Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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MOVEABLE AND DEMOUNTABLE WALL PANEL SYSTEM
Field of the invention
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.
Background of the invention
Fixed wall systems, moveable wall systems, and non-progressive wall
systems are very well known in the art.
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 passthrough 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 installing 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 labour, which is
thus very inefficient and very cost ineffective.
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 results of the above-mentioned,
installation of such moveable wall systems is generally quite lengthy and
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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 andlor vibration proofing.
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.
Known to the Applicant are the following American patents which describe
different wall panel systems: 3,040,847; 3,352,078; 3,363,383; 3,675,382;
4,167,084; 4,399,644; 4,640,072; 4,757,657; 4,825,610; 5,056,577; 5,159,793;
5,207,037; 5,379,560; 5,381,845; 5,491,943; 5,644,878; 5,735,089; 5,875,596;
6,112,485; and 6,122, 871.
None of the above-mentioned patents seem to disclose or even suggest a
movable non-progressive mountable and demountable wall panel system which
would overcome several of the above-mentioned problems associated with the
prior art.
Summary of the invention
An object of the present invention is to provide a wall panel system which
would satisfy some of the above-mentioned needs, and would thus be an
improvement over the wall panel systems known in the art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved by
a moveable and demountable wall panel system comprising a plurality of panels
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used for defining an office space, each panel having a vertical axis and a
horizontal axis, each panel comprising:
opposite top and bottom distance channels, the distance channels
extending along directions substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of
the panel;
opposite left and right vertical posts, the vertical posts extending along
directions substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the panel, the
distance
channels and vertical posts being affixed to one another by means of
connecting
studs for forming a rectangular support frame of the panel;
a panel covering removably mountable onto receiving means of the
rectangular support frame;
a ceiling rail operatively connected to a top portion of the rectangular
support frame, the ceiling rail being used for operatively securing the
rectangular
support frame of the panel to a ceiling surface; and
an articulating floor channel operatively connected to a bottom portion of
the rectangular support frame by means of left and right glide assemblies
mounted into receiving channels of the left and right vertical posts
respectively,
the articulating floor channel being used for operatively securing the
rectangular
support frame of the panel to a ground surface, the glide assemblies being
further
used for displacing the rectangular support frame with respect to the floor
channel
along a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the panel;
wherein each vertical post comprises at least one receiving lip extending
along a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the panel,
each
receiving lip being removably connectable to another receiving lip of a
vertical
post of a neighboring panel by means of a connector for selectively and
removably connecting together a plurality of panels in order to define said
office
space.
Preferably, the receiving means comprise receiving grooves disposed
along the vertical posts in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical
axis of
the panel and the panel covering comprises an outer panel shell and vertical
stiffeners, the vertical stiffeners being securely affixed to lateral sides of
the outer
panel shell of the panel covering and being removably connectable onto the
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receiving grooves of the vertical posts for removably connecting the panel
covering onto the rectangular support frame of the panel.
Preferably, the receiving means comprise a receiving groove disposed
along the top distance channel in a direction substantially parallel to the
horizontal axis of the panel and the panel covering comprises an outer panel
shell
and a top stiffener, the top stiffener being securely affixed to a lateral
side of the
outer panel shell of the panel covering and being removably hookable onto the
receiving groove of the top distance channel for removably hooking the panel
covering onto the rectangular support frame of the panel.
Preferably, the vertical stiffeners each comprise a bracket and a flexible
clip securely affixed onto one another, the brackets being further securely
affixed
to the lateral sides of the outer panel shell of the panel covering and the
flexible
clips being removably connectable into the receiving grooves of the vertical
posts.
Preferably, the panel covering comprises an outer panel shell and
intermediate stiffeners, the intermediate stiffeners being securely affixed
transversely onto the outer panel shell of the panel covering in a direction
substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of the panel.
Preferably, the connectors may comprise fins, may comprise flexible skirts,
and may be provided with covering caps.
~5 Preferably, floor channel is securely affixed to the ground surface by
means of fasteners, and the ceiling rail is securely affixed to the ceiling
surface by
means of fasteners.
Preferably, each glide assembly comprises a substantially L-shaped glide
and a glide bolt. The substantially L-shaped glide preferably has an abutment
flange and an insert, the insert being removably insertable into a receiving
channel of a corresponding vertical post. Preferably also, the glide bolt is
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threadedly mounted into the abutment flange of the glide and has a pivot head
articulately mounted to the floor channel by means of a rivet.
Preferably also, the pivot head of the glide bolt is positioned inside a
5 longitudinal groove of the floor channel, and the rivet of the pivot head is
constrained to slide along a transversal slot of the longitudinal groove of
the floor
channel. The insert of the glide preferably comprises two tongues removably
mountable into respective receiving channels of a corresponding vertical post.
The invention and its advantages would be better understood upon
reading the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments
thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a solid wall panel according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a glass wall panel according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 is an.exploded perspective view of some of the components of the
wall panel shown in Figure 1, said wall panel being shown in an exploded view
with a base cover according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is another exploded perspective view of what is shown in Figure
4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an intermediate stiffener of the wall panel
shown in Figure 1.
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Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate stiffener shown in
Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a partial sectional exploded view of some of the components of .
the wall panel shown in Figure 1.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom distance channel and the
bottom stiffener of the wall panel shown in Figure 1.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom stiffener shown in Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a partial sectional perspective view of some of the
components of the wall panel shown in Figure 1.
~ Figure 11 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 is yet another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 10.
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a stackable flyover
cooperating with two vertical posts according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 14 is a partial enlarged view of what is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting stud according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the connecting stud shown in Figure
15.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure 14.
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Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure 17 according
to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stackable flyover shown in Figure
17.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a punched solid panel vertical post
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of a ceiling rail cooperating with a notched
vertical post according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 22 is a top plan view of the ceiling rail shown in Figure 21.
Figure 23 is a sectional view of a glide assembly of the wall panel shown in
Figure 1, said glide assembly being shown cooperating with a floor channel
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 24 is a perspective view of the glide of the glide assembly shown in
Figure 23.
Figure 25 is a partial sectional view of two panel coverings 15 mounted
onto a vertical post by means of a vertical stiffener according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of one of the vertical stiffeners shown in
Figure 25.
Figure 27 is a wall panel assembly according to a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
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Figure 28 is a wall panel assembly according to yet another preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of fihe connector shown in Figure 28.
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 31 is a wall panel assembly according to yet another preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the building module connector shown
in Figure 31.
Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of a wall panel assembly according to
yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion shown in Figure
33.
Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture module connector
shown in Figure 34.
Figure 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall panel assembly
according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of the double glazing gasket shown in
the wall panel assembly of Figure 36.
Figure 38 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall panel assembly
according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the center cap shown in the wall
panel of Figure 38.
Figure 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall panel assembly
according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view of a furniture module according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of a furniture module according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of a furniture module according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of a furniteare module according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of a furniture module according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view of a glass vertical post according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention. .
Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical post according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention, said vertical post being shown
with a weatherstrip holder mounted into the interseptum thereof.
Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view of a solid vertical post according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view of a building module according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of a corner post according to a
5 preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of a distance channel according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention, said distance channel being shown
provided with a connecting stud.
Figure 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall panel assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of a distance channel according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view of a distance channel according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 55 is a cross-sectional view of a distance channel according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 56 is a cross-sectional view of a distance channel according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of a transition channel according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of a wall post according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
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Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view of a wall panel assembly according to
yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 60 is an exploded view of a door panel assembly according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 61 is a partial sectional perspective view of the door assembly
shown in Figure 60.
Figure 62 is a cross-sectional view of the wall assembly shown in Figure
61.
Figure 63 is a cross-sectional view of the door bumper shown in Figure 62.
Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of the door strike shown in Figure 02.
Figure 65 is a perspective view of the door pivot shown in Figure 60.
Figure 66 is a perspective view of the top pivot bushing shown in Figure
60.
Figure 67 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical post according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the invention, said vertical post being shown
with an opening filler strip mounted into the interseptum of the vertical
post.
Figure 68 is a perspective view of an assembled wall panel system
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembled wall
panel
system being shown with glass panels and a door assembly such as the one of
Figure 60.
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Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are preferred only.
Moreover, although the present invention as exemplified hereinafter was
primarily designed for wall systems, it could be used with other objects and
for
other purposes, such as with furniture applications, for example, as apparent
to a
person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "wall" 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.
Similarly, expressions such as "wall" and "panel", as well as any mutually
equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used
interchangeably in the context of the present description. The same applies
for
any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "covering" and "shell" and
"screw" and "bolt" for example, as also apparent to a person skilled in the
art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the wall panel system 1
as disclosed hereinafter comprises various components such as intermediate
stiffeners 47, gaskets, connecting studs 21, transition channels 9, 11, glide
assemblies 25, solid panels 3, glass panels 3, stackable flyovers 81, etc.,
which
are useful and present several substantial advantages, not all of these
components 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 cooperations thereinbetween may be used
for the wall panel system 1 according to the present invention, as will be
explained hereinafter, without departing from the scope of the invention.
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Broadly described, the wall panel system 1 according to the preferred
embodiment of the invention as it is illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
is a
wall panel system 1 comprising a plurality of panels 3 used for defining an
ofiFice
space. Each panel 3 has a vertical axis 5 and a horizontal axis 7. Each panel
3
5~ has opposite top arid bottom distance channels 9, 11, opposite left and
right
vertical posts 13, a panel covering 15, a ceiling rail 17, and an articulating
floor
channel 19. The top and bottom distance channels 9, 11 extend along a
direction
substantially parallel to the horizontal axis 7 of the panel 3. The left and
right
vertical posts 13 extend along a direction substantially parallel to the
vertical axis
5 of the panel 3. The distance channels 9, 11 and vertical posts 13 are
affixed to
one another by means of connecting studs 21 so as to form a rectangular
support
frame 23 of the panel 3. The panel covering 15 is removably mountable onto
receiving means of the rectangular support frame 23. The ceiling rail 17 is
operatively connected to a top portion of the rectangular support frame 23 and
is
used for operatively securing the rectangular support frame 23 of the panel 3
to a
ceiling surface. The articulating floor channel 19 is operatively connected to
a
bottom portion of the rectangular support frame 23 by means of left and right
glide assemblies 25 mounted into receiving channels 27 of the left and right
vertical posts 13 respectively. The articulating floor channel 19 is used for
operatively securing the rectangular support frame 23 of the panel 3 to a
ground
surface. The glide assemblies 25 are also used for displacing the rectangular
support frame 23 with respect to the floor channel 19 along a direction
substantially parallel to the vertical axis 5 of the panel 3. Each verfiical
post 13
has at least one receiving lip 29 extending along a direction substantially
parallel
to the vertical axis 5 of the panel 3. Each receiving lip 29 is removable
connectable to another receiving lip 29 of a vertical post 13 of a neighboring
panel 3 by means of a connector 31 for selectively and removably connecting
together a plurality of panels 3 in order to define the office space. By
virtue of its
design and its components, the present wall panel system 1 is a moveable non
progressive mountable and demountable wall panel system 1.
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Preferably, the receiving means comprise receiving grooves 33 disposed
along the vertical posts 13 in a direction substantially parallel to the
vertical axis 5
of the panel 3 and the panel covering 15 comprises an outer panel shell 35 and
vertical stififeners 37, the vertical stiffeners 37 being securely affixed to
lateral
sides of the outer panel shell 35 of the panel covering 15 and being removably
connectable onto the receiving grooves 33 of the vertical posts 13 for
removably
connecting the panel covering 15 onto the rectangular support frame 23 of the
panel 3, as better shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 7 and 12.
Preferably, the receiving means comprise a receiving groove 39 disposed
along the top distance channel 9 in a direction subsfiantially parallel to the
horizontal axis 7 of the panel 3 and the panel covering 15 comprises an outer
panel shell 35 and a top stiffener 41, the top stiffener 41 being securely
affixed to
a lateral side of the outer panel shell 35 of the panel covering 15 and being
removably hookable onto the receiving groove 39 of the top distance channel 9
for removably hooking the panel covering 15 onto the rectangular support frame
23 of the panel 3, as better shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 7.
Preferably, the vertical stiffeners 37 each comprise a bracket 43 and a
flexible clip 45 securely affixed onto one another, the brackets 43 being
further
securely affixed to the lateral sides of the outer panel shell 35 of the panel
covering 15 and the flexible clips 45 being removably connectable into the
receiving grooves 33 of the vertical posts 13, as better shown in Figures 25-
27.
Preferably, the panel covering 15 comprises an outer panel shell 35 and
intermediate stiffeners 47, the intermediate stiffeners 47 being securely
affixed
transversely onto the outer panel shell 35 of the panel covering 15 in a
direction
substantially parallel to the horizontal axis 7 of the panel 3, as better
shown in
Figures 1, 3 and 4.
Preferably, the connectors 31 may comprise fins 49, may comprise flexible
skirts 50, and may be provided with covering caps 51, as better shown in
Figures
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7 and 27-35. The connectors 31 are preferably shaped and sized to provide
proper sound proofing, light proofing and vibration proofing .to the wall
panel
system 1.
5 Preferably, the floor channel 19 is securely affixed to the ground surface
by
means of fasteners, and the ceiling rail 17 is securely affixed to the ceiling
surface by means of fasteners, as better shown in Figures 21 and 22.
Preferably, each glide assembly 25 comprises a substantially L-shaped
10 glide 53 and a glide bolt 55. The substantially L-shaped glide 53
preferably has
an abutment flange 57 and an insert 59, the insert 59 being removably
insertable
into a receiving channel 27 of a corresponding vertical post 13. Preferably
also,
the glide bolt 55 is threadedly mounted into the abutment flange 57 of the
glide 53
and has a pivot head 61 articulately mounted to the floor channel 19 by means
of
15 a rivet 63, as better shown in Figures 10-12 and 23.
Preferably also, the pivot head 61 of the glide bolt 55 is positioned inside a
longitudinal groove 65 of the floor channel 19, and the rivet 63 of the pivot
head
61 is constrained to slide along a transversal slot 67 of the longitudinal
groove 65
of the floor channel 19, as better shown in Figure 12. The insert 59 of the
glide 53
preferably comprises two tongues 69 removably mountable into respective
receiving channels 27 of a corresponding vertical post 13, as better shown in
Figures 11, 12 and 24.
Preferably, the wall panel system 1 further comprises a base cover 71 and
the base cover 71 preferably comprises a base cover insert 73 for removably
mounting the base cover 71 onto the floor channel 19 of the panel 3, as better
shown in Figures 3, 10-12, and 23.
Preferably also, at least two connecting studs 21 are respectively and
securely affixed at opposite ends of each of the top and bottom distance
channels
9, 11, as better shown in Figures 1, 2, 10, 11, 15 and 16.
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Prefierably, each distance channel 9, 11 and each vertical post 13
comprise at least one interseptum 79, so that accessories of the panel system
1
can be removably mounted onto said intersepta 79, as shown in several of the
accompanying drawings.
Preferably, each panel 3 is stackable onto another panel 3 by means of
stackable flyovers 81 inserted and fastened into the receiving channels 27 of
the
vertical posts 13 of the stacked panels 3, as better shown in Figures 13, 14,
17
and 18. Preferably also, the stackable flyovers 81 comprise interference ribs
83,
as better shown in Figure 19.
Preferably, the vertical posts 13 may comprise punched marks 85
extending longitudinally along the vertical posts 13, the punched marks 85
being
used for hooking accessories onto the vertical posts 13 of the panel system 1,
as
better shown in Figure 20.
Preferably also, the moveable and demountable wall panel system 1
according to the present invention may also comprise a door assembly 87, as
better shown in Figures 60-67.
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown an exploded perspective view of
a solid wall panel 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. As
can
be seen, the wall panel 3 preferably comprises two vertical members, known as
"vertical posts" 13, which are connected to two horizontal members, known as
"distance channels" 9, 11. The left and right vertical posts 13 are connected
to
the top and bottom distance channels 9, 11 to form a rectangular structural
support frame 23. The vertical posts 13 are preferably connected to the
distance
channels 9, 11 by appropriate fasteners drilled into the sides of the vertical
posts
13 and inserted into corresponding connecting studs 21 which are preferably
securely affixed to the respective distance channels 9, 11, as better shown in
Figures 1 and 2. The solid wall panel 3 preferably comprises also an outer
panel
covering 15 which is removably mounted onto the rectangular support frame 23
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formed by the vertical posts 13 and the distance channels 9, 11. The outer
panel
covering 15 preferably comprises an outer panel shell 35, vertical stiffeners
37
securely mounted to the outer panel shell 35 for allowing the same to be
removably fastened onto receiving grooves 33 of the vertical posts 13 of the
panel 3, and intermediate and top and bottom stiffeners 41, 42, 47 mounted
transversely to the outer panel shell 35. The intermediate stiffeners 47 are
primarily used for providing the outer panel shell 35 with structural rigidity
whereas the top stiffener 41 may be used for hooking and sustaining the outer
panel shell 35 onto a corresponding receiving groove 39 of the top distance
channel 9. Although the bottom stiffener 42 is preferably not hooked onto a
similar groove 39 of the bottom distance channel 11, it nevertheless rests
thereagainst so as to ensure proper positioning of the outer pane) covering 15
with respect to the bottom distance channel 11, as better shown in Figure 8.
As also shown in Figure 1, the wall panel 3 preferably also comprises a
floor channel 19 which is destined to be securely affixed to the ground floor
by
means of suitable fasteners, such as carpet grippers for example. The wall
panel
3 preferably also comprises left and right glide assemblies 25 for adjusting
vertical positioning of the rectangular support frame 23 with respect to the
articulating floor channel 19. Preferably also, the wall panel 3 comprises
connectors 31 for connecting two neighboring vertical posts 13 and thus
adjoining
two vertical wall panels 3 together. As better shown in Figure 21, the top
portion
of the vertical post 13 is preferably notched to allow the guiding rail 17 to
pass
therethrough. As it can be easily understood, once an appropriate wall panel 3
is
assembled, it may be installed into the ceiling rail 17 at an angle and then
swiveled towards the vertical axis 5 in order to properly secure the
articulating
floor channel 19 to the ground floor and then adjust positioning of the
rectangular
support frame 23 with respect to the ceiling rail 17 by means of the glide
assemblies 25. Once the wall panel 3 is properly positioned in a vertical
upright
position, it is preferably provided with a base cover 71 so as to conceal the
floor
channel 19, the bottom distance channel 11 and the glide assemblies 25. The
connectors 31, panel coverings 15, and base covers 71 are preferably shaped
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and sized so as to provide to the wall panel system 1 with a very sleek and
clean
look, as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an exploded perspective view of
a glass wall panel 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Similarly to the wall panel 3 shown in Figure 1, the glass panel 3 shown in
Figure
2 comprises left and right vertical posts 13, top and bottom distance channels
9,
11, a floor channel 19 and glide assemblies 25. Once again, the vertical posts
13
and the distance channels 9, 11 are connected to one another so as to form a
rectangular support frame 23 and the glide assemblies 25 cooperate with such
rectangular support frame 23 so as to be able to displace it vertically in
order to
adjust the positioning of the wall panel 3 with respect to the ceiling. As
shown in
Figure 2, a glass panel 3 is inserted into respective grooves of the vertical
posts
13 and distance channels 9, 11, these grooves are commonly known as
"interseptum" 79, or "intersepta" (plural). Preferably, appropriate glazing
gaskets
are used between these grooves and the glass panels 3 so as to provide the
wall
panel 3 with appropriate sound proofing, light proofing and vibration
proofing. The
glass panel 3 also preferably comprises a floor channel 19 which is devised to
be
securely affixed to the ground floor and also preferably comprises a base
cover
71 with functions similar to the ones described for Figure 1. Similarly to the
above-mentioned, the vertical posts 13 are connected to the horizontal
distance
channels 9, 11 by appropriate fasteners which are inserted into the side
portions
of the vertical posts 13 and into corresponding connecting studs 21 which are
preferably securely affixed to the top and bottom distance channels 9, 11, as
explained and illustrated hereinabove.
As better shown in Figure 3, the intermediate stiffeners 47 are devised to
be securely affixed onto the outer panel shell 35 in order to, among other
things,
provide the same with increased rigidity. Preferably also, the top stiffener
41 is to
be securely affixed to a top lateral side of the outer panel shell 35 and is
to be
used for hooking the outer panel covering 15 onto a corresponding groove 39
provided to that effect on the top distance channel 11 of the panel 3. As also
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shown, the horizontal bottom stiffener 42 is intended to be securely affixed
to the
bottom portion of the outer panel shell 35 and to cooperate with the bottom
distance channel 11 in the preferred manner better illustrated in Figure 9. As
better shown in Figure 3, the outer panel covering 15 of a solid panel 3
preferably
comprises an outer panel shell 35, intermediate stiffeners 47, top and bottom
stiffeners 41, 42, and vertical stiffeners 37. As mentioned hereinabove, the
vertical stiffeners 37 are preferably securely affixed to the outer panel
shell 35
along the left and right internal sides thereof and are intended primarily to
removably fasten the outer panel covering 15 onto the corresponding receiving
grooves 33 of the vertical posts 13 of the panel 3, as better shown in Figure
1.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a partial sectional exploded view
of some of the components of the wall panel 3 shown in Figure 1. More
particularly, there is shown a cross-sectional configuration of the top
disfiance
channel 9 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Indeed, the
distance channel 9 comprises grooves 33 for removably receiving optional
horizontal stiffeners (not shown) of the outer panel coverings 15. The
distance
channel 9 also preferably comprises a corresponding groove 39 for receiving a
top stiffener 41 of the outer panel covering 15. Preferably also, the distance
channel 9 also comprises a longitudinal interseptum 79 for receiving different
modular components of the wall panel system 1, such as a glass panel 3, as in
the case of Figure 2. It is worth mentioning here that other shaped and sized
intersepta 79 may be used for mounting different accessories thereon, such as
blinds for example. As also shown in Figure 7, two vertical posts 13 are
preferably adjoined to one another so as to connect two neighboring wall
panels
3 by means of a connector 31 which may or may not be provided with a covering
cap 51. The covering cap 51 of the connector 31 is preferably selected to
match
the outer surface of the outer panel covering 15 (i.e. the outer panel shell
35). It is
worth mentioning that different finishes and textures may be used for the
covering
cap 51 of the connector 31 as well as for the outer panel shell 35 of the
panel
covering 15, depending on the particulars of a user of the wall panel system
1, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, the covering cap 51 and
the
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outer panel shell 35 may have a wood finish, a metallic finish, an upholstery
finish, etc., and may be similar to one another or different from each other,
depending on the particular wants and needs of a user of the wall panel system
1. Advantageously, because all of the above-mentioned components of the wall
5 panel system 1 are removably mountable and demountable onto the wall panel
3,
one may mix and match different configurations, as need may be.
Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a partial sectional perspective
view of some of the components of the wall panel 3 shown in Figure 1. As
10 illustrated in this figure, and as can be easily understood, the glide
assemblies 25
enable to adjust vertically the rectangular structural support frame 23 formed
by
the vertical posts 13 and horizontal top and bottom distance channels 9, 11
with
respect to the floor channel 19, and consequently with respect to the ceiling,
or
the ceiling rail 17 which is preferably affixed thereto according to the
present
15 invention. CaddyTM clips are preferably used for affixing the ceiling rail
17 to the
ceiling surface, although other suitable fasteners may be used, as apparent to
a
person skilled in the art.
As better shown in Figures 11 and 12, the glide assemblies 25 preferably
20 comprise a glide bolt 55, a glide 53, and a fastener. The glide 53
preferably
comprises two tongues 69 which are insertable into corresponding grooves 33 of
the vertical posts 13 and an abutment flange 57 which preferably extends
perpendicularly with respect to the tongues 69 so as to form an abutment with
the
vertical post 13, as better shown in Figure 12. The abutment flange 57 is
preferably threadedly mounted onto the glide bolt 55 so as to enable a
relative
movement between the glide 53 and the glide bolt 55 by rotation of the glide
bolt
55. Preferably, as also shown in Figures 11 and 12, the glide bolt 55
preferably
comprises a pivot head 61 which is operatively connected to the floor channel
19
by means of a suitable fastener, the latter guiding the sliding of the glide
bolt 55
along a corresponding slot 67 of the floor channel 19, as better shown in
Figure
12. Preferably also, the fastener connecting the glide bolt 55 to the floor
channel
19 is a rivet 63, although other suitable means may be used, as apparent to a
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21
person skilled in the art. Preferably also and as better shown in Figure 23,
the
glide bolt 55 has a square cross-sectional portion so as to facilitate
rotation
thereof by suitable means, such as a conventional wrench for example.
As can be easily understood, since the floor channel 19 is securely affixed
to the floor, when the glide 53 is moved with respect to the glide bolt 55
vertically,
then so will the vertical post 13 with respect to the floor because of the
abutment
of the flange 57 against the bottom portion of the vertical post 13, as better
shown
in Figure 12.
Figure 11 also shows how the connecting stud 21 is preferably securely
affixed to the bottom distance channel 11.
Referring now to Figures 13-19, and particularly to Figure 13, there is
shown a perspective view of a stackable flyover 81 cooperating with two
vertical
posts 13 of two wall panels 3 intended to be stacked onto one another. As can
be
easily understood, the stackable flyover 81 is used to connect adjoining
vertical
posts 13, i.e. stacked them together, so as to enable to stack wall panels 3
onto
one another. Among many other functions, the stackable flyover 81 is intended
to
impart to the verfiical posts 13 with a sound structural integrity, as well as
to
provide both wall panels 3 stacked together with sound structural stability.
The
stackable flyover 81 is preferably devised to be snuggly inserted into the
receiving channels 33 of the vertical posts 13 so as to enable quick and easy
assembling of the same, by light taping for example. Preferably also, the
stackable flyover 81 is made of a suitable material, so as to not allow jigger
and
so as to sustain the loads of the vertical posts 13 connected thereto, as
apparent
to a person skilled in the art.
According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, holes are drilled
through the assembled vertical posts 13 and through the stackable flyovers 81
at
predetermined ranges, as better shown in Figure 14, and then suitable
connecting fasteners are preferably passed therethrough, and into the
connecting
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22
studs 21, as can be inferred from in Figures 1 and 2, so as to hold the entire
wall
panel, formed of stacked panels 3, together. Therefore, the vertical posts 13
are
operatively connected to the connecting studs 21 of the horizontal distance
channels 9, 11, whether simple or transition distance channels 9, 11, by means
of
the stackable flyovers 81 and appropriate connecting fasteners, as apparent to
a
person skilled in the art.
Preferably, the connecting stud 21 is a threaded metal receptacle that
allows the connecting fasteners, such as screws for example, to be affixed to
the
distance channels 9, 11.
As can be easily understood, by inserting the connecting screws into the
connecting studs 21, one is able to align both stackable panels 3 and keep
them
in position with respect to one another.
As better shown in Figures 13, 14 and 17, the vertical post 13 preferably
comprises a receiving groove 33 for receiving the vertical stiffeners 37 of
the
panel coverings 15. Preferably, these receiving grooves 33 are a half-round
arc of
about 270° sweep. The vertical post 13 also preferably comprises a
longitudinal
groove, known as an "interseptum" 79 and panel-to-panel receiving lips 29,
said
panel-to-panel receiving lips 29 being used for receiving the panel-to-panel
connectors 31, as explained hereinabove. Preferably, the receiving lips 29 and
the connectors 31 are preferably devised to be removably insertable and
connectable onto one another.
In general, the vertical post 13 is one of the main vertical structural
members of the wall panel support frame 23 and as a result thereof, may also
be
provided with punch marks 85, as shown in Figure 20, to receive slotted
standards that could be used to hold shelf brackets or even hang other
suitable
accessories, such as overhead cabinets for example, as apparent to a person
skilled in the art.
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23
Preferably, as better shown in Figure 19, the stackable flyover 81
comprises interference ribs 83 with are used to decrease to an appropriate
extent
surface contact between the stackable flyover 81 and the corresponding
receiving
channels 33 of the vertical posts 13 so as to ensure a proper cooperation
between the latter two.
Referring now to Figures 21 and 22, one can see a preferred embodiment
of the ceiling rail 17 according to the present invention. As better shown in
Figure
21, the ceiling rail 17 is preferably connected to the ceiling by means of
suitable
fasteners, such as caddyTM clips for example, and is preferably provided with
a
closed cell gasket to ensure once again, sound proofing, light proofing, and
vibration proofing of the wall panel system 1. The ceiling rail 17 has two
projecting members which are preferably designed to be inserted into
corresponding notched grooves of the vertical posts 13, and into the inside of
the
top distance channel 9. The ceiling rail 17 is preferably provided with oblong
orifices provided at appropriate locations along the rail 17 so as to properly
fasten
the rail 17 fio the ceiling surface, as apparent to a person skilled in the
art.
Referring now to Figure 23, there is shown a sectional view of the glide 53,
glide bolt 55, articulating floor channel 19, and base cover 71 of the wall
panel 3
shown in Figure 1. As explained hereinabove, the glide 53 of the glide
assembly
preferably comprises two tongues 69 which are to be inserted into
corresponding receiving channels 33 of the vertical posts 13 and preferably
also
comprises an abutment flange 57 for sustaining the vertical post 13 into which
the
25 tongues 69 have been inserted. Preferably also, the glide bolt 55 is
provided with
an appropriate threading therealong so that the glide 53 may be threadedly
engaged with the same so as to ensure proper relative displacement between the
two. Preferably also, the glide bolt 55 comprises a , pivot head 61 which is
connected to a corresponding groove 65 of the floor channel 19 by means of a
fastener, such as a rivet 63 for example. The pivot head and rivet assembly of
the
glide bolt 55 enable the same to rotate about the groove 65 of the floor
channel
19 along a slot 67 provided to that effect, as better shown in Figure 12.
Preferably
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also, the glide bolt 55 is provided with a square cross-sectional section so
as to
enable suitable rotating means, such as a ratchet or a wrench for example, to
rotate the glide bolt 55 so as to displace the glide 53 with respect to the
glide bolt
55, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. By doing so, since the glide
53 is in
an abutment relationship with the vertical post 13, one may adjust vertical
displacement of the wall panel 3 with respect to the ceiling andlor ground
floor by
appropriately turning the glide bolt 55 with respect to the glide 53 of the
glide
assembly 25. Preferably, as also shown in Figure 3, the wall panel 3 comprises
a
base cover 71 which comprises a covering, and a cover insert 77 which is
preferably removably connectable to the covering, so as to define a slit
enabling
sliding of the base cover 71 onto a projecting member of the floor channel 19.
Preferably, suitable foam tapes are provided between the floor channel 19 and
the ground in order to further provide the wall panel system 1 with light
proofing,
sound proofing, and vibration proofing.
Referring now to Figure 25, there is shown a partial sectional view of two
panel coverings 15 mounted onto a vertical post 13 by means of vertical
stiffeners
37. As shown in this figure, the outer panel coverings 15 are preferably
mounted
to the vertical post 13 by means of vertical stiffeners 37, which are intended
to be
removably mountable into corresponding grooves 33 of the vertical posts 13. As
better shown in Figure 26, the vertical stiffeners 37 preferably comprise a
bracket
43 which is intended to be securely affixed to the outer panel shell 35 of the
panel
covering 15 and further comprise a flexible clip 45 which is removably
insertable
into the corresponding grooves 33 shown in Figure 25. The vertical clip 45
according to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 26 is advantageous in
that it offers a circular configuration and comprises two compressible wings
which
enable the panel coverings 15 to be mounted onto the vertical posts 13 with a
certain slack and play.
Figure 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall assembly according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 27 shows two vertical posts 13
which are connected to one another by means of connectors 31. Furthermore,
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panel coverings 15 are mounted onto the vertical posts 13 by means of their
vertical stiffeners 37. Furthermore, according to this particular embodiment
of the
invention, the connectors 31 are preferably devised to ensure a flush surface
with
the outer panel shells 35 of the panel coverings 15.
5
As better shown in Figure 29, the flush connector 31 which is used to
connect two neighboring vertical posts 13, such as in the case of Figures 27
and
28, preferably comprises a connecting portion 89, and a covering cap 51. The
connecting portion 89 is preferably made of a suitable material, such as PVC
for
10 example, and preferably comprises fins 49 which are intended to further
increase
gripping and mounting of the connector 31 onto the receiving lips 29 of the
vertical posts 13, and to further increase sound proofing, light proofing, and
vibration proofing of the wail panel system 1. The different components of the
connecting portion 89 are preferably made integral to each other, that is are
15 preferably made into one single piece from one single material. Preferably
also,
the covering cap 51 of fihe connector 31 is preferably connected to the
connecting
portion 89 by suitable means, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Figure 30 illustrates a recessed connector 31 which may be used to adjoin
20 neighboring vertical posts 13, similarly to the connector 31 shown in
Figure 29,
while enabling a recessed cavity between two neighboring vertical posts 13.
Indeed, it is worth mentioning here that different types of connectors 31,
such as
the one shown in Figures 29 and 30, may be used to provided the outer part of
the wall panel system 1 with different esthetic configurations.
Figure 32 shows a preferred embodiment of a building module connector
31 allowing adjacent 90° corners to be connected in a non-progressive
manner,
such as in the case of Figure 31.
Figures 33 to 59 illustrate different embodiments of the components
discussed hereinabove.
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More parfiicularly, Figures 33 and 34 describe embodiments used for a
furniture module connection in the case of a 90° corner. A furniture
module
connector 31 such as the one in Figure 35, may be used. This type of connector
31 preferably comprises fins 49 for ensuring proper mounting of the connector
31
onto the receiving lips 29 of the different vertical posts 13 and also
preferably
comprises a flexible skirt 50 to ensure light proofing, sound proofing, and to
some
extent, vibration proofing, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Figure 37 illustrates a double glazing gasket to be used in different
possible wall assemblies, such as the one illustrated in Figure 36, which
corresponds to a double glaze vertical post assembly.
Figure 38 shows another wall assembly comprising a center cap which is
mounted onto the interseptum 79 of the vertical post 13 to provide a smooth
finish
between two glass panels 3 of a double glaze condition wall panel 3.
A single glazing gasket such as the one shown in Figure 40 may be used
for a glass panel 3 such as the one illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 41 illustrates a two-way square profile of a furniture module
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 42 illustrates a
180°
post furniture module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 43 illustrates a half round two-way post corner furniture module
according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 44 and 45 illustrate
respectively three-way corner and four-way corner furniture modules.
Figures 46 to 59 illustrate different cross-sectional embodiments of the
above-discussed various components of the wall panel system 1 according to the
present invention. Indeed, Figure 46 illustrates a glass vertical post 13.
Figure 47
shows a vertical post 13 mounted with a weatherstrip holder 91. Figure 48
illustrates a solid panel vertical post 13. Figure 49 illustrates a corner
profile
building module. Figure 50 illustrates a 135° corner post 13. Figure 51
illustrates
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a glass-glass transition distance channel 9, 11 comprising a connecting stud
21.
Figure 52 illustrates a glass-solid transition distance channel 9, 11. Figure
53
illustrates a double glaze distance channel 9, 11. Figure 54 illustrates
another
double glaze distance channel 9, 11. Figure 55 illustrates a top-bottom
distance
channel 9, 11 of a glass panel 3. Figure 56 illustrates a top-bottom distance
channel 9, 11 of a solid pane( 3. Figure 57 illustrates a double glass
transition
channel 9, 11. Figure 58 illustrates an inner telescopic channel 9, 11 of a
wall
post 13. Figure 59 illustrates the wall post 13 of Figure 58 cooperating with
different components of the panel system 1.
Referring now to Figure 60, there is shown an exploded view of a door
assembly 87 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Similarly to
the wall panels 3 of the wall panel system 1 according to the present
invention as
' explained hereinabove, the door assembly 87 comprises vertical posts 13 and
a
fop distance channel 9. The door assembly 87 preferably further comprises left
and right center strikes 93, suitable bumpers 95, a top door pivot 97, a
bottom
door pivot 99, a bottom pivot plate 101, and a bottom pivot base 103. As
better
shown in Figure 61 and 62, the center strikes 93 are preferably mounted to the
vertical posts 13 by means of projecting members which are removably
insertable
into the intersepta 79 of the vertical posts 13, as better shown in Figure 62.
The
center strikes 93 preferably also each comprise an interseptum 79 onto which
may be removably mounted a door bumper 95, such as the one shown in Figure
63, or other components explained herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
Other suitable door strikes 93 and other embodiments of such, may be
used, such as the one shown in Figure 64. The bottom pivot plate 101 is
preferably inserted into a corresponding recessed cavity of the door 105 and
is
operatively connected by means of the bottom pivot 99 to the bottom pivot
plate
101 which, similarly to the glide 53, comprises corresponding tongues 69 which
are removably insertable into the receiving channels 33 of the vertical posts
13.
As better shown in Figure 65, the bottom pivot base 103 preferably comprises
an
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abutment flange 57 having a hole into which a suitable fastener is inserted to
connect the pivot base 103 onto the ground floor. The abutment flange 57 of
the
pivot base 103 is operatively connected to the door 105 by means of the bottom
pivot 99 and other suitable connecting means, as apparent to a person skilled
in
the art.
Figure 66 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the top pivot bushing 107
as used in the door assembly 87 of Figure 60.
Figure 67 illustrates an opening filler strip 109 which may be used to close
up fihe interseptum 79 of the vertical post 13 of the door assembly shown in
Figure 60.
Figure 68 is a perspective view of an assembled wall panel system 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembled wall panel
system 1 being shown with glass panels 3 and a door assembly 87.
As may now be appreciated, the wall panel system 1 according to the
present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that it provides
variable
sized, pre-fabricated panels 3 available in both furniture and building
module,
ceiling height (either flush or recessed base and ceiling conditions), clear
story
and/or free standing options. Furthermore, the present invention is an
improvement over the prior art in that the wall thickness of a wall panel 3 is
preferably 3 ~/2' thus allowing for superior sound rating, as well as
passthrough
components, , i.e. electrical wires, communication and network cables, air
conditioning, fiber optic cables, and the like. The present invention is also
advantageous in that the outer panel shells 35 are removable by means of
specially designed connecting strips, i.e. connectors 31. These connecting
strips
and the shells 35 are designed in such a way as to achieve on sight
demountability. Moreover, they allow for field installation of electrical,
communication and fiber optic wires. According to the present invention, the
wall
panel system 1 is also advantageous in that the adjustability at the ceiling
is
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preferably ~ 1 ". As explained hereinabove, the present invention is also
advantageous in that the panels 3 are stackable onto one another. Indeed, the
unique splice connector, i.e. flyover 81, allows panels 3 to be stacked on top
of
each other, thereby allowing the stacked panels 3 to exceed a preferred 120"
in
height. Furthermore, the panel wall system 1 according to the present
invention is
also advantageous in That the panel-to=panel connectors 31 gives both the
ability
to adjust for "panel creep" and, using the flush version, allows the system 1
to be
used in "clean room" and fire-rated corridor environments. As ' explained
hereinabove, the vertical and horizontal shapes of the wall panel system 1 are
designed so that it can accommodate both single or double glazing, and a
variety
of blinds and privacy screens. Furthermore, the unique design of the lower
glide
assembly 25 allows for an adjustability of over a preferred 3". Moreover, the
panels 3 may be attached to drywalls by means of a telescopic wall connector
31,
as shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the specially designed
glazing posts 13 allow for electrical and communication wiring to be housed
inside these posts 13. Additionally, the outer panel shells 35 according to
the
present invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials, i.e. steel,
wood, gypsum, plastic, fiberglass, etc., in a variety of finishes (fabric,
vinyl,
veneer, paint, laminates, for example). Furthermore, the wall panel system 1
according to the present invention is also advantageous in that it has the
capacity
to allow for pocket doors, pivot doors, and hinged doors. Furthermore,
according
to the present invention, there is a minimal number of "loose" components on
the
job site which allows for an easy and clean installation. Moreover, as
explained
hereinabove, the present invention is also advantageous in that it also allows
for
hanging componentry, i.e. worksurfaces, light accessories, and the like.
Of course, numerous modifications can be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described in
the appended claims.
