JPH0539644A - Building enclosure device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To accurately decide the position of the lower end of a module type prefabricated wall panel. CONSTITUTION: A wall panel 25 is put on a floor rail in such a way that the panel 25 can be tilted to a vertical position, but is not moved horizontally in both the transversal and longitudinal directions of the rail. While the panel 25 is tilted to the vertical position on the rail, the upper end of the panel 25 passes a ceiling rail. The ceiling rail is engaged with the head section of the sliding bolt element of a sliding bolt unit attached to the panel 25 with a spreader clamp so as to prevent the transversal movement of the upper end of the panel 25. The engagement between the sliding bolt element and ceiling rail suppresses the head of the sliding bolt element and ceiling rain in the vertical direction and, in addition, allows the vertical relative movement of the wall panel 25 and the sliding bolt element suppressed in the vertical direction.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to building equipment of the type having non-bearing inner and outer walls formed of modular prefabricated wall panels, the prefabricated wall panels comprising:
It can be moved and replaced on site to change floor plans and wall details.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various devices have been used in the past to connect prefabricated wall panels in place, but these devices typically allow the panels to be accurately assembled according to a preset layout plan. It was not possible to maintain the modular relationship between the panels, and the panels could not be easily replaced without affecting adjacent panels. Most of these disadvantages are that during assembly, the positioning of each successive panel is done according to the position of the previously assembled panel, and the fittings interconnecting the panels pull the panels toward each other during mounting. Because there is a tendency. Also, the fittings are usually either permanently attached to the wall panel or screwed together and, if designed to be hidden from view, contain the fittings. It is generally required to form a special recess or pocket in the panel for Is it impossible or difficult to release the fittings of the middle wall panel and requires access to both sides of the panel?
Alternatively, it required open space and access to the top of the panel.

[0003]

The main object of the present invention is to enable the use or replacement of precision molded wall panels without the use of any fitting hardware that must be installed,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a wall device that allows wall panels to be easily released and replaced without disturbing adjacent panels and without requiring access from the top or both sides of the panels.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a modular floor rail is provided that accurately defines a position for a lower end of a modular prefabricated wall panel. The wall panels fit with the floor rails so that they can be tilted to a vertical position and can be restrained at their lower ends by fitting so that they do not move horizontally both laterally and longitudinally of the floor rails. To meet. While tilted to a vertical position on the floor rail, the top edge of the wall panel passes through the ceiling rail. These ceiling rails mate with the heads of the sliding bolt elements of a sliding bolt unit clamped to the wall panel by spreader clamps to constrain the top of the wall panel from lateral movement. The mating of the head of the sliding bolt element with the ceiling rail vertically restrains the head and ceiling rail of the sliding bolt element and allows vertical relative movement of the wall panel and the vertically restrained sliding bolt element. It is moderate. As a result, the ceiling rail can move vertically with respect to the wall panel to compensate for any progressive changes in the space between the top of the wall panel and the ceiling rail.

The wall panels have channel grooves along their vertical edges, and spreader clamps securely engage the side grooves of these grooves. To help keep the wall panels flush and in alignment, additional spreader clamp units can be applied at other heights, and these additional spreader clamp units do not displace the wall panels vertically. Thus used near the bottom edge of the wall panel to hold the anchor hooks that mate with the floor rails.

The outer wall panels are recessed along their inner sides to form an indoor access path that extends beyond the channel groove to the outer lip, but the inner wall panels are preferably on either side of the inner wall portion. Spaced on both sides to form an access path to the channel. These accessways are used to position the wall panel in a vertical position before introducing the slide bolt units, anchor hooks and spreader clamps, and then fill these accessways with trim strips or hangas trips or in other directions. Cover All seams shall be provided with suitable moisture barriers, insulation and moldings.

Each spreader clamp unit has a pair of spreader plates that are held in alignment by dowel pins and are moved away by the action of the screw elements. The screw element is screwed through one of the spreader plates and is free to penetrate the other spreader plate as a reduced diameter unthreaded stem portion. The non-threaded stem portion begins at the annular stop shoulder and has an annular groove adjacent the other end. A spring washer is positioned between the stop shoulder and the non-threaded spreader plate. The spreader clamp is held in an assembled relationship by the C-element fitting into an annular groove in the stem portion of the screw. The screw elements of the spreader clamp used to mount the slide bolt and anchor hook unit also penetrate through a mounting bracket or plate on the unit, which mounting bracket or plate is positioned between the unthreaded spreader plate and the spring washer. However, it does not limit the clockwise rotation of the spreader plate relative to the unit.

When the spreader plate is held at the inlet position, the spreader plate passes through the approaching path and moves from the inlet position to the operating position by about 80 degrees.
When rotated once, it is shaped to extend into the channel groove over its entire depth. Then, as the screw element continues to turn, the spreader plate moves away and firmly engages the sidewall of the channel groove. As a result of this expanding action, the spring washer is compressed. The tightening action of the spreader plate helps vertically align the wall panels, but does not pull or push the wall panels together. Thus, the modular relationship of the wall panels set by the floor rail is not disturbed. This allows the wall panels to be freely removed and replaced without disposing adjacent panels by simply removing the spreader clamps, respective slide bolts and fixing hooks. The compression spring washer maintains a fixed gripping action by the spreader plate under variable conditions such as thermal changes.

[0009]

EXAMPLE A building structure according to the present invention has a ceiling rail 21.
The ceiling structure 20 having the above, the floor structure 22 having the floor rail 23, and the non-bearing wall structure having the side panel 25 are provided. The ceiling structure 20 is a weatherproof shell structure 24.
Is supported in a spaced relationship parallel to the floor structure as part of the. The shell structure 24 includes foundations, roofs, built-in equipment, and appropriate load bearing columns 24a or narrow wall sections 24.
b, these outer posts 24a or wall portions 24b are preferably positioned so as to limit the outer wall, door and window positions only slightly and not the internal floor area for layout. The floor structure 22 preferably comprises a floorboard provided with a removable floor panel attached to a pedestal in a space containing wiring, piping and ducts. Similarly, the ceiling structure 20 preferably comprises a ceiling plate provided with a removable ceiling panel so as to be accessible to the ceiling space.

The wall panel 25 and the floor rail 23 are fitted to each other, and the wall panel 25 has a ceiling locking assembly 28 that engages with the ceiling rail 21 and a hooking engagement portion for the floor rail 23. A floor lock assembly 28 is provided. Wall panels are preferably used in connection with the corner unit 27. Both the ceiling lock assembly and the floor lock assembly are based on panel gripping units 30, which are also used separately as alignment clamps.

Preferably, the wall panel 25 is precision molded by the well-known lay-up molding method, double plate molding method or blow molding method to surround the tough outer layer 25a surrounding the foam core 25b having good heat insulating and sound absorbing properties. It has become a rigid unit with. Each panel 25 has a flat side edge surface 25c, 25d along each of its two vertical side edges.
A channel groove 32 positioned between them is formed, and a positioning groove 34 is formed along the bottom edge thereof. In order to make the panel symmetrical, it is preferable to form a groove also on the top edge of the panel. The vertical edge surfaces 25c and 25d are preferably interrupted by a vertical holding groove 33.

The outer wall panel 25x is preferably thicker than the inner wall panel, with no additional thickness on the outside facing the outdoors, which thickness has a longitudinal edge 25f and the panel 25x.
Forming a longitudinal outer lip 25e along a vertical edge extending the full height of the. The floor rails 23x and the top and bottom positioning grooves 34x formed in the outer wall are preferably wider than the grooves 34 in the floor rails 23 and the inner panel 25x. Other than the width, the outer floor rail 23 and the inner floor rail 23x are preferably the same. Each of these rails has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is provided with end positioning ridges 23a on the upper side, these ridges 23a being inclined shoulders 23c for holding intermediate portions. It is stepped above the height of 23b. Inside the wall panel,
A recess is provided at the intersection of the channel groove 32 and the positioning groove 34 to form a vertically inclined shoulder portion 25g,
These shoulders 25g are complementary in slope and spacing to the slope and spacing of the positioning shoulders 23c of the floor rail 23. The total length of each floor rail 23, 23x is the same as the set panel module and is maintained during manufacturing. In this respect,
The horizontal spacing between the lip edge surfaces 25f of each outer panel 25x is set slightly smaller than the panel module to provide a narrow outer gap 36 for the weatherproof strips with adjacent panels 25x.
It is designed to be formed between them.

A row of vertical counterbore holes 23d for receiving nails or screws for attachment to the lower floor structure are provided in the floor rail 2.
It is preferable to form 3 and 23x. Floor rail 23,
One or both sides 23h of 23x are formed with horizontal locking slots 38 at their ends for receiving the floor locking assembly 28. These fixed slots 38
Preferably slopes upwards in the floor rail. It will be clear that the floor rails 23, 23x may be formed in equal lengths for a number of panel modules. in this case,
The inner raised portion 23a has a double width in the rail length direction. The ceiling rail 21 need not be modular in length.

During the initial layout on the floor, the floor rail portion is used to assist in aligning the rails 23, 23x and positioning all members by a first loose fit assembly of all floor rail portions. To each of these end ridges 23a and shoulders 23c
And a pair of shallow vertical slots 23F extending from the ends of the horizontal slots to the respective ends of the floor rail portion. These slots 23e, 23F in the adjacent floor rail sections are adapted to receive a wire spring clip 39 having a depending U-section 39a at the ends, which ends are connected by pull links 39b. U
The section is shaped to occupy the transverse slot 23e at the adjacent ends of the two floor rail sections and the pulling link 39b is positioned to occupy the associated longitudinal slot 23F. The distance between the lateral slots 23e is the tension link 39.
slightly over the length of b, and therefore U-portion 39a
Is pushed downward into the lateral slot 23e, the pull link 3
9b is pulled.

The end of the floor rail portion is a semi-cylindrical recess 2
It has 3 g and thus the two floor rail parts abutting the ends form a cylindrical pocket for receiving the cup gasket 41. The cup gasket 41 is press-fitted in a sealing relationship with the associated floor rail portion and underlying weatherstrip by the use of a rigid taper plug 41a pushed downwardly into it.

Two of the inner wall panels 25 are connected to the floor rail 2
When the side portions are opposed to each other on the position 3 and properly positioned, the adjacent side edge surfaces 25c-25c and 25d-25 are formed.
d forms spaced access channels 42 on each side of the panel, and these access channels allow access to the corresponding groove 32. Similarly, when the outer wall panel 25x is properly positioned face-to-side on the floor rail 23x, adjacent side edge surfaces 25c-25c are spaced apart to form an access 42x inside the panel. .. The outer lip 25c of the panel 25x closes the outer end of the space between the side edge surfaces 25d of the adjacent outer panels 25x, so that the extension 43 of the access path 42x is extended.
Function as.

The panel gripping unit 30 has a pair of front and rear fastening plates 44F, 44B, preferably on the outer gripping surface 44a of these fastening plates of the vertical panel groove 32 of the inner or outer panel. Opposite side surfaces 32a, 32b
Gripping teeth 44b or other suitable gripping elements for engaging and gripping these are formed. Front tightening plate 44F
Has a central threaded hole 46 which aligns with the smaller diameter central hole 47 of the rear clamping plate. A pair of diagonally opposed mating pins 4 projecting forward from the rear tightening plate 44B to align with the holes 50 in the front tightening plate 44F.
Matching means in the form of eight are provided. Each gripping unit 30 is completed by a screw 52, a C-ring 54 and a pair of flat spring washers 56.

The screw 52 has a screw head portion 52a, the front end of which is formed with a flat sided recess 52b for receiving a complementary tool. Preferably, the opposite end of the screw 52 is also formed with a recess to receive a suitable screwdriver. Behind the head portion 52a,
The screw 52 is stepped on the shoulder 52c to form the rear stem portion 52
The stem portion 52d is formed with an annular groove for receiving the C ring 54 adjacent to the rear end thereof.

To assemble the gripping unit 30, a screw is inserted rearward into the hole 46 of the front tightening plate 44F, and the screw portion 5
Screw it into the hole 46 part way along the length of 2a. The screw is then passed through the central opening 56a of the spring washer and the hole 47 in the rear clamping plate 44B to align the dowel pin 48 with the front opening 50. Next, the tine washer 56 is fixed on the stem portion 52d between the shoulder portion 52e and the front surface of the rear tightening plate 44B, and the rear portion of the stem portion can be attached with a C ring to hold the assembly. So that the groove 52
It projects rearward behind the rear clamping plate 44B enough to expose c. The tightening plates 44F and 44B are substantially parallelogram in shape, and the width between the lengthwise edges 44a and 44b is smaller than the width of the approach passage 42, or the lengthwise edges 44a and 4B.
The length between the edges 44c, 44d when measured parallel to 4b exceeds the width of the access paths 42, 43. Further, when the gripping unit 30 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the front, the two fastening plates 44F and 44f, which are at the forefront of the fastening plates 44F and 44B and are opposed to each other in the opposite direction, are the fastening plates 4 among the four vertices.
It is closer to the center of 4F, 44B and has a rounded nose.

A pair of tightening units 30 are used as a part of each ceiling locking assembly 26, and one of these tightening units is incorporated in each fixing unit 28. As for the ceiling locking assembly, this assembly includes a mounting bracket 5
It can be seen that it has 8 and a sliding bolt 60. The mounting bracket 58 includes an elongated vertical plate 58a which has horizontal top and bottom flanges 58b, 58c with matching openings 58h, 58i for receiving the slide bolts 60. A C-ring 59 embedded in the annular groove of the slide bolt keeps the slide bolt and placket 58 in an assembled relationship before and during installation.

Mounting plate 58a and bottom flange 58c
Is narrower than the access between the panels so that they can pass through, and the top flange 58b is preferably wider than the mounting plate 58 and the access so that it can rest on the top of the adjacent panel. The mounting plate 58 is formed with a pair of notches 58d and 58e which are vertically staggered along the vertical edge thereof. The mounting plate also has a pair of central openings 58f and 58g positioned midway between the two notches of each pair of the notches. The notches 58d and 58e and the opening 58f are arranged at intervals and arrangements such that the alignment pin 4 of the rear tightening plate 44B of the tightening unit 30.
8 and the central opening 47 correspond to the interval and arrangement, so that a pair of tightening units are mounted on the mounting bracket 58 and their screws are attached to the openings 58f, 58g of the bracket.
When the mounting plate 58a is passed through and the rear tightening plate 44B of each holding unit is positioned with the spring washer 56, the dowel pin can occupy the notch. With such an assembly, the spacing between the shoulder 52d of the clamping screw 52 and the annular groove 52a is increased by the thickness of the mounting plate 58a. The pair of notches 58d and 58e is arranged so that the holding unit can be rotated clockwise with respect to the mounting bracket 58.

The slide bolt 60 has an annular head 60a which is adapted to snap fit with a central locking channel 62 extending along the ceiling rail, the locking channel 62 facing each other. Bottom clamping lip 62
a. Alternatively, the head of the slide bolt may have a cross section similar to that of the locking channel 62 and the locking channel may have any suitable cross section similar to that of the head 60a. .. The fit of the head of each slide bolt with the associated ceiling rail keeps the slide bolt from moving vertically relative to the ceiling, and the sliding fit between the slide bolt and bracket 58 allows the ceiling structure and slide bolt to be secured. To float freely against the wall panel.
This compensates for any progressive changes in the space between the top of the wall panel and the ceiling.

Referring to the floor locking assemblies 28, each floor locking assembly 28 has a hook plate 64 on which a vertical mounting upper portion 64a and a forward tilted portion. A central portion 64b, a vertical front portion 64c, and an upwardly sloping bottom end hook portion 64 adapted to fit into an adjacent anchor slot 38 of the floor rail portion 23.
and d are formed. The upper part 64a for mounting has a central flot 64e and a notch 64 at its opposite edge.
f and 64g are formed. The hook plate 64 receives one of the tightening units 30 and the screws are in the slots 6
4e, the mounting portion 64a is positioned between the rear tightening plate 44B and the spring washer 56. Tightening plate 44
When the lengths of F and 44B match the length of the hook plate 64, the dowel pin 48 of the tightening unit has the notches 64F and 64.
occupy g. Then, due to the arrangement of these notches, the tightening plate is rotated clockwise with respect to the hook plate. Thus,
The floor locking assembly 28 can be threaded into the access path between two adjacent wall panels and hooked prior to locking the tightening unit 30 of the floor locking assembly in place by turning the screw 52. 64d can be fitted into the fixing slot 38 in the lower floor rail portion.

As part of the present invention, non-bearing inner and outer corner units 27, 2 are provided in the outer corners of the building structure.
7x is preferably provided, and these corner units 2
7, 27x are formed by connecting the molding intermediate sector 71 and the end sector 72 to each other by a weatherproof joint. The end sectors 72 have their lengthwise outer end walls formed in the same shape as the vertical side edges of the wall panel 25, so that the panels are adjacent to the corner unit on the corner post by the tightening unit, and The number of corner rails can be varied by varying the number of floor rails and intermediate sectors 71 that can be secured to the ceiling rails by the ceiling and floor locking assembly at the seam between the corner post unit and the adjacent wall panel. The corner units 27, 27x are basically the same for the inner corners, except that the longitudinal end walls are narrower and fit in size and shape with the vertical walls of the inner wall panel 25. A curved floor rail portion 73 (see FIG. 21) to be fitted is provided between the ends of the straight floor rail portion 23 adjacent to the corner, and the same method as a wall panel is fitted with another floor rail portion 23. It is preferable to provide a groove to be fitted with these corner curved rail portions 73 at the lower end portions of the corner units 27, 27x. The curved floor rail portion 73 may be formed as a single piece, or an end piece. It may consist of a number of intermediate segments 73a that fit in between. Each intermediate segment 73a includes an angle module, for example 7.5 to 15 degrees, so that multiple segments can be selected to form the desired corner angle. Each segment 73a has a tongue 73c on one side and a mating socket 73d on the opposite side for fitting the segments together.
have. The tongues 3 to be fitted to the predetermined intermediate segments 73a alternately on their inner ends on the pieces 73a.
7c or socket 73d is formed. 73g nail
Are provided with vertical mating holes 73e and 73f through which the tongue 73c is driven into the lower floor structure.

Referring to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16,
The access path between the wall panels is preferably covered by a trim strip 74, which has longitudinal legs that snap fit into the groove 33. Also, these accessways can accommodate mounting channels 76 for holding, for example, shelves or cabinet brackets. Each mounting channel 76 has an inverted T-slot 76a for slidably receiving a clip 78, the clip 78 having a handle 78a at one end and the screw 52 of one tightening unit 30 at the other end. It has an opening 78b for fitting into. The rear wall of the mounting channel 76 is formed with an opening 76b for receiving the head end portion of the screw 52 of the tightening unit 30. In this configuration,
The mounting channel 76 can be connected to two or more tightening units 30 by a clip 78, and then the mounting channel 76, the clip 78 and the tightening unit 30 can be unitized into one of the access paths. The clamping unit can be inserted and the longer dimension of their clamping plates 44F, 44B extends vertically. The tightening unit 30 can then be turned in the same manner as before to engage the wall panel by turning the screw 52 accessible through the front of the mounting channel. Suitable weather strip gasket 80, 81
Between the floor rail portions 25, 73 and the underlying floor structure and between the bottom edge of the wall panel 25 and the top of the floor rail portion. Also, use a suitable moisture resistant insulation material for the outer wall panel 25x.
42x exterior wall panel access between the top and ceiling rails
It is installed in the extension 43 of the. Further, it is preferable to install a gasket between the facing joint surfaces 25f of the adjacent outer wall panels.

According to the present invention, the layout of the floor rail portions 23 and 73 is planned prior to mounting the wall portion,
Mark and preferably computer adjust. The mounting process is as follows. 1. With the bottom weatherstrip 80 in place, position the floor rail portions 23, 73 on the floor and connect them to each other by spring clips 39, then fasten these floor rail portions to the floor structure. 2. Use plumb bob to position and attach ceiling rail to floor rail and corner members. 3. Install the weather strip cup member 41 and the gasket strip 81. 4. Wall panel 2 using floor rail as jig guide
Tilt 5,25x into place. 5. Install the ceiling locking assembly 26. 6. Install seam insulation between the wall panels. 7. Attach the tightening unit 30 to one or more mid panel positions. 8. Install floor lock assembly 28. 9. Insert panel-to-ceiling insulation. 10. Install the face trim 82.

For example, to later remove the wall panel for replacement with another panel having a window, the ceiling lock assembly 26, floor lock assembly 28, and intermediate tightening unit 30.
All you have to do is remove the face trim to get close to.
In each case, the sliding bolt 60 is lowered in the direction away from the ceiling rail and the fixing hook element 64d is moved to the floor rail slot 3.
After loosening from 8, the screws 52 are returned sufficiently to loosen and turn the clamping plates 44f, 44b into a vertical position for removal through the accessways 42, 42x. The wall panel can then be tilted and removed from its vertical position without disturbing adjacent panels.

Removing the wall panels as described above and repositioning the associated floor and ceiling rail sections,
Obviously, the entire wall can be easily removed and repositioned by reattaching the wall panel. Additional wall panels, floor rail sections and ceiling rail sections may, of course, be required depending on floor design changes.

Another aspect of the building enclosure device is described in detail below. This aspect is illustrated in Figures 26-31.
A modified version of the floor rail 23 ′ is used, which floor rail 2
3'has in the center a round pivoting boss 100 which projects upwards from a flat upper surface through an opening in the gasket 81 '. This gasket 81 'has an end cutout at its end to expose the keeper slots 23e, 23f used with the clip 39 as before. The bottom edge of the wall panel 25 'has an arcuate detent 100a for receiving the pivot boss 100. The detents are formed at the top and center of a groove that extends along the bottom of the wall panel.

The apparatus of this variation has a flat ceiling mount 158 instead of using the upper slide bolt unit 58. This member is sized to fit in the groove 32 of the panel. The member 158 has a pair of longitudinal slots 158a, 158b for receiving a pair of shoulder screws 159 threaded through each of the wall panels.
Each of these screws has a shoulder that sits on the wall panel at an appropriate spacing with respect to the screw head so that member 158 slides freely along the groove of the panel.

The ceiling mounting member 158 has a vertical slot at its upper end that forms a pair of locking jaws 158c and forms opposed holding edges 158d, so that these locking jaws are provided with arcuate recesses. Has been. The ceiling rail is modified to provide a central longitudinal rib. This rib has a large bottom edge so as to be held between the holding edges 158c of the ceiling mounting member 158. Preferably, the jaw 158a defines a tapered entrance for the rib 162. The taper is such that the rib 162 has a retaining edge 158.
Before occupying the space between d, the jaws 158a are springy and slightly spaced apart. The ceiling mount member 158 allows the member 1 to be manually moved up and down by inserting a tool through the short path 42x.
58 has a bottom foot 158e extending horizontally at a right angle to the main body of 58 at its lower end.

Referring to FIG. 28, it can be seen that the upper end of the wall panel is preferably provided with a hole 164 for receiving the U-shaped spacing clip 165 when the opposed panels 25 'are properly positioned. In the use of the variant device, the floor rail 23 'is first assembled for a particular enclosure before the spring clip 39 is used. Then, the floor rail is fixed to the floor structure with a screw threaded through a hole in the rail having a bore. Then, the detent 100a is aligned with the pivot boss 100 to position the first wall panel on the floor rail, and as shown in FIG.
Tape 0 to the upright edge of the panel. The first panel is adjusted until the level indicator 170 indicates that the panel is upright, and once the panel is upright, the ceiling mounting member 158 is moved upward to move the ceiling rail rib 16
2. Engage with 2

Referring to FIG. 30, the second wall panel is placed at a predetermined position on the pivot boss 100 of the next floor rail portion,
A spacing clip 163 is installed to hold the top ends of the first two wall panels in a relative proper position. The level indicator is monitored to ensure that the first panel remains vertical at its longitudinal edges. Then, the connecting member 30 is installed between the first panel and the second panel before the spaces are precisely controlled and the panels are locked to each other. Repeat the above method to stand up the remaining panels. The floor lock assembly 28 is installed as described above. Preferably, each panel 25 'is provided with a ceiling mount 158 on its vertical edges. First, when each wall panel 125 'is positioned with the bottom detent 100a placed on the pivot boss 100 below the detent, the portion of the wall panel forming the detent 100a becomes the pivot boss 100. Elastic gasket 8 before engaging
1'is compressed between the bottom edge of the wall panel and the floor rail 23 '. In other words, the total weight of the panel is 1
In order to prevent the load from being applied to 00, the gasket 81 'is preloaded. As shown in FIG. 31, due to the unevenness of the floor structure to which the floor rail is fixed and below the floor rail to which the floor rail is fixed, when the floor rail portion is not exactly flat, the panel Rotate each wall panel 25 'to the extent necessary to flatten the bottom edge of the boss 10.
Can be rocked above zero. If the wall panel has to be swung to the left, for example in order to flatten its bottom edge, the left side of the pivot boss 100 of the compressed gasket 23 'between the panel and the floor rail is not. The part is further compressed. At the same time, the compressed gasket pivot boss 100 between the wall panel and the floor rail portion below it.
The compressive force exerted on the right part of the is correspondingly reduced. As a result, as shown in FIG. 31, an angle 180 is formed between the length of the floor rail portion and the bottom edge of the panel 25 '.

If one of the wall panels 25 'is to be removed, the floor locking assembly 28 and the connecting member 30 at the vertical edge of the panel
Are removed as described above. Then, the panel ceiling mounting member 158 is removed from the ceiling rail ribs 162 by applying downward pressure to each leg 158e,
Remove the panel spacing clip 165. The panel 25 'is then tilted free from under the ceiling rails and lifted up to free it from the floor rails. This panel removal operation can be performed without affecting adjacent wall panels.

While this invention has been described by way of illustration for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain variations or modifications may be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of parts of a spreader clamp unit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spreader clamp after assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ceiling lock assembly with the associated spreader clamps in position to be moved to an operative position between the wall panels.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the spreader clamp moved to the tightening position and the slide bolt raised to the locking position.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a bracket element of a ceiling locking assembly.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of portions of the floor locking assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the floor lock assembly with the associated spreader clamps in position to be moved to the operative position of the wall panel.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a floor locking assembly showing the spreader clamp moved to a tightened position.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing two rail portions and associated spring clips ready for insertion.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the two rail portions after insertion of the spring clip and showing the cup gasket and flag ready for insertion.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the seam between adjacent floor rail portions after mounting the cup gasket and plug.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an outer corner unit and associated wall panel.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the inner corner unit.

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a mounting channel for fitting in an access path between adjacent panels.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mounting clip for use with a mounting channel.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along the seam between adjacent inner wall panels at the location of the spreader clamp unit in relation to the mounting channel and mounting clip.

FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of the wall panel showing the floor locking unit in the actuated position.

FIG. 18 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view along the seam between adjacent interior wall panels showing the ceiling and floor locking assembly in the operative position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along the seam between adjacent outer wall panels showing the spreader clamp unit in the clamped position in a top plan view.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the spreader clamp unit in a position to be inserted into the access path between the wall panels.

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the spreader clamp shown in FIG. 19 when rotated to the tightened position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a corner floor rail portion in a mounting position between two straight rail portions.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of various portions of a curved corner rail portion.

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view showing a weatherproof outer frame used in the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view corresponding to FIG. 23 in the case where one wall panel is tilted into place after mounting the wall panels.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a modified floor rail portion used in a modified construction enclosure device.

FIG. 27 is a detailed perspective view of a modified ceiling mount device for use with the modified device.

FIG. 28 is a detailed perspective view showing the spacing clip in a position for installation in a modified apparatus.

FIG. 29 is an elevational view showing successive installation of wall panels in a modified apparatus.

FIG. 30 is an elevational view showing successive installation of wall panels in a modified apparatus.

FIG. 31 is a partial elevational view showing exaggerated swing adjustment on a central pivot boss of a wall panel in a modified apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 ceiling structure 21 ceiling rail 22 floor structure 23, 23 'floor rail 25, 25' wall panel 26 ceiling locking assembly 27 corner unit 28 floor locking assembly 30 panel gripping unit 32, 33, 34 groove 39 spring Clip 42, 42x Approaching path 52 Screw 60 Sliding bolt 76 Mounting channel 81 'Gasket 100 Rotating boss 100a Detent 158 Ceiling mounting member 158a, 158b Vertical slot 158c Locking jaw 158d Retaining edge 162 Rib 165 U-shaped spacing clip 170 Level display device 180 angle

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A floor structure, a ceiling structure, a support structure for supporting the ceiling structure between the floor structure and the ceiling structure, and a floor structure and the ceiling structure. A wall structure that does not support the ceiling structure, the wall structure including a row of wall panels with side edges facing each other, each of the wall panels comprising: Each pivot element projecting upwardly from the floor structure is spaced below the structure and projects upwardly from the floor structure so that the wall panel can be removed by tilting the wall panel from a vertical position. Interfitting with the floor structure by placing it in a concave seat at, the interfitting between the panel and the floor structure preventing the panel from moving along the row, When the wall panel is interfitted with the floor structure, the wall panel is interfitted with the ceiling structure. Slide means slidably attached to each of the wall panels between the adjacent wall panels for individually retaining the panel in a vertical position, and each of the slide means is in its entirety in its own respective wall panel. Panel gripping means arranged between the adjacent wall panels when the wall panels are engaged to hold each other against movement relative to each other, and the wall panel includes the sliding means and the panel gripping means. Access means to these means are formed between them, the panel gripping means being adapted to be moved through the access path and engaged by a tool inserted through the access path. It is supposed to come off from now on,
The sliding means is adapted to be engaged or operated by a tool inserted through the access path, thereby allowing each of the wall panels to be individually installed without removing adjacent wall panels. A building structure that can be removed. 2. A fixed foot interfits with the floor structure at each wall panel supported by each one of the panel gripping means.
The building structure according to claim 1. 3. The building structure according to claim 1, wherein an elastic gasket is compressed between the panel and the floor structure. 4. The building structure according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting element is provided by a floor rail portion forming a part of the floor structure. 5. The building structure according to claim 1, wherein the ceiling rail provides a hanging rib forming a part of the ceiling structure, and the sliding means is adapted to grip the lube. 6. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the slide means has a generally horizontally extending foot adapted to engage a tool inserted through the access path for moving the slide means up and down. Building structure. 7. The wall panel and floor structure provide complementary pivoting elements and concave seats for immobilizing the bottom edge of the panel along the row. Building structure. 8. A wall structure of a building having a floor structure and a complementary ceiling structure, the floor being mounted on the floor structure and forming a row of upright rotating elements that are evenly spaced. A rail assembly, a row of wall panels whose central portion is seated on each of the pivoting elements and constrained by these pivoting elements from moving in the lengthwise direction of the floor rail assembly; A ceiling rail mounted above the ceiling structure, a slide member mounted between the panels and engaged with the ceiling rail for restraining the panel from lateral movement, and mounted between the panels A securing member interfitting with the floor rail assembly for restraining vertical movement of the wall panels; and an inter-panel mounting means for gripping the panels only in a position between the panels. , The above A wall structure, wherein the panel provides an access path for providing access to the slide member, the attachment means and the fixing member. 9. The wall structure according to claim 9, wherein all of the attachment means can be installed and removed through the access path. 10. The wall panel has a recess in which surfaces of the recess face each other across the approaching path, and the mounting means comprises:
10. The wall structure according to claim 9, wherein each of the wall structures is configured to grip the surfaces of the facing recesses, thereby gripping the wall panel. 11. The mounting means is adapted to pass through the access passage when in an unclamped state and to be returned from the access passage into the recess toward the main body for clamping. Item 11. The wall structure according to item 11. 12. The wall structure of claim 9, wherein the floor rail assembly has an upper elastic gasket compressed by the wall panel. 13. The wall structure of claim 9, wherein each of the cartridges has a bottom detent that receives a respective one of the pivoting elements. 14. A wall structure for a building having a floor structure and a complementary ceiling structure, wherein a row of modular rail portions are arranged end-to-end on the floor structure and said floor. Each of the rail sections has a raised pivoting element in the middle of its length, a fastener for fixing the floor rail section to the floor structure, and for limited swing adjustment of each floor rail section. A row of wall panels, each center portion of which sits on the pivoting element straddling the element, the wall panels being constrained by the pivoting element so as not to move in the longitudinal direction of the floor rail portion, Ceiling engaging means mounted between the panels to engage the ceiling structure against rocking and lateral movement of the panels, and holding the panels so that the panels are in the same plane In front of the position between the panels Wall structure having a mounting means between the wall panels to grip the wall panel. 15. The wall structure of claim 15, wherein each of the rail portions has an upper elastic gasket compressed by a respective overlying wall panel. 16. The generally U-shaped spacing clip is mounted in a hole in the top of the adjacent wall panel.
The wall structure according to item 5. 17. An elongated floor rail portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface, an elastic gasket covering most of the length of the floor rail portion, and a height of an upper portion of the gasket upward from a center of the upper surface. A floor rail assembly having a pivoting element projecting upward. 18. The floor rail assembly of claim 18, wherein the end surface is recessed to receive an end gasket.