Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MODULAR WALL SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The
present invention relates to a wall panel system. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a moveable non-progressive mountable and
demountable
wall panel system for butt-glazed wall panels.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fixed
wall systems, moveable wall systems, and non-progressive wall
systems are very well known in the art.
[0003] Some
problems associated with fixed wall systems are the inability to
displace and/or move the fixed wall systems once they are mounted; the
inability to
readily install pass through components (wiring, etc.) after the fixed wall
systems have
been mounted; and the inability to readily change aspects and features of the
fixed wall
systems once they are installed. Furthermore, fixed wall systems are also
disadvantageous because their installation is quite lengthy. For example, for
conventional
gyproc walls, one must first install supporting studs, then affix gyproc
panels thereto, then
plaster thereon, wait for drying of the plaster, sanding subsequently and then
finishing the
surfaces of the gyproc walls. It is well known in the art that the mounting of
such fixed wall
systems usually extends over several days and requires a great deal of manual
labor,
which is thus very inefficient and very cost ineffective.
[0004] Some of
the problems associated with moveable wall systems are that,
very often, their components are over-engineered (e.g. too heavy), different
and
specialized tooling is required for assembling such moveable wall systems, and
the
moveable wall systems generally comprise various different components which
are not
readily interchangeable. As a result of the above-mentioned, installation of
such
moveable wall systems is generally quite lengthy and cumbersome. Furthermore,
it is well
known in the art that such moveable wall systems, by virtue of their design,
offer
generally very poor sound proofing, light proofing and/or vibration proofing.
[0005] Some of
the problems associated with non-progressive wall systems are
the inability to independently change, move, and/or alter a particular
component of the
non-progressive wall system without affecting the other components operatively
connected to said particular component. Indeed, by virtue of their design, non-
progressive
wall systems generally have several components which are intricately connected
to one
another and thus prevent one particular component thereof from being changed,
moved,
and/or altered without disturbing the other components of the non-progressive
wall
system.
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[0006]
Furthermore, with several conventional wall panel systems, certain
components thereof need to be anchored (penetrated, nailed, screwed, etc.)
into the floor
or the ceiling, which leads to substantial drawbacks, such as holes in the
floor and/or
corresponding carpet, damages to property, etc. Moreover, it is also known
that in some
jurisdictions, when components of wall panel systems are permanently affixed
to the
infrastructure of a building, they become the property of the building owner,
which is very
undesirable for the owners and/or users of such wall panel systems. It is also
known that
in large corporations, the different departments need to be restructured on a
regular
basis, therefore, leading to a frequent reorganization of office spaces, with
associated
inconveniences. Therefore, it would be very useful to have a prefabricated and
modular
wall panel construction system that could be assembled without being
permanently
affixed to an infrastructure of a building, and could be easily moveable and
demountable,
from one location to another, whether within the same building, or from one
building to the
next, without leaving any adverse or destructive effects behind.
[0007] Known to
the Applicant are the following American documents which
describe 5 different wall panel systems and accessories: 2,387,389; 2,394,443;
2,822,898; 3,040,847; 3,048,882; 3,057,005; 3,057,444; 3,141,189; 3,159,866;
3,228,160; 3,234,582; 3,302,353; 3,305,983; 3,352,078; 3,363,383; 3,381,436;
3,411,252; 3,566,559; 3,585,768; 3,670,357; 3,675,382; 3,697,028; 3,722,026;
3,802,480; 3,829,930; 3,925,933; 4,027,714; 4,037,380; 4,067,165; 4,086,734;
4,103,463; 4,104,829; 4,109,429; 4,167,084; 4,263,761; 4,277,920; 4,282,631;
4,399,644; 4,449,337; 4,450,658; 4,555,880; 4,625,476; 4,640,072; 4,703,598;
4,757,657; 4,825,610; 4,873,741; 4,907,384; 4,914,880; 5,042,555; 5,056,577;
5,125,201; 5,159,793; 5,161,330; 5,207,037; 5,212,918; 5,228,254; 5,237,786;
5,379,560; 5,381,845; 5,433,046; 5,467,559; 5,491,943; 5,542,219; 5,603,192;
5,644,877; 5,644,878; 5,735,089; 5,845,363; 5,875,596; 5,881,979; 5,996,299;
6,047,508; 6,088,877; 6,094,872; 6,112,485; 6,115,968; 6,141,925; 6,167,937 B1
;
6,122,871; 6,170,213 B1 ; 6,176,054 Bl; 6,185,784 Bl; 6,209,610 B1 ; 6,329,591
B2;
6,336,247 B1 ; 6,349,516 B1 ; 6,405,781 B2; 6,493,995 B2; 6,530,181 Bl;
6,571,519 B1 ;
6,889,477 Bl; 7,021,007 B2; 7,293,389 B2; 7,520,093 B2; 7,624,549 B2;
2002/0053166
Al; 2002/0088188 Al; 2002/0157335 Al; 2003/0014853 Al; 2004/0003556 Al;
2005/0000164 Al; 2006/0277850 Al; 2007/0017065 Al; and 2008/0202030 Al.
[0008] Known to
the Applicant are also the following foreign documents: CA
2,002,674; FR 1,450,017; FR 1,526,637 and GB 2,171,135 A.
[0009] A
movable and demountable wall panel system for framed wall panels,
that is, substantially rectangular shaped wall panels comprising opposite top
and bottom
distance channels, and opposite side vertical posts, with outer covers, having
been
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designed by the Applicant of the present case, is the one described in US
patent No.
6,688,056 B2 granted on February 10, 2004, to VON HOYNINGEN HUENE et al. More
particularly, this document describes a moveable and demountable wall panel
system
including a plurality of panels each having opposite top and bottom distance
channels,
opposite left and right vertical posts, a panel covering, a ceiling rail, and
an articulating
floor channel. The distance channels and vertical posts are affixed to one
another by
connecting studs in order to form a rectangular support frame of the panel.
The
articulating floor channel is operatively connected to a bottom portion of the
rectangular
support frame by left and right glide assemblies mounted into receiving
channels of the
left and right vertical posts respectively. The articulating floor channel is
used for
operatively securing the rectangular support frame of the panel to a ground
surface. Each
vertical post has at least one receiving lip extending along a direction
substantially
parallel to the vertical axis of the panel.
[0010] Despite
several improvements in the field, when assembling office spaces
using frameless butt-glazed wall panels, these office spaces are still built
using a very old
and conventional "stick-built" or "knock-down" approach. That is, one
generally goes on
site, takes the different measurements, including floor and/or ceiling
deviations, where the
office space is to be assembled, will then generally manufacture corresponding
glass
panels of different heights and widths in order to accommodate or compensate
for these
different particular deviations, and will assemble the office space in a very
progressive
manner, on site. By assigning each specific glass panel of different
dimensions to a
corresponding place where it is assigned to, and afterward adjusting
positioning, height
and vertical displacement of each one of said different types of glass panels
in a manual
manner, using a plurality of shimmies that are inserted accordingly under each
of said
glass panels in an attempt to have an overall uniform wall panel assembly, and
compensate for possible floor and/or ceiling deviations. Obviously, this
approach is not
only very long, but quite cumbersome from a logistical point of view, as well
as being very
labor intensive, and is not very efficient when having to assemble several
office spaces in
large corporations.
[0011] None of
the above-mentioned patents seem to disclose or even suggest a
movable non-progressive mountable and demountable wall panel system which is
designed to assemble "frameless" butt-glazed wall panels in a very fast, easy,
convenient, proper, systematic and cost-effective manner, thereby avoiding the
corresponding drawbacks of the "stick-built" approach of conventional wall
panel
systems.
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[0012] Hence,
in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved
system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to
overcome or at
least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
SUMMARY
[0013] Some
embodiments relate to a wall panel of a moveable and demountable
frameless wall panel system that is secured between a floor of a room and a
ceiling rail
secured to a ceiling of the room. The wall panel includes a frameless panel,
an upper
clamp assembly, a ceiling track configured to be removably inserted into the
ceiling rail, a
lower clamp assembly, a first height adjustment mechanism secured to the lower
clamp
assembly, a second height adjustment mechanism, and a bottom floor channel
receiving
the first height and second height adjustment mechanisms.
[0014] Some
embodiments relate to moveable and demountable wall panel
systems for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels
disposable in a
substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having
respectively a
series of uppermost and lowermost deviations, each wall panel having a
vertical axis and
a horizontal axis, and comprising: at least
one prefabricated frameless panel, each
panel having a given height defined between top and bottom edges, and a given
width
defined between left and right side edges, the top edge of each panel being
provided with
a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding
ceiling rail
extending along the ceiling and delimiting the office space;
[0015] a bottom
floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and
being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the
ceiling rail
extending along the ceiling;
[0016]
integrated first and second power-drivable height adjustment assemblies
associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor
channel,
each height adjustment assembly comprising a support edge for operatively
supporting a
bottom portion of each panel, each height adjustment assembly being
selectively
operable as to be adjustably raised or lowered, thereby allowing a vertical
height
adjustment of each panel and a rotational angle adjustment thereof; and
[0017] at least
one connecting plate for removably connecting a pair of bottom
floor channels, each connector and bottom channel being positioned, shaped and
sized
with respect to one another for ensuring that the side edges of a pair of
neighboring
prefabricated frameless panels cooperate with one another in order to define
the office
space.
[0018] Some
embodiments provide a prefabricated, modular and frameless butt-
glazed wall panel construction system that can be moveable and demountable,
from one
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location to another, without a "stickbuilt" approach, and without leaving any
adverse or
destructive effects behind.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
method of using the above-mentioned wall panel system and/or components
thereof.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
method of installing the above-mentioned wall panel system and/or components
thereof.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an
office space having been defined with the above-mentioned wall panel system
and/or
components thereof. According to another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a kit with corresponding components for assembling the above-
mentioned office
space.
[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
also
provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit.
According to
yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method
of doing
business with the above-mentioned wall panel system, kit and/or corresponding
method (s).
[0023] The objects, advantages and other features of the present
invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of
preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only,
with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an office space assembly having
been
assembled with a wall panel system according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention, the office space assembly being shown with butt-glazed wall panels
and a pair
of corresponding doors.
[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a butt-glazed frameless wall
panel
cooperating with a ceiling rail according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2.
[0027] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a top portion of what is shown in
Figure 3.
[0028] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is shown
in Figure
3.
[0029] Figure 6 is a partial top perspective view of an assembly of a
pair of butt-
glazed wall panels disposed along a 180 -angle connection according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the assembly being shown without a
ceiling cover
so as to better illustrate the ceiling track of each wall panel.
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[0030] Figure 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of an assembly of a
pair of
butt-glazed wall panels disposed along a 180 -angle connection according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the assembly being shown without a bottom
cover
so as to better illustrate the bottom channel and height adjustment assemblies
of each
wall panel, as well as the connecting plate interconnecting extremities of a
pair of bottom
channels according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given segment of
what is
shown in Figure 7.
[0032] Figure 9 is a partial bottom perspective view of an assembly of a
pair of
butt-glazed wall panels disposed along a 90 -angle connection according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the assembly being shown without bottom
covers
so as to better illustrate the bottom channel and height adjustment assemblies
of each
wall panel, as well as the connecting plate interconnecting extremities of a
pair of bottom
channels according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given segment
of what is
shown in Figure 9.
[0034] Figure 11 is a partial top perspective view of an assembly of
butt-glazed
wall panels disposed along a 3-way connection according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention, the assembly being shown with corresponding ceiling
covers.
[0035] Figure 12 is a partial bottom perspective view of an assembly of
butt-
glazed wall panels disposed along a 3-way connection according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the assembly being shown with
corresponding
bottom covers.
[0036] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given segment
of what is
shown in Figure 12.
[0037] Figure 14 is a partial bottom perspective view of a butt-glazed
wall panel
assembly disposed along a three-way connection according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention, the assembly being shown with corresponding bottom
covers.
[0038] Figure 15 is a side elevational view of a butt-glazed wall panel
assembly
disposed along a three-way connection according to a preferred embodiment of
the
present invention, the wall panel assembly being shown with top and bottom
covers.
[0039] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 15.
[0040] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 18 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
17.
[0042] Figure 19 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 17.
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[0043] Figure 20 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure
17.
[0044] Figure 21 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
Figure 18,
the height adjustment assembly being now shown in a raised configuration.
[0045] Figure 22 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
Figure 21,
the height adjustment assembly being now shown in a lowered configuration.
[0046] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a height adjusting rod
provided with a
pair of distal bushings according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] Figure 24 is a side elevational view of the height adjusting rod
shown in
Figure 23.
[0048] Figure 25 is a front plan view of what is shown in Figure 24.
[0049] Figure 26 is a side elevational view of one of the bushings shown
in Figure
23.
[0050] Figure 27 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure
26.
[0051] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly
according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height
adjustment
assembly being shown in a lowered configuration.
[0052] Figure 29 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure
28, the
height adjustment assembly being now shown with certain parts having been
removed so
as to better illustrate inner components of the height adjustment assembly.
[0053] Figure 30 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
28, the
height adjustment assembly being now shown in a raised configuration.
[0054] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
30.
[0055] Figure 32 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
Figure 30,
the height adjustment assembly being now shown in a lowered configuration.
[0056] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
32.
[0057] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly
according
to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Figure 35 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
34.
[0059] Figure 36 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
Figure 34.
[0060] Figure 37 is a side elevational view of some of the components
shown in
Figure 36.
[0061] Figure 38 is a front elevational view of one of the components
shown in
Figure 37.
[0062] Figure 39 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 38.
[0063] Figure 40 is a perspective view of one of the components shown in
Figure
37.
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[0064] Figure 41 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly
according
to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height
adjustment
assembly being shown with certain components having been removed therefrom so
as to
better illustrate inner components of the height adjustment assembly.
[0065] Figure 42 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 41.
[0066] Figure 43 is a perspective view of a connecting plate provided
with four
projections and an anchoring hole about the center point according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] Figure 44 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 43.
[0068] Figure 45 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
43.
[0069] Figure 46 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure
43, the
projections of the connecting plate being now provided with corresponding
nuts, and the
connecting plate being further provided with a threaded anchor extending
downwardly
from a center point of the connecting plate according to a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0070] Figure 47 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 46.
[0071] Figure 48 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
46.
[0072] Figure 49 is a side elevational view of a wall panel assembly
provided with
butt-glazed distraction markers according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0073] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
49.
[0074] Figure 51 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 49.
[0075] Figure 52 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 50.
[0076] Figure 53 is a perspective view of a complementary accessory
assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] Figure 54 is an exploded view of the component shown in Figure
53.
[0078] Figure 55 is a side view of what is shown in Figure 53.
[0079] Figure 56 is a side view of what is shown in Figure 54.
[0080] Figure 57 is a side elevational view of a wall panel assembly
being
provided with butt-glazed snap-on wood shelves according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention.
[0081] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
57.
[0082] Figure 59 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 58.
[0083] Figure 60 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 58.
[0084] Figure 61 is a perspective view of a complementary accessory
assembly
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] Figure 62 is an exploded view of the components shown in Figure
61.
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[0086] Figure 63 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
61.
[0087] Figure 64 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
62.
[0088] Figure 65 is a partial view of a wood shell provided with a
hooking plate
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] Figure 66 is a perspective view of the hooking plate shown in
Figure 65.
[0090] Figure 67 is a front plan view of what is shown in Figure 66.
[0091] Figure 68 is a side elevational view of a wall panel assembly
being
provided with butt-glazed snap-on glass shells according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention.
[0092] Figure 69 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
68.
[0093] Figure 70 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 68.
[0094] Figure 71 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 69.
[0095] Figure 72 is a perspective view of a complementary accessory
assembly
according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] Figure 73 is an exploded view of the component shown in Figure
72.
[0097] Figure 74 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
72.
[0098] Figure 75 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
73.
[0099] Figure 76 is a side elevational view of a sliding door assembly
operatively
mounted onto a ceiling track and comprising a sliding wood door according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[00100] Figure 77 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
76.
[00101] Figure 78 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 76.
[00102] Figure 79 is a perspective view of a sliding door mounting
bracket
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00103] Figure 80 is a partial top view of a sliding door assembly
operatively
mounted onto a corresponding ceiling track and ceiling rail according to
another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, some of the components being shown in an
exploded relationship, including sliding door mounting bracket and wood door.
[00104] Figure 81 is a side elevational view of a sliding door hardware
being
shown in an exploded relationship with a corresponding sliding door mounting
bracket
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00105] Figure 82 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a given
segment of
what is shown in Figure 78.
[00106] Figure 83 is a perspective view of what is shown in Figure 76.
[00107] Figure 84 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of what is
shown in
Figure 83.
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[00108] Figure 85 is a perspective view of the bottom guide plug shown in
Figure
84.
[00109] Figure 86 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given segment
of what is
shown in Figure 84.
[00110] Figure 87 is a side elevational view of a sliding door assembly
operatively
mounted onto a ceiling track and ceiling rail and comprising a sliding glass
door according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00111] Figure 88 is a schematic side view of what is shown in Figure 87.
[00112] Figure 89 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given segment
of what is
shown in Figure 88.
[00113] Figure 90 is a partial top perspective view of a sliding door
assembly
operatively mounted onto a corresponding ceiling track and ceiling rail and
comprising a
sliding glass door according to yet another preferred embodiment of the
present
invention, some of the components shown in an exploded relationship with
respect to
others so as to namely better illustrate a corresponding glass clamp according
to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00114] Figure 91 is a side elevational view of a sliding door hardware
being
shown in an exploded relationship with respect to a corresponding glass clamp
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00115] Figure 92 is a top plan view of a rightmost portion of what is
shown in
Figure 91.
[00116] Figure 93 is a partial side elevational view of a rightmost
portion of what is
shown in Figure 91.
[00117] Figure 94 is a perspective view of the upper glass clamp shown in
Figure
90, the upper glass clamp being shown provided with a height adjustment
fastener.
[00118] Figure 95 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure
94.
[00119] Figure 96 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
94.
[00120] Figure 97 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
Figure 94.
[00121] Figure 98 is a partial bottom perspective view of a glass sliding
door
assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, some
of the
components being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to others so
as to
better illustrate a bottom glass clamp according to a preferred embodiment of
the present
invention.
[00122] Figure 99 is a perspective view of a bottom glass clamp shown in
Figure
98.
[00123] Figure 100 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure
99.
[00124] Figure 101 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
99.
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[00125] Figure 102 is a side elevational view of a pair of glass post
panels being
assembled onto one another according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[00126] Figure 103 is an enlarged view of a top portion of what is shown
in Figure
102.
[00127] Figure 104 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 102.
[00128] Figure 105 is a bottom plan view of a pair of glass post panels
being
assembled onto one another according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[00129] Figure 106 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given segment
of what
is shown in Figure 105.
[00130] Figure 107 is a partial top view of a three-way glass post panel
assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00131] Figure 108 is a partial bottom view of a three-way glass post
panel
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00132] Figure 109 is a side elevational view of a three-way glass post
panel
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
[00133] Figure 110 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 109.
[00134] Figure 111 is a cross-sectional view of a glass post panel three-
way
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00135] Figure 112 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
Figure 111.
[00136] Figure 113 is a perspective view of a wall panel assembly
including a solid
panel and a glass post panel assembled onto one another according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[00137] Figure 114 is an enlarged view of a top portion of what is shown
in Figure
113.
[00138] Figure 115 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 113.
[00139] Figure 116 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
113.
[00140] Figure 117 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 116.
[00141] Figure 118 is a perspective view of a wall panel assembly
including a door
post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00142] Figure 119 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
118.
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[00143] Figure 120 is a side elevational view of a wall panel assembly
comprising
two solid panels assembled onto one another according to a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention.
[00144] Figure 121 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 120, an outer shell of one of the solid panels having been removed so
as to better
illustrate inner components of the assembly.
[00145] Figure 122 is a perspective view of a post connection clip
according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00146] Figure 123 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure
122.
[00147] Figure 124 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 122.
[00148] Figure 125 is a side elevational view of a solid panel metallic
frame
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solid panel
metallic
frame being shown with an adjustable bottom cover.
[00149] Figure 126 is a side view of what is shown in Figure 125.
[00150] Figure 127 is a perspective view of an intermediate distance
channel
shown in an exploded relationship with a vertical post of a solid panel
metallic frame
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00151] Figure 128 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled
configuration of what
is shown in Figure 127.
[00152] Figure 129 is a side elevational view of a solid panel according
to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00153] Figure 130 is a partial enlarged view of some of the components
of a solid
wall panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, some
of the
components being shown in an exploded relationship.
[00154] Figure 131 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a solid wall
panel
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00155] Figure 132 is a perspective view of what is shown in Figure 131.
[00156] Figure 133 is a perspective view of a solid panel metallic shell
hooking
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00157] Figure 134 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure
133.
[00158] Figure 135 is a cross-sectional view of a solid panel
MDF/stackable and
glass pole panel assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[00159] Figure 136 is a cross-sectional view of a solid panel
MDF/stackable and
glass pole panel assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the
present
invention.
[00160] Figure 137 is a partial perspective view of a wall panel being
provided with
hooking channels according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
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[00161] Figure 138 is an exploded view of what is shown in Figure 137.
[00162] Figure 139 is a schematic representation of a hooking bracket
cooperating
with a horizontal hooking channel of a wall panel according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention.
[00163] Figure 140 is a partial view of a wall panel being provided with
a pair of
hooking brackets, one of said hooking brackets being shown in a hooked
configuration
within the horizontal hooking channel, and the hooking bracket being shown in
intermediate configuration.
[00164] Figure 141 is a side elevational view of a wall panel assembly
disposed
along a clear story configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention.
[00165] Figure 142 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a top portion
of what is
shown in Figure 141.
[00166] Figure 143 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is
shown in
Figure 141.
[00167] Figure 144 is a fragmentary perspective view of a framed glass
panel
being provided with a dropdown cover according to a preferred embodiment of
the
present invention.
[00168] Figure 145 is a bottom perspective of what is shown in Figure
144, the
framed glass panel being now without a bottom cover.
[00169] Figure 146 is a side view of a framed wall panel being provided
with a
spring-loaded dropdown cover according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention.
[00170] Figure 147 is a cross-sectional view of a framed wall panel being
provided
with a spring-loaded dropdown cover according to another preferred embodiment
of the
present invention.
[00171] Figures 148 and 149 are perspective views showing a butt-glazed
frameless wall panel system during installation according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention.
[00172] Figure 150 is an exploded view of a pre-assembled frameless wall
panel
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00173] Figure 151 is a perspective view of an upper clamp assembly of
the pre-
assembled wall panel of Figure 150.
[00174] Figure 152 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly
of the
pre-assembled wall panel of Figure 150.
[00175] Figure 153 is a perspective view of a door frame according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
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[00176] Figure 154 is an enlarged view of area 154-154 of Figure 153.
[00177] Figure 155 is a top view of the enlarged area of Figure 149.
[00178] Figure 156 is an enlarged view showing top portions of adjacent
frameless,
butt-glazed wall panels according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[00179] Figure 157 is a sectional view taken along line 157-157 of Figure
156.
[00180] Figure 158 is a front view of an upper interconnect of Figure 157
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00181] Figure 159 is a side view of the upper interconnect of Figure 158
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00182] Figure 160 is an enlarged view showing lower portions of adjacent
frameless, butt-glazed wall panels according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention.
[00183] Figure 161 is a top view of the lower interconnect of Figure 160
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00184] Figure 162 is a side view of the lower interconnect of Figure 161
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00185] Figures 163-167 show a height adjustment assembly, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00186] Figure 168 shows a frameless wall panel system, according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[00187] Figure 169-171 show rail and tile systems usable with the wall
panel
system of Figure 168.
[00188] Figure 172 shows a back view of the wall panel system of Figure
168.
[00189] Figure 173 is a sectional view along line 173-173 of Figure 168.
[00190] Figures 174 and 175 are enlarged views of portions of Figure 172.
[00191] Figures 176 and 177 show components of an electrical outlet
assembly of
the wall panel system of Figure 168, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00192] In the following description, the same numerical references refer
to similar
elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned
and/or
dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are
preferred
embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.
[00193] Moreover, although the present invention as exemplified
hereinafter was
primarily designed for wall systems intended in work environments, for
defining office
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spaces, etc., it could be used with other objects and for other purposes, as
apparent to a
person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "work",
"office", "space",
"wall", "panel" and any other references and/or other expressions equivalent
thereto
should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and include
all other
objects and all other applications with which the present invention could be
used and may
be useful.
[00194]
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions
"system", "kit", "set", "assembly", "product" and "device", as well as any
other equivalent
expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art will be used
interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also
for any other
mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "mount", "assemble",
"define",
"build", "erect", etc.; b) "wall", "panel", etc.; c) "office", "work space",
"environment",
"structure", "enclosure", etc.; d) "rotating", "driving", "displacing",
"moving", "supporting",
"conveying" etc.; e) "interchangeable", "modular", "progressive", etc.; f)
"enable", "allow",
"permit", etc.; g) "fastening", "securing", "attaching", "anchoring",
"adjusting",
"positioning", etc.; h) "hole", "bore", "slot", "slit", "groove", "cavity",
etc.; i) "rotating",
"pivoting", "turning", "rolling", etc.; j) "ceiling", "upper, "top", etc.; k)
"floor", "lower,
"bottom", etc.; k) "glass", "laminate", "panel", "gypsum", "board", etc.; I)
"positioning",
"spacing", "locating", "arranging", "disposing", etc.; m) "adjacent",
"neighbouring",
"sequential", etc.; n) "components", "parts", "elements", etc.; as well as for
any other
mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions
and/or to
any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as
also apparent to
a person skilled in the art.
[00195]
Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered
that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and
"mountable",
may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit
with
corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled office
space.
[00196]
Moreover, in the context of the present description, it is also important to
make the distinction between a "framed" wall panel which typically consists of
a
substantially rectangular shape, and comprises opposite top and bottom
distance
channels, and opposite left and right vertical posts, which make the "frame"
of the framed
wall panel, and a "frameless" wall panel, which is a wall panel deprived of
such distance
channels and vertical posts (e.g. a straightforward glass panel not having a
frame around
it, etc.), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
[00197] In
addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components, and
although the preferred embodiment of the wall panel system as shown consists
of certain
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geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of
these
components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not
be taken
in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of
the present
invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the
art, that other
suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable
geometrical configurations may be used for the wall panel system and
corresponding
components according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained
hereinafter
and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without
departing
from the scope of the invention.
[00198] List of
numerical references for some of the corresponding preferred
components illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
301. wall panel system
303. office space
305. wall panel
307. floor
309. ceiling
311. vertical axis
313. horizontal axis
315. wall panel
317. height
319. top edge
321. bottom edge
323. width
325. side edge
325a. left side edge
325b. right side edge
326. top clamp assembly
327. ceiling track
329. ceiling rail
331. bottom floor channel
333. height adjustment assembly
334. first vertical member
335. support edge
336. second vertical member
337. connecting plate
338. third vertical member
339. base
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340. fourth vertical member
441. first end cap
441a. first end cap component (of first end cap 441)
441b. second end cap component (of first end cap 441)
443. second end cap
443a. first end cap component (of second end cap 443)
443b. second end cap component (of second end cap 443)
445. height adjusting rod
447. first threaded segment
449. second threaded segment
451. first adjustment leg
451a. recessed portion
452. second extremity
452a. first extremity
453a. recessed portion
453. second adjustment leg
455. runner component
457. runner component
459. pivot axis
461. first bushing
463. second bushing
465. fastener
466. worm gear
466a. worm gear
467. socket
469. first clamp
471. second clamp
472. lower clamp assembly
473. gasket location
475. connector
477. notch
479. bushing
481. longitudinal axis
483. center point
485. projection
487. hole
489. nut
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491. setscrew
493. hole
495. pointed tip
497. anchoring hole
499. anchor
501. projecting element
503. extremity (of projecting element)
505. longitudinal groove
507. ceiling cover
509. bottom cover
511. gasket
513. through-hole
515. complementary accessory
517. bushing
517b. bushing
519b. first threaded stud
521b. second threaded stud
519. first threaded stud
521. second threaded stud
523. washer
525. distraction marker
527. snap-on wood shell
529. hooking knob
531. hanging plate
533. hanging hook
535. hole
537. snap-on glass shell
539. stand-off stud
541. sliding door assembly
543. sliding door
545. sliding door hardware
547. sliding door mounting bracket
549. bottom guide plug
551. bottom floor seal
551a. spring
553. sliding glass door
555. glass clamp
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555a. upper glass clamp
555b. bottom glass clamp
557. height adjustment fastener
559. bottom floor seal
561. gasket
563. tightening assembly
565. soft-top mechanism
567. framed wall panel
569. bottom distance channel
571. dropdown cover
573. spring
575. vertical post
577. post connection clip
579. slot
581. intermediate distance channel
583. outer covering (or metallic shell)
585. inner hanging component
587. stiffening component
589. hooking channel
591. hooking bracket
593. hooking portion
595. hanging portion
597. groove
599. complementary wall panel
800. sliding door frame
802. first jamb
804. second jamb
806. header
810. clamp assembly
812. cover assembly
813. receiving channel
820. first portion
822. second portion
900. upper bracket
902. first vertical leg
904. second vertical leg
906. apertures
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908. self-tapping screws
930. lower bracket
932. apertures
950. glass post panel
952. three way glass post panel assembly
954. glass post three way panel assembly
956. wall panel assembly
980. wall panel assembly
982. door post
990. solid panel MDF/stackable and glass pole panel assembly
992. solid panel MDF/stackable and glass pole panel assembly
1002. wall panel assembly
1004 framed glass panel
1006. dropdown cover
1008. bottom cover
1010. framed wall panel
1014. framed wall panel
1102. wall structure
1104. wall structure
1106. layer
1120. nut
1120a. nut
1202. vertical shaft
1204. vertical shaft
1591. stacked components
[00199] By
virtue of its design and its components, the present wall panel system
is a moveable non-progressive mountable and demountable wall panel system,
particularly well suited for mounting frameless wall panels, such as butt-
glazed wall
panels, for example, in a very quick, easy and systematic manner, something
that is not
possible with conventional wall panel systems.
[00200] Indeed,
the present invention is the next and innovative generation of wall
panel systems, being a considerable improvement over other wall panel systems,
such
as, for example, the one designed by the Applicant of the present case, and
described in
US patent No. 6,688,056 B2 granted on February 10th, 2004, to VON HOYNINGEN
HUENE et al., the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[00201] Broadly
described, the wall panel system (301) according to the preferred
embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, is a
moveable
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and demountable wall panel system (301) for defining an office space (303)
with a
plurality of wall panels (305) disposable in a substantially upright manner
between a floor
(307) and a ceiling (309) each having respectively a series of uppermost and
lowermost
deviations, each wall panel (305) having a vertical axis (311) and a
horizontal axis (313),
and comprising:
[00202] at least
one prefabricated frameless panel (315), each panel (315) having
a given height (317) defined between top and bottom edges (319,321), and a
given width
(323) defined between left and right side edges (325a,325b), a pair of top
clamp
assemblies (326) secured to the top edge (319) of each panel (305) such that
the top
edge (310) is provided with a ceiling track (327) configured for being
removably insertable
into a corresponding ceiling rail (329) extending along the ceiling (309) and
delimiting the
office space (303);
[00203] a bottom
floor channel (331) associated with each corresponding panel
(315) and being configured for operatively resting against the floor (307)
opposite to the
ceiling rail (329) extending along the ceiling (309);
[00204]
integrated first and second power-drivable height adjustment assemblies
(333) associated with each panel (315) and insertable into a corresponding
bottom floor
channel (331), each height adjustment assembly (333) comprising a support edge
(335)
for operatively supporting a bottom portion of each panel (315), each height
adjustment
assembly (333) being selectively operable as to be adjustably raised or
lowered, thereby
allowing a vertical height adjustment of each panel (315) and a rotational
angle
adjustment thereof by virtue of a pivot axis (459), as illustrated for example
in Figure 18;
and
[00205] at least
one connecting plate (337) for removably connecting a pair of
bottom floor channels (331), each connecting plate (337) and bottom floor
channel (331)
being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to one another for ensuring
that the side
edges (325) of a pair of neighboring prefabricated frameless panels (315)
cooperate with
one another in order to define the office space (303). An example of a
resulting office
space (303) is shown in Figure 1.
[00206]
According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, and as better
shown in Figures 2-27, each height adjustment assembly (333) may comprise a
scissors-
type height adjustment mechanism including: a) a base (339); b) opposite first
and
second end caps (441,443) projecting from the base (339); c) a height
adjusting rod (445)
being rotatively mounted about the end caps (441,443), the height adjusting
rod (445)
having first and second threaded segments (447,449) each being oppositely
threaded
with respect to one another; and d) first and second adjustment legs
(451,453), the first
adjustment leg (451) having a first extremity (452a) pivotably mounted onto a
runner
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component (455) threadedly engaged onto the first threaded segment (447) of
the height
adjusting rod (445) and a second extremity (452) pivotably mounted onto the
support
edge (335), and the second adjustment leg (453) having a first extremity
(452a) pivotably
mounted onto a runner component (457) threadedly engaged onto the second
threaded
segment (449) of the height adjusting rod (445) and a second extremity (452)
pivotably
mounted onto the support edge (335), such that a rotation of the common height
adjusting rod (445) along a first direction causes a raising of the support
edge (335), and
a rotation of said common height adjusting rod (445) along a second and
opposite
direction causes a lowering of the support edge (335).
[00207]
Preferably, the second extremities 452 of the first and second adjustment
legs (451,453) are pivotably mounted onto a bottom portion of the support edge
(335)
about a common pivot axis (459), as better shown in Figures 17, 18, 21 and 22.
[00208]
Preferably also, the adjustment legs (451,453) comprise recessed portions
(451a,453a) for avoiding the height adjusting rod (445) when the adjustment
legs
(451,453) are drawn down into a lowered configuration, as can be easily
understood
when referring to Figures 17, 18 and 22.
[00209] The
height adjusting rod (445) can be manufactured in a great number of
ways, but according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it
comprises first
and second separate rod components being provided with the first and second
threaded
segments (447,449) respectively, the first rod component comprising an
extremity with a
male component being securely insertable into a female component of a
corresponding
extremity of the second rod component , as can be easily understood when
referring to
Figures 22-25.
[00210]
Referring to Figures 17-27, it is shown how the height adjusting rod (445)
can be rotatively mounted about first and second bushings (461,463) provided
on the first
and second end caps (441,443) respectively, although other suitable mounting
methods
may be used according to the present invention. Figure 20 provides an
illustration of the
first bushing (461), for example, while Figure 17 provides an illustration of
the second
bushing 461.
[00211]
According to a preferred embodiment, each end cap (441,443) comprises
a first end cap component (441a,443a) being removably connectable via at least
one
corresponding fastener (465) onto a second end cap component (441b,443b) being
fixed
to the base (339) of the height adjustment assembly (333), as can be easily
understood
from Figures 17 and 20.
[00212] As also
shown in Figure 20, at least one distal extremity of the height
adjusting rod (445) is provided with a socket (467) for receiving a
corresponding insert of
a driving tool, but preferably, both extremities of the height adjusting rod
(445) are
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provided with a socket (467) for receiving a corresponding insert of a driving
tool, so as to
namely enable to operate the height adjustment assembly (333) from both sides
thereof.
[00213]
Preferably, and as can be easily understood from Figures 3-22, each
socket (467), height adjusting rod (445) and support edge (335) of each height
adjustment assembly (333) lie substantially in a same vertical plane, under a
corresponding wall panel (305,315).
[00214]
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, and as also
shown for example in Figures 17 and 19, each height adjustment assembly (333)
comprises opposite first and second clamps (469,471) to define a lower clamp
assembly
(472) for clamping a bottom portion of a corresponding wall panel (315).
Preferably, inner
surfaces of the first and second clamps (469,471) are provided with a gasket
at location
(473), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 6, 7 and 17.
[00215] As
better shown in Figures 17-22, each height adjustment assembly (333)
comprises at least one connector (475) extending between the first and second
clamps
(469,471). Preferably, each connector (475) is a clamp screw being configured
with
respect to the first and second clamps (469,471) for urging said clamps
(469,471)
towards one another via a corresponding rotation of the clamp screw. Each
connector
(475) may be provided with a bushing (479), and in such a case, the bushing is
preferably
a nylon bushing (479), although other suitable components and materials may be
used
according to the present invention.
[00216]
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom edge of
each prefabricated frameless panel (315) is provided with at least one
positioning notch
(477) for cooperating with a corresponding connector (475), which is part of
the clamp
assembly (472). Each notch (477) is preferably prefabricated onto each panel
(315) in a
precise manner using an appropriate method. While the notch(es) (477) are not
visible,
for example, in Figures 7 and 9, an embodiment of the notch (477) can be seen
in Figure
150. Among other advantages, the presence of such positioning notches (477)
enable to
easily and precisely place each panel (315) onto a corresponding pair of
height
adjustment assemblies (333), as can be easily understood when referring to
Figures 7
and 9, for example. In this regard, each height adjustment assembly (333) is
preferably
made symmetrical along a longitudinal axis (481) thereof.
[00217]
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, each
height adjustment assembly (333) is a power-drivable height adjustment
assembly (333)
being selectively adjustable via a power drill through a corresponding socket
(467) of the
height adjustment assembly (333). The socket (467) of the height adjustment
assembly
(333) may extend in a substantially parallel relationship with respect to the
support edge
(335) thereof, as explained earlier, and as exemplified in Figures 17-22.
Alternatively, the
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socket (467) of the height adjustment assembly (333) may extend in a
substantially
traverse relationship with respect to the support edge (335) thereof.
[00218]
Obviously, various other types of suitable height adjustment assemblies
(333) and cooperations with remaining components of the present wall panel
system
(301) may be used according to the present invention, as apparent to a person
skilled in
the art. As way of an example, reference is made to Figures 28-33, among
various
alternatives, there is shown a telescopic height adjustment assembly (333)
including a
telescoping screw-type height adjustment mechanism the adjustment mechanism
including a first substantially vertical member (334) that is cylindrical in
shape and has
inner threads and outer threads, a second substantially vertical member (336)
that is
cylindrical in shape and has inner and outer threads, and a third
substantially vertical
member (338) that is cylindrical in shape and has inner and outer threads. The
third
vertical member (338) is telescopically received in the second vertical member
(336) and
the second vertical member (336) is telescopically received in the first
vertical member
(334). If desired, greater or fewer telescoping members (e.g., a fourth
vertical member
(340) telescopically received in the third vertical member 338) are provided.
Actuation of
the adjustment mechanism (e.g., using a worm gear) includes rotating the
first, second,
and third members (334,336,338) relative to one another to telescopically
extend the third
member (338) from the second member (336) and the second member (336) from the
first member (334).
[00219] In other
embodiments, as shown in Figures 34-42, the system (301)
includes a double-shaft height adjustment assembly (333) including a screw-
type height
adjustment mechanism. As illustrated, the double-shaft height adjustment
assembly
(333) includes a first vertical shaft 1202 extending upwards from a base 339
and a
second vertical shaft 1204 extending upwards from a base 339. The first
vertical shaft
1202 and the second vertical shaft may be rotated by rotating the worm gear
467. The
first vertical shaft 1202 can engage a first nut 1120a, which is disposed
within the second
clamp 471 while the second vertical shaft 1204 can engage a second nut 1120,
which is
disposed within the first clamp 469. As seen, the nuts 1120, 1120a are
disposed against
rotation within the first clamp 469 and the second clamp 471, respectively,
and thus
rotation of the first and second vertical shafts 1202, 1204 can cause the
clamps 469, 471
to move vertically in response to rotation of the worm gear 467.
[00220]
Preferably, each prefabricated frameless panel (315), each bottom floor
channel (331) and each height adjustment assembly (333) associated with each
wall
panel (305) are delivered on site in a "pre-assembled" manner, prior to the
assembling of
the wall panels (305,315) together on site in order to define the office space
(303), in
order to facilitating and expedite installation. It should also be understood
that according
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to some embodiments each frameless panel (315) is further pre-assembled with
each top
clamp assembly (326), and each ceiling track (327) associated with each wall
panel (305)
in a "pre-assembled" manner. In other words, the wall panels (305) are
provided on site
for installation with the bottom floor channels (331), height adjustment
assemblies (333),
top clamp assemblies (326), and ceiling tracks (327) pre-attached, or
otherwise pre-
assembled to the frameless panels (315).
[00221]
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, and as
better shown in Figures 43-48, each connecting plate (337) is a non-invasive
connecting
plate (337) having a center point (483). By "non-invasive", it is meant that
the connecting
plate (337) need not be anchored (penetrated, nailed, screwed, etc.) onto the
floor,
except in areas subject to earthquakes, in which case, legislation may require
a
corresponding anchoring to the floor, that is why the present connecting plate
(337) may
also come in a "seismic" version, as explained hereinbelow.
[00222]
Preferably, each connecting plate (337) comprises a plurality of projections
(485) disposed about the center point (483), each projection (485) being
positioned,
shaped and sized for receiving a corresponding positioning hole of a
neighboring bottom
floor channel (331) of the wall panel system (301), the positioning between a
pair of
adjacent projections (485) being configured so as to ensure proper positioning
between
adjacent wall panels (305,315) of the system when corresponding bottom floor
channels
(331) are connected to one another via a same connecting plate (337), as can
be easily
understood when referring to Figures 7 and 9, for example
[00223] As
better shown in Figures 43-48, each projection (485) is preferably a
threaded projection configured for receiving a corresponding nut (489) for
removably
securing an adjacent bottom floor channel (331) against the connecting plate
(337). The
radial angle (0) originating from the center point (483) of the connecting
plate (337) and
extending between a pair of adjacent projections (485) is substantially the
same
throughout the connecting plate (337). In the case where the connecting plate
(337)
comprises first and second projections (485), the radial angle (0) between
adjacent
projections (485) is about 180 . In the case where the connecting plate (337)
further
comprises third and fourth projections (485), and the radial angle (e) between
adjacent
projections is about 90 .
[00224] When the
present wall panel system (301) is used on a carpeted floor,
each connecting plate (337) is preferably a carpet gripper. Preferably also,
each
projection (485) comprises a setscrew (491) threadedly engageable into a
corresponding
hole (493) of the connecting plate (337), and each setscrew (491) preferably
further
comprises a pointed tip (495) for inserting between fibers of a corresponding
carpet of the
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floor (307), so as to avoid damaging or leaving marks on the carpet, as can be
easily
understood by a person skilled in the art.
[00225] In the
case connecting plate (337) is intended to be used as a seismic
connecting plate (337), the seismic connecting plate (337) preferably
comprises an
anchoring hole (497) disposed about the center point (483) for receiving
therein a
threaded anchor (499) or other suitable component configured for extending
downwardly
and anchoring the seismic connecting plate (337) onto the floor (307).
[00226] As shown
in Figures 43-48, each connecting plate (337) preferably has a
substantially octagonal shape, although other suitable shapes and forms may be
used
depending on the particular applications for which the present wall panel
system (301) is
used, and the desired end results, as can be easily understood by a person
skilled in the
art.
[00227] As
exemplified in the various accompanying drawings, the wall panel
(305,315) comprises a ceiling rail (329) associated with each wall panel
(305,315), the
ceiling rail (329) being removably mountable onto the ceiling (309), shown in
Figure 1, in
a suitable manner, as is well known in the art, such as with Caddy clips, for
example.
The ceiling rail (329) is illustrated, for example, in Figures 6 and 11. As
shown in the
figures, the ceiling rail (329) is preferably substantially U-shaped, and
comprises a pair of
projecting elements (501) having extremities (503) being slanted towards one
another, as
shown in Figure 4, for example.
[00228]
Preferably, the ceiling track (327) of each prefabricated frameless wall
panel (305,315) is an extruded profiled ceiling track (327) being
substantially
complementary in shape to that of the ceiling rail (329), and comprises a pair
of
longitudinal grooves (505) for receiving a corresponding pair of projecting
elements (501)
of the ceiling rail (329). As shown in Figures 4 and 150, the ceiling track
(327) is
optionally secured to the top edge (319) of the panel (305) by a pair of top
clamp
assemblies (326). Figure 151 is an enlarged view of the clamp assembly (326).
In some
embodiments, the pair of top clamp assemblies (326) are laterally spaced apart
a similar
distance to that of the pair of lower clamp assemblies (472). Each of the top
clamp
assemblies (326) is substantially shorter in length than the ceiling track
327, for example
being about the same length as the lower clamp assemblies (472). In other
embodiments, each panel (305) includes a pair of ceiling tracks (327) that
have lengths
substantially less than the overall width of the panel (305), each of the pair
of ceiling
tracks (327) secured to a corresponding top clamp assembly (326).
[00229] As
exemplified in the various accompanying drawings, such as Figures 4
and 11, the wall panel system (301) preferably comprises a ceiling cover (507)
associated
with each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305,315), the ceiling cover
(507) being
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removably mountable onto the ceiling track (327) of said prefabricated
frameless wall
panel (305,315) in a variety of suitable manners, as apparent to a person
skilled in the
art. Similarly, the wall panel system (301) comprises a bottom cover (509)
associated with
each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305,315), the bottom cover (509)
being
removably mountable onto the bottom floor channel (331) of said prefabricated
frameless
wall panel (305,315), in a variety of suitable manners, as apparent to a
person skilled in
the art. The bottom cover (509) is illustrated, for example, in Figures 12 and
13.
[00230]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, each
prefabricated frameless wall panel (305,315) is a frameless glass panel
(305,315) for
defining a frameless butt-glazed assembly (303), as exemplified in Figure 1,
for instance.
Preferably, a gasket (511) is provided between adjacent side edges (325) of
neighboring
panels (305,315), as shown in Figure 8, for example.
[00231]
Referring now to Figures 49-75, and according to another preferred aspect
of the present invention, each prefabricated frameless panel (305,315)
comprises at least
one pre-perforated through-hole (513), as seen in Figure 49, for receiving a
corresponding complementary accessory (515). Preferably, the complementary
accessory (515) comprises a bushing (517) insertable into a corresponding
through-hole
(513), the bushing (517) having opposite ends provided with first and second
threaded
studs (519,521) configured for respectively receiving first and second
components of the
complementary accessory (515), as better shown in Figure 56, for example.
Preferably
also, the complementary accessory (515) comprises a washer (523) disposed
between
each end of the bushing (517) and a corresponding component.
[00232]
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
exemplified in Figures 49-56, the complementary accessory (515) comprises a
butt-
glazed distraction marker (525), and at least one of the first and second
components of
the complementary accessory is a distraction marker (525). Preferably, the
complementary accessory (515) comprises a pair of distraction markers (525),
both inner
and outer, as shown.
[00233]
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
exemplified in Figures 57-67, the complementary accessory (515) may comprise a
butt-
glazed snap-on wood shell (527), in which case, at least one of the first and
second
components of the complementary accessory (515) is preferably a hooking knob
(529),
as better shown in Figure 62. Preferably also, the hooking knob (529) is
configured for
receiving a hanging plate (531) of the butt-glazed snap-on wood shell (527),
and the
hanging plate (531) preferably comprises a hanging hook (533), and at least
one hole
(535) for receiving a corresponding fastener, as can be easily understood when
referring
to Figures 65-67.
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[00234]
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
exemplified in Figures 68-75, the complementary accessory (515) may comprise a
butt-
glazed snap-on glass shell (537), in which case, at least one of the first and
second
components of the complementary accessory (515) is preferably a threaded stand-
off
stud (539). Preferably also, the complementary accessory (515) further
comprises
another bushing (517b) having opposite ends provided with first and second
threaded
studs (519b,521b) configured for respectively receiving the threaded stand-off
stud (539)
and a distraction marker (525), as better exemplified in Figures 70-75
[00235] The
prefabricated frameless panels (305) to be used with the present
invention can be of various natures and types, as can be easily understood by
a person
skilled in the art. For example, the prefabricated frameless panels (305)
could be a
suitable laminated panel (305), or as exemplified in the drawings, simply a
glass panel
(305), that is preferably tempered or laminated. However, it is worth
mentioning that
various other suitable types of "frameless" panels (305) may be used and could
be useful
with the present invention, such as for example: gypsum, melamine, MDF, etc.
[00236]
Preferably, and as exemplified in the accompanying figures, namely
Figures 1 and 76-100, the wall panel system (301) comprises a sliding door
assembly
(541) being removably mountable onto the ceiling track (327) of a given
prefabricated
frameless wall panel (305,315) of the wall panel system (301).
[00237] As shown
for example in Figures 76 and 77, the sliding door assembly
(541) preferably comprises a sliding door (543) removably mountable onto a
sliding door
hardware (545) of the sliding door assembly (541) via an upper sliding door
mounting
bracket (547) as illustrated in Figure 78. Preferably, a bottom portion of the
sliding door
(543) is provided with a bottom guide plug (549), as better shown in Figure 84
and 85.
Preferably also, a bottom portion of the sliding door (543) is provided with a
bottom floor
seal (551), and the bottom floor seal (551) may be spring-loaded via a spring
551a so as
to be biased downwardly, as exemplified in Figure 86.
[00238]
Alternatively, and when referring to Figures 87-100, the sliding door
assembly (541) may comprise a sliding glass door (553) removably mountable
onto a
sliding door hardware (545) of the sliding door assembly (541) via a pair of
upper glass
clamps (555a), the sliding door assembly (541) further comprising a height
adjustment
fastener (557) cooperating between the sliding door hardware (545) and each
upper
glass clamp (555a), and configured for selectively adjusting the vertical
distance between
said sliding door hardware and each upper glass clamp (555a), so as to in turn
selectively
adjust the height and angle of the sliding glass door (553) with respect to
the floor (307).
Preferably, the sliding glass door (553) is provided with a pair of bottom
glass clamps
(555b), which in turn are preferably provided with a bottom floor seal (559).
Preferably
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also, opposite inner surfaces of each glass clamp (555) are provided with
corresponding
gaskets (561).
[00239]
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each glass
clamp (555) comprises a tightening assembly (563) for urging the inner
surfaces of the
clamp (555) towards one another via a corresponding tightening of the
tightening
assembly (563), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 89 and
94-100.
[00240] One way
or the other, whether a sliding wooden door (543) or a sliding
glass door (553), the sliding door hardware (545) is preferably provided with
a soft-stop
mechanism, not illustrated.
[00241] Figure
102 is a side elevational view of a pair of glass post panels 950
being assembled onto one another according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention. Figure 103 is an enlarged view of a top portion and Figure 104 is
an enlarged
view of the pair of glass post panels 950. Figure 105 is a bottom plan view of
a pair of
glass post panels being assembled onto one another according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the connecting plate 337 and
the bottom
floor channel 331. Figure 106 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given
segment of
what is shown in Figure 105.
[00242] Figure
107 is a partial top view of a three-way glass post panel 952
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure
108 is a
partial bottom view of the three-way glass post panel assembly 952. Figure 109
is a side
elevational view of the three-way glass post panel assembly 952. Figure 110 is
an
enlarged view of a bottom portion of the three-way glass post panel assembly
952.
[00243] Figure
111 is a cross-sectional view of a glass post panel three-way
assembly 954. Figure 112 is an enlarged view of a portion of the glass post
three-way
panel assembly 954.
[00244] Figure
113 is a perspective view of a wall panel assembly 956 including a
solid panel 970 and a glass post panel 950 assembled onto one another
according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 114 is an enlarged view
of a top
portion of the wall panel assembly 956. Figure 115 is an enlarged view of the
wall panel
assembly 956. Figure 116 is a side elevational view of the wall panel assembly
956.
Figure 117 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the wall panel assembly
956.
[00245]
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each
prefabricated frameless wall panel (305) of the wall panel system (301) has
substantially
the same height and the same width, said same height corresponding to a
predetermined
average height between the floor (307) and the ceiling (309), and each height
adjustment
assembly (333) being selectively adjusted to compensate for deviations between
the floor
(307) and the ceiling (309).
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[00246] In view
of the foregoing, some methods of pre-assembling wall panels
(305) at a manufacturing site for installation between the floor of the room
at the
installation, or job site and the ceiling rail (329) secured to the ceiling of
the room, are
described below. In some embodiments, pre-assembly includes securing a first
one of
the lower clamp assemblies (472), shown in Figure 5, to the front and back of
the
frameless panel (315) at the bottom portion of the frameless panel (315). As
second one
of the lower clamp assemblies (472) is also optionally secured to the bottom
portion of the
frameless panel (315), the first and second clamp assemblies (472) generally
being
located toward opposite sides of the frameless panel (315).
[00247] As
illustrated for example in Figures 7 and 8, the bottom floor channel
(331) is extended in a lengthwise direction between the right and left sides
of the panel
(315) along the bottom of the frameless panel (315). A first one of the height
adjustment
mechanisms (333) is secured to the first one of the lower clamp assemblies
(472) and the
bottom floor channel (331), the first adjustment mechanism (333) being
configured to
selectively modify the vertical position of the frameless panel (315). A
second one of the
height adjustment mechanisms (333) is secured to the bottom floor channel
(331), the
second height adjustment mechanism (333) being configured to selectively
modify a
vertical position of the frameless panel (315) independent of the first height
adjustment
mechanism (333). As illustrated, the first height adjustment mechanism (333)
and the
second height adjustment mechanism (333) can be disposed at opposing bottom
corners
of the frameless panel (315). Thus, during installation, a user (not shown) is
able to
selectively raise the left and right sides of the frameless panel (315) (e.g.,
manually or
using a power tool), according to some embodiments.
[00248] In some
embodiments, the ceiling track (327), shown in Figure 6, is
extended in a lengthwise direction between the right and left sides of the
frameless panel
(315) along the top of the frameless panel (315), the ceiling track (327)
being configured
to be removably inserted into the ceiling rail (329). In particular, one of
the upper, or top
clamp assemblies (326) is secured to the front and the back of the frameless
panel (315)
at the top portion of the frameless panel (315) and the upper clamp assembly
(326) is
secured to the ceiling track (327), using a bolt fastener, for example. In
some
embodiments, a second one of the upper clamp assemblies (326), illustrated in
Figure 4,
is secured to the top portion of the frameless panel (315), the first and
second upper
clamp assemblies (326) being generally located toward opposites sides of the
panel
(315). Following pre-assembly, one or more of the pre-assembled wall panels
(305) are
delivered to the installation site. In some embodiments, a plurality of pre-
assembled wall
panels (305) are provided as a shipping kit or kit of parts to the
installation site with
additional components of the wall panel system (301).
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[00249] As shown
in Figures 148 and 149, some methods of installing the wall
panel system (301) between the floor of the room and the ceiling rail (329)
include
aligning the ceiling track (327) of the pre-assembled wall panel (305) with
the ceiling rail
(329). The ceiling track (327) is removably inserted into the ceiling rail
(329) by angling or
tilting the top of the wall panel (305) forward. The bottom of the wall panel
(305) is the
brought forward and the floor channel (331) is operatively rested against the
floor with the
ceiling track (327) received in the ceiling rail (329). A vertical position of
the pre-
assembled wall panel (305) is then adjusted by actuating one more of the
adjustment
mechanisms (333) with the ceiling track (327) being constrained front to back
by the
ceiling rail (329) while also being able to slide up and down vertically as
the vertical
position of the pre-assembled wall panel (305) is adjusted.
[00250] In some
embodiments, height adjustment is accomplished manually (i.e.,
without the assistance of a powered tool, such as an electric drill). In other
embodiments,
the adjustment mechanisms are actuated using a power tool. In some
embodiments,
(e.g., as shown in Figures 19-22), actuating the adjustment mechanism includes
driving a
first end of a first leg and first end of a second leg toward one another, a
second end of
the first leg being pivotably connected relative to a second end of the second
leg. In
some embodiments (e.g., as shown in Figures 28-33), actuation of the
adjustment
mechanism (e.g., using a worm gear such as the worm gear 466) includes
rotating the
first, second, and third members (334,336, 338) relative to one another to
telescopically
extend the third member (338) from the second member (336) and the second
member
(336) from the first member (334). As illustrated, a bottom cover (509) fits
along the
bottom.
[00251]
According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the present wall
panel system (301) may be used with and further comprises at least one framed
wall
panel (567) to be assembled with at least one other wall panel (305,315,567)
of the wall
panel system (301), whether a "frameless" wall panel (315) or a "framed" wall
panel
(567). The assembling of wall panels (305,315,567) is via corresponding
components, as
exemplified in the accompanying drawings, and preferably, a pair of integrated
and
power-drivable height adjustment assemblies (333) is also associated with each
framed
wall panel (567) and is insertable into (or comes pre-assembled with) a
corresponding
bottom floor channel (331) of the framed wall panel (567), each height
adjustment
assembly (333) comprising a support edge (335) for operatively supporting a
bottom
distance (569) of the framed wall panel (567), so as to selectively raise or
lower the
framed wall panel (567) by raising or lowering the bottom distance channel
(569) thereof
accordingly, thereby allowing a vertical height adjustment of the framed wall
panel (567)
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and a rotational angle adjustment thereof, similarly to each "frameless" wall
panel (315) of
the wall panel system (301).
[00252]
Preferably, the framed wall panel (567) comprises a dropdown cover
(571), said dropdown cover (571) being nestable within the bottom distance
channel
(569) of the framed wall panel (567) and being operable between lowered and
raised
configurations so as to selectively have access to the height adjustment
assemblies (333)
associated with the framed wall panel (567), as can be easily understood when
referring
to Figures 144-147.
[00253]
Preferably, the dropdown cover (571) is spring loaded with a
corresponding spring (573) disposed between the bottom distance channel (569)
and the
dropdown cover (571), so as to urge the dropdown cover (571) towards a lowered
configuration, against the floor (307), as can be easily understood when
referring to
Figures 146 and 147.
[00254] Figure
118 is a perspective view of a wall panel assembly 980 including a
door post 982 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 119
is a side elevational view of the wall panel assembly 980.
[00255]
Referring now to Figures 120-124, first and second neighboring framed
wall panels (567) are connected to one another with at least one post
connection clip
(577) being removably insertable into a pair of slots (579) of adjacent
vertical posts (575).
[00256]
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
framed wall panel (567) comprises an intermediate distance channel (581), and
an outer
covering (583) provided with an inner hanging component (585), the outer
covering (583)
being mounted onto the framed wall panel (567) by hanging the hanging
component
(585) thereof onto the intermediate distance channel (581), as can be easily
understood
when referring to Figures 125-132.
[00257] The
outer covering (583) may be a metallic shell (583), in which case, the
inner hanging component (585) thereof is also preferably a stiffening
component (587) for
providing structural rigidity to the metallic shell (583), as exemplified in
Figures 133 and
134.
[00258] Figure
135 is a cross-sectional view of a solid panel MDF/stackable and
glass pole panel assembly 990 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention including a wall structure 1102 made of a first material.
[00259] Figure
136 is a cross-sectional view of a solid panel MDF/stackable and
glass pole panel assembly 992 according to another preferred embodiment of the
present
invention, including a wall structure 1104 made of a second material and
including a layer
1106.
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[00260]
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
and as better shown in Figures 137-140, the framed wall panel (567) may
comprise a
horizontal hooking channel (589) defined between a pair of stacked components
(1591)
of the framed wall panel (567), the hooking channel (589) being configured for
receiving
at least one hooking bracket (591).
[00261]
Preferably, each hooking bracket (591) comprises a hooking portion (593)
and hanging portion (595), the hooking portion (593) of the hooking bracket
(591) being
complementary in shape to that of the hooking channel (589), and the hooking
channel
(589) preferably comprises a groove (597) being shaped concave upwardly, as
exemplified in Figure 139.
[00262] Figure
141 is a side elevational view of a wall panel assembly 1002
disposed along a clear story configuration according to a preferred embodiment
of the
present invention. Figure 142 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a top
portion of the
wall panel assembly 1002. Figure 143 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion
of the wall
panel assembly 1002.
[00263] Figure
144 is a fragmentary perspective view of a framed glass panel 1004
being provided with a dropdown cover 1006 according to a preferred embodiment
of the
present invention. Figure 145 is a bottom perspective of the framed glass
panel 1004,
the framed glass panel 1004 being now without a bottom cover 1008.
[00264]
Preferably, the wall panel system (301) comprises at least one other
complementary wall panel (599) selected from the group consisting of glass
post panel,
solid panel, door post, metallic frame panel, stackable panel and clear story
panel, so as
to enable a variety of assemblies of different wall panels, as exemplified in
the
accompanying drawings.
[00265] As may
now be better appreciated, the present invention is a substantial
improvement over conventional wall panel systems, as can be easily understood
by a
person skilled in the art when referring to the accompanying drawings, and the
present
description.
[00266] For
example, with respect to the "butt-glazed panel" embodiment of the
present invention, it may have the following components, features,
dispositions,
interrelations, variants and/or resulting advantages, namely: a) modular
panels with a
continuous base cover and ceiling cover; b) continuous cover and ceiling cover
will be
assembled on the job side; c) 3/8" tempered glass with a 1/8" chamber on
vertical edge
for perfect butt joint in 2-way, 3-way or 4-way installation; d) the height of
base cover
stays constant; e) height adjustment of about +/- 1", components travel inside
the floor
channel and base cover; f) height adjustment will be mechanical operating via
power
tools or manual (option 1 - gear box and counter threaded rod; option 2 ¨
rotating, radial
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connected tubular gears; and option 3 ¨ double shaft and gear box); g)
adjustment will be
accessible from both sides of the panel; h) carpet gripper/seismic floor plate
assures
consistent and accurate distance/spacing between adjacent panels; i) carpet
gripper/seismic floor plate allows panel to be placed in any angle; and j)
vertical butt
glazed filler/connector assures rigidity and exclusive design look.
[00267] With
respect to the "carpet gripper/seismic floor attachment" embodiment
of the present invention, it may have the following components, features,
dispositions,
interrelations, variants and/or resulting advantages, namely: a) all panels
are secured to
the floor channel with the threaded carpet gripper; b) holds dimension, keeps
system from
growing on the job side; and c) set screws are used as carpet grippers, but
also to hold
the floor channel in place (in seismic areas, the floor channel is fixed with
a nut on the set
screw and the plate will be bolted to the floor).
[00268] With
respect to the "glass post panel" embodiment of the present
invention, it may have the following components, features, dispositions,
interrelations,
variants and/or resulting advantages, namely: a) glass panels are modular
unitized
panels with a recessed base; b) glass panels accept 1/4" and 3/8" glass; c)
glass panel
frame consists of an aluminum or steel slotted post cladded with aluminum
extrusions; d)
panel to panel connection is achieved by hooking clips inserted into slotted
standard
punched along the vertical edges of the post; e) there will be a approx 3/8"
reveal
between panels; f) top distance channel 2.5" bottom distance channel 3"; g)
height
adjustment of about +/- 1", travelling inside the floor channel - glass is
preferably held in
place by a clamp secured to the frame; h) recessed base with incorporate
spring-loaded
dropdown cover concealing the height adjustment mechanism; i) spring-loaded
dropdown
cover pre-assembled in factory; and j) post and distance channels designed
with a radius
of about 4".
[00269] With
respect to the "solid panel" embodiment of the present invention, it
may have the following the following components, features, dispositions,
interrelations,
variants and/or resulting advantages, namely: a) solid panels are modular
unitized panels
with a recessed base; b) solid panels are stackable; c) solid panel frame is
steel, with
vertical slotting in the post; d) panel to panel connection by clip in steel
slotting post; e)
slotting in the post will also provide way of hanging of different kinds of
accessories (i.e.
overheads, work surfaces, furniture, shelving, etc.) ¨ also, this could be
achieved
horizontally via horizontal track channel; f) shells are clipped or hung with
the stiffeners to
the frame into steel/spring steel clips which are fastened to the inside of
the frame or
hung horizontally; g) recessed base with incorporated spring-loaded dropdown
cover; h)
height adjustment of about +/- 1", traveling inside the floor channel, clamp
is screwed to
the frame; i) height will be adjusted with a power tool from the side of the
panel; j) optional
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continues horizontal hooking channel incorporated in the frame; k) optional
continuous
horizontal hooking channel with stackable panels; and I) total width of
hooking channel is
3/8", slot is shaped round to accept a same shape bracket, designed to prevent
bracket
from falling out.
[00270] With
respect to the "height adjustment assembly" embodiment of the
present invention, it may have the following components, features,
dispositions,
interrelations, variants and/or resulting advantages, namely: a) height
adjustment of about
+/- 1", traveling inside the floor channel, clamp is screwed to the frame or
is clamping 3/8"
or 1/2" glass; b) height will be adjusted with a power tool from the side of
the panel; c) a
gear box assembly operates the counter-threaded rod which in turn operates the
steel,
cross-attached arms which are secured to the glass holding clamps; and d) the
height
adjustment is accessible from both sides.
[00271]
According to the present invention, the wall panel system and
corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such
as metallic
materials (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite
materials,
and/or the like, whereas other components thereof according to the present
invention, in
order to achieve the resulting advantages briefly discussed herein, may
preferably be
made of a suitably malleable and resilient material, such as a polymeric
material (plastic,
rubber, etc.), and/or the like, depending on the particular applications for
which the wall
panel system and resulting working space are intended for and the different
parameters
in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
[00272] As may
now also be further appreciated, the wall panel system according
to the present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that it
provides a
moveable non-progressive mountable and demountable wall panel system,
particularly
well suited for mounting frameless wall panels, such as butt-glazed wall
panels, for
example, in a very fast, easy, convenient, proper, systematic and cost-
effective manner,
thereby avoiding the corresponding drawbacks of the "stick-built" approach of
conventional wall panel systems.
[00273] Of
course, numerous modifications can be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in
the
appended claims. For example, Figures 150-177 show features of a wall panel
system
301, according to some embodiments.
[00274] Figures
150-152 show components of a pre-assembled frameless wall
panel 305, according to some embodiments. As
shown, the wall panel 305 includes
various components similar to those previously described. In some embodiments,
the
pre-assembled frameless wall panel 305 includes a pair of spaced apart, top
clamp
assemblies (326) (shown in greater detail in Figure 151), a pair of ceiling
tracks (327),
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each of which is configured to be secured to a corresponding one of the top
clamp
assemblies (326). The pre-assembled frameless wall panel (305) also includes a
wall
panel (315), a pair of height adjustment assemblies (333) (shown in greater
detail in
Figure 152), and a bottom floor channel (331). While various components are
shown
provided in pairs, greater or fewer than two components are contemplated.
[00275] Figures
153-155 show a sliding door frame (800) for use with the wall
panel system (301). Generally, a sliding door assembly (e.g., such as the
sliding door
assembly (541)) is operatively secured to the sliding door frame (800). As
shown, the
sliding door frame (800) includes a first jamb (802), a second jamb (804), and
a header
(806) extending between the first and second jambs (802, 804).
[00276]
According to some embodiments, the first and second jambs (802, 804)
are mirror images of one another and thus, features of both jambs (802, 804)
are
described in associate with the first jamb (802). Figure 154 is partial view
of the door
frame (800) in area 154-154 designated in Figure 153 and Figure 155 is a top
view of
Figure 154, according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 155, the first
jamb
(802) includes a clamp assembly (810) for clamping an adjacent frameless panel
(not
shown) of the wall panel system (301) and an inner cover assembly (812) for
presenting
an aesthetically pleasing surface to a user of the system (301).
[00277] In some
embodiments, the clamp assembly (810) defines a receiving
channel (813) for clamping onto a vertical edge of an adjacent, frameless
panel, the
clamp assembly (810) including a first portion (820) and a second portion
(822), the first
and second portions (820, 822) being configured to form a complementary fit to
define the
receiving channel (813). As shown, the clamp assembly (810) also includes
retention
members (824, 826) configured to be secured in an opposing manner to the first
and
second portions (820, 822), respectively.
[00278] The
cover assembly (812) optionally includes securing means for securing
the cover assembly (812) to the clamp assembly (810). In some embodiments, the
securing means is a gasket (830) received by the cover assembly (812) and the
clamp
assembly (810) for frictionally retaining the cover assembly (812) to the
clamp assembly
(810) as shown in Figure 155.
[00279] In some
embodiments, assembly of the wall panel system (301) includes
securing the first and second portions (820, 822) on opposing sides of a
vertical edge of
an adjacent, frameless panel and securing the portions (820, 822) together
using one or
more fasteners (832) to secure the frameless panel (not shown) and associated
portions
of the system (301) to the first jamb (802). The second jamb (804) is
optionally secured
to another frameless panel (not shown) of the system (301) and the header
(806) is
secured between the first and second jambs (802, 804). In some embodiments, a
sliding
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door assembly (e.g., such as the sliding door assembly (541)) is operatively
secured to
header (806).
[00280] Figures
156-161 show additional features of the wall panel system (301)
for further enhancing resistance of the system (301) against unwanted
movement, such
as that associated with seismic activity, for example. Figures 156 and 157
show an upper
bracket (900) secured to adjacent ceiling tracks (327A, 327B) (e.g., similar
to the ceiling
track (327)) and the ceiling rail (329), the upper bracket (900) reinforcing
or otherwise
enhancing resistance of the system (301) to unwanted movement. As shown in
Figures
158 and 159, the upper bracket (900) includes a first vertical leg (902) and a
second
vertical leg (904), the first vertical leg (902) being positioned above, and
offset rearwardly
from, the second vertical leg (904). The
first vertical leg (902) is also substantially
narrower than the second vertical leg (904), according to some embodiments. As
shown,
the first and second vertical legs (902, 904) include a plurality of apertures
(906) for
receiving fasteners, such as self-tapping screws (908) (Figures 156 and 157).
[00281] As shown
in Figures 156 and 157, the upper bracket (900), also described
as an upper interconnector, is centrally positioned between the adjacent
ceiling tracks
(327A, 327B), the first vertical leg (902) is secured to the ceiling rail
(329), and the
second vertical leg (904) is secured to the adjacent ceiling tracks (327A,
327B) using the
self-tapping screws (908). In at least this manner, the adjacent ceiling
tracks (327A,
327B) of the system (301) are secured together and are also secured to the
ceiling rail
(329) to provide additional resistance to unwanted movement of the system
(301).
[00282] Figures
160-162 show a lower bracket (930) that is adapted to be received
within adjacent bottom floor channels (331A, 331B) and secured to a floor to
enhance
resistance of the system (301) against unwanted movement. As shown in Figures
160
and 162, the lower bracket (930) is formed as an elongate piece of U-channel
with
relatively short sidewalls, the lower bracket (930) including two centrally
located apertures
(932).
In use the lower bracket (930), also described as a lower interconnector, is
received
within the adjacent, bottom floor channels (331A, 331B) and a fastener (not
shown) such
as a cement nail, is driven through the apertures (932) into the floor to help
fasten the
bottom floor channels (331A, 331B) to the floor.
[00283] Figures
163-167 show another height adjustment assembly (333),
according to some embodiments. As shown, the height adjustment assembly (333)
includes a scissors-type height adjustment mechanism including a base (339),
opposite
first and second end caps (441,443) projecting from the base (339), and a
height
adjusting rod (445) being rotatively mounted about the end caps (441,443). The
height
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adjusting rod (445) has first and second threaded segments (447,449) each
being
oppositely threaded with respect to one another. The height adjustment
assembly (333)
also includes first and second adjustment legs (451,453), the first adjustment
leg (451)
having an extremity pivotably mounted onto a runner component (455) threadedly
engaged onto the first threaded segment (447) of the height adjusting rod
(445) and a
second extremity pitovably mounted onto a support edge (335). As shown, the
second
adjustment leg (453) has an extremity pivotably mounted onto a runner
component (457)
threadedly engaged onto the second threaded segment (449) of the height
adjusting rod
(445) and a second extremity pitovably mounted onto the support edge (335),
such that a
rotation of the common height adjusting rod (445) along a first direction
causes a raising
of the support edge (335), and a rotation of said common height adjusting rod
(445) along
a second and opposite direction causes a lowering of the support edge (335).
[00284] In some
embodiments, the second extremities of the first and second
adjustment legs (451,453) are pivotably mounted onto a bottom portion of the
support
edge (335) about a common pivot axis (459), as better shown in Figures 17, 18,
21 and
22. The adjustment legs (451,453) optionally include recessed portions (451A,
453A) for
avoiding, or receiving, a portion of the height adjusting rod (445) when the
adjustment
legs (451,453) are drawn down into a lowered configuration. Figures
165-167
demonstrate movement of the height adjustment assembly (333) between a
retracted or
collapsed state (FIG. 165), an intermediate state (FIG. 166) and an extended,
or
expanded state (FIG. 167).
[00285] Figures
168-177 show various features and components of a wall panel
system (301) including a plurality of pre-assembled wall panels (305) similar
to the pre-
assembled wall panel (305) shown in Figure 150. Figure 168 shows a front,
perspective
view of the wall panel system (301) including a plurality of adjacent pre-
assembled wall
panels (305), the plurality of wall panels (305) including a first pre-
assembled wall panel
(305A), a second preassembled wall panel (305B), and a third pre-assembled
wall panel
(3050). As shown, the panels (305) include through holes (513) that are
configured for
use with a rail and tile system (950).
[00286] In some
embodiments, the rail and tile system (950) includes a plurality of
rails (952) forming a support framework and a plurality of tiles (954)
supported by the
framework. The tiles (954) are optionally secured to the rails (952) by
fasteners, clips,
brackets, adhesives or other securing means as desired. A variety of rail and
tile system
configurations are contemplated, where Figure 169 shows rails (952) for
supporting a tile
(954) or tiles (954) formed of one or more pieces of fabric, Figure 170 shows
rails (952)
for supporting a tile (954) or tiles (954) formed of a veneer or laminate
material, and
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Figure 171 shows rails (952) for supporting a tile (954) or tiles (954) formed
of laminated
glass that can be used as a marker board, for example.
[00287] Figure 172 shows a back, perspective view of the system (301)
with a
second rail and tile system (950B) mounted to the back side of the system
(301). The rail
and tile system (950B) is shown in Figure 172 with the tiles removed to show
apertures
(956B) in the rails (952B) for securing the rails to the panels (305A, 305B,
3050) using
the through holes (513). For example, fasteners such as bolts and washers
(Figure 174)
are threaded through the holes (513) to secure the rail and tile systems (950,
950B) in
place on opposite sides of the panels (305A, 305B, 305C).
[00288] As shown in Figure 168, wall panel accessories such as a shelf
(960) or a
table extension (962) are optionally secured (e.g., cantilevered) into the
rails (952) or
features (not shown) included in the tiles (954). Figure 173 is an enlarged,
cross-
sectional view along line 173-173 in Figure 172 with the second rail and tile
system
(950B) removed for ease of illustration. As shown, the shelf (960) is inserted
into an
opening in the rail (952) such that the shelf (960) is cantilevered to the
rail (952).As
shown in Figure 168, one or more of the tiles (954) includes an opening or
other features
for receiving an electrical outlet assembly (964). The electrical outlet
assembly (964)
includes any of a variety of low, standard, or high voltage outlet means, such
as a 110V
electrical outlet, a LAN receptacle, an RF cable receptacle, or others. Figure
172 shows
the electrical outlet assembly (964) from a rear view (as viewed through the
glass of the
panel (305B)), where Figure 175 is an enlarged view of area 175-175 of Figure
172. As
shown in Figure 175, the electrical outlet assembly (964) includes a bracket
(966) that is
secured to the tile (954) using fastening means, such as screws, for example.
The
electrical outlet assembly (964) is optionally secured to a conduit feed
assembly (Figure
176) which is connected to an electrical source (e.g., 110V power source, a
LAN
connection, cable t.v., or other). If desired, the conduit feed assembly can
be run down to
the bottom cover (509) (Figure 168) and through the bottom cover (509) to the
electrical
source. The electrical outlet assembly (964) thereby provides an effective and
readily
assembled solution for deploying outlets with the system 301.
[00289] Figures 176 and 177 show components of another electrical outlet
assembly (970) that is configured to be mounted at the bottom of the system
(301)
adjacent the bottom floor channels (331). As shown, the electrical outlet
assembly (970)
includes a first outlet (972), a second outlet (974), an electrical
interconnect (976), a first
mounting bracket (978), a second mounting bracket (980), a conduit feed
assembly (982),
and a modified bottom cover (984) that works similarly to bottom cover (509).
[00290] The first and second outlets (972, 974) are optionally
electrically
connected by electrical interconnect (976). As shown, the first and second
outlets (972,
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974) are configured as U.S. standard 110V outlets, although as mentioned with
the
electrical outlet assembly (964) any of a variety of outlet configurations are
contemplated.
In some embodiments, the first bracket (978) is configured to clip onto the
first outlet
(972) and the second bracket (980) is similarly configured to clip onto the
second outlet
(974).
[00291] In some embodiments, the modified bottom cover (984) includes a
first
opening (990) for operatively exposing the first outlet (972) for a user and a
second
opening (992) for operatively exposing the second outlet (974) for the user.
The cover
(984) also includes a first slot (996) for receiving a portion of the first
bracket (978) in a
snap fit relationship and a second slot (998) for receiving a portion of the
second bracket
(980) in a snap fit relationship and defines an upper channel (999) configured
to receive
the first and second outlets (972, 974), the electrical interconnect (976),
the first and
second mounting brackets (978, 980), and the conduit feed assembly (982).
[00292] Figure 177 is an end view showing the snap-fit, or clipped
together
relationship of the second bracket (980) and the bottom cover (984) with other
portions of
the assembly (970) removed for ease of illustration. As shown, the second
bracket (980)
is snapped into the bottom cover (984) with a lower portion (1000) of the
second bracket
(980) protruding through the second slot (998) (hidden in Figure 177). With
the
components fully or partially assembled together, the bottom cover (984) is
secured to
one or more of the bottom channels (331) and the conduit feed assembly (982)
is
connected to an electrical source (e.g., 110V power source, a LAN connection,
cable t.v.,
or others). The electrical outlet assembly (970) thereby provides an effective
and readily
assembled solution for deploying low and/or high voltage outlets with the
system (301).
[00293] Although various features of modular wall systems and associated
methods have been described, it should be understood a variety of different
features and
combinations thereof are contemplated without departing from the scope of
invention.
For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular
features, the
scope of invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of
features
and embodiments that do not include all of the described features.
Accordingly, the
scope of invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications, and
variations as fall within the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
