WO2010089570A1

WO2010089570A1 - Moveable wall

Info

Publication number: WO2010089570A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/000224
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Cairns
Original assignee: Thistle Ventures Limited
Priority date: 2009-02-06
Filing date: 2010-02-08
Publication date: 2010-08-12

Abstract

A moveable wall for use in an educational establishment, office or elsewhere that is easy to install and inexpensive. The wall has an internal support structure (23) and a platform (7) positioned on the floor of a room under the wall. The platform has a track adapted to receive bearings (27, 29) which couple the track to the wall to allow it to move along the track. Movement of the wall is controlled via a control system (31, 33) and motor (173) which controls the movement of the wall member along the track. The moveable wall allows the size of a space in a building to be changed to provide more flexible accommodation at a reasonable cost.

Description

Moveable Wall

Introduction

The present invention relates to a moveable wall such as for example, a partition wall which is used to divide up space in an office, school, college or the like.

Background to the Invention

In modern buildings it is important to have a degree of flexibility as to the manner in which the space in the building is used. In the case of office accommodation, many areas are open plan and include some partition walls which divide up the space to create enclosed offices and meeting rooms or to partially enclose working areas to allow colleagues to work in smaller groups. These partitions also provide a degree of sound proofing.

Whilst partition walls of this type are not permanent, they are typically installed when an office layout has been decided and the office is being fitted out. They are securely fitted to the floor and are often connected to or through the ceiling tiles. Partition walls are difficult and time consuming to remove and this is often only done when the office is being refitted.

In the case of educational establishments such as schools, it is desirable to be able to change the layout and size of school classrooms after the schools has been built in order to accommodate different class sizes or alternative uses for a space within the school. Changes of this type can occur many times per year such as before the beginning of a new school term; therefore, moving the traditional type of partition wall described above is impractical because of the cost, time required and the need for specialist contractors to remove then refit the walls in a new location.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wall for use in an educational establishment, office or elsewhere that is easy to install and inexpensive.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a moveable wall comprising: a wall member having an internal support structure; a platform positioned on the floor of a room under the wall member in use; the platform having one or more track adapted to receive bearings which couple the track to the wall member to allow the wall member to move along the track; wherein the moveable wall further comprises a control system and motor which controls the movement of the wall member along the track.

Preferably, the moveable wall further comprises a ceiling portion, positioned above the wall member, in use.

Preferably, the ceiling portion is fitted into the ceiling of the room where the moveable wall is fitted.

Preferably, the wall member further comprises a seal positioned to close the gap between the top of the wall member and the room ceiling or the ceiling portion of the moveable wall.

Preferably, the seal extends at least partially along the top of the wall member.

Optionally, the seal extends along the top and at least one side of the wall member.

Advantageously, the seal improves sound proofing between the rooms located at either side of the moveable wall.

Preferably, the seal is moveable to engage and disengage with the ceiling or the ceiling portion of the moveable wall.

Preferably, the seal is a pneumatic seal.

Preferably, the pneumatic seal has a conduit which supplies gas to the seal and is connectable to a gas source.

The gas source can be, for example a machine capable of blowing air into the pneumatic seal.

Preferably, the internal support structure extends up through the wall member.

Preferably, the seal is mounted to the internal support structure. Preferably, the platform is built into the floor of the room so as to be at the same level as the rest of the floor.

Alternatively, the platform is built upon the existing floor and is raised above the level of said floor.

Preferably, the track is a guide rail.

Preferably, the track is a plurality of guide rails spaced across the platform.

Preferably, the bearings are mounted to the internal support structure.

Preferably, the bearings comprise wheels adapted to be coupled with the track.

Preferably, the bearings are powered by the motor.

Preferably, the wall member is adapted to move a predetermined distance from a centre point of the platform.

For example, the wall may be moved 1.5 metres in either direction from its centre point. The wall member is designed to remain on the platform.

Preferably, the control system comprises an electro- mechanical controller which controls movement of the wall member. Preferably, the controller comprises a button or key the actuation of which causes movement of the wall member.

Preferably, the controller comprises a key pad wherein entry of a code causes movement of the wall member.

Alternatively, a key pad is provided in which entry of a code allows a user access to the controller or makes the controller operable.

Preferably, the control system comprises two controllers situated at either side of the wall member such that the wall member can move only when both control panels are operated simultaneously.

Preferably, release of the at least one of the controllers by an operator will case movement of the wall member to stop.

In doing so, one operator is required to stand at each side of the wall whilst it is being moved.

Preferably, the moveable wall further comprises one or more sensor to detect objects positioned near the wall member and in its movement path.

Alternatively, the control panel is positioned where both sides of the wall member are in full view, for example the end face of the wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a moveable wall in accordance with the present invention in a working space;

figures 2A is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention, figure 2B is an end view of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the internal support and figure 2C is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention showing control panels;

figure 4A is a side view of a pneumatic seal used in at least one embodiment of the present invention, figure 4B is an end view of the seal deflated and figure 4C is an end view of the seal inflated;

figure 5 is a plan view of a working space showing moveable walls in accordance with the present invention;

figure 6a is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, figure 6b is an end elevation of the embodiment of figure 6a and figure 6c is a more detailed view of the ceiling engaging section of this embodiment as shown in figure 6a;

figure 7a is a cross sectional view of a wall in accordance with the present invention, figure 7b and 7c show the bottom and top sections of the plan view of figure 7a;

figure 8a shows one end of a wall in accordance with the present invention where it contacts a side wall of a room and figure 8b shows the connection of figureδa in more detail;

figure 9 is a circuit diagram for a control system used in one or more embodiment of the present invention; and

figure 10 is a perspective view of another example of a wall in accordance with the present invention in use.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The present invention is designed for use in working spaces such as school classrooms, offices or the like where there is a need to be able to change the dimensions of a working space with the minimum of effort i.e. without having to employ specialist technicians to reinstall and move partitions. The absence of specialist expertise when moving the wall makes this solution extremely cost effective.

The present invention also provides a safe means of moving the wall members because it has an electronic control and fail-safe system that prevents unauthorised movement of the wall members and can also include detectors built in to ensure that the wall members cannot collide with obstacles positioned in its path. In addition, the size and position of the moveable walls as well as the use of a seal between the ceiling and the top of the wall member reduces the sound travel across the wall.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in a working space 3. The moveable wall 1 comprises a wall member 5 positioned on top of a platform 7 and below a ceiling 9. In figures 1 to 5, the same reference numerals have been used to denote features which are identical or functionally similar.

The wall member 5 is provided with an internal structural support which, in this embodiment of the invention also houses the bearings which co-operate with rails in the platform and a pneumatic seal which is in operative contact with the ceiling 9 when inflated.

The wall member is designed to contain storage cupboards on either side of the wall member which face into the working spaces at either side of the moveable wall. In addition, the moveable wall is provided with the appropriate power and communications cabling to allow electrical equipment to operate from within the moveable wall. In the case of school classrooms an interactive whiteboard may be located within the large cupboard space 13. Lower and upper facings 15 and 17 are provided on the wall member principally for aesthetic reasons.

The platform 7 has been constructed to be flush with the rest of the floor of the work space such that the rails do not protrude from the floor surface. This means that the platform will not be a trip hazard. The ceiling portion 9 above the platform differs from the ceiling of the rest of the work space. In modern workspaces, the ceiling may comprise an array of ceiling tiles supported by cross members; the ceiling above the platform provides a continuous surface and may be made of wood panelling, medium density fibreboard (MDF) or the like. The ceiling portion may protrude from the rest of the surrounding ceiling.

Figures 2A is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the wall member 5 as seen from one side with cupboards 11 and 13 as well as lower and upper facings 15 and 17 respectively. A gap 19 is shown between the facing 17 and ceiling 9. The gap 19 allows the wall member to move more easily on its bearings by avoiding the abrasive friction that would result if the wall member 5 and the ceiling portion were in permanent contact and the wall member 5 was moved.

Bearings 21 are positioned to extend outwards from the bottom of the wall member into tracks which are embedded in the platform 7. The tracts act to spread the weight loading and guide the wall smoothly in a straight line. In this example of the present invention, the bearings comprise wheels 27, 29 and the track is a rail along which the wheels run.

Figure 2B is an end view of the wall member showing the end wall and the structural support 23 which is positioned inside the wall member 5. In this embodiment, the structural support extends from the top of the wall member 5 to the bottom. At the top, the structural support has a pneumatic seal 25 which is extended and retracted by pumping air into it via an inlet (not shown) on the wall member 5. In its extended pos ition, the seal abuts against the ceiling 9. At its lower end, the internal support 23 is connected to the wheels which are positioned in a carriage 28. Figure 2C is a top view of the wall member 5 which shows the upper facing 17 and the seal 25.

Figure 3 is an end view of an embodiment of the moveable wall in accordance with the invention. In addition to the features previously described, this figure shows the control panels 31, 33. The presence of two control panels and other features greatly enhance the safety of the moveable wall of the present invention.

As will be appreciated, in the school or working environment especially, any risk to the health and safety of those working must be minimised. One potential problem might exist when the wall is to me moved. The key issue is to ensure that the person or persons in control of moving the wall can see both sides of the wall at the same time.

The controller can be actuated by a key, button, electronic security device such as a microchip, keypad or magnetic strip or the like. Access to the controller can be made secure by using an electronic security device such as a microchip, keypad or magnetic strip or the like

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 3, this is achieved by having two control panels, one on either side of the wall such that the wall will move only when both control panels are operated simultaneously. Should one of the operators move away or stop operating the control panel, movement of the wall will cease. The control panels form part of an electrical control system that ensures the safe operation of the moveable wall. The control system links the control panels with the motorised bearings. In some embodiments of the present invention operation of the seal is controlled using the control panels. This may be via the automatic regulation of the flow of air to the pneumatic seals of by the actuation of another type of seal that can be used for the same purpose. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control system controls access to a duct to which an air source is connectable for inflating the pneumatic seal.

Figure 4A shows an embodiment of the pneumatic seal 35 used in the present invention. The pneumatic seal 35 has sealed ends 37 and is shown in its retracted position 39. Figure 4B shows a cross section of the seal in its retracted position and figure 4C shows the seal in its extended position when it engages with the ceiling as previously described. As well as assisting in securing the moveable wall in position, the seal greatly improves the sound proofing of the moveable wall. The seal may extend around the top and side walls of the wall member.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a work area where the present invention may be used. The work area has doorways 53 at either end permanent walls 55 and some furniture 57.

Moveable walls 59 are shown opposite one another and perpendicular to the permanent walls 55. Dashed lines 61, 63 show the extent to which the mόveable walls can be moved laterally within the work space. Clearly, movement of the moveable walls can significantly alter the working space available in working areas 63, 65, 67 and 69.

Figures 6a is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, figure 6b is an end elevation of the embodiment of figure 6a and figure 6c is a more detailed view of the ceiling engaging section of this embodiment as shown in figure 6a.

The movable wall 61 is shown generally in figures 6a and 6b as indicated above. The movable wall 61 is positioned close to the ceiling 63 above the top of the wall 61 and sits upon platform 65 shown below the bottom of the movable wall 61. The bottom most section of the movable wall 61 comprises a plinth 67 which encloses a track base 71 which contains wheels along which the movable wall moves in a set of tracks. Above the base plinth 67 a hinge 69 is situated along with a door panel 73 which provides an opening into a storage cavity or the like within the movable wall 61. Door panel clips (75) are situated at or towards the top end of the movable wall 61. The clips 75 allow the panels to be removable secured to the wall.

Dashed line 105 shows the area of figure 6a which is provided in more detail in figure 6c. In use, the movable wall 61 is accurately measured and positioned such that a small amount of clearance exists between the top of the movable wall and the ceiling 63. In this example, the top of the fascia 79 is positioned around 10mm from the ceiling 63. The upright member 77 which forms part of the wall construction is positioned around 21mm from the position of the ceiling. The fascia 79 provides an enclosed area which has two elements. Firstly there are two pieces of rock wool insulation 81 which assist with sound proofing the movable wall 61 and provide added heat insulation. Secondly there is a pre-cut length of timber 87 which acts as a base or support for an inflatable seal 83. When not in use, the inflatable seal is positioned such that there is clearance between its top most part and the bottom of the ceiling 63. When the seal 83 is in use, it is expanded in order to provide a secure contact with the ceiling 63. The lower portion of the cavity formed with the fascia 79 is provided by a structural shelf 88.

Figure 6b shows some additional features of the movable wall 61. The figure shows a control box which provides electrical mechanical control of the movement and sealing of the movable wall 61. Trunking 91 is provided to allow cables to be fed up through the wall along with electrical sockets 93, an Ethernet connection 95, an LED screen 97 and an inner panel 99 which is used to hang LED screens or other devices onto the wall. This panel 99 is provided underneath an outer panel 101 which has a hinge. The movable wall 61 is propelled using a chain and holding frame of a proprietary type.

Figure 7a 107 shows a wall in accordance with the present invention having a front panel 108. The lower portion 109 and the upper portion 111 of the wall 107 are shown in more detail in figures 7b 113 and 7c 131. Figure 7b 113 shows a track base 115 with a set of wheels 119 which sits on a platform 117 containing tracks 121. In this embodiment, the chain and associated scoop are used to accommodate more cables.

Wooden rods 123, 125 connect the undercarrage to the frame of the wall. In addition, magnetic bars are used on the underside of the track covers to make the track covers easier to remove whilst still holding them in place. Hinge 127 is connected to the inside surface of the panel 108.

The drawing of the upper portion 111 shows the upper section of the panel 108 with hinge 133 connected to the inside surface of the panel 108. Wooden support 135 is coupled to the seal 139 via an aluminium angle 137. In this embodiment, a larger seal has been adopted to give more room for tolerances when building the unit. It also provides better grip against the docking station or wall. The ceiling 141 is in contact with the seal 139 when the wall is in position within the room. The gap 143 between the top of the wall and the ceiling 141 is also shown.

Figure 8a shows one end of a wall 151 in accordance with the present invention where it contacts a side wall 155 of a room. The seal 153 which extends along the length of the wall is also shown.

Figure 8b shows the side wall 155 and top seal 153 as well as the side seal 157 which is expanded to abut against the side wall 155 in use. The gap 161 between the wall of the present invention and the side wall is also shown. The chain guide or scoop is shown at reference numeral 159.

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram used in one or more embodiment of the present invention. The circuit 171 comprises a motor 173 for moving the wall which are connected to emergency stop buttons 193, 195 and to display screens 189, 191. 6. The emergency stop buttons have been added for additional safety; they cut the power to the unit when pressed and are also connected to position sensors 185, 187 via a control box 179. In this embodiment, the Control box has now been installed into an airplane like ^Λblack box' which is mounted on drawer runners fixed to the underside of the unit. Everything is wired in to this box and the box can be removed and replaced on site. Each side of the moveable wall of the present invention contains one emergency stop button, one display and one position sensor. In addition a tilt switch 197is provided which turns off the power should the wall tilt to or beyond a predetermined angle.

Use of another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to figure 10 where the example of the wall in accordance with the present invention is situated in a room of a building. 1. In this embodiment, LCD touch screens have been installed in place of the key and button operation. The LCD screens contain a computer instruction program which takes the user through the following instructions for operating the wall.

1. Open hinged end panels 203 to access operating touch screens 205. 2. Decide which way you want wall to move. On the side where the wall will be moving towards, touch the screen 205 to activate. 3. Under normal operation, the wall will always stop when you take your finger off the touch screen 205. A shut down button 225 located next to the touch screen will disconnect the power supply should you have any concerns about the operation of the wall. 4. Authorised users type in an access code by touching the numbers on the screen on the side where wall will be moving towards you. 5. The wall is activated when the screen shows a "Welcome" and green tick. Deflation of the seal will be automatic.

The screen then takes the user through a series of steps.

6. Close and lock all doors and drawers on both sides of eMotionwall 7. If a red X is displayed on the screen, follow the instructions and press YES. This indicates that there is the wall cannot be moved for safety reasons, and the user is prompted to make a number of safety checks as detailed below. 8. Open all hinged end panels on both sides of eMotionwall 9. Move all obstructions including furniture beyond the docking station to which you are moving eMotionwall 10. Lift up track covers and place them beyond the docking station to which you are moving eMotionwall 11. Press and hold the GO button and walk slowly with the wall, until it stops automatically. 12. Close hinged end panels and fit track covers to exposed tracks to confirm docking of the wall. 13. Touch the screen to commence sleep mode, re- inflation of the seal, and monitoring, is automatic. You will hear the inflation pump working, and it will stop when the correct pressure is reached.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A moveable wall comprising: a wall member having an internal support structure; a platform positioned on the floor of a room under the wall member in use; the platform having one or more track adapted to receive bearings which couple the track to the wall member to allow the wall member to move along the track; wherein the moveable wall further comprises a control system and motor which controls the movement of the wall member along the track.

2. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the moveable wall further comprises a ceiling portion, positioned above the wall member, in use.

3. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, the ceiling portion is fitted into the ceiling of the room where the moveable wall is fitted.

4. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the wall member further comprises a seal positioned to close the gap between the top of the wall member and the room ceiling or the ceiling portion of the moveable wall.

5. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the seal extends at least partially along the top of the wall member.

6. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein, the seal extends along at least one side of the wall member.

7. A moveable wall as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein, the seal is moveable to engage and disengage with the ceiling or the ceiling portion of the moveable wall.

8. A moveable wall as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7 wherein, the seal is a pneumatic seal.

9. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 8 wherein, the pneumatic seal has a conduit which supplies gas to the seal and is connectable to a gas source.

10. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the internal support structure extends up through the wall member.

11. A moveable wall as claimed in claims 4 to 9 wherein, the seal is mounted to the internal support structure.

12. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the platform is built into the floor of the room so as to be at the same level as the rest of the floor.

13. A moveable wall as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 wherein, the platform is built upon the existing floor and is raised above the level of said floor.

14. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the track is a guide rail.

15. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 14 wherein, the track is a plurality of guide rails spaced across the platform.

16. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the bearings are mounted to the internal support structure.

17. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the bearings comprise wheels adapted to be coupled with the track.

18. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the bearings are powered by the motor.

19. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the wall member is adapted to move a predetermined distance from a centre point of the platform.

20. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the control system comprises an electro- mechanical controller which controls movement of the wall member.

21. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 20 wherein, the controller comprises a button or key the actuation of which causes movement of the wall member.

22. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 20 wherein, the controller comprises, the controller comprises a key pad wherein entry of a code causes movement of the wall member.

23. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 20 wherein, the controller comprises, a key pad is provided in which entry of a code allows a user access to the controller or makes the controller operable.

24. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 20 wherein, the controller comprises a touch screen interface which displays instructions for operation of the moveable wall.

25. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the control system comprises two controllers situated at either side of the wall member.

26. A moveable wall as claimed in claim 25 wherein, the wall member can move only when both control panels are operated simultaneously.

27. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim, the moveable wall further comprising one or more sensor to detect objects positioned near the wall member and in its movement path.

28. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wall is provided with a tilt switch connected to the control system.

29. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wall is provided with a position sensor connected to the control system.

30. A moveable wall as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control system is operated by a control box which is packaged as a replaceable module for connection to the wall.