further hook 272' associated with the first extremity 270a of the central portion 27a;
a second section 276, consecutive to the first 275, embodying a first side of the one 28 of the two lugs 28, 29;
a shaped (preferably "U" shaped) third section 277, consecutive to the second 276 and embodying the bent free end 280 of the one 28 of the two lugs 28, 29;
a fourth section 278, consecutive to the third 277, embodying a second side of the one 28 of the two lugs 28, 29;
a fifth section 279, consecutive to the fourth 278, embodying a first one of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a;
a shaped (preferably "U" shaped) sixth section 281, consecutive to the fifth 279, embodying a hook 272 located between the first of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a and a second one of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a;
a seventh section 282, consecutive to the sixth 281, embodying the second of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a;
a shaped (preferably "U" shaped) eighth section 283, consecutive to the seventh 282, embodying a hook 272 located between the second of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a and a third one of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a;
a ninth section 284, consecutive to the eighth 283, embodying the third of the consecutive sections 271 of the central portion 27a.

The predetermined folding scheme produces a structure of the wire itself which further comprises:

a tenth section 285 embodying a first side of the other 29 of the lugs 28, 29 of the spring clip 27;
a shaped (preferably "U" shaped) eleventh section 286, consecutive to the tenth 285 and embodying the bent free end 290 of the other 29 of the lugs 28, 29;
a twelfth section 287, consecutive to the eleventh 286 and embodying a second side of the other 29 of the lugs 28, 29 of the spring clip 27;
a shaped thirteenth section 288, consecutive to the twelfth, embodying the further hook 272" associated to the second extremity 270b of the central portion 27a.

Preferabily, the accordion-like structure of the central portion 27a comprises three consecutive sections 271. In this case, the spring clip 27 is structured in the simplest and most functional way.
The portion of the wire which comprises the consecutive sections from the tenth 285 to the thirteenth 288 is preferabily consecutive to the ninth section 284. In this way, a central portion 27a is obtained having three consecutive sections 271.
Further to the three consecutive sections 271, the accordion-like structure of the central portion 27a may comprise one or more further pairs of consecutive sections 271.
Between the portion of the wire, which comprises the consecutive sections from the tenth 285 to the thirteenth 288, and the ninth section 284, a further portion of wire may be comprised. On said further portion of wire, the predetermined folding scheme produces a structure comprising one or more sequencies of sections, each of which is consecutive to the other. Each sequence comprises four consecutive sections, of which: the first is equal to the sixth section 281, the second is equal to the seventh section 282, the third is equal to the eighth section 283, the fourth is equal to the ninth section 284. In this way, central portions 27a are obtained with one or more pairs of consecutive sections 271 added to the three consecutive sections 271.
Before cooperating with the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1, in particular wiht the second peripheral element 3, the spring clips 27 cooperate with a protection element 30, preferabily (for reasons of lightness) of expanded material, such as polystyrene, which protects said spring clips 27 during transportation of the wall structure components (for example in one or more boxes).
When the support element 22 of the rail section 21 and the rail section 21 are not made as a single body, but are two separate pieces, said protection element 30 may also act as a support surface and a spacer during the eventual fixing operations of the rail section 21 to the support element 22 of same, to be carried out before coupling the guide means 12 to the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1, specifically, in particular, to the second peripheral element 3.
After the components of the wall structure have been extracted from their package, the protection element 30 is disengaged from the spring clips 27. In particular, specifically, disengagement occurs by slipping the protection element 30 off the lugs 28 and 29 of the spring clip 27. The set of guide means 12 is then placed in correspondence with the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1, specifically, in particular, in correspondence with the second peripheral element 3. The guide means 12 are then coupled to this latter horizontal part 3 by forcing the spring clips 27 about it. Specifically, when the horizontal part 3 comprises (or is) the second peripheral element 3, the guide means 12 are coupled to the second peripheral element 3 by forcing the spring clips 27 about it so that their inwardly bent lugs 28 and 29 grip over the second peripheral element 3 itself (figure 4). The guide means 12 may then be finally fixed to the second peripheral element 3 by screws, using a suitable known tool.
Advantageously, the rail section 21 or the related support element 22, or both, or their assembly anyway (in particular when they are made as a single body, as in the figures), comprises or comprise at at least one of their opposing free ends a metre scale 39 enabling the length of the guide means 12 to be reduced according to requirements (for example by means of a suitable known cutting tool). By virtue of this characteristic, starting by a single rail section 21 (and/or the related support element 22 and/or their assembly) a plurality of guide means 12 may be obtained having different lengths, so as to be able to use them on doors 16 of different widths and/or on apertures of different lengths into the walls where the wall structure is to be integrated.
In particular, in the case of a sliding door 16, the elongated constructional elements 21, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, further to comprising the first set of elongated constructional elements 21 defining the guide means 12, comprise a second set of said elongated constructional elements defining rectilinear support means 10, 10A, 11, 11A for supporting the wall panels 14, 15.
Said rectilinear support means 10, 10A, 11, 11A comprise a first 10, a second 10A, a third 11 and a fourth 11A rectilinear support element forming two pairs (see, in particular, figurs 3, 4, 5 among the others). In particular, as shown in the figures, a first pair is formed by the first 10 and the second 10A rectilinear support elements, whereas a second pair is formed by the third 11 and the fourth 11A rectilinear support element.
In particular, as illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the first 10, the second 10A, the third 11 and the fourth 11A rectilinear support element are able to delimit the compartment 41 into which the door 16 (specifically, the sliding door 16) desappears when moved along the guide means 12. The first pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A is located in a position intermediate between an entrance 410 of the compartment 41 and a bottom 411 of the compartment 41. The second pair of rectilinear support elements 11, 11A is located at the entrance 410 of the compartment 41. In particular, the third 11 and the fourth 11A rectilinear support element have to be located at a position along the second peripheral element 3, which corresponds to the entrance 410 of the compartment 41, whereas the first 10 and the second 10A rectilinear support element may be located at a suitable position along the second peripheral element 3 between the entrance 410 and the bottom 411 of the compartment 41.
The wall structure further comprises, for the first 10, second 10A, third 11 and fourth 11A rectilinear support element, a respective first 100, second 100A, third 110 and fourth 110A end element to be engaged with a first extremity 101a of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A (see in particular figures 3, 4, 13, from 15 to 17). The first extremity 101a of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is located on the opposite side with respect to a second extremity 101b of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A (figures 3 and 4).
Each end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, in turn, comprises a main body 102 and a head 105 (see in particular figures 13, 15-17). The main body 102 has first axial coupling means 103. The first axial coupling means 103, by interacting along a direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with second axial coupling means 104 provided on the first extremity 101a of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, determine the connection of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A (figures 13, 15-19). The direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is the direction of longitudinal development of the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A itself (figure 3).
The head 105 comprises one or more engagement portions 106 for engagement with a respective elongate side 120 of the guide means 12.
Each elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 develops along the direction of longitudinal development of the guide means 12 themselves. The direction of longitudinal development of the guide means 12 is the direction along which the door 16 slides when sliding along the guide means 12 themselves. The guide means 12 have a pair of elongated sides 120, parallel to each other and located on opposite sides of the guide means 12. A respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, of each pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, is then engaged with each elongated side 120 of the pair. In particular, such an engagement makes use of the engagement portion 106 (or of the engagement portions 106) of the head 105, as well as of the related end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A. The elongated face 123 of the guide means 12, whereupon the spring clips 27 are fixed, is preferably interposed between the two opposite sides of the guide means 12 whereupon the location is found of the pair of elongated sides 120, which are parallel to each other (fig. 9). By virtue of the coupling between the guide means 12 and the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 (in particular, specifically, the second peripheral element 3), the engagement between the engagement portions 106 of the heads 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A of the pairs of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A and the respective elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12, becomes an engagement between the pairs of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A and the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 (in particular, specifically, the second peripheral element 3).
Connecting a rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with the related end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, by means of the interaction between the first 103 and the second 104 axial coupling means, permits an extension of the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A which may be of a length which is variable along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A itself, the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A remaining the same. This result may be obtained by simply coupling the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with a related end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A of a different length. The annexed figures 13, 15-17 illustrate various embodiments of the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, in particular embodiments which correspond to different lengths. In such a way the wall structure has a degree of modularity by which structures may be obtained which may be adapted to doors of different heights, while using the same rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 1 1A. The longitudinal dimensions of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A are much smaller than those of the respective rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A and permit a considerable saving of storage space; furthermore they may be easily inserted, also as a "set" of end elements having different lengths, into the box (or boxes) where the various wall structure components are put.
The wall structure is also a great deal independent of the specific features of the peripheral elements 2, 3, 4 defining the peripheral frame 1, because the heads 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A are associated to the guide means 12; therefore a single box may be sent, which contains the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A 11, 11A, the related end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A, the components of the guide means 12, the related fixing means and a little else. The preipheral frame 1 may be made on site in a standard way.
The second extremity 101b of each rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A may be operatively associated to a further portion of the wall structure. As better specified below and as illustrated in exemplary fashion in figures 1, 2, 4, said further portion of the wall structure may be a further horizontal part 5 of the peripheral frame 1. Specifically, in particular, the further horizontal part 5 is located on the side of the peripheral frame 1 opposite to the horizontal part 3. the further horizontal part 5 may be a horizontal surface contributing to the definition of the opening whereon the door 16 acts. Preferabily, the further horizontal part 5 is a fourth peripheral element 5 of the plurality of the interconnected elongated elements. Specifically, the fourth peripheral element 5 has a "C" shaped cross section and it also comprises an intermediate part 6 from which flanges 7, 8 project from its lateral edges (said flanges too, in particular, belonging to the related opposing faces 7, 8 of the interconnected elongated elements of the peripheral frame 1). In particular, just as the corresponding - and opposed - second peripheral element 3, also the fourth peripheral element 5 may be taken of different lengths and/or fixed into different positions with respect to the first 2 and the fourth 4 peripheral element, in order to obtain peripheral frames 1 having different lengths. The fourth peripheral element 5 has a length such that its free end 5A is spaced from the second peripheral element 4 by a predetermined distance, preferably equal to the depth of the compartment 41 where the door 16 has to be housed. In particular, said distance may be grater than or equal to the width of the sliding door 16 intended for use. In general, the fourth peripheral element 5 is located at the bottom (specifically: in corrispondence with the doorstep, as a section of a bottom longitudinal element).
The association of the second extremity 101b of each rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with the further portion of the wall structure may be directly and/or indirectly obtained in various ways. In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is obtained as follows. Opportunely, the wall structure further comprises, for the first 10, second 10A, third 11 and fourth 11A rectilinear support element, a respective first 116, second 116A, third 117 and fourth 117A further end element to be engaged with the second extremity 101b of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. In this respect, see, in particular, figures 3, 5, 14. In particular, figure 14, even if illustrating the detail of the second pair of rectilinear support elements 11, 11A which have to be placed at the entrance 410 of the compartment 41, has the respective further end elements indicated not only by the reference numerals 117, 117A, characteristic of the further end elements of said pair, but also - between brackets - by the reference numerals 116, 116A, characteristic of the further end elements to be associated to the second extremity 101b of the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A of the first pair, which have to be placed between the entrance 410 and the bottom 411 of the compartment 41; this is to indicate that, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the further end elements of one of the two pairs of rectilinear support elements may be identical to those of the other pair of rectilinear support elements.
With particular reference to figure 14, each further end element 116, 116A, 117, 117A in turn comprises an engagement part 102' and a fixing part 105'. The engagement part 102' is provided with further first axial coupling means 103'. The further first axial coupling means 103', by interacting along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with further second axial coupling means 104' provided on the second extremity 101b of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, determine the connection of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with the further end element 116, 116A, 117, 117A. Said connection is well highlighted and visible, in particular, in figure 21. The fixing part 105' is connected to the engagement part 102' (in particular as a single body with it) and engageable with said further portion of the wall structure, in particular fixable to the latter, to fix the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, which is connected to the respective engagement part 102', to said further portion of the wall structure. Advantageously, using the further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A improves the system modularity, allowing a maximum standardization of the production and realization of the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, which are not devoted any more to any (whatever direct or indirect) connection to the various parts of the peripheral frame 1, said function being totally remitted to the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A and to the further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A.
As illustrated in exemplary fashion in figures 14 and 21, in each pair of mutually facing rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, the fixing parts 105' of the pair of respective further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A are preferably connected together to form a "U" shaped element. In such a way, the so formed "U" shaped element, defines a kind of distancing member, associated to each pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A so as to keep the desired distance between them, in particular for the passage of the sliding door 16 between the same rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A. The so defined distancing member is also useful for keeping the same rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A parallel to each other. The so defined distancing member may be used for correctly fixing the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A to a floor or to any other horizontal surface, in particular when the horizontal part 5 of the peripheral frame 1 is not provided, or when it does not comprise the fourth peripheral element 5 defined with a "C" shaped cross section. When the peripheral frame 1 comprises a horizontal part 5, which in turn comprises the fourth peripheral element 5 with "C" shaped cross section, the distancing member, which is defined by the fixing parts 105' of the pair of the respective further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A connected together to form a "U" shaped element, is placed in contact with the central part 6 of the fourth peripheral element 5 and is inserted between the flanges 7 and 8 of the fourth peripheral element 5 itself. This determines the insertion also of related portions of the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A between the same flanges 7 and 8 of the fourth peripheral element 5. Preferably, a lateral plane portion of the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A is in contact with said flanges 7 and 8 of the fourth peripheral element 5. The latter conditions are schematically illustrated in figure 4, where the "U" shaped distancing member has been schematically represented with dashed lines into one of the pairs of rectilinear support elements. The fixing parts 105' are provided with holes for the insertion of related screws for fixing to a floor, or to any horizontal part of the peripheral frame 1.
The fixing parts 105' of a pair of further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A, corresponding to a pair of mutually facing rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, may be made united as a single body. Nevertheless, preferably, as illustrated in particular in figures 3 and 13, the fixing parts 105' of a pair of further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A, corresponding to a pair of mutually facing rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, may be connected to each other in such a way that the distance between the respective engagement parts 102' and, consequently, between the respective rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A may be changed (in particular to be fitted into walls of different thicknesses). With particular reference to figures 14 and 21, each fixing part 105' comprises a first flanged portion 160a and a second flanged portion 160b located alongside the first and lying on a plane parallel to, but different from, the lying plane of that one. The first flanged portion 160a of one fixing part 105' is destined to be superimposed onto the second flanged portion 160b of the other fixing part 105' it has to be connected to and viceversa. Mutual superposition of the flanged portions 160a, 160b of the two fixing parts 105' to be connected together may be varied within certain, predetermined limits, in order to adjust the distance between the respective engagement parts 102'. In the embodiment illustrated in particular in figures 14 and 21, the extent of superposition may be selected form a plurality of different values. Specifically, mutually spaced seats 161 are provided on the second flanged portion 160b of each fixing part 105', in each of which a projection 162 of the first flanged portion 160a of each fixing part 105' may be inserted (see detail I-I in figure 21). In particular, the projection 162 may be made onto a tongue 163 of the first flanged portion 160a. In this way, a provisional, but firm connection between the two fixing parts 105' is obtained before finally fixing them to the futher horizontal part of the peripheral frame 1.
Opportunely, the first axial coupling means 103, provided onto the main body 102 of the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, are disengageable from the second axial coupling means 104 provided on the first extremity 101a of the related rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. Opportunely, the further first axial coupling means 103', provided onto the engagement part 102' of the further end element 116, 116A, 117, 117A, are disengageable from the further second axial coupling means 104' provided on the second extremity 101b of the related rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the annexed figures, on the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A which engages the first extremity 101a of a respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, the first axial coupling means 103 comprises at least one prong 103. Correspondingly, on the first extremity 101a of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, the related second axial coupling means 104 comprise at least an elongated seat 104, which extends along the direction from the first 101a to the secondo 101b extremity of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. The prong 103 is inserted in the related elongated seat 104; said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is thus connected with the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, specifically at its first extremity 101a, in a socket-to-plug manner (see, in particular, figure 19).
Preferabily (as illustrated in particular in figures 13, from 15 to 18) the first axial coupling means 103 comprises a plurality of prongs 103 and the second axial coupling means 104 comprise a plurality of elongated seats 104 which extends along the first direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. Each prong 103 is inserted in a related elongated seat 104; said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is thus connected with the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, specifically at its first extremity 101a, in a socket-to-plug manner.
Specifically, on the first 100, second 100A, third 110 and fourth 110A end element the at least one prong 103 (or the plurality of prongs 103), being part of the first axial coupling means 103, projects from the main body 102 and is preferably an integral part of it. In the embodiment shown in figures 13 and 15 (which illustrate end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A having a minimum length along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A), the prongs 103 (or the prong 103) substantially form (forms) the main body 102. In the cases shown in figures 16, 17, 18, the main body 102 also comprises, in addition to the prongs 103, an extension along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. Said extension is of different length in order to adapt the wall structure to doors 16 of different heights, while maintaining the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A unchanged.
Advantageously, the elongated seats 104 of the second axial coupling means 104 extend along the whole length of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, from the first extremity 101a to the second extremity 101b. In this way, the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A may be directly made as simple sections without the need of performing any specific working operation onto their extremities. Secondly, in particular and preferably, the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A may be directly made as extruded sections. Alternatively, the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A may also be directly made as sections obtained by bending and shaping a single elongated sheet.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in particular in the annexed figures 14 and 21, on the further end element 116, 116A, 117, 117A which engages the second extremity 101b of a respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, the further first axial coupling means 103' comprises at least a further prong 103'. Correspondingly, on the second extremity 101b of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, the related further second axial coupling means 104' comprise at least a further elongated seat 104', which extends along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. The further prong 103' is inserted in the related further elongated seat 104' (figure 21); said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is thus connected with the further end element 116, 116A, 117, 117A, specifically at its second extremity 101b, in a socket-to-plug manner.
Preferabily the further first axial coupling means 103' comprises a plurality of further prongs 103' and the further second axial coupling means 104' comprise a plurality of related further elongated seats 104' which extend along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A. Each further prong 103' is inserted in a related further elongated seat 104' (figure 21); said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is thus connected with the further end element 116, 116A, 117, 117A, specifically at its second extremity 101b, in a socket-to-plug manner.
Specifically, on the first 116, second 116A, third 117 and fourth 117A further end element the at least one further prong 103' (or the plurality of further prongs 103'), being part of the further first axial coupling means 103', projects from the engagement part 102' and is preferably an integral part of it. In the annexed figures the case is illustrated where the further prong (or the further prongs) 103' embodies the greater portion of the engagement part 102'. Further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A of different lengths may be made anyway, in particular having engagement parts 102' (which the further prong 103' or further prongs 103' project from) of different lengths, for adding a further degree of freedom to the possibility of adapting the wall structure to doors 16 of different heights.
Advantageously, when the elongated seats 104 of the second axial coupling means 104 extend along the whole length of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, from the first extremity 101a to the second extremity 101b, the further elongated seats 104' of the further second axial coupling means 104' coincide with the elongated seats 104 of the second axial coupling means 104. So, in a single production step the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A (as extruded sections, or as sections obtained by bending and shaping a single elongated sheet) may be arranged for the insertion of the prongs 103, 103' of both types of end element, without the need for any special working operation at the extremities 101a, 101b.
In general, whatever the end element dealt with, preferably:

on the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, 116, 116A, 117, 117A, the related first axial coupling means 103, 103' comprise at least a prong 103, 103', preferably a plurality of prongs 103, 103';
on the extremity 101a, 101b of the respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A related to the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, 116, 116A, 117, 117A, the related secon axial coupling means 104, 104' comprise an elongated seat 104, 104', preferably a plurality of elongated seats 104, 104', which extends (preferably, which extend) along a direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A.

Each prong 103, 103' is inserted in a related elongated seat 104, 104', said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A being thus connected with the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, 116, 116A, 117, 117A in a socket-to-plug manner.
In general, the socket-to-plug type connection between an end element and the related extremity of the respective rectilinear support element makes the connection itself very simple and effective.
Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, there are two types of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, according to their position in use. Specifically (and with reference, in particular, to figures 5, 13 and 15, each rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A develops along the direction from its first 101a to its second 101b extremity with a transverse section comprising a central portion 43 with an inner side 44 and an outer side 45. The wall panels 14, 15 abut against the outer sides 45. The elongated seats 104 and the further elongated seats 104' develop between the inner 44 and the outer 45 side. Preferably, in the pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A which must be located at the entrance 410 of the compartment 41 for housing the door 16, the central portion 43 of the transverse section of the rectilinear support elements 11, 11A, extends, at its side which must be oriented towards the outside of the compartment 41, into an abutment and reference structure 46 for the possible finishing of the entrance 410 of the compartment 41 itself. Being developed along the whole corresponding rectilinear support element 11, 11A, said abutment and reference structure 46 gives rise to a corresponding shaped abutment and reference rib 46. As shown in particular in figures 16, 17 and 18, when use is made of end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A having a length greater than the standard one, part of the extension of the main body 102 located between the first axial coupling means 103 (in particular, preferably, the prong 103 or prongs 103) and the related head 105, extends below the guide means 12 and so creates a gap, between the rectilinear support elements 11, 11A of the pair placed at the entrance 410 of the compartment 41 and the guide means 12 itself, where the wall structure would not be provided with any abutment and reference structure for the possible finishing of the entrance 410 of the compartment 41. Advantageously, in this case the wall structure comprises segments 460 of additional profiled element, having the same cross-section as the abutment and reference structure 46 and, therefore, the same cross-section as the related abutment and reference rib 46. Said segments 460 may be slidingly inserted in a guide rib 461 provided on the extension of the main body 102 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A (figure 18), thus completing the abutment and reference rib 46 of the rectilinear support elements 11, 11A in the pair which is located at the entrance 410 of the compartment 41.
As already stated, the head 105 of each end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, comprises one or more engagement portions 106 for engagement with a respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12. In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, engagement of the head 105 with the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 is obtained via the related one or more engagement portions 106 as follows. With reference in particular to figures 13, 15, 19, 21, mutual interference means 170 are provided on the engagement portions 106 and on the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12. Said mutual interference means 107, upon engagement of the engagement portions 106 with the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12, slidingly engage the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A and the thereto connected, respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A with the guide means 12 before being finally fixed, at the same time impeding at least both a movement of the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A with the thereto connected, respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A along the direction from the first 101a to the secon 101b extremity of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A, and a rotation of said respective rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A around its second extremity 101b.
In this way, by making the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A slide along the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12, the position of the pairs of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A along the guide means 12 may be changed before finally fixing their position along the same. So, changing the dimension of the compartment 41 for housing doors 16 of different widths is easy and does not require any additional component.
Impeding at least the movements of the end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A along the direction from the first 101a to the second 101b extremity of the rectilinear support element 10, as well as the movements of rotation around the second extremity 101b once the engagement portions 106 are engaged with the elongated side 120 so as to activate the action of the mutual interference means 107, enables carrying out the sliding operation without detachment of the rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A from the elongated side 120 of the guide means 12.
Figure 22 shows the various parts of the elements whereupon the mutual interference means 107 are obtained. In figure 19 the obtained coupling is shown and the action of the mutual interference means 107 may be seen.
When also the second extremity 101b of each rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A is operatively associated to the further horizontal portion of the wall structure (in particular to the further horizontal part 5 of the peripheral frame 1; specifically, even more in particular, to the fourth peripheral element 5), in such a way as to be able to slide along said further horizontal portion of the wall structure (specifically, for example, with the fixing parts 105' supported by the further portion of the wall structure, but not yet fixed to the latter), the constraint produced by the mutual action of the mutual interference means 107 keeps each rectilinear support element 10, 10A, 11, 11A in position, while at the same time allowing its sliding movement along the guide means 12, without the need of manually supporting it or keeping it manually abutting onto the guide means 12 itself.
As already stated, in a preferred embodiment the fixing parts 105' of the further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A related to each pair of mutually facing rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A, are connected to each other to form a "U" shaped element which so defines a sort of distancing member associated to each pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A. In this case, each pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A may be in equilibrium, supported by the "U" shaped element formed by the further end elements 116, 116A, 117, 117A, even before the fixing parts 105' are blocked onto the further portion of the wall structure; thanks to the action of the mutual interference means 107, the engagement of the heads 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A with the respective elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12 does not permit that the rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A lean in a plane perpendicular to the direction of development of the guide means 12. Nevertheless the sliding movement of the pair of rectilinear support elements 10, 10A, 11, 11A along the elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12 is allowed in a substantially stable way and without further aids.
With particular reference to figures 13, 15, 19, 22, the mutual interference means 107 comprise a first contact portion 108a of the engagement portions 106, distal from the main body 102 and from a longitudinal axis 121 of the guide means 12 (indicated by dashed lines in figures 6 and 13 and as a circled point in figures 7, 19 and 22, where it is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet). Said first contact portion 108a is in contact with a corresponding first contact surface 122a of the respective elongated side 120, distal from the longitudinal axis 121 of the guide means 12. The mutual interference means 107, further, comprise a second contact portion 108b of the engagement portions 106, proximal to the main body 102 and to the longitudinal axis 121 of the guide means 12. Said second contact portion 108b is in contact with a corresponding second contact surface 122b of the respective elongated side 120, proximal to the longitudinal axis 121 of the guide means 12. In particular, said first 108a and second 108b contact portion are located, one relative to the other, at the extremes of a diagonal line which is transversal to the direction of development of the guide means 12 (specifically, preferably, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the direction of development of the guide means 12). The longitudinal axis 121 of the guide means 12 is parallel to the direction of development of the guide means 12.
The second contact portion 108b extends into a part 109 which has a "C" shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 121 of the guide means 12. A corresponding part of the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 is inserted in said "C" shaped part 109.
Opportunely, in general, the mutual interference means 107 comprise an elastically deformable part 111 of the head 105, which is provided with one or more projections 112 elastically insertable into corresponding seats 113 of the respective elongated side 120. Advantageously, as illustrated solely in exemplary and non limitative fashion by the annexed figures, which show a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastically deformable part 111 of the head 105 is located onto the first contact portion 108a of the engagement portions 106. Preferably, the elastically deformable part 111 of the head 105 coincides with the first contact portion 108a of the engagement portions 106.
As shown in the figures, the head 105 may comprise a plurality of portions 114 spaced from each other along the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12.
Advantageously, the wall structure according to the invention further comprises a side extension 115 of the head 105 inserted as a spacer between the head 105 and the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 (figures 20, 23-25). The side extension 115 is provided with a further engagement portion 106' to be engaged with the respective elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 in place of the engagement portions 106 of the head 105 and serving the same purpose. In particular, advantageously, the further engagement portion 106' comprises parts which are identical to the engagement portions 106 of the head 105.
In this way, by providing the wall structure with a side extension 115 for the head 105 of each end element 100, 100A, 110, 110A, it is possible to adapt the wall structure to walls of different thicknesses. In particular, by changing the thickness of the side extension 115, structures may be obtained which fit any desired thickness without intervening onto the main components of the structure itself. Specifically, as shown in the figures, the side extension 115 may be coupled with the engagement portions 106 of the head 105 by means of its side 118 opposed to the one where the further engagement portions 106' are located (in particular by a movement as the one indicated by the arrow in figures 24 and 25). Preferably, the extension 115 of the head 105 is provided with snap hooking means 119 located on the side 118 opposed to the one where the further engagement portions 106 are located and interacting with related hooking means 119' located on the head 105. Specifically (figures 20 and 24) the snap hooking means 119 comprise two elastically deformable lips 164, which are provided with hooking teeth 165. The lips 164 may be elastically inserted into through seats 166 obtained in the head 105, at a depth sufficient to allow the lip ends 166 to get out of the through seats 166 and expand, making the hooking teeth 165 snap in abutment against retention surfaces 167 obtained on the head 105 (figure 20).
With particular reference to figures 3, 4, 11, 26, 27, the wall structure according to the invention further comprises at least two finishing crosspieces 24, 25 of predetermined length, to be associated sideways to the guide means 12 in an area where said guide means 12 may be seen by a user, for closing and protecting the guide means 12 itself and for finishing purposes. Specifically, in the wall structure with sliding door 16 and compartment 41 for housing the door 16, the finishing crosspieces 24, 25 are associated to the guide means outside the compartment 41. The finishing crosspieces 24, 25 are associated to the elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12. Specifically, the guide crosspieces 24, 25 are located outside the compartment 41, immediately consecutively to the rectilinear support elements 11, 11A of the pair which defines the entrance 410 of the compartment 41. Being associated to the elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12, the finishing crosspieces 24, 25, are located immediately consecutively to the end elements 110, 110A associated with the first extremity 101a of the rectilinear support elements 11, 11A of the pair which defines the entrance 410 of the compartment 41. The finishing crosspieces 24, 25 may have a length sufficient to cover the whole portion of the aperture, destined to be closed by the door 16 (or by the doors 16, as in the case of a double door, as in figure 2), which is in sight. Alternatively, the length of said in sight portion may be covered by a plurality of finishing crosspieces 24 on one side of the guide means 12 and of corresponding finishing crosspieces 25 on the other side of the guide means 12. Opportunely, the finishing crosspieces 24, 25 have an "L" shaped cross-section, with a long side 240, 250 and a short side 241, 251. Both the short side 240, 250, and the long side 241, 251 have hooking means for hooking to the elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12. When the finishing crosspieces 24, 25 have their short side 240, 250 associated with the elongated sides 120 (figure 11, figure 26 detail "(i)", figure 27(a)), they are in a first position of mimimum width. When the finishing crosspieces 24, 25 have their long side 241, 251 associated with the elongated sides 120 (figure 26 detail "(ii)", figure 27(b)), they are in a second position of maximum width. In this way, the same finishing elements 24, 25 may be adapted to wall structures of different thicknesses. In particular, advantageously: the first position of minimum width may correspond to the width of the heads 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A; the second position of maximum width may correspond to the width of the heads 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A increased by the width of the side extensions 115. The first position of minimum width may correspond to a first enlarged position of the spring clips 27; the second position of maximum width may correspond to a second enlarged position of the spring clips 27. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the free end of the short side 240, 250 is provided with a corresponding projection 242, 252 which, along the longitudinal development of the finishing crosspiece 24, 25, becomes a corresponding rib 242, 252 insertable in a first longitudinal seat 124 of a corresponding elongated side 120 of the guide means 12, and developing along the guide means 12 itself. The insertion may be a snap-like one along a direction which is transversal to the longitudinal axis of development of the guide means 12. The insertion may be a sliding one along the direction of the axis of development of the guide means 12, starting from an extremity of said guide means 12. When the rib 242, 252 of the short side 240, 250 is inserted into the first longitudinal seat 124, the finishing crosspiece 24, 25 is in the first position of minimum width. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the free end of the long side 241, 251 is provided with a corresponding projection 243, 253 which, along the longitudinal development of the finishing crosspiece 24, 25, becomes a corresponding rib 243, 253 insertable in a further longitudinal seat of the corresponding elongated seat 120 of the guide means 12, and developing along the guide means 12 itself. The insertion may be a snap-like one along a direction which is transversal to the longitudinal axis of development of the guide means 12. The insertion may be a sliding one along the direction of the axis of development of the guide means 12, starting from an extremity of said guide means 12. When the rib 243, 253 of the long side 241, 251 is inserted in the further longitudinal seat, the finishing crosspiece 24, 25 is in the second position of maximum width. Preferably, the further longitudinal seat coincides with the first elongated seat 124. Advantageously, each elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 is provided with a second longitudinal seat 125, parallel to the first longitudinal seat 124 and located with respect to the latter in such a way that when the finishing crosspiece 24, 25 is in the first position of minimum width, the insertion of the rib 242, 252 of the short side 240, 250 into the first longitudinal seat 124 of the corresponding elongated side 120 corresponds to the insertion of the rib 243, 253 of the long side 241, 251 into the second longitudinal seat 125 of the corresponding elongated side 120. Preferably, the second longitudinal seat 125 is obtained in correspondence with the seat 113 where the one or more projections 112 of the elastically deformable part 111 of the head 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A are insertable. Preferably, the first longitudinal seat 124 is obtained in the part of the elongated side 120 of the guide means 12 which may be inserted into the "C"shaped part 109 which extends the second contact portion 108b of the engagement portions 106 of the head 105 of the end elements 100, 100A, 110, 110A. Opportunely, both in the first position of minimum width and in the second position of maximum width, the finishing crosspieces 24, 25 located on the two opposite elongated sides 120 of the guide means 12 are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a median plane of the guide means 12. Preferably, the cross-section of the finishing crosspieces 24, 25 is identical and constant along their whole length. In such a way, all the desired finishing crosspieces 24, 25 may be obtained by a single profiled element of given section, simply by cutting the profiled element according to requirement. The different segments may then be used in the various positions shown in figure 26 and 27 simply by suitably rotating them. The profiled element may be obtained by extrusion. Preferably the profiled element is made of a plastic material.
An embodiment of the wall structure, which is suitable for several types of door 16 (not only for a sliding door, but also for slide-swinging doors and folding doors and, in general, for all those cases where the door needs a means to favour its sliding movement along a horizontal direction), may be made particularly versatile as far as modularity, finishing and different combinations of use are concerned. In particular, said embodiment is a solution which may become extremely useful in all those instancies where the guiding structure, which makes the sliding movement of the door 16 possible, must be prolonged or adapted. A specific case is where the wall structure must serve two doors which, when in closed condition, abut against each other. Figure 2 shows a peripheral frame suited to a wall structure for a double door 16. Even though figure 2 illustrates the case of sliding doors in the strict sense of the word, it is meant that the solution we are going to describe is generally applicable to all those situations where a door 16 is to be given a sliding movement, in particular not only sliding doors in the strict sense of the word, but also slide-swinging doors and folding doors (the latter being, for the aims of the present invention, substantially slide-swinging doors, in that they are doors with multiple wings, each of which wings is, in turn, a slide-swinging wind).
The description which follows is made with reference to the annexed drawings and, in particular, to figures 1, 2, 11, 28-31, the improved wall structure with or for sliding door or slide-swinging door, comprises a rail section 21 (in particular, the rail section 21 discussed in the whole previous description, according to all its possible embodiments) to be connected to a horizontal part 3 of a peripheral frame 1 (in particular the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 as above described, according to all its possible embodiments). The rail section 21 allows a sliding movement of a sliding, or slide-swinging, or folding door 16. The wall structure further comprises an end closure member 70 for the rail section 21, to be coupled to a first extremity 200 of a rail section 21. The rail section 21 is cupled to the end closure member 70 by means of a first coupling system 90 which is located at the first extremity 200 of the rail section 21 and interacts with a second coupling system 91 located at a first side 71 of the end closure member 70. The wall structure further comprises an additional member 80 which is, in turn, coupled to the end closure member 70 by means of a third coupling system 92. The third coupling system 92 is located at a second side 72 of the end closure member 70 distal from the first side 71 and interacts with a fourth coupling system 93 located at a second side 82 of the additional member 80 distal from a first side 81 of the additional member 80 itself. The additional member 80 may be a finishing plug with its first side 81 being in turn a finishing side thereof. The additional member 80 may be a connecting part with its first side 81 being in this case provided with a related fifth coupling system 94 for coupling the additional member 80 to other parts of the wall structure.
In this way, simply by changing the additional member 80, either a finishing of the rail section 21 at its first extremity 200 may be made, or a junction between the rail section 21 and other parts of the wall structure may be obtained, for example another rail section to obtain a double door wall structure.
Opportunely, the second coupling system 91 comprises at least one prong 95, preferably a plurality of prongs 95, projecting from the first side 71 of the end closure member 70 away from the second side 72 of the end closure member 70. The first coupling system 90 comprises at least one elongated seat 96, preferably a plurality of elongated seats 96, provided on the first extremity 200 of the rail section 21. The at least one elongated seat 96 (or the plurality of elongated seats 96) of the first extremity 200 of the rail section 21 extends along a direction from the first 200 to the second 201 extremity of the rail section 21 (see also figure 6). The prong 95, or prongs 95, is/are inserted in the elongated seat 96, or elongated seats 96 preferably with each prong 95 in a related elongated seat 96. So the end closure member 70 is connectable to the rail section 21 according to a simple "socket-to-plug" manner.
Preferably, the third coupling system 92 comprises at least a tenon 97, or a mortise 97', located on the second side 72 of the end closure member 70. The fourth coupling system 93, in turn, comprises at least a mortise 98, or a tenon 98', located on the second side 82 of the additional member 80. The tenon 97, or the mortise 97', of the third coupling system 92 is coupled with the mortise 98, or the tenon 98', respectively, of the fourth coupling system 93.
As illustrated in particular in figure 11, preferably the third coupling system 92 comprises at least one tenon 97 and at least one mortise 97' located on the second side 72 of the end terminal member 70. In this case, the fourth coupling system 93, in turn, comprises at least one mortise 98 and at least one tenon 98' located on the second side 82 of the additional member 80. The tenon 97 and the mortise 97' of the third coupling system 92 are coupled respectively with the mortise 98 and with the tenon 98' of the fourth coupling system 93. Advantageously, as illustrated in the drawings (see in particular figures 11, 29, 32) the coupling between a tenon 97; 98' and a respective mortise 98; 97' realizes a dovetail coupling. Preferably, insertion of a tenon 97; 98' in the respective mortise 98; 97' is carried out by a movement comprising at least a final step in which the additional member 80 is moved with respect to the end closure member 70 along a direction which is transverse to, preferably perpendicular to, a direction from the first 71 to the second 72 side of the end closure member 70 and/or from the second 82 to the first 81 side of the additional member 80 (see the arrow indicated as "Y" in figure 28 and in figure 31). In particular, advantageously, coupling may be obtained by bringing the additional member 80 near the end closure member 70 along the direction from the second 72 to the first 71 side of the end closure member 70 while keeping both components slightly offset one with respect to the other along the transverse direction Y. Once obtained a partial mutual penetration of the end closure member 70 and of the additional member 80 which is sufficient to bring the tenons 97; 98' in correspondence with the related mortises 97'; 98, the two components are moved along the transverse direction Y to finally engage the tenons 97; 98' with the related mortises 97'; 98.
Once engaged with each other, the end closure member 70 and the respective additional member 80 may be fixed together by related fixing means, for example one or more screws.
As shown in figures 11 (detail "(a)") and 28-30, the additional member 80 may be provided with one or more fixing flanges 94' for fixing to a peripheral element 2 of a peripheral frame 1 of the wall structure (in particular, with reference to the previous description, it could be the first peripheral element 2 of the peripheral frame 1). Fastening may be carried out by means of (not illustrated) screws which may be inserted in holes of the fixing flanges 94'.
Advantageously (as shown in particular in figures 11, detail "(b)", and 31-33), the additional member 80 is provided with a related fifth coupling system 94 located at its first side 81. The wall structure further comprises a further rail section 21' (schematically illustrated in figure 33 by dashed lines) to be connected to the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1 (see also the schematic drawing in figure 34). The further rail section 21' is coupled to the additional member 80 by means of a sixth coupling system 99 which is located at a second extremity 201' of the further rail section 21' distal from a first extremity 200' of the further rail section 21'. The sixth coupling system 99 interacts with the fifth coupling system 94 located at the first side 81 of the additional member 80. The additional member 80 is thus a further end closure member for the further rail section 21'.
The further rail section 21' may be used to permit the sliding movement of a further sliding, or slide-swinging, or folding door which is placed side by side to the first door. In such a way a double door wall structure may be easily obtained with the same peripheral frame 1.
As illustrated in the figures, advantageously: the fifth coupling system 94 is identical to the second coupling system 91; the fourth coupling system 93 is identical to the third coupling system 92. In this case, preferably, the end closure member 70 and the additional member 80 are identical to each other. In such a way a plurality of identical elements may be used to connet different rail sections 21, 21' with each other. Opportunely, also the sixth coupling system 99 is identical to the first coupling system 90.
When the first coupling system is provided with the elongated seats 96, then the rail section 21 may be obtained by extrusion (in particular, it may be obtained together with the related support element 22, when the latter is present) and may have a transverse section wherein the elongated seats 96 are obtained. In this way either the end closure members 70 or the related additional members 80 may be associated to both extremities 200, 201 of the rail section 21. In this way, a plurality of rail sections 21, 21' may be easily produced by cutting a single profiled element according to requirements. Furthermore, the same components may be used to connect several rail sections 21, 21' with each other.
Opportunely, the wall structure comprises:

a plurality of rail sections 21, 21' to be connected to the horizontal part 3 of the peripheral frame 1;
an end closure member 70 coupled to a related additional member 80 for each couple of consecutive rail sections 21, 21' to connect one rail section 21 to the other 21' of the couple of consecutive rail sections 21, 21'.

As shown in particular in figures 11, 30 and 33, the end closure member 70 and the additional member 80 coupled to it together define an inlet opening 73 which communicates with at least one rail section 21, 21' and allows the passage of a wheel or part of a carriage 17 for supporting the door 16 from outside the rail section 21, 21 into the rail section 21, 21'. Advantageously, the wall strucutre further comprises a closure element 88 insertable onto the inlet opening 73 and stably associable thereto. Preferably the closure element 88 may be stably associated to the inlet opening 73 by means of a snap system. Specifically, the closure element 88 comprises two lateral wings 880, 881 which may be elastically deformed at least partially. Said lateral wings 880, 881 comprise one or more interference projections to be engaged with respective seats provided on the end closure member 70, or on the additional member 80, or on both. At its second extremity 201, the rail section 21 may be connected to a further component of the wall structure, for example a peripheral element of the peripheral frame 1 (specifically, the third peripheral element 4) by means of a closure plug 89 (see figure 12) which is provided with at least a fixing flange 890. At its first extremity 200', the further rail section 21' (see figure 34) may be fixed to a component of the wall structure, for example a peripheral element of the peripheral frame 1 (specifically, the first peripheral element 2) by means of an analogous closure plug 89'. In the case of sliding doors in the strict sense of the word, the double door solution (the peripheral frame 1 of which is schematically illustrated in figure 2) may be easily obtained by providing the side of the peripheral frame 1 which corresponds to the first peripheral element 2 with a structure of interconnected elongated elements 21, 10, 10A, 11, 11A which is identical and mirrored to the one described above, according to any one of its embodiments. The related rail sections 21, 21' may be connected with each other by end closure members 70 and related additional members 80 as described above.
The invention achieves important advantages.
First of all, identical components may be used for doors of different sizes. Secondly, the components may be easily mass produced and standardized. Thirdly, the wall structure is modular to a high degree and may be also adapted to situations where it has to be provided with a double door. Furthermore, all the used elements are compact and easily transportable. Assembly is made particularly easy.
The invention described can be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Easily transported and assembled wall structure with or for sliding door, comprising elongate constructional elements (21,10,10A,11,11A) destined to be operatively connected to a peripheral frame (1), said peripheral frame (1) being of the type having a plurality of interconnected elongated elements joined together comprising a first, a second, a third peripheral element (2,3,4), to opposing faces (7,8) of said interconnected elongated elements there being destined to be fixed wall panels (14,15), a compartment (41) being so defined between said wall panels (14,15) into which a sliding door (16) can slide to be contained therein, said elongate constructional elements (21,10,10A,11,11A) being destined to be located proximate to said peripheral elements (2,3,4), a first set of said elongate constructional elements (21) defining guide means (12) for guiding the door (16) during its sliding movement and a second set of said elongate constructional elements defining rectilinear support means (10,10A,11,11A) for supporting the wall panels (14,15), said guide means (12) comprising at least a rail section (21) to be connected to a horizontal part (3) of the peripheral frame (1), specifically the second peripheral element (3), said rectilinear support means comprising a first, a second, a third and a fourth rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) forming two pairs, the wall structure further comprising, for the first, second, third and fourth rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A), a respective first, second, third and fourth end element (100,100A,110,110A) to be engaged with a first extremity (101a) of the respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) located on the opposite side with respect to a second extremity (101b) of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A), each end element (100,100A,110,110A), in turn, comprising:
- a main body (102) having first axial coupling means (103) which, by interacting along a direction from the first (101a) to the second (101b) extremity of the respective rectilinear support element (10, 10A, 11, 11A) with second axial coupling means (104) provided on the first extremity (101a) of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A), determine the connection of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) with the end element (100,100A,110,110A);

- a head (105) comprising one or more engagement portions (106) for engagement with a respective elongate side (120) of the guide means (12); mutual interference means (107) being provided on the engagement portions (106) and on the respective elongated side (120) of the guide means (12) which, upon engagement of the engagement portions (106) with the respective elongated side (120) slidingly engage the end element (100,100A,110,110A) and the thereto connected, respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) with the guide means (12) before being finally fixed, at the same time impeding at least both a movement of the end element (100, 100A,110,110A) with the thereto connected, respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) along the direction from the first (101a) to the second (101b) extremity of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A), and a rotation of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) around its second extremity (101b);
the wall structure being characterized in that by virtue of the coupling between the guide means (12) and the horizontal part (3) of the peripheral frame (1), specifically the second peripheral element (3), the engagement between the engagement portions (106) of the heads (105) of the end elements (100,100A,110,110A) of the pairs of rectilinear support elements (10,10A,11,11A) and the respective elongated sides (120) of the guide means (12), becomes an engagement between the pairs of rectilinear support elements (10,10A,11,11A) and the horizontal part (3) of the peripheral frame (1), specifically the second peripheral element (3).
Wall structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the mutual interference means (107) comprise:
- a first contact portion (108a) of the engagement portions (106), distal from the main body (102) and from a longitudinal axis (121) of the guide means (12), in contact with a corresponding first contact surface (122a) of the respective elongated side (120), distal from the longitudinal axis (121) of the guide means (12);

- a second contact portion (108b) of the engagement portions (106), proximal to the main body (102) and to the longitudinal axis (121) of the guide means (12), in contact with a corresponding second contact surface (122b) of the respective elongated side (120), proximal to the longitudinal axis (121) of the guide means (12).
Wall structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the second contact portion (108b) extends into a part (109) which has a "C" shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (121) of the guide means (12), a corresponding part of the respective elongated side (120) of the guide means (12) being inserted in said "C" shaped part (109).
Wall structure according to any one of the claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that the mutual interference means (107) comprise an elastically deformable part (111) of the head (105), which is provided with one or more projections (112) elastically insertable into corresponding seats (113) of the respective elongated side (120).
Wall structure according to claim 4 when it depends on claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the elastically deformable part (111) of the head (105) is located onto, preferably coincides with, the first contact portion (108a) of the engagement portions (106).
Wall structure according to any one of the claims from 1 to 5, characterized in that the head (105) comprises a plurality of portions (114) spaced from each other along the respective elongated side (120) of the guide means (12).
Wall structure according to any one of the claims from 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a side extension (115) of the head (105) inserted as a spacer between the head (105) and the respective elongated side (120) of the guide means (12), the side extension (115) being provided with a further engagement portion (106') to be engaged with the respective elongated side (120) of the guide means (12) in place of the engagement portions (106) of the head (105) and serving the same purpose, the further engagement portion (106') preferably comprising parts which are identical to the engagement portions (106) of the head (105).
Wall structure according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it further comprises, for the first, second, third and fourth rectilinear support element (10, 10A,11,11A), a respective first, second, third and fourth further end element (116,116A,117,117A) to be engaged with the second extremity (101b) of the respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A), each further end element (116,116A,117,117A) in turn comprising:
- an engagement part (102') provided with further first axial coupling means (103') which, by interacting along the direction from the first (101a) to the second (101b) extremity of the respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) with further second axial coupling means (104') provided on the second extremity (101b) of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A), determine the connection of said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) with the further end element (116,116A,117,117A);

- a fixing part (105') which is connected to the engagement part (102') and engageable with a further portion of the wall structure, preferably a fourth peripheral element (5) of the plurality of interconnected elongated elements joined together composing the peripheral frame (1);
in each pair of mutually facing rectilinear support elements (10,10A,11,11A), the respective pair of fixing parts (105') of the respective further end elements (116,116A,117,117A) being connected together to form a "U" shaped element.
Wall structure according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that:
- on the end element (100,100A,110,110A,116,116A,117, 117A), the related first axial coupling means (103,103') comprises at least one prong (103,103'), preferably a plurality of prongs (103,103');

- on the extremity (101a,101b) of the respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) related to the end element (100,100A,110,110A,116,116A, 117,117A), the related second axial coupling means (104,104') comprise an elongated seat (104,104'), preferably a plurality of elongated seats (104,104') which extends along a direction from the first (101a) to the second (101b) extremity of said respective rectilinear support element (10, 10A, 11, 11A);
each prong (103,103') being inserted in a related elongated seat (104,104'), said respective rectilinear support element (10,10A,11,11A) being thus connected with the end element (100,100A,110,110A,116,116A, 117,117A) in a socket-to-plug manner.