PARTITION WALL SYSTEM, METHOD FOR MOUNTING A PARTITION WALL SYSTEM
20230243150 · 2023-08-03
Inventors
- Joris JONKER (Hoevelaken, NL)
- Sanneke HORSTMAN-PEFFER (Huizen, NL)
- Carlos Manuel MARTINEZ FLOREZ (New York, NY, US)
- Geoffrey Robert SALVATORE (New York, NY, US)
- Niti Dilip DATTANI (New York, NY, US)
Cpc classification
E04B2002/7494
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B2002/7474
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B2002/7492
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
Abstract
Partition wall system comprising at least two posts configured to be erected uprightly; at least one profiles that are removable connectable to the posts in a horizontal way; wherein the horizontal profile, at their respective ends, is provided with a connection element that is arranged for removable connection to a corresponding connection element in the post, such that cooperation of the corresponding connection elements provides for a removable connection.
Claims
1. A partition wall system comprising: at least two posts configured to be erected uprightly; at least one profiles that are removable connectable to the posts in a horizontal way; wherein the horizontal profile, at their respective ends, is provided with a connection element that is arranged for removable connection to a corresponding connection element in the post, such that cooperation of the corresponding connection elements provides for a removable connection.
2. The partition wall system according to claim 1, further comprising a further horizontal profile removable connectable to the posts in a horizontal way, wherein the at least two horizontal profiles are connectable to the posts one above the other.
3. The partition wall system according to claim 2, further comprising a panel that is mountable to and between the at least two horizontal profiles.
4. The partition wall system according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal profiles are provided with at least one protruding flange that is arranged for engaging with a lower edge respectively an upper edge of the panel.
5. The Ppartition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal profile has a hollow cross-shaped cross-section.
6. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal profile has a cross-section that is symmetrical with respect to a first symmetry axis and/or with respect to a second symmetry axis perpendicular to the first symmetry axis.
7. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the panel is provided with engagement elements for engaging to the horizontal profile.
8. The partition wall system according to claim 7, wherein the engagement element is a magnetic element.
9. The partition wall system according to claim 7, wherein the panel is provided with an upper edge and a lower edge to which the engagement element is mounted.
10. The partition wall system according to claim 3, further comprising a further panel mounted to the profile at another side of the profile.
11. The partion wall system according to claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a frame and a panel body provided in the frame, preferably wherein the frame comprises an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel.
12. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal profile is magnetisable, preferably made from a metallic material.
13. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the posts and/or the profiles are manufactured of steel, preferably by means of steel rolling.
14. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding connection element of the post is configured as a bore through the post, or, in case of a hollow post, aligned openings in opposite sides of the post.
15. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the connection element of the horizontal profile comprises a plug insertable into an end of the profile.
16. The partition wall system according to claim 14, wherein the corresponding connection element of the post further comprises a pen engageable with the connection element of the profile, in particular with the plug.
17. The partition wall system according to claim 15, wherein the pen is engageable to a transverse wall of the plug.
18. The partition wall system according to claim 17, wherein the transverse wall of the plug is inclined with an inclination angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plug.
19. The partition wall system according to claim 18, wherein the inclination angle is between about 1 degree to about 10 degrees.
20. The partition wall system according to claim 17, wherein the pen is engageable into a cut-out of the transverse wall, preferably a V-shaped cut-out.
21. The partition wall system according to claim 1, further comprising a locking element for securing the panel to the horizontal profile.
22. The partition wall system according to claim 21, wherein the locking element is provided as a locking clip comprising an upper part that is insertable to the profile connection element and at least one transversely extending finger at a lower part thereof, wherein the transversely extending finger is configured to engage with the panel for securing the panel to the profile.
23. The partition wall system according to claim 22, wherein the locking clip further comprises at least one leg arranged for cooperation with the profile connection element such that the clip is removable connectable to the profile connection element.
24. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the post is releasable fixatable to a floor and/or a ceiling.
25. The partition wall system according to claim 24, wherein the post is provided with an adjustable foot, which foot, preferably is releasable fixatable to the floor and/or ceiling.
26. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the post has a hollow cross-section.
27. The partition wall system according to claim 1, wherein the posts and the profiles have the same cross-section, preferably a hollow cross-section, more preferably a hollow cross-shaped cross-section.
28. A method for mounting a partition wall system according to claim 1, comprising: erecting at least two vertical posts; connecting at least one profile horizontally to the vertical posts.
29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising: connecting a further profile horizontally to the vertical posts, at a distance from the already mounted horizontal profile; engaging a panel to the horizontal profiles.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein engaging the panel to the horizontal profiles also provides for securing the panel to the horizontal profiles by means of a locking element.
31. A method for customizing a partition wall system according to claim 1, the method comprising: erecting at least two vertical posts; connecting at least one profile horizontally to the vertical posts: and removing a panel from the partition wall system and replacing the removed panel by a different panel.
32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising providing multiple horizontal profiles, and engaging panels to predefined ones of the horizontal profiles.
33. A method for repositioning the partition wall system according to claim 1, the method comprising: erecting at least two vertical posts; connecting at least one profile horizontally to the vertical posts, and demounting the partition wall system by removing the panels, deconnecting the horizontal profiles from the posts and releasing the posts from their current position, erecting the posts at another position and connecting the horizontal profiles and at least one panel.
Description
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037] It is to be noted that the figures are given by way of exemplary examples and are not limiting to the disclosure.
[0038]
[0039] The posts 2, or so-called upright posts or vertical posts, can be erected between a floor 6 and a ceiling 7, or can be fixated to a floor 6 only. For fixating the post 2 to the floor 6 and/or the ceiling 7, a fixation element 8 is provided. The fixation element 8 can be an adjustable foot 8, comprising a post insert 9 and a foot base 10.
[0040] The profiles 3 can be connected to the posts 2 by means of a connecting element 14, the post 2 is advantageously provided with a corresponding connection element 15. Various examples of the connection elements 14, 15 are possible. For example, the connection element 14 may be provided as a protrusion that fits in a cut-out connection element 15 of the post 2. Alternatively, the connection element 14 of the profile 3 may be a hook that can be hooked over or in a corresponding protrusion or opening of the post 2. Alternatively, the connection element 14 can be a pin with a head, a mushroom shaped element, that can be inserted into a key-hole shaped opening of the post 2, as shown in
[0041] To align the connection elements 15 of the adjacent posts 2, the height of the posts 2 can be adjusted with the adjustable foot 8.
[0042] The profile 3 is advantageously of a hollow cross-section and may be made from metal, e.g. steel, it can thus be a steel rolled profile. The profile 3, as shown in the cross-section of
[0043] The protruding flange 16, 17 may provide for a support for the panel 5 that can be engaged to the profile 3. More particular, the rib 18, 19 may provide for engagement of the panel 5 to the profile 3. The panel 5, in particular the upper edge 20 and/or lower edge 21 can be provided with engagement elements 22, 23. The engagement elements 22, 23 of the upper and lower edge 20, 21 can be the same, but may be different as well. For example, the engagement element 23 of the lower edge 21 can be a protrusion fitting in a groove of the flange 16, while the engagement element 22 of the upper edge 20 can be a pin or click-finger fitting in an opening of the rib 19. In another example, both engagement elements 22, 23 can be the same, for example click-fingers engaging in openings of the ribs 19, 18. Here, the engagement elements 22, 23 are embodied the same, namely as magnetic elements connected to the upper edge 20 and the lower edge 21 of the panel respectively. However, the magnetic elements can be connected to the ribs 18, 19 as well. The magnetic elements 22, 23 can be connected to the outside of the panel 5 and/or profile 3, or can be mounted inside of the panel 5 and/or profile 3.
[0044] Advantageously, the profile 3 is from a magnetisable material, such as steel. Alternatively and/or additionally, the upper edge 20 and/or the lower edge 21 of the panel 5 can be of a magnetisable material as well. In an embodiment, the panel 5 comprises a frame 51 and a panel body 52. The upper edge 20 and the lower edge 21 may provide the frame 51. The frame 51 may further comprise side edges as well. The panel body 51 may be integral to the frame 51, as shown in the embodiment of
[0045] By providing magnetic elements 22, 23 as engagement elements, the engagement of the panel 5 to the profiles 3 can be relatively simple. The panel 5 is first supported on the flange 16 of the lower profile 3, preferably in the corner between the flange 16 and the rib 18. Then, the panel 5 can be rotated towards the upper profile 3 until the upper edge 20 of the panel 5 engages the rib 19. Due to the magnetic force of the magnetic elements 22, 23 a firm connection can then be established. At the opposite side of the profiles 3, another panel 5 may be engaged to the profiles 3 as well, as schematically indicated in
[0046] The panel 5 may further be provided with side edges in a similar way as the upper edge 20 and the bottom edge 21. The side edges may then engage with arms of the posts 2 in a similar way as the upper and lower edges engage with the arms 18, 19 of the profile 3. In fact, when the profile and post have the same cross-section and the side edges of the panel are similar to the upper and lower edges, the section of the system shown in
[0047] The upper and lower edges of the panel may form the frame of the panel. If present, the frame may further comprise the side edges as well.
[0048]
[0049] The pen 25 comprises here two pen parts 25a, 25b that are connectable to each other via screw thread. One pen part 25a is provided with a threaded rod 26 while the other pen part 25b is provided with a threaded bore in which the threaded rod can be screwn. Both pen parts 25a, 25b have the same or similar end shape, namely comprising a knob 27, a rejuvenation 28 and a rib 29 connected to a pen body 30. The rejuvenation 28 may have a smaller diameter than the pen diameter and may form a space between the knob 27 and the rib 29 Advantageously, the pen part 25a, 25b is integrally manufactured as a single piece part, e.g. from metal or composite.
[0050] The plug 24 can be provided with a transverse wall 31 in which an opening 32 is provided. Advantageously, the transverse wall 31 fits in the space between the knob 27 and the rib 29 provided by the rejuvenation 28. The opening 32 is preferably V-shaped such that finding the pen 25 can relatively easy, and upon moving the plug 24 downwardly over the pen 25, a tight connection can be obtained.
[0051] The posts 2 are in a beneficial manner provided with pre-bored bores 15 through with pen parts 25a, 25b can be inserted and can be connected to each other to form pen 25. As such, the pens 25 can be connected to the posts 2 at positions corresponding to a user’s preference. When the pens 25 are inserted to the posts 2, the profiles 3 can be mounted over the pens 25. In particular, the plugs 24 inserted in ends of the profiles 3 can be mounted over the pens 25. More in particular, the transverse wall 31 of the plug 24 can be mounted in the space formed by the rejuvenation 28.
[0052] The opening 32 in the transverse wall 31 may be key-hole shaped, as to tight-fitting the pen, in particular the rejuvenation 28, when in engaged position. Furthermore, the transverse wall 31 may have a slight inclination, an angle alpha between about 1 degree to about 10 degrees, preferably about 5 degrees, with respect to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L of the plug 24, as can be seen in
[0053] Also shown in
[0054]
[0055] More inwardly with respect to the legs 41, two fingers 44 extend downwardly from the bridge 42 of the locking clip 33. The downwardly extending fingers 44 are here embodied as legs as well, and are arranged for engagement with the panel 5. The bridge or base part 42 is in fact the upper part from which the legs 44 extend. By the legs 41, 44 extending from the base bridge 42, some elasticity is provided allowing some movement of the legs with respect to each other. Such elasticity and/or movement may provide for engaging and disengaging from the locking clip 33 to the profile 3 and/or the panel 5. The legs 44 end in the transversely extending click-fingers 34. Due to the L-shape of the configuration of the leg 44 with the click-finger 34, flexibility is provided to the locking element 33, allowing downward movement of the click-finger 34, and thus, disengagement of the click-finger 34 from the opening 35 in the panel 5. The locking element 33 not only provides for a secure and reliable connection of the panel 5 to the profile 3, but it is also designed as to be removable itself. This allows a large flexibility and versatility to the user of the wall system. In the example of the locking clip 33 shown in
[0056] The locking clip 33 is in this example shown with two legs 44 and two fingers 41 downwardly extending from the bridge 42, allowing two panels 5, one panel 5 at each side of the profile 3, to be secured to the horizontal profile 3 at the same time. However, in another example, the locking clip 33 may comprise a single leg 44 and a single finger 41 for securing a panel 5 at one side of the horizontal profile 3 only. The locking clip 33 as shown in
[0057]
[0058] The locking clip 33 as shown in
[0059] For example, a panel 5 may be provided with four recesses, one on each corner, to engage with four locking clips 33, two at a top side of the panel, and two at a bottom side of the panel. Alternatively, only a top side of the panel 5 may engage with the locking clips 33 to connect to the horizontal profile 3. A locking clip as shown in
[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the insert 33 may be used as the primary or only connection between the horizontal profile 3 and the panel 5. In other words, the insert 33 may function as engaging element 23, even though it remains possible to combine the insert 33 with, for example, magnetic elements 23.
[0061] As can be seen in the various examples, the partition wall system and all its components are configured as to be removable, disengageable, reusable, re-positionable etc. All connections provided between the components of the partition wall system are easy removable or loosenable without the need for any tools or instruments, by simply disconnecting or disengaging of connection elements or disengagement elements. Also, the locking element is easy insertable to the profile with a single hand and without tools. Thus the system is relatively simple and straightforward in use and can be easy modified, extended, adapted, customized etc. to the preferences of the user. For example, in one situation a straight wall is required in a certain colour, whereas for the next occasion the colour is to be different. It is then easy to remove the wall panels and to replace with panels in a different colour and/or colour pattern. In another example, in one occasion a floor to ceiling wall is required, whereas in the next occasion, a shoulder high partition is need. The upper panels can then simply be removed from the wall system. Lower panels may be replaced by cabinet- or shelve-shaped panels. In still another example, a wall system having posts not extending up to the ceiling, but ending e.g. a shoulder height can be sufficient while the wall system is configured in an L-configuration. At both sides of the posts and profiles panels can be mounted, giving versatility and flexibility at both sides of the wall system. Moreover, the elements of the partition wall system may be connected to each other without using any tools or instruments, namely tool-less. Connecting a profile to a post, or connecting a panel to a profile can be relatively simple and straightforward, A single person, in particular a single layman person, can in fact assembly the partition wall system on his own, without tools or instruments and without the need for assistance from other persons. Many variants and configurations are possible.
[0062] In another aspect, a partition wall system is provided comprising at least two vertical posts that can be erected uprightly and on each post a support element can be provided. A panel can be mounted to adjacent vertical posts supporting on the respective support elements. The support elements can be adjusted with respect to the posts, e.g. via a plug-in-hole connection, to ensure that the support elements in adjacent posts are at approximately the same height to receive the panel in an approximately horizontal way. Here, the panel may be provided with side edges comprising an engagement element for engagement to the corresponding vertical post. The engagement elements are, similar to the above described, preferably magnetic elements. The vertical post preferably has a hollow cross-section, more preferably a hollow cross-shaped cross-section. As such, a side edge of the panel can engage to an arm of the cross-shaped post. The support element may, relatively simple, be a pen mounted through a through bore of the post, or, in case of a hollow post, through aligned openings in opposite sides of the post. Other variants of a support element, e.g. a click-finger or a hook may be possible as well. In a further example, the support element may be a horizontal profile as described above.
[0063] For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the claims and disclosure may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. It may be understood that the embodiments shown have the same or similar components, apart from where they are described as being different.
[0064] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. Many variants will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. All variants are understood to be comprised within the scope defined in the following claims.