Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
OE'ERABLE 1JALL DEPLOYMENT rlND STORAGE SYSTEM
E3,\CKGROUND OF_THE. INVENTION
This invention relates to mufti-directional suspension
systems for operable walls or partitions and, more
particularly, to a suspension track arrangement for,
automatically orienting such operable walls far storage and/or
deployment.
Where large spaces are intended to be temporarily
subdivded into smaller rooms in, for example, hotels, clubs,
convention halls, and the like, usually a partition suspension
system is provided which permits movement of subdividing walls
or panels between a storage area and the point of intended use,
the storage area being removed from the space to be
subdivided. These systems for deployment and storage involve
an overhead track grid arrangement, commonly made up of
straight sections of track and lateral track sections which
form, with the straight sections, right angle turns,
cross--overs, and T-intersections, these being interspersed
along the straight track sections.
In soma situations, the subdivided areas may require a
particular type of panel. For example, a m re-raced panee cnay
be required when forming a corridor or a sound-rated panel may
be required in designated aceas. Furthermore, it is often
desirable to insure that the panels are stored with a
particular orientation so that they can be moved directly from
storage to their operable positions without first requiring
manipulation for proper orientation. In some instances, this
can require careful attention to positioning of the panels in
storage as well as in use.
SUMMARY OE'__THE INVENTION
Among the general obje~:ts of this invention is to
provide a track and carrier system which automatically
positions the partitions for storage in a dc; sired orientation,
Another general object of this invention is to prc;vi:~e
a track grid system which will automatically sort panels to
insure that only a particular type of panel can be moved intc a
given operable position.
A still further general object of this invention is to
provide such attributes in a track grid system which is simple
and cost effective,
For the achievement of these and other objects, this
invention contemplates a combination overhead grid track-sysj:em
and partition carriers. That is, the panels are supported from
carriers which are positioned in and roll clang the grid tra:k
system.
The grid track system is made up of what will be
termed main track runs and lateral track runs. The lateral
track runs extend from the main tracks but open into the main
tracks so that the carriers which are attached to operable wall
can move selectively between the main and lateral track runs.
To accomplish the selective movement between track runs, the
combination of obstructions in the main and lateral track runs
with preselected carrier configurations insures the proper
orientation of the panels for storage andlor the acceptance of
only a preselected type of panel for operative positioning .n a
given track section.
Preferably, this is accomplished by providing the
operable wall carrier with a projection which travels in t,h~:
track runs with the carrier. An obstruction is positioned in
the main track run and in the path of travel of the projection
on the carrier. The obstruction is positioned in the area
where the lateral track run opens into the main track run, and
when the carrier projection engages the obstruction, the
carrier is diverted into the adjacent, lateral track run. The
lateral track run into which that carrier is diverted, also
includes an obstruction in the carrier path. The carrier
diverted into the lateral run is further configured so that it
clears the second obstruction and then can run freely into and
through the lateral track run. The configuration which clears
the obstruction in the lateral track run is provided on
selective carriers sahich.also include the diverter engaging
projection. Others of the carriers are not so configured so
that they will not clear the obstruction in the lateral track
run and, thus, are prevented from entering the lateral track
run.
These and other objects and advantages of the
invention will be pointed out in, or be apparent from, the
specification and claims, as will obvious modifications of the
embodiments shown in the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is plan view of a portion of a track grid
system illustrating how the operable partitions or walls are
stored.
Figure 2 is a view, partially in section, illustrating
one of the operable wall carriers engaged in one of the track
runs.
Figure 3 is view, partially in section, of another of
the carriers engaged in another of the track runs.
Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view of the track runs at
the point where the lateral track run opens into the main track
:un
Figure 5 is a plan view of an alternative storage
arrangernent provided by a grid track system.
Figure 6 is a view of an alternative track and carrier
arrangement used in an alternative embodiment, partially in .
section.
Figure 7 is a view, partially in section, of the
alternative embodiment of Figure 6, but illustrating the otYver
panel carrier.
Figure 8 is a plan view of the area where the lateral
track run opens into the main track run usable with the
alternative embodiments of Figures 6 and ?.
Figure 9 is a plan view of a portion of a track grid
system, illustrating the use of this invention in partition
deployment.
Figure 10 is a plan view of a portion of a track grid
illustrating another embodiment of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the drawing, particularly Fig. 1, a
ceiling grid track pattern or system is shown as being made up
of track runs 10~ 12 and 14. A number of portable partitions
or walls 15 are suspended from the grid track system. The
track system is viewed from below with walls 16 superimposed on
the tracks and highlighted by shading, but illustrated in
various positions which they can occupy. Scots :su are
illustrated and will be described more completely hereinafter.
It will be appreciated slots 30 extend the length of~the
~a~~~~~
m acks, but have not been shown where the walls are
superimposed.
It is generally conventional to store the walls 15 in
a stacked relation in a remote area 17. The walls are moved
out of ttte storage area along lateral track runs 12 and 14 and
then moved to their operative positions along track run 10..
The operative positions are locations where roam dividers are
required. At those positions, the walls are suspended from
track run 10 or from additional lateral track runs s.irnilar to
track runs 12 and 14 but usually at right angles to the track
runs 10. This deployment of the walls is illustrated in part
in Figure 9 and will be described more completely hereinafter.
The walls are returned to storage along the track run 7.0 and
through lateral track runs 12 and 14.
The support carriers for the walls are illustrated in
Figs. 2 and 3. Track runs 10, 12 and 14 have the same
configuration with the exception of projections 16 and 18.
'Therefore, corresponding elements in Figs. 2 and 3 will be
identified by the same numbers, track run 10 being illustrated
in Fig. 2 and track run l2 being illustrated in F_ig. 3.
The tracks include an upper wall 20 and depending side
walls 22 and 24. The lower ends of the side walls carry
opposed ledges 26 and 28 which terminate in spaced relationship
to define slot 30. The upper wall and side walls define an
interior space and carriers 32 and 34 are positioned in that
space. The carriers have different constructions and those
differences will be explained hereinafter.
Looking first at Fig. 2, carrier 32 includes a pendant
bolt 36 which extends downwardly through slot 30. The lower
end of bolt is threaded for attachment ,to the actual movable
partition or wall (not shown in Fig. 2). A pair of discs 38
_6'
and 40 are journaled on the bolt 36 for rotation about the
bolt. The underside of each disc has an angled surface 42 and
44 extending completely around the discs 38 and 40. Those
angled surfaces 42 and 44 engage upwardly facing. preferably
similarly angled surfaces 46 and 48. Une angled surface 46 is
part of ledge 26. Angled surface 48 is part of ledge 50
projecting from wall 24, but is spaced horizontally and
vertically from ledge 26. With this arrangement, there is
clearance for bolt 36 and discs 38 and 40 roll on ledges 2.6 and
50 in moving along the track.
Turning now to Fig. 3, carrier 34 also includes a
pendant bolt 52 extending through slot 30 for connection to an
operable wall. Two discs 54 and 56 are journaled on bolt 52,
with the undersides thereof having angled surfaces 58 and 60
engaged with the angle surfaces 46 and 48 in the track in the
same manner and for the same reasons as set forth in connection
with Fig. 2.
To this pointy the carrier and track structure is
generally along the lines of the arrangement disclosed and
claimed in U.S. Patent 3,879,799 which is assigned to the
assignee of this application.
Continuing with reference to Fig. Z, 3 and 4, the
difference in construction between carriers 32 and 34 and the
reasons for that difference will now be explained.
Fig. 4 illustrates a portion of track run 10 in the
area where track run 12 extends laterally from track run 10,
but opens into track run 10 so that there is open communication
for passage of the carriers between track runs 10 and 12.
Track run 14 also opens into track run 10 for transfer of
carriers therebetween.
One of the objects of this i«ve.ntion is to provide a
system which will automatically position the partitions for
storage in a desired orientation, 'this is accomplished by
preventing entry of the carriers into the lateral track runs
for storage unless the partitions are properly oriented.
More specifically, bar 16 is attached to upper wall 20
of track run 10. As can be seen in Fig. 4, this bar is
positioned in the area at which lateral trac4c run 12 opens to
the track run 10. 'the forward facing surface 62 i.s angled and
positioned generally in alignment with slot 30 in track run
12. Carrier 32 extends upwardly but the head 64 of bolt 36,
will ride under bar 16. In contrast, bolt 52 includes an
upper extension, projection 66, which extends above the
uppermost disc 56 into the recess 68 provided in wall 20.
Projection 66 is preferably in the form of a roller journaled
on the end bolt 52. Bar 16 is in the path of movement of
projection 66 in track run 10. when projection 66 engages
surface 62 of bar 16, carrier 39 is diverted into track run 12.
For convenience and clarity of illustration, carrier
34 is shown in track run 12 after it has been diverted and
carrier 32 is illustrated in track run 10 as it clears bar 16.
It will also be noted that disc 54 of the carrier has
a dimensionally reduced portion in the axial direction or
thickness of the disc, as compared to disc 56 and, more
importantly, disc 38. This attributes a cut-out 68 to the
upper side of disc 34 which, when the disc 34 is in track run
1?" clears bar 18. Since recess 68 in track run 12 is open and
free of bar 16 and with disc 34 clearing bar 18, the carrier 34
is free to enter and move along track run 12 until it reaches a
storage position.
In contrast, disc 38 of carrier 32, which occupies the
same relative position in carrier 32 as disc 54 in carrier 34,
does not include a cut-out or relief portion 68. When carrier
32 is at the entrance to lateral run 12, there will be
interference between disc 38 and bar 18 which prevents carriec
32 from entering the lateral track run 12. However, carrier
32, as can be seen in Fig. ?., is free to run in track run 10
until it reaches lateral track run 14. Lateral track run 14 is
free of any projection such as 18 and carrier 32 can be moved
into a storage position.
With this construction, a carrier 32 is positioned in
the leading direction relative to partition movement along
track run 10 toward a storage position. Carrier 34 is
positioned in a trailing position. When moving into storage,
carrier 32 passes lateral track run 12 and reaches lateral
track run 14 at the time carrier 34 reaches lateral track, run
12. Carrier 34 is diverted into lateral track run 12 and the
partitions are then stored in what is commonly referred to as
parallel stacked relationship, i.e., parallel to each other and
to track run 10. The partitions are stored in a preselected
orientation as determined by the leading and trailing carriers.
Fig. S illustrates what is commonly referred to as a
side stack storage arrangement. Here only one lateral track
run l2' is used and track run 10' extends all the way to the
storage area 17'. The carriers 32' and 34' are illustrated
schematically by the shaded circles as they were in Fig. 1.
Carrier 32' passes under bar 16' and bar 18' prevents entry of
carrier 32' into the lateral track run in the manner already
desCrlbed. When carrier 32' reaches its storage position,
carrier 34' will be at the junction of,track rur~ 10' and
lateral track run 12'. In the manner already described, bar
18' will divert the carrier into track run 12'. The carrier
34' will continue in track run 12' to its storage position, the
partition pivoting about carrier 32 to accommodate this
movement.
The embodiment of Figs. 6, 7 and 8 is to illustrate
that the projection in the carriers which operates to divert
the selected carriers into the lateral track runs can be a part
of the disc itself.
In this embodiment, diverter bar 100 is fixed in track
run 102, but at a lower level than was bar 16. Here, bar 100
is attached to the lowermost portion 104 of shaped top wall
106. Carrier 108 is shown in track run 110 after it has been
diverted by bar 100. Carrier 108 has an upper disc 112, the
outer wall 119 of which extends upwardly in cylindrical fashion
to provide an enlarged upper portion as compared to the carrier
discs already described and to be described. This enlarged
upper portion provides a projection which will engage bar 100
and will be diverted thereby to direct carrier 108 into lateral
track 110. Disc 116 retains the cut-out portion 120 to clear
bar 118 in lateral track 110.
Carrier 122 is illustrated in track run 102. Upper
disc 124 has a reduced axial dimension and head 126 of bolt 128
is recessed in disc 124 so that the disc and the bolt clear, bar
100 allowing carrier 122 to continue along track run 102. Disc
130 has a full thickness in an axial direction, as did disc 38
so that it will engage bar 118, preventing carrier 122 from
entering lateral track run 110.
The preferred embodiment has been described in
connection with movement into and out of storage. The same
system of diverters in main track runs and blocking bars in
lateral track runs can also be used in applications where the
10
lateral track runs are operable runs far l7anging particular
t.ralls in a described location. 'this system can be used to
insure that only desired wal l , for example, fire-rated or
acoustical, can be moved into certain operative positions.
Fig. 9 illustrates such an arrangement. In this
figure, carriers 32 and 34 have been shown schemaf:ically by
shaded circles superimposed on main track runs and lateral
track runs. The track runs form two cross-overs 130, 132 and a
T-section 134 for illustrative purposes. Carriers 32 and 34
will have the configurations of Figs. 2 and 3 and deflector bar
16 and obstructing bars 18 are placed in various positions for
illustrative purposes. The lateral track runs 136, 138, 140,
142, and 144 are at right angles to main track runs 146, 148,
150 and 152.
By varying the types of carriers attached to the
operable walls, automatic selection of operable walls for
positioning is possible. In Fig. 9, only walls with carriers
34 can enter lateral runs 136, 138, bars 18 preventing entry of
carrier 32. At cross-over 132, only panels with carriers 39
can enter lateral run 142, again bars 18 preventing entry of
carriers 32. Only panels with carriers 32 will be capable of
moving into lateral run 190 and continuing past cross-over 132
for entry to lateral run 144 or continued movement through
track run 152.
Fig. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment. In this
embodiment, a pivotal arm 160 extends through the track wall
and is supported on ledge 162 by pin 164. The arm is free to
pivot about pin 164 between the full line position A and the
dotted line positions B and C. In position A, it will engage
the uppermost disc or bolt end and, by virtue of angled face
166, divert that carrier into track 168. The arm is moved by
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-11-
the carrier further into the track to position C and divert the
carrier into track 168. Diverted carriers, or panels, rnay have
been moved into storage by means of other track sections. When
these diverted channels are moving from storage along track
section 170, the arm 160 will be engaged by the upper disc and
is free to be moved to position B, by the disc or bolt,
allowing the carrier to pass. Tension springs 172 and 179 are
mounted between arm 160 and supports 176 and 178 and cooperate
to bias arm 160 into position A, which is its neutral or normal
position. The opening through which the arm extends into track
170 is bounded by edges 184 and 186. Edge 186 functians as a
stop for arrn 160 to establish position C at which the carrier
is diverted. Track sections 168 and 170 are provided with bars
180 and 182 to prevent unwanted carriers from entering track
sections 168 and 170, respectively.
The possible combinations and operational set-ups are
virtually without limit, but can be achieved in a simple and
effective manner. Panels may be provided only with carriers 32
or 34, or as in a storage application with one carrier 32 and
one carrier 34.
Although this invention has been illustrated and
described in connection with particular embodiments thereof, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
changes and modifications rnay be made therein without departing
from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the
appended claims.
