WO1994001647A1 - Systeme de panneaux muraux modulaires separables et mobiles - Google Patents

Systeme de panneaux muraux modulaires separables et mobiles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994001647A1
WO1994001647A1 PCT/US1993/006363 US9306363W WO9401647A1 WO 1994001647 A1 WO1994001647 A1 WO 1994001647A1 US 9306363 W US9306363 W US 9306363W WO 9401647 A1 WO9401647 A1 WO 9401647A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
disposed
frame section
rod
modular frame
lock rod
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1993/006363
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel Melnick
Jeff S. Sulkin
Original Assignee
Daniel Melnick
Sulkin Jeff S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daniel Melnick, Sulkin Jeff S filed Critical Daniel Melnick
Priority to AU46655/93A priority Critical patent/AU4665593A/en
Publication of WO1994001647A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994001647A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/82—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge characterised by the manner in which edges are connected to the building; Means therefor; Special details of easily-removable partitions as far as related to the connection with other parts of the building
    • E04B2/827—Partitions constituted of sliding panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
    • E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
    • E05D15/0604—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane allowing an additional movement
    • E05D15/0608—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane allowing an additional movement caused by track lay-out
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
    • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
    • E05Y2201/218—Holders
    • E05Y2201/22—Locks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2600/00—Mounting or coupling arrangements for elements provided for in this subclass
    • E05Y2600/60—Mounting or coupling members; Accessories therefor
    • E05Y2600/62—Bolts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
    • E05Y2800/73—Multiple functions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
    • E05Y2900/13—Type of wing
    • E05Y2900/142—Partition walls
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/516—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles for trucks or trailers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a modular frame system, and more particularly, to a detachable, movable and modular wall panel system.
  • Partition boards and wall panels have been widely used to partition space in schools, offices, trucks and the like.
  • Some conventional wall panel systems are movable, either sliding in tracks or pivoting about a fixed axis.
  • Conventional wall panel systems are often complicated, making manufacture and use difficult.
  • currently available systems cannot pivot about an axis without some means of rolling support under the free end if they are of substantial weight.
  • conventional wall panel systems are not easily detached from and reattached to their means of support, nor can the pivot points of these systems be quickly changed from one location to another.
  • U.S. patent No. 3,073,261 issued on January 15, 1963 to J. N. Oglesby discloses a partition device for partitioning the area of a freight car into a plurality of compartments.
  • the partition device is in the form of a pair of swingable doors which are slidably secured at their top edge closest to the side walls of the freight car. They are operable when perpendicular to the side walls of the freight car, and inoperable when pivoted to a position parallel with the side walls.
  • the doors are maintained in their operable and inoperable positions with lock rods which penetrate apertures in the floor and ceiling of the freight car.
  • the swingable doors are constructed with two vertical pipes (28 and 34) at the outer edge closest to the side walls, a vertical pipe (30) at the inner edge, crossed brace pipes (32) interconnecting the vertical pipes, and a cover of sheet metal enclosing the pipes to for the door.
  • Each of the vertical pipes is provided with a rotatable central sleeve with internal threads therein.
  • Lock rods having a threaded inner end portion, engage with the internal threads in the stationary upper and lower sections in each of the vertical pipes (28) and (30) .
  • threaded lock rods are engaged with internal threads only in the stationary lower section (33) .
  • Each central sleeve is provided with a plurality of diametrically extending bores (54) which are accessible through a slot on the metal sheet cover, whereby a rod-like tool can be used to rotate the central sleeve for extending and retracting the lock rods.
  • the upper and lower lock rods of each pipe 28 and 30 are extended and retracted simultaneously.
  • a depending rod (70) which cannot be retracted as with the lock rods, is rotatably secured to the carrier and extends downwardly into the upper section of the outer vertical pipe (34) .
  • the inner lower edge of each door is provided with a supporting caster wheel (76) for supporting the inner edge of the door when the lock rods (except for the depending rod) are released. The door is thereby permitted to swing between its operable and inoperable positions.
  • This partitioning device is complex, making manufacture expensive and use difficult.
  • the threaded lock rod and sleeve design is particularly complicated.
  • the device is not capable of being easily detached from and reattached to the trackway, thus limiting flexibility.
  • the rotational axis as well as the sliding point are both fixed at the point where.the door is attached to the carrier in the trackway.
  • the doors must have caster wheels to support the inner edges of the doors when pivoting and the weight of the door is limited by the strength of the connection between depending rod 70 and carrier 66.
  • the device is not modular such that the device can be easily extended to create partitions of greater width or broken down to accommodate space requiring smaller partitions. For all of the aforementioned reasons, this device is not sufficiently flexible for easy adaptation to other applications.
  • U.S. patent No. 3,241,197 issued on October 18, 1966 to J. Genison is directed to a means for guiding movable wall panels in a track system.
  • the patent discloses a partition wall which includes a short guide post (11) at its top and bottom edge adjacent a vertical edge of the wall, and a larger guide post (13) at the top and bottom edge adjacent the other vertical edge of the wall.
  • the guide posts are disposed in channels (15) or are part of roller units.
  • the larger guide posts also function as an actuating post to actuate a switch plate (16) located at the juncture of two adjacent channels.
  • the wall panel is provided with a pair of spaced roller ball assemblies (18) each having a roller ball which runs on the floor track.
  • the wall panel is further provided with a pair of spaced guide assemblies (21) each of which includes a guide wheel (22) received within the upper track.
  • the guide assembly includes a post (38) which carries the guide wheel at its upper end and is threadably mounted in a bushing (39) provided in the upper marginal region of the wall panel.
  • the bushing is mounted in a barrel (40) received in a cavity.
  • This partitioning system suffers from the same inadequacies in that it cannot be easily detached from and reattached to its guide track, thereby restricting the panel to a single, contiguous track. Further, the panel cannot be pivoted about any axis, and is not modular in order to permit the easy creation of larger and smaller continuous walls from a single unit. Finally, the guide mechanism is complex and thus difficult to manufacture and assemble, and the wall cannot be rigidly fixed in one place.
  • a modular frame and wall panel system which includes a modular frame onto which one or more facing panels are easily secured so that walls of any continuous length may be created and whereby other characteristics of the wall surface (e.g. color, texture etc.) may be easily altered without onerous assembly and disassembly.
  • a detachable and movable modular frame and wall panel system which includes at least one modular frame section and at least one separable facing panel, attachable to the modular frame section.
  • the modular frame section constitutes a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame bars and is composed of a light-weight but sturdy material such as aluminum.
  • Each modular frame section further includes a connection mechanism for allowing the separable facing panel to be easily attached to and removed from the frame section.
  • the horizontal frame bars are U-shaped or H-shaped and a plurality of U- shaped or H-shaped complimentary clips are mounted on the surface of the detachable facing panel such that the facing panel can be hung onto either or both sides of the frame section.
  • Each modular frame section further includes a locking mechanism which is disposed on the frame section for engaging mechanisms for fixing, hinging and slidably moving the frame section between two parallel planes (i.e. a ceiling and floor of a room).
  • the locking mechanism includes one pair of lock rods disposed close to each side edge of the frame section.
  • Each lock rod has a tip end and a handle end, and one or more locking pins mounted thereon.
  • Each pair of lock rods is vertically and movably disposed through apertures in the horizontal frame bars of the modular frame section.
  • Each pair of lock rods is aligned so that their handle ends face each other.
  • the tip end of the upper lock rod is oriented toward the ceiling surface, the tip end of the lower lock rod toward the floor surface.
  • the pair of lock rods provides cantilevered operation when the frame section is pivoted.
  • the lock rods are disposed through apertures in the ends of the horizontal frame bars of the modular frame section.
  • Bearings are mounted on the horizontal frame bars with their apertures aligned with the apertures in the horizontal frame bars, for receiving and facilitating rotation of the lock rods.
  • the angular momentum caused by the weight of the frame section is distributed along the lock rods.
  • Some of the bearings are mounted to the horizontal frame bar on guide sleeves.
  • the guide sleeve has a vertical slot in which one of the locking pins mounted on the lock rod travels, and three horizontal slots into which the locking pin may be rotated by rotating the lock rod.
  • the lock rod is thereby locked into one of three positions, with each position corresponding to one of the horizontal slots.
  • the horizontal slot constrains vertical movement of the lock rod by constraining the locking pin 17 at each of its ends.
  • the frame and wall panel system also comprises a mechanism, secured in the plane above the frame, for slidably moving the frame.
  • the sliding mechanism includes at least one truck assembly (the preferred embodiment will typically include at least two truck assemblies) disposed on the rails of a track mechanism.
  • the track mechanism includes a pair of rails, a track channel between the pair of rails, and a plurality of pivotal cavities in the top of the track mechanism.
  • the truck assembly includes one or more wheels or rollers, and is integrated with a guide sleeve projecting upwardly over an aperture in the truck assembly.
  • the preferred embodiment of the truck assembly guide sleeve is like those mounted on the horizontal frame bars of the frame section except that it typically has two horizontal slots and its vertical slot is contiguous with its aperture for receiving a lock rod.
  • the upper lock rod of each side edge is provided with a locking pin near its tip end which can be inserted into the vertical slot of the truck assembly guide sleeve as the lock rod is inserted into the aperture of the guide sleeve.
  • the tip end of the lock rod In order for the upper lock rod to be inserted into the truck assembly guide sleeve and locked into the higher of the two horizontal slots, the tip end of the lock rod must also be inserted into a pivotal cavity in the top of the track. The lock rod will thereby prevent the truck assembly from slidably moving in the track assembly. If the upper lock rod is locked into the lower of the two horizontal slots in the truck assembly guide sleeve, the upper lock rod will not be engaged with a pivotal cavity and may be slidably moved with the truck assembly along the track.
  • the upper lock rod on each side edge of the modular frame section therefore has three positions:
  • the first position is where the tip end of the lock rod is not disposed in the guide sleeve of a truck mechanism (i.e., the upper lock rod is completely disengaged and therefore that side edge of the frame section is completely detached from the ceiling surface) .
  • the locking pin disposed in the guide sleeve mounted on the frame section is locked in the bottom-most horizontal slot in the guide sleeve.
  • the second position is where the upper lock rod is locked into the bottom ⁇ most horizontal slot in the truck assembly guide sleeve and into the middle horizontal slot of the frame bar guide sleeve; the upper lock rod is slidably secured to the track mechanism.
  • the third position is where the upper lock rod is locked into the upper-most horizontal slot in the truck assembly guide sleeve and into the upper-most horizontal slot in the frame bar guide sleeve; the lock rod is pivotally anchored in a pivotal cavity such that it prevents the frame section from sliding.
  • an upper lock rod may also be pivotally anchored in a pivotal cavity without being disposed through a truck mechanism. Under these circumstances, the guide sleeve mounted on the frame section alone will lock the rod in the appropriate position.
  • the lower lock rods are similarly disposed through apertures in the lower horizontal frame bars of a modular frame section, as well as through bearings _ ⁇
  • each guide sleeve has a vertical slot continuous with three horizontal slots, and each lower lock rod has locking pins mounted on it which travel in the vertical slots of the guide sleeves and which can be rotated into the horizontal slots.
  • the lower lock rods of the preferred embodiment are designed to engage pivotal cavities in the floor surface, and to travel in channels provided by guide tracks disposed in the floor.
  • the lower lock rods also have three positions into which they can be locked.
  • the first position corresponds to when the locking pins disposed in the vertical slots of the lower lock rod's guide sleeves are rotated into the upper-most horizontal slot. This position finds the lock rod completely disengaged from the floor surface or any track disposed therein.
  • the second position corresponding to the middle of the three horizontal slots of the sleeve guides, finds the tip end of the lower lock rod in one embodiment still disengaged from the floor surface, but disposed in a channel of a track mechanism mounted in the floor surface for guiding the frame section as it slides along the upper track mechanism.
  • this position could find the tip end of the lower lock rod engaged within a pivotal cavity located directly in the floor surface or that is provided by a locating plate disposed in the floor surface.
  • this position could find the tip end of the lock rod, covered with rubber or a like material, in direct contact with the floor surface to prevent movement.
  • the third position when the locking pins are in the bottom-most horizontal slots of each guide sleeve, must find the tip end of the lower lock rod engaged within a pivotal cavity disposed in a guide track disposed in the floor surface.
  • both upper lock rods are in their intermediate state so as to engage with roller truck assemblies, and both lower lock rods are in either their fully retracted state or their intermediate state so as to be disposed in a track channel, the frame section is slidable along the upper track mechanism, and the weight of the frame section is supported by the moving mechanism through the upper lock rods. Finally, if all four lock rods are in their completely retracted state, the frame section is completely detached from both planes and may be transported to another location.
  • Each modular frame section is further provided with a plurality of connectors, such as connecting splines, which can be mounted on each horizontal frame bar of a modular frame section.
  • Each spline is of a length such that it can be connected to the horizontal frame bars of two adjoining frame sections, thereby holding the two frame sections together at the point where their corresponding horizontal frame bars meet.
  • two modular frame sections can be connected to form a larger frame and wall panel system.
  • the side edges which are connected may have their-respective lock rods completely retracted or in any of the positions described above.
  • the modular frame and wall panel system of the present invention can be used to partition a large room or a hall into a number of smaller rooms or compartments, or to divide a large space into a plurality of smaller spaces, or to simply establish a wall.
  • the frame or wall panel system of the present invention could also be very useful in a museum to provide a medium by which exhibits are displayed and easily rearranged without removing them from the facing panels on which they are displayed, or on a stage to quickly rearrange scenery which is displayed on facing panels, or in trade shows to form display booths, or in studios, offices, hospitals and schools to functionally rearrange space.
  • the modular frame or wall panel system of the present invention may also be used to remodel homes or create homeless shelters.
  • the frame and wall panel system of the present invention is uniquely suited to these applications because the frame and facing panels can weigh in excess of 600 pounds and the system will retain the ability to pivot freely without support for the free side edge. Further, the pivot points can still be shifted easily despite this weight. Thus, even heavy furniture, such as Murphy beds, may be attached to the frame while retaining full operability. Rearrangement of beds in a hospital, dormitory or shelter setting may be easily accomplished by simply moving the wall to which they are attached.
  • the frame system can also be used to create shelves by attaching to it horizontal shelve plates, using the same clip mechanism disclosed for hanging facing panels.
  • Figure 1 presents an overall perspective view of a detachable and movable modular frame and wall panel system in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 presents a second overall perspective view of a detachable and movable modular frame and wall panel system in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a front view of a detachable and movable modular frame section in accordance with the present invention which illustrates the three locked positions of the upper and lower rock rods.
  • Figure 4 shows one embodiment of a roller truck assembly disposed in a track mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is an end view of an upper lock rod which is locked in a fixed position in a pivotal cavity within the truck assembly and track mechanism shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 presents the end view as shown in Figure 5, showing the upper lock rod locked in a rolling position within the truck assembly.
  • Figure 7 presents the end view as shown in Figures 5 and 6, showing the upper lock rod locked in a position detached from the roller truck and track mechanism.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the roller truck assembly having horizontal stabilizing wheels.
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the roller truck assembly and track mechanism of Figure 8, operative with a frame section and an upper lock rod engaged therein.
  • Figure 10 is a plan view of the roller truck assembly and track mechanism of Figure 8.
  • Figure 11 is an end view of the roller truck assembly of Figure 8, operative with a frame section and an upper lock rod which is locked in a fixed position in a pivotal cavity within the roller truck assembly and track mechanism.
  • Figure 12 presents the end view of Figure 11, illustrating the upper lock rod as locked in a rolling position within the roller truck assembly.
  • Figure 13 presents the end view of Figures 11 and 12, illustrating the upper lock rod as locked in a detached position outside of the roller truck assembly and track mechanism.
  • Figure 14 shows the upper lock rod disposed through a guide sleeve mounted on the horizontal frame bar of the frame section, the lock rod being locked in the rolling position.
  • Figure 15 is a plan view of a lower guide track mounted in the floor surface and a frame section being guided therein.
  • Figure 16 is a perspective view of the guide track of Figure 15, operative with a frame section and a lower lock rod locked in fixed position in a pivotal cavity within the track channel.
  • Figure 17 is an end view of the guide track, frame-section and lower Lock rod of Figure 16.
  • Figure 18 is a side view of the guide track, frame section and lower lock rod of Figures 16 and 17.
  • Figure 19 is an end view of an embodiment where a locating plate is provided in lieu of a guide track, and where the lower lock rod is locked in a fixed position in a pivotal cavity within the locating plate.
  • Figure 20 is an end view of an embodiment where no guide track or locating plate is provided, but the tip end of the lower lock rod is locked in a fixed position against the floor surface.
  • Figure 21 illustrates a universal clip mechanism in accordance with the present invention for hanging facing panels, shelves and furniture to the frame section.
  • Figure 22 illustrates the use of a universal clip to engage a shelf with a frame section.
  • the modular frame and wall panel system 100 is comprised of five-foot modular frame sections or armatures 1, which can be easily interconnected with connecting splines 13 to create larger frame sections or armatures, such as the ten-foot frame section 2.
  • the connecting splines 13 will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the modular frame sections 1 may be smaller or larger than five feet in length. Facing panels 3 and 4 can be easily hung from the frame sections 1 and 2 respectively using a universal clip mechanism which will be discussed in more detail below.
  • Facing panels 3 and 4 can be comprised of any material suitable for the intended application and can be of any size.
  • a fifteen-foot continuous wall can be created by connecting three five-foot frame modules l and then hanging a fifteen-foot facing panel on the resulting fifteen-foot frame.
  • three five-foot facing panels or one five-foot and one ten-foot panel may also be hung from the fifteen-foot frame.
  • facing panels can be hung from both faces of a frame section.
  • the modular frame section 1 is composed of a plurality of vertical frame bars 90 and horizontal frame bars 80,82,84,86 and 88.
  • the frame bars are preferably composed of a lightweight but sturdy material such as aluminum. They are coupled together at their intersections using conventional techniques appropriate to the materials from which they —lo— are made, such as welding. Apertures (not shown) may be provided through the frame bars to permit plumbing and electrical conduits to be run through the frame sections 1 as with conventional walls.
  • the modular frame section 1 has two upper lock rods 7,8,9 and two lower lock rods 10,11,12 which are secured to, or substantially near, the side edges of the frame section 1.
  • Lock rods 7,8,9 and 10,11,12 each have handles 24 and are positioned so that their handles 24 are easily reached and operated by the average person.
  • the opposing arrangement of each pair of upper and lower lock rods places the handles 24 of each pair in close proximity for convenient operation.
  • the handles can be covered with any easy grip material such as neoprene.
  • the modular frame section 1 of FIG. 3 can be secured between two parallel planes such as those formed by the floor 60 and ceiling 61 of a room.
  • the frame section 1 can be slidably secured to one or more track mechanisms 5 which can be secured in the upper plane such as above ceiling surface 61.
  • one or more guide tracks 6 may be provided in the lower plane, such as below floor surface 60.
  • Frame section 1 is slidably secured to track mechanism 5 when one or both upper lock rods (illustrated by upper lock rod 8) are operated to engage one of a plurality of roller truck, assemblies 16 which are disposed in track mechanism 5. Although the frame section need only engage one truck assembly to slide, to achieve the best sliding operation it is contemplated that both upper lock rods (8) will engage roller truck assemblies 16. Further, both lower lock rods (illustrated by lower lock rod 11) must be operated so that they do not engage the floor surface 60 or pivotal cavities 19 located therein.
  • Upper lock rod 8 in FIG. 3 illustrates an upper lock rod slidably secured to a roller truck assembly 16, and a lower lock rod 11 which is slidably disposed in the channel of a guide track 6 located below floor surface 60.
  • Frame section 1 can be pivotally secured between two parallel planes such as a ceiling and floor by operating one of the upper lock rods (illustrated by upper lock rod 7) to engage one of a plurality of pivotal cavities 19 in the track mechanism 5 above the ceiling surface 61, either directly or through one of the roller truck assemblies 16, and further operating the opposing lower lock rod (illustrated by lower lock rod 10) on the same side of frame section 1 to engage one of the pivotal cavities 19 located in the guide track 6 below floor surface 60.
  • upper lock rods illustrated by upper lock rod 7
  • lower lock rod illustrated by lower lock rod
  • the upper lock rods 7 and lower lock rods 10 of frame section l in FIG. 3 are shown locked in pivotal cavities 19 in both the floor and ceiling surfaces.
  • the frame section 1 is therefore rigidly fixed between the two parallel planes formed by the floor and ceiling.
  • one pair of upper and lower lock rods on the frame section 1 must be in a fully retracted position (illustrated by upper lock rod 9 and lower lock rod 12) so as not to engage either pivotal cavities or rolling truck- assemblies.
  • the upper lock rod 9 and lower lock rod 12 of FIG. 3 illustrate the fully retracted position.
  • FIG. l a pivoting frame section 14 is illustrated.
  • the upper lock rod 9 of frame section 14 is disengaged from the track mechanism 5, and lower lock rod 10 is shown having been engaged with a row of pivotal cavities 19 so as to fix the frame section in its pivoted position.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 a frame system 2 is shown which is comprised of two modular frame sections 1.
  • the frame system 2 is shown as slidably secured by upper lock rods 8 and lower lock rods 11.
  • FIG. 2 frame system 2 has been pivoted about upper lock rod 7 and lower lock rod 10, and then fixed in that position with lower lock rods 10.
  • Upper lock rods 9 are shown as retracted.
  • upper lock rods 9 could be engaged with a track mechanism parallel with or perpendicular to track mechanism 5 if one were provided.
  • the roller truck assembly includes a set of wheels 44 which are disposed in tracks 46 in track mechanism 5.
  • a guide sleeve 45 which has a vertical slot 47 and two horizontal slots 40 which are connected to vertical slot 47.
  • the slots are for receiving the locking pin 17 mounted on the upper lock rods.
  • Vertical slot 17 runs coextensive with the bottom of guide sleeve 45 to permit insertion and removal of the upper lock rod and locking pin 17 attached thereto.
  • the two tracks 46 are reinforced with a bushing 18 and are separated by an open track channel 49 through which the upper lock rod can travel.
  • Pivotal cavities 19 are provided in the top of the track mechanism but can also be provided outside of the track mechanism as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • upper lock rod 8 of the preferred embodiment includes a handle 24 and one or more locking pins 17.
  • Upper lock rod 8 is disposed in parallel with vertical frame bar 90, through holes provided in each of the horizontal frame bars above its handle 24.
  • a bearing 36 is mounted on a guide sleeve 25, which is in turn mounted on the horizontal frame bar 84.
  • Upper lock rod 8 is thus disposed through the horizontal frame bar 84, the bearing 36 and guide sleeve 25.
  • the bearing 36 facilitates easy rotation of upper lock rod 8, even when the angular momentum of the frame during pivoting is creating reaction forces between the lock rod and the bearing.
  • a locking pin 17, mounted on lock rod 8 is disposed in a vertical slot 38 in the guide sleeve 25, and the range of motion of lock rod 8 is thereby constrained by the extent of vertical slot 38.
  • the locking pin 17 may be locked into one of three horizontal slots 40 by operating the rod 8 up and down with the locking pin in the vertical slot 38 and then rotating the locking pin 17 into one of the three horizontal slots 40.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the locking pin 17 as locked in the middle position of the guide sleeve 25. As shown in FIG.
  • Upper lock rod 8 is similarly disposed through horizontal frame bar 86 (FIG. 3) .
  • FIG. 6 an end view of the track mechanism 5 is provided in which a plurality of roller truck assemblies 16 is disposed.
  • a guide sleeve 45 which has a vertical slot 47 which receives and constrains locking pin 17, and two horizontal slots 49 into which the locking pin 17 may be rotated and locked.
  • the guide sleeve 45 works much the same as the frame bar guide sleeve 25 shown in FIG. 14, except that guide sleeve 45 has two horizontal slots 40 rather than three, and the vertical slot 47 is coextensive with either or both ends of the guide sleeve 45, thus permitting the lock rod's insertion into and removal from guide sleeve 45.
  • the track mechanism 5 is disposed above the ceiling surface 61 and a channel is provided in the ceiling surface coincident with the track channel 49 formed in the track mechanism between the two rails 46.
  • the mode illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 14 is the ⁇ lidable mode.
  • the upper lock rod 8 moves through the track channel 49 as the roller truck assembly 16 rolls along the rails 46. This position corresponds to that of upper lock rod 8 as shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the upper lock rod 7 in its fixed position. This position corresponds to that of upper lock rod 7 as shown in FIG. 3.
  • upper lock rod 7 has its locking pins 17 rotated into the top horizontal slots 40 for both guide sleeves 25 and 45, the tip end of the lock rod 7 is engaged through truck assembly 16 with a pivotal cavity 19 in the track mechanism 5.
  • the upper lock rod 7 and the roller truck assembly 16 therefore cannot slide.
  • lock rod 7 can engage a pivotal cavity without passing through a roller truck assembly 16.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates upper lock rod 9 in a completely retracted state; the upper lock rod 9 is withdrawn from the guide sleeve 45 and the locking pin 17 in guide sleeve 25 is rotated into the bottom horizontal slot. This position corresponds to that of upper lock rod 9 as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the upper lock rod 9 is prevented from slipping out of the horizontal frame bars by guide sleeve 25 and locking pin 17.
  • a guide track 6 is provided in the preferred embodiment which is preferably disposed beneath the floor surface 60 and which -includes a guide channel 66 and a series of pivotal cavities 19.
  • Guide channel 66 is reinforced by a bushing 18.
  • FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate different views of the lower lock rod 10 in a fixed mode whereby the locking pins 17 are rotated into the bottom most horizontal slots and the tip end of lock rod 10 is engaged in a pivotal cavity 19.
  • a thrust bearing 23, attached to the lower lock rod 10 is in contact with the floor surface 60 so that the tip end of lock rod 10 does not bear all of the weight of the frame section 1.
  • each upper and lower lock rod has three different positions into which it can be locked.
  • the three positions are demonstrated by upper lock rods 7, 8 and 9, and lower lock rods 10, 11 and 12 of FIG. 3.
  • Upper lock rod 7 is locked in a fixed position, engaged with a pivotal cavity 19 in track mechanism 5 through a roller truck assembly 16.
  • Lower lock rod 10 is also locked in a fixed position, engaged with a pivotal cavity 19 in guide track 6 through guide channel 66.
  • both pairs of lock rods of a frame section 1 are locked in their fixed positions, the frame section is rigidly locked into its current position.
  • both pairs of lock rods may be engaged with pivotal cavities without being disposed through a roller truck assembly 16 or a guide track 66.
  • the pivotal cavities 19 can be disposed directly in the floor 60 and ceiling 61 surfaces.
  • Upper lock rod 8 is locked in a slidable position, engaged within a roller truck assembly but not a pivotal cavity 19.
  • Lower lock rod 11 is locked in a slidable position, its tip end disposed in guide channel 66 (FIG. 17), but not a pivotal cavity 19.
  • Upper lock rod 9 is locked in a free or detached position, not engaged with either a roller truck assembly 16 or a pivotal cavity 19.
  • Lower lock rod 12 is also locked in a free or detached position, not engaged in guide channel 66 or a pivotal cavity 19.
  • the frame section can be carried away and attached to a new location.
  • one pair of lock rods on a frame section are locked in a fixed position (i.e. upper lock rod 7 and lower lock rod 10), and the other pair is locked in a detached position (i.e. upper lock rod 9 and lower lock rod 12)
  • the frame section can be pivoted about the pair of lock rods which are in a fixed position.
  • FIGS. 8-10 an alternative embodiment for a roller truck assembly 20 is described.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10 is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except for horizontal stabilizing wheels 21.
  • Horizontal stabilizing wheels 21 are spring loaded so that they exert substantial stabilizing force to the side walls 74 of the track mechanism 5, thereby reducing the tendency of the bottom of frame section 1 to swing in a direction perpendicular to the track mechanism.
  • FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate upper lock rods 7, 8 and 9 in operation with the alternative embodiment roller truck assembly 25.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a locating plate 14 which is disposed beneath the floor surface 60 and which contains a pivotal cavity 19 surrounded by a bushing 18.
  • the locating plate 14 is engaged by lower lock rod 11, which is locked into its middle position.
  • the lock rod 11 need not be locked into its most extended position because the pivotal cavity 19 in locating plate 14 is at a depth which is equivalent to the guide channel 66 in guide track 6.
  • the locating plate 14 can be used in place of a guide track 6 in a case where, for example, the alternative roller truck assembly 20 is used.
  • the locating plate could also be used for providing pivotal cavities into which lower lock rods can be locked after pivoting a frame section 1 from a track mechanism 5 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates the use of a floor stop 26, mounted on the tip end of lower lock rod 10, which is composed of materials such as neoprene or rubber, having high frictional properties but which will not mark the floor.
  • the embodiment is designed so that the floor stop 26 makes contact with the floor when the lower lock rod 10 is locked in its middle position.
  • the floor stop 26 can be used when an environment is not provided with pivotal cavities 19 in either a guide track 6, locating plate 14 or directly in the floor surface 60, or when a particular orientation of a frame section is desired which does not currently have an available pivotal cavity 19.
  • a locking pin 17 could be mounted at the tip end of the upper lock rods, and a horizontal slot for receiving such locking pins could be provided in pivotal cavities 19 such that the upper lock rods, upon insertion and rotation, would be secured inside the pivotal cavities 19.
  • This additional locking mechanism could be useful in a situation where the track mechanism 5 or ceiling surface 62 in which the pivotal cavities 19 reside, can be raised. The additional locking mechanism would maintain connection between the frame section and ceiling surface in the event the ceiling surface is raised.
  • a track mechanism 5 could also be disposed on or below the floor surface 60 for providing sliding movement to the frame section 1.
  • the track mechanism 5 would be slotted on top to permit passage of the lower lock rods, and a slotted guide sleeve would be integrated with the plurality of roller truck assemblies disposed therein. The operation would be essentially the same, however, in that the lower lock rods would be locked in their middle position to permit slidable movement, and in their bottom most position to permit engagement with (either through the roller truck assembly or not) a pivotal cavity 19 formed in the track mechanism 5.
  • the frame section 5 can be carried to its desired location and easily locked into either a rigid, pivoting or sliding mode by simply lining up the lock rod members with either pivoting cavities, rolling truck assemblies or both.
  • Each side edge of frame 5 can be quickly and easily changed from rigid, to pivoting, to sliding by simply rotating, engaging and locking the lock rod members in the appropriate positions.
  • a frame section 5 can be easily repositioned along a continuous track, or it can be pivoted out and its free edge attached to a completely different and independent track. In this manner, the partitioning of a particular space could be completely reconfigured in a matter of minutes.
  • the disposition of the lock rods through the horizontal frame bars permits distribution of the forces reactive to the angular momentum created by the weight of the frame system when one side edge is detached for pivoting.
  • the spline mechanism 13, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for interconnecting multiple modular frame sections 1 to form larger frame systems 2, is a simple metal plate with slots 92.
  • the splines 13 are preferably a length equal to twice the distance (93, Fig. 16) between the end of a horizontal frame bar and its proximate vertical frame bar. Each spline is placed flat over the two horizontal frame bars of the frame sections to be connected.
  • the slots 92 in the splines 13 accommodate the lock rods and guide sleeves disposed through the horizontal frame bars of each frame section 1.
  • the splines 13 can be fastened to the horizontal frame bars of the two frame sections using a variety " of conventional fastening techniques, including screws, bolts or other snap on techniques known in the art.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the splines 13 as connecting frame sections 1 together in a straight line
  • the splines can be constructed with any angle.
  • the splines could be formed so that their slotted ends are at right angles so that the frame sections which they connect together would be at right angles to one another.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a universal clip 15, which is attached by fasteners 30 to a wall panel 29.
  • the fasteners 30 can be any conventional means for holding the clip 15 to the panel 29, such as nails, screws, bolts, furniture tacks, rivets and the like.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates two facing panels 3, hung from horizontal frame bar 34 of frame section 1, by universal clips 15.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates the attachment of a shelf unit 31 to a horizontal frame bar 34 with a universal clip 15.
  • the clip 15 can be further secured to the horizontal frame bar using conventional fasteners, such as screws, bolts or other quick-release fasteners.
  • the method of fastening the universal clips 15 is not claimed as part of this invention.
  • the length, texture, color and other characteristics of a wall may be easily interchanged by simply exchanging wall panels.
  • shelve space may be created in place of a wall by hanging shelves from the frame section 1.
  • even furniture may be attached to the frame, or hung from it.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Support Devices For Sliding Doors (AREA)
  • Conveying And Assembling Of Building Elements In Situ (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)

Abstract

Système modulaire (100) à châssis et à panneaux muraux qui comporte un châssis (1) et un ou plusieurs panneaux (3, 4) de parement qui peuvent être fixés au châssis ou séparés de ce dernier à l'aide d'une pluralité d'attaches universelles (15) fixées sur le panneau de parement qui s'apparient aux barres de châssis (80, 82 etc.) constituant le châssis. Le châssis modulaire (1) comporte en outre deux paires de tiges de blocage indépendantes supérieures (4, 8, 9) et inférieures (10, 11, 12) qui sont alignées les unes par rapport aux autres et placées verticalemnt sur chacune des deux arêtes latérales du châssis. Les tiges de blocage supérieures (7, 8, 9) comportent une extrémité qui peut s'emboîter dans une cavité de pivotement (19) ou un ensemble chariot de roulement (16) (ou les deux simultanément) placé dans un mécanisme à rail (5) situé dans le plafond (61). Les tiges de blocage inférieures (10, 11, 12) peuvent de la même manière s'emboîter dans une cavité de pivotement (19) ou dans un rail de guidage (6) situé dans le sol (60). Chaque pair de tiges de blocage est en porte-à-faux pour permettre le pivotement sans soutien sous le côté libre. Les points de pivotement et de coulissement peuvent être facilement déplacés. Le châssis est modulaire si bien qu'un grand châssis ou une grande paroi peut être créée facilement en reliant ensemble des modules de châssis à l'aide de cannelures de raccordement (13).
PCT/US1993/006363 1992-07-02 1993-06-30 Systeme de panneaux muraux modulaires separables et mobiles WO1994001647A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU46655/93A AU4665593A (en) 1992-07-02 1993-06-30 A detachable and movable modular wall panel system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US90816192A 1992-07-02 1992-07-02
US07/908,161 1992-07-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994001647A1 true WO1994001647A1 (fr) 1994-01-20

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ID=25425302

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1993/006363 WO1994001647A1 (fr) 1992-07-02 1993-06-30 Systeme de panneaux muraux modulaires separables et mobiles

Country Status (4)

Country Link
CN (1) CN1094112A (fr)
AU (1) AU4665593A (fr)
MX (1) MX9304009A (fr)
WO (1) WO1994001647A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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WO1999004122A1 (fr) * 1997-07-15 1999-01-28 Geze Gmbh Systeme de porte ou de fenetre automatique
ES2245143A1 (es) * 2002-05-03 2005-12-16 M. Amparo Vicente Soriano Expositor con paneles deslizantes de frente intercambiable, para mobiliario y accesorios de cocinas y baños.
AU2003204960B2 (en) * 2002-06-26 2006-02-02 Modernfold, Inc. Four-wheel super trolley
WO2013177609A1 (fr) * 2012-05-29 2013-12-05 Ciilock Engineering Pty Ltd Agencements de liaison, pivots et mécanismes
US10781585B2 (en) 2018-06-11 2020-09-22 Quality Electrical Systems, Inc. Removable wall panel for portable electrical buildings
USD987117S1 (en) 2020-10-14 2023-05-23 MillerKnoll, Inc. Wall
US11674308B1 (en) 2022-08-12 2023-06-13 Planet Growth LLC Modular reattachable structure system and method
US11814839B2 (en) 2020-10-28 2023-11-14 MillerKnoll, Inc. Mobile wall including an alignment mechanism

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110453821B (zh) * 2019-08-22 2020-11-10 台州学院 建筑装配式隔墙支撑骨架及其装配方法
CN110644622B (zh) * 2019-08-31 2020-12-22 上海民航新时代机场设计研究院有限公司 一种装配式建筑结构
CN110670904A (zh) * 2019-09-24 2020-01-10 陶英 一种空间可转换的楼层和住宅楼
CN112854547B (zh) * 2020-12-31 2022-11-01 中建材创新科技研究院有限公司 一种墙体安装结构
CN114439130B (zh) * 2021-12-24 2023-11-14 珠海百亚电子科技有限公司 一种面板位置可调的模块墙体

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US3073261A (en) * 1960-02-24 1963-01-15 James N Oglesby Railroad car partition device
US3685223A (en) * 1970-09-28 1972-08-22 Sher Walls Inc Operable wall panel
US4222201A (en) * 1978-11-06 1980-09-16 Air Master Corporation Sliding, pivoting window
US5058321A (en) * 1991-04-05 1991-10-22 Plastmo Ltd. Pivoting & locking device for a window or door sash

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3073261A (en) * 1960-02-24 1963-01-15 James N Oglesby Railroad car partition device
US3685223A (en) * 1970-09-28 1972-08-22 Sher Walls Inc Operable wall panel
US4222201A (en) * 1978-11-06 1980-09-16 Air Master Corporation Sliding, pivoting window
US5058321A (en) * 1991-04-05 1991-10-22 Plastmo Ltd. Pivoting & locking device for a window or door sash

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999004122A1 (fr) * 1997-07-15 1999-01-28 Geze Gmbh Systeme de porte ou de fenetre automatique
WO1999004123A1 (fr) * 1997-07-15 1999-01-28 Geze Gmbh Ensemble porte ou fenêtre automatique
ES2245143A1 (es) * 2002-05-03 2005-12-16 M. Amparo Vicente Soriano Expositor con paneles deslizantes de frente intercambiable, para mobiliario y accesorios de cocinas y baños.
AU2003204960B2 (en) * 2002-06-26 2006-02-02 Modernfold, Inc. Four-wheel super trolley
WO2013177609A1 (fr) * 2012-05-29 2013-12-05 Ciilock Engineering Pty Ltd Agencements de liaison, pivots et mécanismes
GB2517634A (en) * 2012-05-29 2015-02-25 Ciilock Eng Pty Ltd Connection arrangements, pivots and mechanisms
GB2517634B (en) * 2012-05-29 2020-04-15 Ciilock Eng Pty Ltd Connection arrangements, pivots and mechanisms
US10781585B2 (en) 2018-06-11 2020-09-22 Quality Electrical Systems, Inc. Removable wall panel for portable electrical buildings
USD987117S1 (en) 2020-10-14 2023-05-23 MillerKnoll, Inc. Wall
US11814839B2 (en) 2020-10-28 2023-11-14 MillerKnoll, Inc. Mobile wall including an alignment mechanism
US11674308B1 (en) 2022-08-12 2023-06-13 Planet Growth LLC Modular reattachable structure system and method
US11939766B2 (en) 2022-08-12 2024-03-26 Planet Growth LLC Modular reattachable structure system and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX9304009A (es) 1994-04-29
AU4665593A (en) 1994-01-31
CN1094112A (zh) 1994-10-26

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