Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02838196 2013-12-30
ANGLED WALL CONNECTION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The Field of the Invention
This invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for connecting
panels, such as panels of wall modules, partitions, and walls, including
modular walls.
Background and Relevant Art
Commonly, the general shape of a building can constrain the shape of an
office or a living space. For instance, a typical building can have
approximately
vertical walls and approximately horizontal floors and ceilings, which can
define the
building's envelope. Particularly, the walls can be approximately
perpendicular to the
floors and ceilings. Hence, the shape of interior spaces, such as office or
living
spaces, can be at least partially defined by the exterior shape of the
building's
envelope.
Typical buildings also can include internal partitions or walls, which can
define individual spaces within the building. For example, a number of
partitions can
define office spaces, conference rooms, utility rooms, etc. Usually,
partitions or walls
that define individual spaces also have approximately perpendicular
orientation
relative to the building's floor. As such, in some instance, occupants of the
individual
spaces may have a perception of confinement. Accordingly, there are a number
of
disadvantages in modular walls and partitions that can be addressed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and
apparatus for forming individual spaces within a building. More specifically,
implementations can involve partitions and/or walls that can define an
individual
space, which can produce a perception for occupants that the individual space
is larger
than actual dimensions thereof. As such, the occupants of the individual space
can
have a perception or experience of being in an individual space that is non-
confining
or less confining than a conventional individual space.
Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the
invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will
be
CA 02838196 2013-12-30
2
obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such
exemplary
implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly
pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more
fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned
by
the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other
advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular
to description
of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to
specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
For
better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference
numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not
therefore to be
considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained
with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawings in
which:
Figure IA illustrates a perspective view of a wall module in accordance with
one implementation of the present invention;
Figure 1B illustrates another perspective view of the wall module of Figure
1A;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a modular wall installation in
accordance with one implementation of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the modular wall installation of Figure
2;
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a modular wall installation in accordance
with one or more implementations of the present invention; and
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a modular wall installation in
accordance with at least one implementation of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and
apparatus for forming individual spaces within a building. More specifically,
implementations can involve partitions and/or walls that can define an
individual
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3
space, which can produce a perception for occupants that the individual space
is larger
than actual dimensions thereof. As such, the occupants of the individual space
can
have a perception or experience of being in an individual space that is non-
confining
or less confining than a conventional individual space.
For example, the walls that define the individual space can include one or
more angled panels oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to a floor
and/or a
ceiling of such individual space. Particularly, in at least one
implementation, the
angled panels can form an obtuse angle with an interior portion of the floor
(i.e.,
relative to the floor inside the individual office space). Accordingly, the
angled
lo panels also
can form an acute angle with an interior portion of the ceiling, which is
parallel to the interior portion of the floor. In any event, the angled panels
can angle
outward from the interior of the individual space.
Consequently, the walls formed by the angled panels can provide an increased
space at an upper portion of the individual space as compared with the lower
portion
thereof. Increased space in the upper portion of the individual space (i.e.,
the volume
differential between the upper and lower portions) may provide a perception of
openness inside the individual space. Moreover, volume differential between
the
upper and lower portions can provide an appearance that the individual space
is larger
than the actual dimensions thereof.
Additionally, implementations can include modular or non-modular walls. In
other words, the walls may have one or more wall modules, which can connect
together in any number of suitable configurations, to form modular walls.
Similarly,
in at least one implementation, a single wall module can include one or more
angled
panels secured thereto or incorporated therein. In
alternative or additional
implementations, the angled panels can couple to and/or between multiple wall
modules. In any case, however, the builder or installer can easily position
and
reposition wall modules and/or the angled panels to configure and/or
reconfigure the
shape, use, or any number of other parameters of an individual space.
Figures 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary modular wall 100. For convenience of
description, references will be made to the modular wall 100. It should be
appreciated, however, that a wall installation may be modular or non-modular
(e.g., a
permanent installation), unless specifically described otherwise. In one
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implementation, the modular wall 100 can include one or more vertical
supports, such
as vertical supports 110 (e.g., vertical supports 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d).
Implementations also can include angled panels 120 connected to and between
the
vertical supports 110.
For example, the vertical supports 110 can have an angled face 111 and a base
112. Particularly, the angled face 111 can be oriented at an acute angle
relative to the
base 112. For example, the angled face 111 can face an interior of the
individual
space. Accordingly, the angled face 111 can be angled outward relative to the
interior
of the individual space. The installer can position or set the base 112 on a
support
surface, such as a floor.
The vertical supports 110 can have any number of suitable configurations,
which can vary from one implementation to another. For instance, the base 112
of the
vertical supports 110 can have a width of about 12" to 36". Hence, in one or
more
implementations, the vertical supports 110 can include a frame and multiple
panels
(e.g., panels 113, 114, 115, 116) connected to the frame in a manner that at
least
partially conceals the frame. It should be appreciated that in some instances
the panel
115 can form or define the angled face 111. In any event, the builder or
installer can
form the vertical supports 110 that have any suitable appearance.
Specifically, the
builder can choose a suitable color, pattern, transparency or translucency,
and other
appearance characteristics for the panels that connect to the frame of the
vertical
supports 110.
It should be appreciated that the panels can removably connect to the vertical
supports 110. Consequently, the panels can detach from the frame of the
vertical
supports 110 to allow for reconfiguration of the vertical supports 110.
Particularly,
after detaching current panels from the frame of the vertical supports 110,
the installer
can connect replacement panels thereto. Hence, for example, the installer can
match
and/or coordinate the panels of the vertical supports 110 with interior of the
individual
space.
Moreover, the panels of the vertical supports 110 also can provide additional
support and/or rigidity for the vertical supports 110. Accordingly, the frame
of the
vertical supports 110 can be smaller than a similar vertical support that does
not
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include panels. In any event, the vertical supports 110 can have sufficient
strength
and/or rigidity to support the angled panels 120.
More specifically, in at least one implementation, the angled panels 120 can
connect to the angled face 111 of the vertical supports 110. For example, the
angled
5 panels 120
may be oriented approximately parallel relative to the angled face 111 of
the vertical supports 110. As such, the angled panels 120 can form an obtuse
angle
with the floor inside the individual space.
The angled panels 120 can connect to the vertical supports 110 in any number
of suitable ways. For example, the installer can fasten the angled panels 120
to the
vertical supports 110 (e.g., with screws, bolts, rivets, etc.). In some
instances, the
angled panels 120 can detachably or removably connect to the vertical supports
110.
Accordingly, the installer can detach and/or replace the angled panels 120
from the
modular wall 100. Consequently, the installer can easily modify the
configuration of
the modular wall 100 into any suitable configuration.
Moreover, the angled panels 120 can connect to the vertical supports 110 in
any number of suitable locations and orientations. For example, the angled
panels
120 can pass through the panel 114 and panel 115 of each of the vertical
supports 110
and can connect to the frame and/or to the panel 114 and/or panel 115 of the
vertical
supports 110. Accordingly, the panels 114, 115, and the angled panels 120 can
interconnect together and can increase rigidity and stability of the modular
wall 100.
Although the angled panels 120 are shown as substantially planar, it should be
appreciated that this disclosure is not so limited. In one example, the angled
panels
120 can have a non-planar configuration. For instance, the angled panels 120
can
have a waive-like shape.
The angled panels 120 can comprise any number of materials, which may vary
from one implementation to another. In one example, the angled panels 120 can
include glass, thermoplastic resin, similar material, or combinations thereof,
which
can be at least partially transparent and/or translucent. It should be
appreciated,
however, that the angled panels 120 can include any number of materials that
may be
opaque or substantially opaque. In any case, the installer can coordinate the
selection
of suitable angled panels 120 with, for example, the design of the building
and/or of
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the individual space by connecting suitable angled panels 120 to the vertical
supports
110.
In one or more implementations, the angled panels 120 can include
substantially rigid materials. Alternatively, however, the angled panels 120
can
include flexible and/or sheet-like materials. For example, the angled panels
120 can
comprise a fabric, film, or similar thin and/or flexible material.
Furthermore, the
angled panels 120 comprising a thin and/or flexible material can be stretched
between
adjacent vertical supports 110 (e.g. between the vertical supports 110a and
the vertical
supports 110b), such that the angled panels 120 acquire and maintain a
substantially
planar configuration or shape. Alternatively, the angled panels 120 may be
partially
stretched between the adjacent vertical supports 110, in a manner that at
least a
portion of the angled panels 120 sags or droops out of the planar
configuration.
Furthermore, the particular shape of the vertical supports 110, angled panels
120, and/or of the modular wall 100 can vary from one implementation to the
next
and can depend, for example, on particular suitability for a specific
installation and/or
individual space. In one example, the angled panels 120 and/or the modular
wall 100
may have an approximately rectangular shape.
Additional or alternative
implementations can include the angled panels 120 that have a square, oval, or
any
number of suitable shapes.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that the angled panels 120 can completely
or partially cover the space between the adjacent vertical supports 110. For
instance,
the angled panels 120 together with the vertical supports 110 can form a
substantially
uninterrupted modular wall 100. Alternatively, however, the angled panels 120
may
partially cover or close the space between the adjacent vertical supports 110,
such as
to leave an opening. For example, a bottom of the angled panels 120 may be
offset
from the floor, in a manner that forms a gap between the floor and the bottom
of the
angled panels 120. Also, the angled panels 120 may have a shape that is
different
from the shape formed by the space between the vertical supports 110 (e.g., an
oval
shape), and the difference between the shapes can form one or more openings in
the
modular wall 100.
In one or more implementations, the modular wall 100 includes the angled
panels 120 oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the floor of the individual
space. As
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mentioned above, the angled panels 120 can connect to the base 112, which may
define the angle between the angled panels 120 and the floor. In at least one
implementation, the angled panels 120 can connect to one or more other
portions of
the vertical supports 110 (e.g., angled panels 120 may pass through the
vertical
supports 110). Thus, the angled panels 120 may be oriented relative to the
floor at a
different angle than the base 112.
For instance, the base 112 can be approximately parallel to the floor, while
the
angled panels 120 may form an acute or obtuse angle with the floor.
Alternatively,
the angled panels 120 may be approximately perpendicular relative to the
floor. In
any event, the angled panels 120 can connect to the vertical supports 110,
while a
portion of the vertical supports 110 and/or the angled panels 120 that define
the
individual space can have a suitable orientation relative to the floor in such
individual
space.
In at least one implementation, the vertical supports 110 may have sufficient
length and/or width (i.e., length and width of the base 112) to provide
sufficient
stability to the modular wall 100 without any additional connections or
structures to
secure the modular wall 100. For instance, once interconnected together with
the
angled panels 120, the vertical supports 110 can have sufficient stability to
stand on
their own without any additional connections. In one or more implementations,
for
additional stability, the base 112 of the vertical supports 110 can connect to
the floor
(e.g., the installer can bolt or otherwise anchor the base 112 to the floor).
In additional or alternative implementations, the modular wall 100 can include
a weighted support extension 130, which can increase the stability of the
modular wall
100. In one implementation, the weighted support extension 130 can extend away
from the base 112 and into the individual space. Additionally or
alternatively, the
weighted support extension 130 can extend away from the base 112 and may
remain
outside or on the exterior of the individual space. In any event, the weighted
support
extension 130 can increase the surface area of the modular wall 100 that is in
contact
with the floor, thereby increasing the stability of the modular wall 100
relative to the
floor.
In one or more implementations, the weighted support extension 130 can
connect (e.g. bolt or otherwise anchor) to the floor, thereby securing the
modular wall
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8
100 to the floor. Alternatively, however, the weighted support extension 130
can
have sufficient weight and/or surface area to provide stability to the modular
wall 100
relative to the floor. Consequently, the installer can easily position and
reposition the
modular wall 100 to configure and reconfigure individual spaces without
damaging or
otherwise modifying the floor for anchoring the modular wall 100 thereto.
Moreover, the modular wall 100 also can provide one or more functional
components for the occupants of the individual space and/or for the occupants
of the
building generally. For instance, the weighted support extension 130 can
include a
bench or a seating surface 140. In additional or alternative implementations,
the
weighted support extension 130 can include a work surface (e.g., a desk, a
table, etc.),
a storage compartment, a bed (e.g., a bunk bed), and the like. As noted above,
the
weighted support extension 130 and functional components connected thereto or
defined thereby can be on the interior and/or on the exterior of the
individual space.
Additional or alternative implementations can include any number of features
or elements that can secure and/or stabilize the vertical supports 110
relative to the
floor. For instance, one or more guy-wires can connect any of the vertical
supports
110 to the floor, the ceiling, and/or each other, thereby providing sufficient
stability to
maintain the modular wall 100 stable relative to the floor, the ceiling,
and/or each
other. Consequently, in some instances, the installer can secure the vertical
supports
110 such that the base 112 rest on the floor and remain stable relative
thereto.
Alternatively, the installer can abut a top portion of the vertical supports
110 against
the ceiling and/or can suspend the vertical supports 110 between the floor and
the
ceiling with guy-wires.
Similarly, the weighted support extension 130 also may interconnected
together to provide additional structural rigidity and/or stability for the
modular wall
100. For instance, one or more guy-wires can interconnect together the
weighted
support extension 130 to provide additional rigidity to the modular wall 100.
Also,
the guy-wires can connect the weighted support extension 130 to the floor,
thereby
securing the modular wall 100 to the floor.
As mentioned above, the modular walls can connect together to form or define
an individual space. Moreover, such individual space can be fully enclosed or
at least
partially open. For example, Figures 2-3 illustrate an individual space 150
defined by
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a modular wall installation 105, which includes modular wall 100a and a
modular
wall 100b. Except as otherwise described herein, the modular wall 100a and the
modular wall 100b and their respective materials, elements, or components can
be
similar to or the same as the modular wall 100 (Figures 1A-1B) and its
respective
materials, elements, and components. For example, each of the modular wall
100a
and the modular wall 100b can comprise multiple vertical supports 110
connected
together in a similar or in the same manner as in the modular wall 100
(Figures IA-
1B).
In some instances, the individual space 150 can have the modular walls 100a,
100b connected to and/or set on (or supported by) a floor 160 thereof.
Furthermore,
the modular wall 100a and the modular wall 100b can connect together with one
or
more connecting elements, such as crossbeams 170. The crossbeams 170 can
provide
additional stability and/or rigidity to the modular walls 100a, 100b. In one
or more
implementations, the crossbeams 170 can have a non-parallel orientation
relative to
the floor 160. For instance, the crossbeams 170 can have a first portion
thereof
oriented at a first angle 180a relative to an angled face 111a of the modular
wall 100a,
and a second portion thereof oriented at a second angle 180b relative to an
angled face
ii lb of the modular wall 100b.
For example, the first and second angles 180a, 180b can be approximately 90 .
Additional or alternative implementations can include the first and second
angles
180a, 180b that can be acute or obtuse. Moreover, the crossbeams 170 can
comprise a
single unitary, elongate element or member. In
additional or alternative
implementations, the crossbeams 170 can include any number of interconnected
elements, which together can connect the modular wall 100a to the modular wall
bOb.
In one example, one, some, or each of the crossbeams 170 can include two
portions connected together or integrated with one another. Such portions can
connect to the respective, opposing modular walls 100a, 100b. Moreover, such
portions can have a non-parallel orientation relative to each other in a
vertical plane
(or in a vertical direction). For instance, the first and second portions of
the
crossbeams 170 can form an obtuse angle therebetween. It should be appreciated
that
CA 02838196 2013-12-30
the crossbeams 170 can form any number of suitable angles in any number of
planes
or directions.
Furthermore, the crossbeams 170 can allow the installer to secure one or more
panel thereto, which can define or form a ceiling in the individual space 150.
5 Particularly, the top panels 190 can connect to the crossbeams 170 in a
manner that
forms the ceiling of the individual space 150. In one implementation, the
ceiling
formed by the top panels 190 can include openings between the top panels 190.
Alternatively, however, the top panels 190 can form a ceiling without
openings. In
other words, the top panels 190 can abut one another in a manner that forms
10 substantially uninterrupted ceiling.
Also, the top panels 190 can connect to the crossbeams 170 in any number of
suitable positions and/or orientations. For example, the top panels 190 can
pass
through the crossbeams 170. Moreover, the top panels 190 can be oriented
relative to
the angled faces 111a, 111b at approximately the same angle as the top panels
190
(e.g., at the first and second angles 180a, 180b). In any event, the
crossbeams 170,
top panels 190, angled panels 120, and combinations thereof can connect
together the
individual vertical supports 110 to form the modular wall 100a and modular
wall
100b that can be connected together to define the individual space 150.
Furthermore, the crossbeams 170 can have any number of suitable shapes. In
one example, the crossbeams 170 can have an approximately rectangular or
square
cross-sectional shape. In additional or alternative implementations, the
crossbeams
170 can have a C shape, a U shape, or can be an I-beam. Also, in lieu of or in
addition to the crossbeams 170, the installer can connect the modular wall
100a and
the modular wall 100b with one or more cables. For example, a cable can
connect the
modular wall 100a and the modular wall 100b together and can connect each to
the
floor 160 and/or to another support surface of the building. In any event, the
crossbeams 170 can connect together the modular wall 100a and the modular wall
100b.
Also, it should be appreciated that the angled panels 120 positioned on the
opposing modular walls 100a, 100b can have a non-parallel orientation relative
to
each other. More specifically, the panels 120 on the modular wall 100a can be
at a
non-parallel orientation relative to the panels 120 on the modular wall 100b
in a
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11
vertical place or a vertical direction. For instance, the panels 120 on the
modular wall
100a and the panels 120 on the modular wall 100a can form an acute angle
therebetween.
As mentioned above, the crossbeams 170 can comprise a single member or
multiple members. Furthermore, the crossbeams 170 comprising multiple members
can have such members oriented relative to one other in any suitable manner.
Hence,
the crossbeams can position and orient the respective opposing modular walls
connected thereby. For instance, Figure 4 illustrates a modular wall
installation 105a,
which has crossbeams 170a including a first portion 171a, and a second portion
172a.
Except as otherwise described herein, the modular wall installation 105a and
its
materials, elements, or components can be similar to or the same as the
modular wall
installation 105 (Figures 2-3) and its respective materials, elements, and
components.
For example, the modular wall installation 105a can include modular walls
similar to
or the same as any of the modular walls 100, 100a, 100b (Figures 1A-3)
connected
together by the crossbeams 170a.
In one implementations, as described above, the crossbeams 170a can be
oriented approximately perpendicular relative to the angled faces of the
opposing
modular walls. In other words, the first and second portions 171a, 172a, can
have a
nonparallel orientation relative to the floor. In addition, the 171a, 172a
also can have
a nonparallel orientation relative to each other. In one example, the 171a,
172a can
form an angle 182, which can be an obtuse angle. Alternatively, the angle 182
can be
90 or can be an acute angle, as may be suitable for a particular
installation.
Some implementations can include modular walls or portions thereof (e.g.,
angled panels) that have an approximate parallel orientation relative to one
another in
a horizontal plane. In other words, the width of the individual space defined
between
such opposing wall modules at any given height thereof can remain
approximately
constant along the length thereof. Alternatively, a nonparallel orientation of
the 171a,
172a relative to each other in the horizontal plane or direction can produce
or
facilitate a nonparallel orientation in the horizontal plane or direction of
the opposing
modular walls connected by the crossbeams 170a. That is, a nonparallel
orientation
of the opposing modules can produce the width of the wall module that varies
along
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12
the length thereof (e.g., the floor space of the individual space may be wider
at one
end as compared with the opposing end thereof).
The modular wall installations described above involved two opposing wall
modules connected together. It should be appreciated that this disclosure is
not so
limited. Particularly, a modular wall installation can include any number of
wall
modules connected together. For instance, connecting together four modular
walls
can form an approximately square- or rectangular-shaped individual space.
Figure 5 illustrates a partial view of a modular wall installation 105b that
includes four modular walls connected together, which define an approximately
rectangular individual space 150b. Except as otherwise described herein, the
modular
wall installation 105b and its materials, elements, or components can be
similar to or
the same as any of the modular wall installations 105, 105a (Figures 2-4) and
their
respective materials, elements, and components. For example, the modular wall
installation 105b can include modular walls 100c, 100d, 100e and a fourth
modular
wall (not shown) similar to or the same as any of the modular walls 100, 100a,
100b
(Figures 1A-3) connected together by the crossbeams.
Particularly, the modular walls 100c, 100d, 100e and a fourth modular wall
(not shown) can define a completely enclosed individual space 150b, which can
have
an approximately rectangular shape. As described above, however, the modular
wall
installation can have any number of wall modules that together can form any
suitable
shape (e.g., square, polygonal, rounded, such as round, oval, etc., and other
shapes).
Implementations also can include one or more doors (e.g., a door 200) or other
entrance and/or exit components, which can allow an occupant to enter and exit
the
individual space 150b.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described
embodiments are
to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The
scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by
the
foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
