SE2151377A1 - A modular wall screen system and the use of such system - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular wall screen system (1000) is provided which comprises at least a first and a second wall screen module (1A, 1B), each of them comprising a screen (100) and a wheel arrangement (300). The wheel arrangement (300) is configured to support the wall screen module in a vertically standing direction, and the wheel arrangement (300) comprises a suspension arrangement configured to accommodate irregularities of the ground or floor surface. The screen (100) comprises along a first edge portion an upper and a lower female type connector (400), and along a second edge portion, opposite the first edge portion, an upper and a lower male type connector (500). The first wall screen module is configured to be removably and selectively connected to the second wall screen module by connecting the upper and the lower male type connectors of the first wall screen module to the upper and the lower female type connectors of the second wall screen module. Also, the invention refers to the use of such modular wall screen system.

Description

A MODULAR WALL SCREEN SYSTEM AND THE USE OF SUCH SYSTEM Technical field The present invention refers to a modular wall screen system and the use of such system.

Technical background lt is well known in the art to use shielding screens as an alternative to curtains in medical care to create a private zone or as a temporary shielding-off in a room. The screens can be in the shape of one panel or be composed of several mutually interconnected panels that are unfolded. The screens are either movable by being supported on a post with one or more wheels or semi-stationary by being wall- mounted. ln the latter case, a first panel in a sub-set of interconnected panels is fixedly mounted to a wall and when in use the sub-set of panels is unfolded while one or more of the panels are supported by wheels.

There is however a need for screen installations that may be used as temporary solutions in situations such as larger events, airports, hospitals, but also in the event of emergency situations when there is a more or less instant need to create private zones in large areas such as arenas, tents, halls and the like. Since every environment is unique, it is essential that the screen system offers a very high degree of flexibility to allow a quick assembly and disassembly without the need for any special tools. The screen system should be easy to adapt to available space and offer a high degree of robustness even though the ground or floor should not be perfectly levelled. Further, when not is in use, the system should be easy to stow away and easy to transport.

Summary One object of the present invention is to provide a modular wall screen system that allows a fast and a spatially flexible installation.

Another object is to provide a modular wall screen system that is robust even though the installation site should not provide a levelled ground or floor surface or if there should be an angular mismatch between a wall and the ground or floor in the event one of the wall screen modules is intended to be wall mounted.

Yet object is to provide a modular wall screen system that can be installed without the need for any special tooling.

Also, it is an object to provide a modular wall screen system that remains stable even though a supporting wheel arrangement should be subjected to minor unintentional forces, such as collisions with the wheels of wheelchair or a foot of a person walking by.

These and other objects are solved by a modular wall screen system, the system comprising at least a first and a second wall screen module, each wall screen module comprising: a screen; and a wheel arrangement configured to be supported on a ground or floor surface; wherein the wheel arrangement is configured to support the screen in a vertically standing position, and wherein said wheel arrangement comprises a suspension arrangement configured to accommodate irregularities of the ground or floor surface; and the screen along a first edge portion comprises an upper and a lower female type connector, and along a second edge portion, opposite the first edge portion, comprises an upper and a lower male type connector, and wherein the first wall screen module is configured to be removably and selectively connected to the second wall screen module by connecting the upper and the lower male type connectors of the first wall screen module to the upper and the lower female type connectors of the second wall screen module.

Accordingly, a modular wall screen system is provided which by the use of connectors of the male and female type allows a very flexible and fast installation of a wall screen arrangement where necessary. lt may by way of example be used as part of a temporary installation where there is a need to create private zones or as part of a more permanent installation. By the connectors being of male and female type, a very quick assembly and disassembly is provided for without the need for any special tools. Also, when not in use, the wall screen modules may be stored one on top of the other on pallets, thereby saving space and also allowing an easy transportation to the installation site.

By the wheel arrangement being provided with a suspension arrangement, not only irregularities of the ground or floor surface may be accommodated and compensated for, but also, the suspension arrangement will contribute to an overall braking effect of the installed modular system. The braking effect is the result of the suspension arrangement providing an inherent axially downwardly directed force. which must be overcome for the installation to be laterally moved. The suspension arrangement further facilitates installation in the event one wall screen module should be fixedly mounted to a wall and where there is an angular mismatch between the extension of the wall and the ground or floor. The suspension arrangement will be able to accommodate such irregularities. Since each wall screen module has its own suspended wheel arrangement, an installation with a plurality of such wall screen modules will be provided with an overall improved stability with a plurality of suspended ground/floor supports. Each wall screen module may even be provided with more than one suspended wheel arrangement.

Further, since the installation is supported by wheels, one or more persons may easily move a part thereof or even the full installation to thereby allow minor adjustments of the mutual positions of the individual wall screen modules.

The first and second wall screen modules may be of the same type or of different types. By way of example, one of the wall screen modules may be of a rigid type, whereas one wall screen module may be of a foldable type. Also, the wall screen modules may have different heights and/or different widths.

Additionally, the screen may be easily exchanged during manufacturing at the buyers choice depending on the type of installation and the intended using environment. Examples of parameters that may be decisive are if the intended installation should exhibit an explicit sound absorbing effect, if the screen modules are intended to be used in a hospital with high hygienic requirements, or if the screen modules should be used for emergency use only and hence allow a long-time storage in a warehouse with uncontrolled humidity and temperature and a later installation in a non-known environment.

Each wall screen module may further comprise a frame which encircles and supports the screen and wherein the female and male type connectors are supported by the frame. The frame may be provided by extruded frame profiles.

The upper and the lower female type connectors of the first wall screen modules may each comprise a pattern with openings configured to removably and selectively connect to the upper and the lower male type connectors of the second wall screen module, thereby allowing the first and the second wall screen modules to be selectively mounted one after the other in a linear or in an angled extension.

By this type of male-female engagement, the first and second wall screen modules may be pivotable mounted in view of each other. Thereby a high degree of flexibility is offered of how a plurality of wall screen modules can be interconnected to spatially divide a site into different rooms or corridors at a user's discretion. One and the same connector may be provided with two or more openings. By way of example, in the event the female type connector comprises three openings, four wall screen modules may be interconnected and extend in four different extensions. Further, as a result of the suspended wheel arrangement of each wall screen module, the mutually extensions may be easily adjusted by one or more persons after installation.

Further, a very high degree of flexibility is allowed since the user always may selectively expand the installation in different directions. By way of example, in the event the female connector comprises three openings, the installation may be expanded in three different directions. Also, the expansion may be made with the same type of wall screen modules or by combining different types of wall screen modules. By way of example, three wall screen modules which together define a quadrangular cell may be provided of a rigid type whereas a fourth wall screen module may be of a foldable type, whereby the latter may act as an easy openable and closable door.

The upper and the lower female type connectors may be identical. Thereby, a substantial cost reduction may be provided for since only one production tool is required. Even though the two connectors in a set may be identical they may be mounted to the frame in such way that their respective openings are facing each other.

The wheel arrangement may be configured to be removably connectable to a lower edge portion of the wall screen module. By the removable connection, the respective wall screen modules may, when not in use, be stored in a flat condition one on top of the other on a pallet, thereby allowing a very space-efficient storage and transportation between installation sites. The respective removable wheel arrangement is mounted upon installation. This is of special advantage in the event the modular wall screen system is only temporarily used. Further, by providing the wheel arrangement as a removable unit, a very high hygienic standard may be provided for since the wheel arrangement may be easily cleaned before mounting, during use and also after dismounting a complete installation.

At least one of the upper and the lower male type connectors may comprise a spring biased pin. The pin is configured to selectively and lockingly engage an opening in the female type connector. The spring biased pin is preferably manually operable by a setting means or by a users' finger to thereby allow an easy dismounting of two interconnected wall screen modules. The setting means may by way of example be a radially extending tab or a recess allowing insertion of a tool, such as the tip of a screwdriver or even a coin.

The wheel arrangement may comprise a wheel supporting member connectable to the wall screen module via a shaft, thereby allowing rotation of the wheel supporting member about the shaft, and wherein the wheel supporting member is configured to support a wheel.

Although one wheel is sufficient, it is preferred that each wheel supporting member supports two wheels. The tvvo wheels are preferably arranged on a distance from each other. By each wheel supporting member supporting two wheels, an overall improved stability of the modular screen installation will be provided for since each wheel will act as a support point. The one or more wheels may be individually lockable and/or be individually suspended.

The wheel supporting member may be configured to be rotatable connected to the shaft bet\Neen at least two pre-set positions. A biasing member may be arranged to apply a radial force between the wheel supporting member and the shaft, which radial force must be overcome to move the wheel supporting member from a first pre-set position to a second pre-set position.

The wheel supporting member may be adjustable by rotation in both directions, i.e. clockwise and counter-clockwise. lt is preferred that the at least two pre-set positions correspond to 0 degrees and 90 degrees as seen in view of the major plane of the wall screen module. When set to 90 degrees, a good support against tilting of the wall screen module is provided for. By the biasing member, the wheel supporting member may be easily set to one of the pre-set positions by applying an external force thereto which exceeds the biasing force. The required external force may be applied intentionally, such as by a user's foot. Also, in the event an accidental collision should occur between the wheel supporting member and a foreign object such as a wheel of a wheelchair, the wheel supporting member will, provided that the external force is high enough to counter-act the biasing force, be set from one pre-set position to another. Thus, the engagement between the biasing member and the wheel supporting member serves to protect the wall screen module and its wheel arrangement from damages in the event of minor collisions since the force will be absorbed by the biasing member rather than by the wheel supporting member or by the interface between the shaft and a shaft support of the wall screen module.

The shaft of the wheel arrangement may be configured to be removably received in a shaft support which is integral with the screen. The design of the shaft support is preferably adapted to the type of and material in the screen. ln the event the screen is made of a homogenous or substantially homogenous material, the shaft support may be received in a drilled bore. ln the event of the screen being made of a honeycomb structure, the shaft support may be received in a milled cavity.

No matter configuration, it is preferred that the shaft is prevented from being rotated in view of the shaft support. lt is also preferred that the shaft support is prevented from being rotated in view of the screen and/or any frame encircling the screen.

The modular wall screen system may further comprise a third wall screen module being configured to be removably and selectively connected to the first or the second wall screen module by connecting the upper and the lower male type connectors of the third wall screen module to the upper and the lower female type connectors of the first or second wall screen module.

The first, second and third, and any additional wall screen modules may be selectively mounted one after the other in a linear or in an angled extension. Thereby, the available space in the installation site may be spatially divided into different cells and/or corridors depending on the desired usage. The individual wall screen modules may be identical or have different height and/or widths. Also, the individual wall screen modules may be of the same type or of different types. By way of example, one of the wall screen modules may be of a rigid type, whereas one wall screen module may be of a foldable type. Also, at least one wall screen module may be mounted to a mounting rail which in turn is fixedly mounted to a wall or to a post.

The modular wall screen system may further comprise a mounting rail configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall or to a post, said mounting rail comprising at least one connector being complementary to either the upper and the lower female type connectors or the upper and the lower male type connectors.

According to another aspect, the invention refers to the use of a modular wall screen system according to any of claims 1-11 to form a temporary or permanent installation comprising a plurality of private zones in a hospital, an arena, a tent, a hall, an airport or a hangar. The wall screen modules may be stored and transported in a flat condition one on top of each other on pallets whereby a very space efficient handling is allowed.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious to a person skilled in the art reading the detailed description given below which describes different embodiments.

Brief description of the drawinqs The invention will be described in detail with reference to the schematic drawings.

Fig. 1 discloses one embodiment of the overall general design of a modular wall system with two interconnected wall screens.

Figs. 2A and 2B disclose two views of one embodiment of a female type connector.

Figs 3A and 3B disclose the female type connector as mounted to a corner of the screen.

Fig. 4A discloses one embodiment of a male type connector as set to a locking position.

Fig. 4B disclose one embodiment of a male type connector as set to a releasing position.

Fig. 5 schematically discloses the interconnection between three screens.

Fig. 6 discloses an exploded view of one embodiment of the wheel arrangement.

Fig. 7 schematically discloses the interface between the shaft and the shaft suppon.

Figs. 8A-8C disclose one embodiment of the interface between the shaft and the wheel supporting member with the wheel supporting member set to three different positions in view of the major plane of the screen.

Fig. 9 discloses one embodiment of the wheel arrangement.

Fig. 10 discloses one embodiment of a mounting rail.

Figs. 11A-11C disclose three non-limiting layout examples of a screen installation.

Figs. 12A-12C discloses yet another non-limiting example of a screen installation.

Detailed description ln the following description one embodiment of a modular wall system will be discussed. The modular wall system will unless nothing else is specifically given be described in its standing vertical position, i.e. in its intended operative use.

Starting with Fig. 1, the overall design of a modular wall system 1000 is disclosed. The disclosed system comprises two wall screen modules 1A and 1B. The second screen module 1B is disclosed with dashed lines to illustrate that a plurality of wall screen modules may be interconnected. lt is to be understood that the system 1000 may comprise two or more wall screen modules 1A, 1B. The two wall screen modules 1A, 1B are disclosed as being identical. lt is however to be understood that the wall screen modules 1A, 1B as such may be of different types, have different heights and/or different widths, just as long as they comprise connectors of the female and male types that allow them to be selectively interconnected in a manner to be described below.

Each wall screen module 1A, 1B comprises a screen 100 and an optional frame 200. The frame 200 which as such may be omitted, is disclosed as encircling the screen 100. Further, each wall screen module 1A, 1B comprises a wheel arrangement 300 configured to be supported on a ground or floor surface.

Additionally, the screen of each wall screen module 1A, 1B comprises along a first (vertical) edge portion thereof an upper and a lower female type connector 400, and along a second (vertical) edge portion, opposite the first edge portion, an upper and a lower male type connector 500. The tvvo types of connectors 400, 500 are used to allow a first wall screen module 1A to be removably and selectively connected to a second wall screen module 1B by connecting the upper and the lower female type connectors 400 of the first wall screen module 1A to the upper and the lower male type connectors 500 of the second wall screen module 1B. The design and operation of the two types of connectors 400, 500 will be further described below.

The screen 100 is made of a material that is adapted to the intended purpose. Thus, the material and its properties should be adapted to the intended environment where the modular wall system 1000 is intended to be used. As non- limiting examples of parameters to consider are: cleanability in order of maintaining a high degree of hygiene, resistance to moisture, sound absorption, weight, etc. The screen 100 may by way of example have a homogenous cross-section as seen in its thickness direction, have a channel-like structure being formed by extrusion, or be provided as a laminated honeycomb structure. The screen 100 may by way of example be made of a polymeric material, a textile-based material, a paper-based material, a wood-based material or a combination thereof.

The screen 100 is disclosed as being encircled by a frame 200. The skilled person realizes that the frame with remained function may be omitted. the frame 200, if used, may contribute to the overall strength of the wall screen module and may in some circumstances contribute to the provision of a sealing along the longitudinal edge portions of the screen 100. The frame is in the disclosed embodiment formed by a plurality of extruded hollow frame profiles 201. The frame profiles 201 may be mounted to the respective edge portions of the screen 100 by way of example clamping, welding, riveting or by adhesive bonding. The frame profiles 201 may be provided by any suitable material, such as plastic, aluminium or a composite material. The frame 200 preferably comprises a smooth exterior surface thereby allowing an easy cleaning and hence a good hygiene. The frame may have a continuous discontinuous extension.

Now turning to Figs. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, one embodiment of the female type connector 400 is disclosed. Fig. 2A discloses the connector 400 as seen in a condition when it is configured to be mounted to an upper end of a vertically extending frame profile 201 and to an upper frame profile to thereby form an upper female type connector. Thus, the connector 400 is designed to interconnect two frame profiles 201 and hence form a corner of the frame 200. Fig. 2B discloses the same connector 400 as turned upside down into a condition where it is configured to be mounted to a lower end of the same vertically extending frame profile 201 and to a lower frame profile 201 to thereby form a lower female type connector. Accordingly, the two female type connectors 400 are configured to be mounted to one and the same edge of the screen 100.

The connector 400 comprises a plug portion 401 which is configured to be inserted into the end of the frame profile 201 which is configured to form a first vertical side edge portion of the wall screen module 1A, 1B. The plug portion 401 has, in the disclosed embodiment, a cross sectional profile with four laterally extending flanges 402. The flanges 402 serve as guides when mounting the connector 400 to the respective frame profile 201, see Fig. 3A. Also, the flanges 402 do together form a non-rotational cross-sectional profile of the plug portion 401, whereby the connector 400 is prevented from being rotated in view of the frame profile 201.

The plug portion 401 merges with an axially extending neck portion 403. The neck portion 403 has three interconnected, substantially flat surface portions 404. The neck portion 403 further comprises a plug-like protrusion 405 that has an extension perpendicular to the axial extension of the neck portion 403. The plug-like protrusion 405 is configured to be at least partly inserted into a frame profile 201 that is configured to form either an upper or a lower side edge of the frame 200.

As is best seen in Fig. 3A, the neck portion 403 comprises a through-going channel 406 which is configured to receive a bolt 407 that extends from the middle flat surface portion 404 of the neck portion 403 and through the plug-like protrusion 405. The bolt 407 is used to fixate the female-type connector 400 to the respective upper or lower frame profiles 201 (only the upper is shown). The through-going channel 406 has a recessed mouth 408 to allow the bolt head 409 to be countersunk. As is best seen in Fig. 3B, the neck portion 403 and a portion of the plug-like protrusion 405 together form a corner of the frame 200 that encircles the screen 100 by interconnecting two frame profiles 201.

Now turning to Figs. 2A and 2B anew. The female-type connector 400 has a screen support portion 410 which merges with the neck portion 403.

The screen support portion 410 comprises in the disclosed embodiment three orthogonally extending projections 411. Each projection 411 comprises an opening 412 in a first surface 413 thereof which faces the neck portion 403.

As given above and best seen in Fig. 1, each wall screen module 1A, 1B is configured to be provided with two female type connectors 400. One connector 400 is configured to be arranged in an upper end of one side edge portion of the wall screen module 1A, 1B and one connector 400 is configured to be arranged in a lower end of the same side edge portion. The upper and the lower female type connectors 400 may be identical. Even though the two connectors 400 of the wall screen module 1A, 1B are identical they may be mounted to the frame 200 in such way that their respective openings 412 in the first surface 413 of the screen support portion 410 are facing each other.

The disclosed female type connector 400 comprises three openings 412. This allows four wall screen modules to be interconnected and to selectively extend in four different extensions. The skilled person realizes that one and the same female type connector 400 may be provided with one or more openings.

Now turning to Figs 4A and 4B, one embodiment of a male type connector is disclosed. Although only the upper male type connector 500 is closed, the lower male type connector has the overall same design but operates in the opposite direction. Each male type connector 500 comprises a spring biased pin 501. The pin 501 is configured to selectively and lockingly engage an opening 412 in the female type connector 400. The spring biased pin 501 is preferably manually operable by a setting means 502 or by a users' finger to thereby allow an easy mounting and dismounting of two wall screen modules. The setting means 502 may by way of example be a radially extending tab or a recess allowing insertion of a tool, such as the tip of a screwdriver or even a coin.

As is best seen in Fig. 5, the female type connectors 400 (only the upper is disclosed in Fig. 5) are preferably arranged in the corner portions of the wall screen module 1A, 1B. The thus formed pattern of openings 412 is configured to allow a removable and selective connection to the upper and the lower male type connectors 500 of a second wall screen module 1B to be connected thereto, thereby allowing the first and the second wall screen modules 1A, 1B to be selectively mounted one after the other in a linear or an angled extension. By this type of male-female engagement, the first and second wall screen modules 1A, 1B may be pivotable mounted in view of each other. Thereby a high degree of flexibility is offered of how a plurality of wall screen modules can be interconnected to spatially divide a site into different rooms or corridors at a user's discretion.

Fig. 5 discloses also a third wall screen module 1C to be connected to the first wall screen module 1A. The third wall screen module 1C is disclosed as being of a foldable type. Hence walls screen module of different types and properties can be interconnected. 11 Now turning to Fig. 6 an exploded view of one embodiment of the wheel arrangement 300 is disclosed. The wheel arrangement 300 comprises, starting from the top, a shaft support 301 which is configured to be secured and concealed in the screen 100, a helical spring 302 which is supported by the shaft support 301, a bushing 303, a shaft 304 which is configured to be axially and removably received in the shaft support 301, a wheel supporting member 305 and two wheels 306.

As is best seen in Fig. 7, the shaft support 301 is in the disclosed embodiment provided as a ho||ow tube 307 which along its |ongitudina| extension has upper and a lower restriction 308. The two restrictions 308 are formed as indents. The spring 302 is in its mounted position arranged in the interspace between the two restrictions 308. The skilled persons realizes that the restrictions 308 may be provided in other ways with remained function, e.g. by bolts or the like.

The spring 302 is one part of the suspension arrangement that allows accommodation of any surface irregularities on the ground or floor.

The shaft support 301 is further, see Fig. 6, in the disclosed embodiment provided with an upper and a lower securing means 309, 310 configured to secure the shaft support 301 in the interior of the screen 100 and also to prevent the shaft support 301 from being rotated in view of the screen 100. The skilled person realizes that the design of the securing means 309, 310 depends on the material and inner structure of the screen 100.

The upper securing means 309 is in the disclosed embodiment provided as a spring member that is locked to the upper end of the shaft support 301 and which is configured to act in the thickness direction of the screen 100 and also in the major plane of the screen 100. The lower securing means 310 is provided as an L-shaped member which provides a support in the major plane of the screen 100 and also serves as a guide when the shaft support 301 is inserted into the screen 100.

Accordingly, also the upper and lower securing means 309, 310 may be seen as forming part of the suspension arrangement which aids in the accommodation of any horizontal forces to a wall screen arrangement.

The shaft support 301 is further secured to the screen 100 and prevented from falling out of the screen 100 by the lower frame profile 201 of the frame 200 which encircles the screen. As given above, the frame profile may be omitted.

As a non-disclosed alternative to providing the shaft support with securing means, the shaft support may be integral with the screen. The design of the shaft support is preferably adapted to the type of and material in the screen. ln the event the screen is made of a homogenous or substantially homogenous material, the shaft support may be received in a drilled bore. ln the event of the screen being 12 made of a honeycomb structure, the shaft support may be received in a milled cavity. No matter configuration, the shaft support should be prevented from being rotated in view of the screen.

The lower frame profile 201, if used, comprises a through-going opening 203 configured to receive the bushing 303. The bushing 303 comprises a through-going channel 312 having a non-rotation symmetrical cross section. Also, the bushing is configured to extend through the lower frame profile and to lockingly engage an opening in the lower securing means 310. The bushing 303 and the shaft support 301 do together define an axially extending channel.

The shaft 304 of the wheel arrangement 300 comprises an upper end portion 313 having a non-rotation symmetrical cross section which is complementary to that of the channel 312 of the bushing 311. The upper end portion 313 of the shaft 304 is configured to axially engage the spring 302 in a condition when the wheel arrangement 300 is mounted to the screen 100.

The shaft 304 comprises, see Fig. 6, a lower end portion 314 having a radially extending recess 315. The recess 315 receives a biasing member 316 in the form of a spring 317 and a pin 318. The spring 317 biases the pin 318 outwardly in the radial direction of the shaft 304. The pin 318 of the biasing member 316 is configured to interact with the wheel supporting member 305.

The wheel supporting member 305 is connected to the lower end of the shaft 304 to allow rotation of the wheel supporting member 305 about the shaft 304. The wheel supporting member 305 has a radial extension in view of the shaft 304 and supports the two wheels 306. Although one wheel 306 is sufficient, it is preferred that each wheel supporting member 305 supports two wheels 306. The two wheels 306 are preferably arranged on a distance from each other. The one or more wheels 306 may be individually lockable and/or may be individually suspended. This type of wheels 306 are well known in the art and are not further discussed.

Now turning to Figs. 8A-8C, one embodiment of the interface between the shaft 304 and the wheel supporting member 305 is disclosed with the wheel supporting member 305 set to three different positions in view of a major plane A of the screen 100.

Starting with Fig. 8A, the wheel supporting member 305 is disclosed as being oriented 90 degrees to the major plane A of the screen 100. The wheel supporting member 305 comprises a cross-shaped recess 320 with four pockets 321 and receives the pin 318 of biasing member 316 which is arranged in the lower end of the shaft 304. When set to the 90-degree position, the pin 318 is forced into a locking engagement with a first 321A of the four pockets 321. This 90-degree position of the 13 wheel supporting member 305 in view of the major plane A of the screen 100 is the position that is the preferred default position when a plurality of wall screen members 1A, 1B are standing on a ground or floor. ln the event a radial force F1 should be applied to the wheel supporting member 305, either intentionally or un-intentionally, the biasing member 316 will contribute to fully or partly absorb the force and hence protect the wheel arrangement 300 and the interface between the wheel arrangement 300 and the screen 100. At the same time, it will also contribute to protect the item that applies the force. lf the applied force F1 is too low, the inherent strength in the spring 317 will absorb the force and prevent the pin 318 from leaving its position in the first pocket 321A. lf the force F1 is sufficiently high to overcome the biasing force, the spring 317 will be temporarily compressed and allow the wheel supporting member 305 to rotate about the shaft 304.

Depending on the force F1 that is applied to the wheel supporting member 305, the wheel supporting member 305 will either remain in the first position as disclosed in Fig. 8A with the pin 318 received in the first pocket 321A, stop in an intermediary position between two pockets 321A, 321 B as is disclosed in Fig. 8B and where the wheel supporting member 305 is oriented in a position 45 degrees to the major plane A of the screen 100, or even, see Fig. 8C, move to the second adjacent pocket 321 B where the wheel supporting member 305 instead is oriented to a position 0 degrees to the major plane of the screen 100, i.e. to be in parallel with the screen. Whether the biasing member 316 will remain in the first pocket 321A, move to the intermediary position or move to the second adjacent pocket 321 B depends on the applied force F1. No matter, the applied force F1 will at least to some extent be absorbed and thus be reduced by the spring 317 of the biasing member 316.

The wheel supporting member 305 is adjustable by rotation in both directions, i.e. both clockwise and counter-clockwise. The two preferred positions correspond to 0 degrees and 90 degrees as seen in view of the major plane A of the screen 100. When set to 90 degrees, a good support against tilting of the wall screen module will be provided for. The engagement between the biasing member 316 and the wheel supporting member 305 serves to protect the wall screen module 1A, 1B and its wheel arrangement 300 from damages in the event of minor collisions since the force will be absorbed by the biasing member 316 rather than by the wheel supporting member 305 or by the interface between the shaft 304 and a shaft support 301. 14 Accordingly, the wheel supporting member with its biasing member 316 forms yet another part of the suspension arrangement which aids in the accommodation of any horizontal forces to the wheel arrangement.

Now turning to Fig. 9. The wheel arrangement 300 is preferably configured to be removably connectable to the lower edge portion of the frame and may hence be provided as a stand-alone unit which can be stored in a separate container when not in use. This also allows a high level of hygiene since the wheel arrangement may be completely cleaned, even in a dish washer if necessary.

Now turning to Fig. 10, the modular wall screen system may further, as one component, comprise a mounting rail 600. The mounting rail 600 is configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall or post. The mounting rail 600 comprises at least one connector which is complementary to either the upper and the lower female type connectors 400 or to the upper and the lower male type connectors 500. ln the disclosed embodiment, the mounting rail 600 is provided with connectors 400 of the male type, thereby allowing a wall screen module to be selectively connected thereto via the female type connectors of such wall screen module.

Now turning to Fig. 1 anew, the operation of the modular wall screen system 1000 will be discussed. The disclosed system comprises two interconnected wall screen modules 1A and 1B, each wall screen module being supported by a wheel arrangement 300. Each wheel arrangement 300 is configured to support its respective wall screen module 1A, 1B in a vertically standing position. Since each wheel arrangement 300 comprises its own suspension arrangement, any irregularities of the ground or floor surface locally below each wall screen may be accommodated. This allows a very high degree of flexibility when using the system since the amount of preparations in terms of levelling the ground is substantially reduced. Also, the inherent suspension in the wheel arrangement 300 contributes to a general braking effect of the complete installed system. The braking effect is the result of the suspension arrangement providing an inherent axially downwardly directed force which must be overcome for the complete installation with several interconnected wall screen modules 1A, 1B to be moved across the ground or floor. The suspension arrangement further facilitates installation in the event one wall screen module 1A should be fixedly mounted to a wall by a mounting rail and where there is any angular mismatch between the extension of the wall and the ground or floor since the suspension arrangement will be able to accommodate such irregularities. Since each wall screen module 1A, 1B has its own suspended wheel arrangement, an installation with a plurality of such wall screen modules will be provided with an overall improved stability with a plurality of suspended ground/floor supports.

Further, since the modular wall screen system 1000 is provided by the use of connectors 400, 500 of both the male and female type, a very flexible and fast installation of a wall arrangement is provided for without the need for any special tooling. ln the event the female type connector 400 is provided with three openings, four wall screen modules 1A, 1B may be pivotably interconnected and extend in four different directions.

Further, as a result of the suspended wheel arrangement of each wall screen module in combination with the engagement between the male and female type connectors 400, 500, the mutually extensions betvveen tvvo interconnected wall screen modules 1A, 1B may easily be adjusted by one or more persons after installation.

Figs. 11A-11C disclose three non-limiting examples of spatial layouts.

Fig. 11A discloses one example where two rows R1; R2 of interconnected wall screen modules 1A, 1B are mounted to a wall W. The outer most wall screen module 1B in one of the rows R1 supports a foldable wall screen module 1C.

Fig. 11B discloses one example where a quadrangular room is formed by three rows R1, R2, R3 of interconnected wall screen modules where two of the rows R1, R2 are mounted to a wall W. One on the wall screen modules 1A in the second row R3 is arranged as a foldable wall screen module, whereby an openable and closable door is formed.

Fig. 11C discloses a third example where a large number of wall screen modules are interconnected to form two opposite lines of quadrangular rooms, with some of the rooms being provided with openable walls formed by foldable wall screen modules.

Now turning to Figs. 12A-12C, another nonlimiting example of a spatial layout is disclosed. The exemplified installation comprises five wall screen modules 1A-1 E attached side by side in a substantially linear relation with the first wall screen module 1A connected to a bracket 600. However, as is clearly seen in Fig. 12B, the walls screen modules 1A-1 E are alternating in view of each other in an "alternating overlapping condition" with the second wall screen module 1B in the row being mounted to the left hand side opening 412 in the female type bracket 400 in the first wall screen module 1A, and with the third wall screen module 1C in the row being mounted to the right hand side opening 412 in the female type bracket 400 in the second wall screen module 1B. This alternating overlapping pattern allows, as is best seen in Fig. 12C, a very compact folding of the installation when not in use where the 16 individual wall screen panels 1A-1 E may be arranged in a parallel configuration. Also, the wheel arrangements 300 may be mutually rotated into a parallel configuration. The bracket 600 may be mounted to a wall or to a post.

No matter spatial design, the installations may be temporary installations comprising a plurality of private zones in a hospital, an arena, a tent, a hall, an airport or a hangar. The installations may also be permanent installation. As disclosed, the plurality of wall screen modules may be selectively mounted one after the other in a linear or an angled extension. Thereby, the available space in the installation site may be spatially divided into different cells and/or corridors depending on the desired usage. The individual wall screen modules may be identical or have different heights and/or widths. Also, the individual Wall screen modules may be of the same type or of different types. By way of example, one of the wall screen modules may be of a rigid type, whereas one wall screen module may be of a foldable type. The foldable type screen module may be used as a door. Also, at least one wall screen module may be mounted to a mounting rail which in turn is fixedly mounted to a wall or post.

The wall screen modules have been disclosed in the drawings as comprising a frame that encircles the screen. The skilled person realizes that the frame with remained functionality may be omitted. Thus, the female and male type connectors may be mounted directly to the corner portions of the screen. Also, the wheel arrangement may be arranged directly to the screen in the event the frame is omitted.

Claims (12)

1. A modular wall screen system (1000), the system comprising at least a first and a second wall screen module (1A, 1B), each wall screen module comprising: a screen (100); and a wheel arrangement (300) configured to be supported on a ground or floor surface; wherein the wheel arrangement (300) is configured to support the screen (100) in a vertically standing position, and wherein said wheel arrangement (300) comprises a suspension arrangement configured to accommodate irregularities of the ground or floor surface; and the screen (100) along a first edge portion comprises an upper and a lower female type connector (400), and along a second edge portion, opposite the first edge portion, comprises an upper and a lower male type connector (500), and wherein the first wall screen module (1A) is configured to be removably and selectively connected to the second wall screen module (1 B) by connecting the upper and the lower male type connectors (500) of the first wall screen module (1A) to the upper and the lower female type connectors (400) of the second wall screen module (1 B).

2. The modular wall screen system according to claim 1, wherein each wall screen module (1A, 1B) further comprises a frame (200) which encircles and supports the screen (100) and wherein the female and male type connectors (400, 500) are supported by the frame (200).

3. The modular wall screen system according to claim 1, wherein the upper and the lower female type connectors (400) of the first wall screen modules (1A) each comprises a pattern with openings (412) configured to removably and selectively connect to the upper and the lower male type connectors (500) of the second wall screen module (1 B), thereby allowing the first and the second wall screen modules (1A, 1B) to be selectively mounted one after the other in a linear or an angled extension.

4. The modular wall screen system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper and the lower female type connectors (400) are identical.

5. The modular wall screen system according to any of the precedingclaims, wherein the wheel arrangement (300) is configured to be removably connectable to a lower edge portion of the wall screen module (1A, 1B).

6. The modular wall screen system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the upper and the lower male type connectors (500) comprises a spring biased pin (501).

7. The modular wall screen system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel arrangement (300) comprises a wheel supporting member (305) connectable to the wall screen module (1A, 1B) via a shaft (304), thereby allowing rotation of the wheel supporting member (305) about the shaft (304), and wherein the wheel supporting member (305) is configured to support a wheel (306).

8. The modular wall screen system according to claim 7, wherein the wheel supporting member (305) is configured to be rotatable connected to the shaft (304) between at least two pre-set positions, and wherein a biasing member (316) is arranged to apply a radial force between the wheel supporting member (305) and the shaft (304), which radial force must be overcome to move the wheel supporting member (305) from a first pre-set position to a second pre-set position.

9. The modular wall screen system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the shaft (304) of the wheel arrangement (300) is configured to be removably received in a shaft support being integral with the screen (100).

10. The modular wall screen system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular wall screen system further comprises third wall screen module (1 C) being configured to be removably and selectively connected to the first or the second wall screen module (1A, 1B) by connecting the upper and the lower male type connectors (500) of the third wall screen module (1 C) to the upper and the lower female type connectors (400) of the first or second wall screen module (1A, 1B).

11.The modular wall screen system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting rail (600) configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall or post, said mounting rail (600) comprising at least one connector being complementary to either the upper and the lower female type connectors (400) or the upper and the lower male type connectors (500).

12. Use of a modular wall screen system according to any of claims 1-11 to form a temporary or permanent installation comprising a plurality of private zones in a hospital, an arena, a tent, a hall, an airport or a hangar.