Integrated reconfigurable wall system
A movable reconfigurable wall system having at least one module having a front and rear surface, the at least one module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side edges, each the vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed toward the front surface and a vertically extending flange directed toward the rear surface; a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between the pair of vertical end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to the stringers; and a removable connecting strip, the connecting strip adapted to affix about one of the two flanges on one of the vertical end frames and join the one of the two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.
Latest DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LTD Patents:
The present invention Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901. The reissue applications are the present application, Reissue application Ser. No. 14/032,931, Reissue Divisional application Ser. No. 14/681,874, and Reissue application Ser. No. 15/074,383. This application is a continuation reissue of application Ser. No. 14/032,931, entitled “INTEGRATED RECONFIGURABLE WALL SYSTEM”, filed Sep. 20, 2013, which is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/601,985, entitled “INTEGRATED RECONFIGURABLE WALL SYSTEM”, filed Aug. 17, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a wall moveable system, and more particularly to a reconfigurable moveable wall system comprising reconfigurable components and design elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWall systems, or dividers as they are sometimes called, are used most commonly in an office environment to separate work areas and to give people privacy where permanent walls are lacking. It is beneficial to have a wall system that is easily movable and easily reconfigured given the ever changing needs and requirements in these environments. Another important aspect in an office is to maximize available space. Aesthetics are also important, including the ability to provide the aesthetic element independently of underlying structural componentry.
Previous wall systems have lacked some or all of these attributes. Some are difficult to reconfigure or to move without significant amounts of labour and dislocation. Most systems lack the flexibility to quickly change the height of a wall, or to use or substitute different types of panels, or replace a module in the middle of a wall without taking apart the entire wall. There also is a need to be able to use the wall system against an existing wall as a curtain wall for an integrated look and to provide the design flexibility needed in those spaces bordered by permanent walls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn a preferred embodiment, the present wall system comprises at least one module, where each module includes a frame and a plurality of tiles mounted to the frame by means of a tile clip system. Clips are attached to the rear surface of each tile and the tile is then pressed into place, aligning the clips with a capture detail on the horizontal frame stringers. Tiles can span adjacent frames where required. Horizontal frame stringers may include a cantilever channel detail where desired to allow objects to be hung along the width. A single frame comprised of two verticals frame members and a plurality of horizontals stringers mounted to an existing wall by connecting the horizontal members to brackets attached to the existing wall allows tiles to be mounted as a curtain wall on the existing wall. Two frames may be supported back to back within a framework for modules used to divide adjacent work spaces. A spline is attachable to the top of the frame to extend the frame and allow for additional tiles to be added on to increase a module's height if so desired. The spline is also used to connect a different style of frame above the existing frame if so desired. For example, this allows a framed glass module to be attached above a framed wood substrate module. Two adjacent modules are connected using a removable zipper interface. The zipper contains two flexible gasket components. Where tiles will span adjacent frames or meet one another without a gap, the gaskets bend back behind the tiles. Where tiles do not span adjacent frames and a gap is wanted, the gaskets point outward from the frame, between the tiles. At the edge of a module where no other module is to be connected, a starter strip may be placed, wherein the starter strip includes an integral flexible gasket which conforms to the shape of the surrounding environment while providing both light and sound baffling. The cantilever channel between tiles allows for various accessories or mill work to be supported from the outside of the module at convenient locations and to be adjusted as needed.
The present wall system also includes a glass wall module, where each module includes a frame and a plurality of glass tiles mounted within the frame. The glass may be center mounted, front mounted or rear mounted. A channel within each end frame extrusion holds a full length gasket extrusion or notch. The glass is retained within the gasket extrusion, around the full perimeter of the glass tile. Extra horizontal or vertical extrusions are attached within the frame to further divide the module into smaller areas.
The present wall system also includes levelers. Levelers include upper, middle and lower sections. The upper section includes a hollow cylinder which is threaded along the interior, and a flat upper plated perpendicular to the leveler. The middle section is a hollow cylinder where the interior and exterior surfaces are threaded in opposite directions, with a fixed nut at one end of the middle section for adjustment. The lower section includes a solid cylinder threaded to correspond with the middle section, a fixed lower nut and an inverted V-shaped lower plate. The leveler is used by having the flat plate in the upper section engage a continuous channel in an the lowermost extrusion of a module's frame, and the lower plate engaging a continuous universal foot, located beneath each module. The V-shape of the lower plate distributes the weight of the wall in the direction of the connection channels of continuous universal foot. A leveler can be placed at any location along the width of the module, allowing for a plurality of levelers to be used if needed. Along the base of the universal foot is a plurality of grippers, which can be adapted for either carpet or hard flooring surfaces. The attachment of the leveler to the module is secure and without extra fastener requirement of any sort. Sliding the leveler plates into the extrusion channels, followed by the attachment of subsequent vertical members, secures the levelers in place.
A base trim is provided which, in one embodiment, can be removably secured to the universal foot to provide access to the levelers when needed but which otherwise provides a finished look to the modules. The base trim can be modular, or span multiple frames.
Wall modules can be adapted to include integrated rear projection video systems or digital whiteboards. Front projection screens or whiteboards can be mounted within the frame confines, or spanning adjacent frames.
The present wall system provides for true curved walls. Curved wall frames are comprised of straight vertical extrusions and stretch formed horizontal extrusions which are curved to the required radius. Glass or other substrate tiles are curved to match the radius of the frame and mounted in the same manner as planar wall modules.
The present wall system can incorporate universal slat wall constructions which would accept all standard slat wall accessories. The slat wall component is a horizontal structural extrusion, interlocking above and below the cantilever channel horizontal member or other slat wall extrusions.
The present wall system can also support desktops and work surfaces using support brackets in the cantilever channel.
The present wall system also integrates completely with a related furniture panel system. A furniture panel system is comprised of a frame and plurality of tiles attached to the frame. The furniture panel system is designed to serve as cubicle type dividers or desk type units, rather than full height walls. The integration to the furniture panel system is seamless, as the zipper connection detail, tile clip capture detail and cantilever detail are identical to the wall system connection details. All components used in or on the wall system can also be used in or on the furniture panel system.
According to the present invention then, there is provided a movable reconfigurable wall system comprising: at least one module having a front and rear surface, said at least one module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side edges, each said vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed toward said front surface and a vertically extending flange directed toward said rear surface; a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between said pair of vertical end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to said stringers; and a removable connecting strip, said connecting strip adapted to affix about one of said two flanges on one of said vertical end frames and join said one of said two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.
Preferred embodiments of the applicant's integrated reconfigurable wall system will now be described in greater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
With reference to
With reference to
Stringers 8 are horizontally spaced apart at intervals along the height of the module for strength and rigidity. To support objects, cantilever channel stringers 40, including a cantilever channel portion 41, are used, as shown in
If the module will be visible from both sides, finishing tiles 18 can be connected to the stringers on both sides of module 20. It is not necessary that the tiles on one side of the wall be at all like the tiles on the other. They can be different materials or even aligned differently as shown in
The depth or thickness of the module can be selected by varying the width of frame 12. For example, as will be described below, the modules can house a rear projection or digital video system and the greater depth is needed to enclose the componentry.
With reference to
As illustrated in
If no gap is desired, or if tiles span adjacent modules,
In an alternative embodiment illustrated in
As such, in various embodiments, the zipper 25 may be positioned in a recessed location within the wall system 10. The recessed zipper 25 may allow for a single tile 18 to span multiple modules 20 without interference from the zipper 25. Additionally, a recessed zipper 25 may allow for the free movement of accessories 47 between adjacent wall modules 20 within a cantilever channel 41.
If either of frames 12 or 17 is to start, or end, at an existing wall, flexible starter strips 37 can snap-fit onto flanges 23 as shown most clearly in
Alternatively, as illustrated in
Wall start 43 includes a flanges 23 and is connected to an end frame 12 or 17 using a zipper 25. As indicated above, extensions 32 can provide a seal against the wall and panel.
To increase the height of an existing module 20, or to combine a glass module above or below a tile-clad module, a spline 39 can be used to connect end frame 12 (or 17) to an extension frame 12e as shown most clearly in
It is desirable that work surfaces, mill work and wall accessories such as trays or document holders be connectable to modules 20. This can be easily achieved in the present system by using cantilever channel stringers 40 with channel brackets horizontally disposed in the channel between adjacent tiles 18 as shown most clearly in
Each channel stringer 40 includes a central horizontally extending channel portion 41 with a generally L-shaped slot 42 formed along its length adapted to receive and engage a substantially L-shaped hook 45 formed on a wall accessory 47 such as the document holder shown in
The upper and lower edges of tiles 18 that abut the channel portion 41 of each channel bracket are camphored for clearance as seen most clearly in
The upper and lower portions 51 and 53 of the channel stringer 40 are advantageously formed with longitudinally extended circular recesses 57 and inner channels 58. Recesses 57 are adapted to receive screws used to connect end frames 12 or 17 to channel stringers 40. Channels 58 can be used to support mounting hardware for audio-video equipment mounted within the modules, cable management clips or any other hardware to be housed or contained in the module's interior. Channels 58 are also used to connect a single-sided tile clad module to brackets attached to existing wall surfaces.
With reference to
As shown in
As illustrated in
In the case of modules having tiles that extend all the way down to the floor, applicant has developed a leveller mounting system that allows levellers to be placed anywhere along the length of a module and extra levellers to be added where needed. There are two variations of the leveller mounting system shown in
Referring first to
Extrusion 90 and universal foot 100 are interconnected by means of dual threaded levellers 110, an example of which is shown in
Leveller 110 has three distinct sections, an upper section 112, a middle section 115 and a lower section 120. Upper section 112 is cylindrical in shape and is internally left or right hand threaded. A plate 113 is connected to the section's upper end for a permanent connection thereto. Middle section 115 is both internally and externally threaded. The external threads will match the direction of the internal threads on upper section 112 while the internal threads will be in the opposite direction to match the external threading of lower portion 120. A fixed middle nut 114 is disposed at the lower end of middle section 115. Nut 114 can be used to turn middle section 115 relative to the upper and lower sections of the leveller.
As mentioned, the lower section 120 of the leveller is externally threaded and the threading will be in the opposite direction to the internal threading of upper section 112. In this way, each turn of nut 114 doubles the expansion or contraction of the leveller to halve the levelling time. The lower end of section 120 includes its own fixed adjustment nut 124 and an inverted V-shaped lower plate 125.
If modules 20 are situated atop carpet, toothed carpet grippers 130 are inserted into slots 129 in foot 100. If the modules are installed on hard surfaces, nonskid grippers can be inserted instead. The grippers can be placed precisely where needed to bear the modules weight and can be easily moved, replaced or switched over as needed.
Reference is now made to
Horizontal upper 2610 further includes a protrusion (bead 64) as described above to attach a tile (via the flexible arms of the illustrated tile clips) to the horizontal upper. Further, recesses 2616 are used to attach horizontal uppers to frames 12 or 17.
To affix a wall, an installer can first install ceiling track 2601 in the correct location. The wall is then created with levellers 110 in a lowermost position. The levellers 110 are then extended to level the wall and to further cause horizontal uppers 2610 to abut ceiling track 2601 on either side of ceiling track 2601, as illustrated in
Alternatively, if a divider such as a glass panel is being used, a one piece upper 2701 can be used, as illustrated in
The present wall system 10 includes curved walls using curved aluminum stringers and extrusions and curved tiles 18. In conventional systems, curved walls are constructed of faceted panels rather than true, radii arcs. A curved wall is illustrated in
With reference to
With reference to
Various connectors are also provided to allow the present reconfigurable wall system to form corners. Reference is now made to
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set forth in the following claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A movable reconfigurable wall system comprising:
- a) at least one wall module having a front and rear surface and top, bottom, right side and left side edges, said at least one wall module having: i) a vertical end frame disposed adjacent to each of said right and left side edges, each vertical end frame having a first vertically extending flange and a spaced apart second vertically extending flange thereon, each of said first vertically extending flange and said second vertically extending flange having a beaded portion, the beaded portion on one of said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange extending toward the front surface of the wall module and the beaded portion on the other of said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange extending toward the rear surface of the wall module; ii) a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between said vertical end frames at said right and left side edges; and iii) an aesthetic surface affixed to said stringers; and
- b) a removable connecting strip having a pair of spaced apart flexible arms, each arm having a beaded portion thereon, the beaded portion of one of said arms being adapted to connect releasably to the beaded portion of one of said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange on said vertical end frame and the beaded portion of the other of said arms being adapted to connect releasably to the beaded portion of a corresponding opposed vertically extending flange on a separate vertical end frame of a second wall module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post to hold one of said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange and said opposed vertically extending flange together, the beaded portions of said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange and said opposed vertically extending flange fitting inside the arms of said connecting strip to hold said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange and said opposed vertically extending flange together thereby releasably connecting said at least one wall module to the other of said second wall module, wall bracket, finishing trim or connection post.
2. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said connecting strip includes a spine adapted to fit between said first vertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flange and said opposed vertically extending flange.
3. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 2, wherein said connecting strip further includes a pair of flexible fin extensions extending opposite to said flexible arms for providing a seal.
4. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surface includes a tile panel on said front surface, said rear surface, or both said front surface and said rear surface.
5. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 4, wherein each said stringer includes one or more protrusions, said reconfigurable wall system further including tile clips for affixing tiles to said one or more protrusions.
6. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surface is a single divider selected from a group consisting of substrates consisting of glass, plastic, or wood and metal.
7. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 6, wherein said stringers and end frames include a channel for receiving said divider.
8. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said stringers include a cantilever channel stringer, said cantilever channel stringer having: a central horizontally extending channel portion with a generally L-shaped slot, said L-shaped slot adapted to receive and engage a substantially L-shaped hook formed on a wall accessory; an upper portion having a tile support; a lower portion having a tile support; and a pair of extending webs connecting said channel portion to said upper and a lower portion.
9. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises an extension frame, said extension frame including a pair of vertical extension end frames and at least one stringer, said extension frame being affixed atop of said at least one module with a spline on each end of said end frame.
10. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surface includes a slat wall, said slat wall having slats and slat wall channels for connection to slat wall accessories.
11. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, said system further comprising a levelling system having: a universal foot; a leveller capable of engaging said universal foot; and a structural extrusion to engage surface of said at least one module, said structural extrusion connecting to said leveller, wherein said leveller provides the sole connection between said universal foot and said module.
12. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 11, wherein said leveller comprises: a cylindrical internally threaded upper section; an internally and externally threaded middle section, said external threads matching said internally threaded upper section; and an externally threaded lower section, said externally threaded lower section matching internal threads of said middle section, wherein said middle section can be twisted to extend or contract said leveller.
13. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 11 further comprising a base trim, said base trim attaching to said universal foot.
14. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1 further comprising a ceiling connection, said ceiling connection including: a ceiling track affixed to a ceiling; a horizontal upper section affixed to said module, said horizontal upper section adapted to fit about said ceiling track; a flexible gasket affixed to said horizontal upper section and extending above said horizontal upper section to contact the ceiling.
15. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said wall bracket comprises:
- an extrusion for connection to an existing wall in alignment with said end frame; and
- first and second flanges on said extrusion corresponding to said first vertically extending flange and said second vertically extending flange on said end frame and arranged in opposition thereto.
16. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1 further comprising a wall joint, said wall joint comprising a flexible gasket and a channel, said channel adapted to connect to a flange of said at least one module.
17. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said at least one module includes curved stringers and curved aesthetic surfaces.
18. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said connection post includes at least two sides having vertically extending flanges thereon corresponding to and arranged in opposition to said first and second flanges on said end frame.
19. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surface includes a multimedia component.
20. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 19, wherein said multimedia component is a video monitor.
21. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said vertical end frame depth is extended to provide a deeper wall.
22. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 21, wherein said deeper wall is adapted to accommodate a rear-projection video system.
23. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 21, wherein said deeper wall is adapted to accommodate an integrated storage system.
24. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, further comprising a wall mounted module for mounting to an existing wall face, said wall mounted module having:
- a) vertical end brackets disposed at least at its side edges, each said vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed away from said existing wall face; b) a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between said pair of vertical end brackets; and c) an aesthetic surface affixed to said stringers.
25. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, further comprising a furniture system connectable to said at least one module, the furniture system having: a work surface, said work surface connectable to said stringers; and furniture legs, said furniture legs connecting to said work surface at a first end and connecting to a threaded bolt at a second end opposite said first end, said threaded bolt allowing levelling of said work surface.
26. A reconfigurable wall system comprising:
- a plurality of wall modules, each wall module being connectable to one or more other wall modules;
- at least one wall module of the plurality of wall modules having front and rear surfaces and top, bottom, right side, and left side edges, the at least one wall module being configured to support and have coupled to at least one of the front and rear surfaces thereof one or more wall tiles;
- at least another wall module of the plurality of wall modules having a front edge and a rear edge defined by opposing, visible outer surfaces of first and second vertical end frames, a top side edge, a bottom side edge, a right side edge, and a left side edge, the at least another wall module comprising a divider between the front edge and the rear edge;
- wherein: the at least another wall module is selectively connectable to the at least one wall module such that the at least another wall module is positioned above or below the at least one wall module, and the at least another wall module comprises a pair of spaced apart end frames, each end frame having a notch formed therein, wherein the divider is received and held within the notches; and
- a leveling system having: a foot; a leveler engaging and supported by said foot and engaging and supporting a horizontal member a lowermost module of the at least one or at least another wall module; wherein said leveler (a) has a height that is capable of being adjusted and (b) has a horizontal location that was established by sliding said leveler horizontally relative to, and while engaging said horizontal member and/or said foot.
27. The system as recited in claim 26, wherein the at least one wall module comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical end frames.
28. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein the pair of spaced apart vertical end frames are connected to one another by a plurality of stringers.
29. The system as recited in claim 28, wherein the plurality of stringers are configured to have the one or more wall tiles coupled thereto.
30. The system as recited in claim 26, wherein the top edge of the at least one wall module and the bottom edge of the at least another wall module are configured to enable the at least another wall module to be connected on top of the at least one wall module.
31. The system as recited in claim 26, wherein the top edge of the at least another wall module and the bottom edge of the at least one wall module are configured to enable the at least one wall module to be connected on top of the at least another wall module.
32. The system as recited in claim 26, wherein the at least one wall module and the at least another wall module each comprise a pair of spaced apart vertical end frames.
33. The system as recited in claim 32, wherein a vertical end frame of the at least one wall module is connectable to a vertical end frame of the at least another wall module to connect together the at least one wall module and the at least another wall module.
34. The system as recited in claim 33, wherein the vertical end frame of the at least one wall module is connectable to the vertical end frame of the at least another wall module with a spline.
35. The system as recited in claim 26, further comprising one or more wall tiles coupled to the at least one wall module.
36. The system as recited in claim 35, wherein the one or more wall tiles comprise wood, metal, fabric, or glass.
37. The system as recited in claim 26, further comprising another divider coupled to the at least another wall module.
38. The system as recited in claim 37, wherein each divider comprises glass or plastic.
39. The system as recited in claim 37, wherein each divider is transparent.
40. The system as recited in claim 37, wherein at least one of the dividers is held into place at least in part by a continuous notch in the bottom side edge that extends from the left side edge to the right side edge.
41. The system as recited in claim 26, wherein the at least one wall module and the at least another wall module have substantially equal widths.
42. A reconfigurable wall system comprising:
- a first wall module comprising first and second tiles coupled to a stringer interconnecting one or more first vertical end frames to another of the one or more first vertical end frames, wherein the stringer comprises a continuous channel extending the length of the stringer; and
- a second wall module comprising a first divider coupled to one or more second vertical end frames between a first front edge and a first rear edge of the first wall module, wherein the first wall module and the second wall module are selectively connectable to one another such that the second wall module may be positioned above or below the first wall module to selectively adjust the height of a reconfigurable wall;
- wherein the continuous channel is configured to receive a wall accessory via a receiving feature;
- wherein: the continuous channel is accessible from outside of the first and second tiles; the receiving feature comprises a first edge that aligns with an edge of the first tile and a second edge that aligns with an edge of the second tile.
43. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein the first and second tiles are connected to the one or more first vertical end frames by one or more stringers.
44. The system as recited in claim 43, wherein the one or more first vertical end frames comprise two spaced apart vertical end frames.
45. The system as recited in claim 44, wherein a plurality of stringers are coupled between the two spaced apart vertical end frames.
46. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein each of the one or more second vertical end frames comprises a notch configured to receive and hold the divider therein.
47. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein the second wall module further comprises one or more horizontal frame elements connected to the one or more second vertical end frames.
48. The system as recited in claim 47, wherein at least one of the one or more horizontal frame elements comprises a notch configured to receive and hold the divider therein.
49. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein at least one of the one or more first vertical end frames and at least one of the one or more second vertical end frames are configured to be secured together to connect the first wall module to the second wall module.
50. The system as recited in claim 49, wherein the at least one of the one or more first vertical end frames and the at least one of the one or more second vertical end frames are configured to be secured together with a spline.
51. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein the one or more tiles comprise wood, metal, fabric, or glass.
52. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein the divider comprises glass or plastic.
53. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein the divider is transparent.
54. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein at least one of the first wall module and the second wall module is configured to be connected along a left or right vertical edge thereof to a vertical edge of a third wall module.
55. A reconfigurable wall system comprising:
- a first wall module having a pair of spaced apart first vertical end frames, one or more stringers extending between and connected to the first vertical end frames, and one or more tiles connected to the one or more stringers on at least one of a front surface and a rear surface of the first wall module; and
- a second wall module having a pair of spaced apart second vertical end frames, top and bottom horizontal frame elements extending between and connected to the second vertical end frames, and a divider mounted between the second vertical end frames and the top and bottom horizontal frame elements such that the divider is disposed between a front edge and a rear edge of the first wall module;
- wherein: the first wall module and the second wall module are selectively connectable to one another such that the second wall module may be positioned above or below the first wall module to selectively adjust the height of a reconfigurable wall formed, at least in part, by the first and second wall modules, and a bottom edge of the divider is inset into the bottom horizontal frame element; and
- a leveling system having:
- a foot having one or more grooves formed therein, the foot providing an upwardly curved surface; and
- a leveler engaging and supported by said foot, said leveler horizontally engaging and supporting a horizontal member of said lowermost of the first or second wall modules, wherein said leveler
- (a) has a height that is capable of being adjusted and
- (b) has a non-planar base that rests upon the upwardly curved surface of said foot.
56. The system as recited in claim 55, wherein the divider is transparent.
57. The system as recited in claim 55, wherein at least one of the second vertical end frames comprises a notch configured to receive and hold an edge of the divider.
58. The system as recited in claim 55, wherein at least one of the top and bottom horizontal frame elements comprises a continuous notch extending a length of the frame element configured to receive and hold an edge of the divider.
59. The system as recited in claim 55, wherein the first wall module and the second wall module are configured to be connected together with a spline.
60. The system as recited in claim 55, wherein at least one of the first wall module and the second wall module is configured to be connected along a left or right vertical edge thereof to a vertical edge of a third wall module.
2042290 | May 1936 | Barrett |
2658810 | November 1953 | Ellis |
2676481 | April 1954 | Hoffman |
3037593 | June 1962 | Webster |
3088127 | May 1963 | Charles |
3180457 | April 1965 | Bohnsack |
3521937 | July 1970 | Buhrmaster |
3602226 | September 1971 | Ericson |
3621635 | November 1971 | Lange |
3675382 | July 1972 | Lickliter |
3696569 | October 1972 | Didry |
3885361 | May 1975 | De Schutter |
4027878 | June 7, 1977 | Dadbeh |
4103373 | August 1, 1978 | Luedtke |
4128983 | December 12, 1978 | Matsubara |
4277920 | July 14, 1981 | Dixon |
4438614 | March 27, 1984 | Raith |
4449337 | May 22, 1984 | Gzym |
4493172 | January 15, 1985 | Jones |
4535577 | August 20, 1985 | Tenser |
4631881 | December 30, 1986 | Charman |
4688491 | August 25, 1987 | Herrera |
4752101 | June 21, 1988 | Yurchenco |
4757657 | July 19, 1988 | Mitchell |
D302497 | August 1, 1989 | Zapf |
D309381 | July 24, 1990 | Buhk |
D309382 | July 24, 1990 | Randall |
D309384 | July 24, 1990 | Buhk |
D309385 | July 24, 1990 | Buhk |
D309386 | July 24, 1990 | Buhk |
4991365 | February 12, 1991 | Jackson |
5038539 | August 13, 1991 | Kelley |
5056285 | October 15, 1991 | Frascaroli |
D321801 | November 26, 1991 | Friedman |
5064247 | November 12, 1991 | Clark |
D323251 | January 21, 1992 | Zapf |
5086597 | February 11, 1992 | Kelley |
D325309 | April 14, 1992 | Worrell |
5117599 | June 2, 1992 | Voss |
D327794 | July 14, 1992 | Zapf |
D328680 | August 18, 1992 | Zapf |
5144777 | September 8, 1992 | Fishel |
D330295 | October 20, 1992 | Zapf |
5155955 | October 20, 1992 | Ball |
D330641 | November 3, 1992 | Zapf |
D330643 | November 3, 1992 | Zapf |
5159793 | November 3, 1992 | Deugo |
D331335 | December 1, 1992 | Zapf |
D331513 | December 8, 1992 | Zapf |
5171060 | December 15, 1992 | Kaye |
5172530 | December 22, 1992 | Fishel |
5184441 | February 9, 1993 | Balfanz |
5204149 | April 20, 1993 | Phenicie |
5207037 | May 4, 1993 | Giles |
5218799 | June 15, 1993 | Appino |
D337003 | July 6, 1993 | Rowland |
5227005 | July 13, 1993 | Zodrow et al. |
5321579 | June 14, 1994 | Brown |
D348786 | July 19, 1994 | Tolleson |
5351452 | October 4, 1994 | Gates |
5352033 | October 4, 1994 | Gresham |
5394668 | March 7, 1995 | Lim |
5488808 | February 6, 1996 | Cahill |
D371683 | July 16, 1996 | Tolleson |
5544593 | August 13, 1996 | Canfield |
5592794 | January 14, 1997 | Tundaun |
5600926 | February 11, 1997 | Ehrlich |
5601348 | February 11, 1997 | Minkovski |
5642593 | July 1, 1997 | Shieh |
5669314 | September 23, 1997 | Grant |
5740644 | April 21, 1998 | Menchetti |
5740650 | April 21, 1998 | Seiber |
5740744 | April 21, 1998 | Nashirozawa |
5746035 | May 5, 1998 | Seiber |
5792541 | August 11, 1998 | Herrera |
D397880 | September 8, 1998 | Saul |
D398464 | September 22, 1998 | Cronk |
5802789 | September 8, 1998 | Goodman |
5813178 | September 29, 1998 | Edwards |
5822935 | October 20, 1998 | Mitchell |
5826385 | October 27, 1998 | Dykstra |
5836121 | November 17, 1998 | Hofman |
5839240 | November 24, 1998 | Eisholz |
5852904 | December 29, 1998 | Yu |
5870867 | February 16, 1999 | Mitchell |
5875596 | March 2, 1999 | Muller |
5881979 | March 16, 1999 | Rozier |
5913787 | June 22, 1999 | Edwards |
5931429 | August 3, 1999 | Hellwig |
5950386 | September 14, 1999 | Shipman et al. |
5978988 | November 9, 1999 | Burchett |
6012258 | January 11, 2000 | Brown |
6047508 | April 11, 2000 | Goodman |
6058667 | May 9, 2000 | MacDonald |
6094872 | August 1, 2000 | Ward |
6112472 | September 5, 2000 | Van Dyk |
6122871 | September 26, 2000 | Russell |
6128877 | October 10, 2000 | Goodman |
6134845 | October 24, 2000 | Shipman |
6141926 | November 7, 2000 | Rossiter |
6158179 | December 12, 2000 | Ackerly |
6161347 | December 19, 2000 | Yu |
6189270 | February 20, 2001 | Jeffers |
6223485 | May 1, 2001 | Beck |
6250020 | June 26, 2001 | Shipman |
6250032 | June 26, 2001 | Davis et al. |
6260321 | July 17, 2001 | Rudduck |
6282854 | September 4, 2001 | Vos et al. |
6295764 | October 2, 2001 | Berrdige |
6301846 | October 16, 2001 | Waalkes |
6311441 | November 6, 2001 | Beavers |
6330773 | December 18, 2001 | MacDonald |
6341457 | January 29, 2002 | Aerts et al. |
6363663 | April 2, 2002 | Kane et al. |
6393782 | May 28, 2002 | Berrdige |
6393783 | May 28, 2002 | Emaus |
6397533 | June 4, 2002 | Hornberger |
6415567 | July 9, 2002 | Mead |
6446396 | September 10, 2002 | Marangoni |
6481168 | November 19, 2002 | Hodges et al. |
6484465 | November 26, 2002 | Higgins |
6490154 | December 3, 2002 | Thompson |
6497075 | December 24, 2002 | Schreiner |
6530181 | March 11, 2003 | Seiber |
6557310 | May 6, 2003 | Marshall |
6571855 | June 3, 2003 | Goldsmith |
6581344 | June 24, 2003 | Niewiadomski |
6591563 | July 15, 2003 | King |
6612077 | September 2, 2003 | Parshad |
6619008 | September 16, 2003 | Shivak |
6658805 | December 9, 2003 | Yu |
6668514 | December 30, 2003 | Skov |
D485096 | January 13, 2004 | Overthun |
6684929 | February 3, 2004 | MacDonald |
6688056 | February 10, 2004 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
6701677 | March 9, 2004 | Gresham |
6711871 | March 30, 2004 | Beirise |
6729085 | May 4, 2004 | Newhouse |
6748710 | June 15, 2004 | Gresham |
6775953 | August 17, 2004 | Burken |
6799404 | October 5, 2004 | Spransy |
6807776 | October 26, 2004 | Girdwood |
6820388 | November 23, 2004 | Newhouse |
6851226 | February 8, 2005 | MacGregor |
6865853 | March 15, 2005 | Burken |
6883277 | April 26, 2005 | Wiechecki |
6889477 | May 10, 2005 | Kottman |
6920727 | July 26, 2005 | Yu et al. |
6928785 | August 16, 2005 | Shipman |
6941716 | September 13, 2005 | Kottman |
6944993 | September 20, 2005 | Jilk |
6951085 | October 4, 2005 | Hodges |
6964138 | November 15, 2005 | Carroll |
6981454 | January 3, 2006 | Burdick |
6990909 | January 31, 2006 | Gosling |
6993875 | February 7, 2006 | Rudduck |
7051482 | May 30, 2006 | MacDonald |
7150127 | December 19, 2006 | Underwood |
7210270 | May 1, 2007 | King |
7310918 | December 25, 2007 | Reuter |
7434790 | October 14, 2008 | Hansen |
7451577 | November 18, 2008 | Little |
7461484 | December 9, 2008 | Battey |
7540115 | June 2, 2009 | Metcalf |
7562504 | July 21, 2009 | Herbst |
7603821 | October 20, 2009 | Eberlein |
7644552 | January 12, 2010 | Kuipers |
7661237 | February 16, 2010 | Jakob-Bamberg |
7707790 | May 4, 2010 | Williams |
7818932 | October 26, 2010 | Eberlein |
7827745 | November 9, 2010 | Franceschet |
7832154 | November 16, 2010 | Gosling |
7841142 | November 30, 2010 | Towersey |
7856777 | December 28, 2010 | Lamfers |
7861474 | January 4, 2011 | Houle |
7891148 | February 22, 2011 | Underwood |
7908805 | March 22, 2011 | Metcalf |
7913459 | March 29, 2011 | Ball |
7918064 | April 5, 2011 | Singleton |
7922224 | April 12, 2011 | Arias |
7984598 | July 26, 2011 | Gosling |
8015766 | September 13, 2011 | Gosling |
8015767 | September 13, 2011 | Glick |
8024901 | September 27, 2011 | Gosling |
8033059 | October 11, 2011 | Contois |
8033068 | October 11, 2011 | Luttmann |
8046957 | November 1, 2011 | Towersey |
8151527 | April 10, 2012 | Gosling |
8151533 | April 10, 2012 | Krieger |
8176707 | May 15, 2012 | Gosling |
8215061 | July 10, 2012 | Gosling |
8272180 | September 25, 2012 | Glick |
8307591 | November 13, 2012 | Steinle |
8322102 | December 4, 2012 | Krieger |
8393122 | March 12, 2013 | Henriott |
8474193 | July 2, 2013 | Sutton |
8479026 | July 2, 2013 | Lakshmanan |
8534021 | September 17, 2013 | Liu |
8601749 | December 10, 2013 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
8613168 | December 24, 2013 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
8615936 | December 31, 2013 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
8656648 | February 25, 2014 | Liegeois |
8683745 | April 1, 2014 | Artwohl |
D710025 | July 29, 2014 | Johnson |
8910435 | December 16, 2014 | Feldpausch |
D725638 | March 31, 2015 | Hofman |
8966839 | March 3, 2015 | Rebman |
9003731 | April 14, 2015 | Gosling |
D731833 | June 16, 2015 | Fifield |
9084489 | July 21, 2015 | Gosling |
9206600 | December 8, 2015 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
9284729 | March 15, 2016 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
20010039774 | November 15, 2001 | Beirise |
20020053174 | May 9, 2002 | Barmark |
20020104271 | August 8, 2002 | Gallant |
20020108330 | August 15, 2002 | Yu et al. |
20020121056 | September 5, 2002 | Von Hoyningen |
20020124514 | September 12, 2002 | Higgins |
20020129574 | September 19, 2002 | Newhouse |
20020144476 | October 10, 2002 | Mastelli |
20020157335 | October 31, 2002 | Vos |
20030005514 | January 9, 2003 | Kunkel |
20030060080 | March 27, 2003 | Rees |
20030089057 | May 15, 2003 | Wiechecki et al. |
20030154673 | August 21, 2003 | Macgregor |
20030196388 | October 23, 2003 | Edwards |
20030221384 | December 4, 2003 | Burken et al. |
20040010998 | January 22, 2004 | Turco |
20040020137 | February 5, 2004 | Battey et al. |
20040035074 | February 26, 2004 | Stanescu et al. |
20040093805 | May 20, 2004 | Underwood |
20040177573 | September 16, 2004 | Newhouse et al. |
20050005527 | January 13, 2005 | Metcalf |
20050086871 | April 28, 2005 | MacGregor |
20060042141 | March 2, 2006 | Hansen |
20060048457 | March 9, 2006 | Yang |
20060059806 | March 23, 2006 | Gosling et al. |
20060185276 | August 24, 2006 | Pai |
20070277449 | December 6, 2007 | Burns |
20070289225 | December 20, 2007 | Kern |
20080069632 | March 20, 2008 | Gosling |
20080295426 | December 4, 2008 | Milligan |
20080302054 | December 11, 2008 | Gosling |
20090021122 | January 22, 2009 | Green |
20090241437 | October 1, 2009 | Steinle |
20090260311 | October 22, 2009 | Boyer |
20090293406 | December 3, 2009 | Gosling |
20100043142 | February 25, 2010 | Whitford |
20100192511 | August 5, 2010 | Gosling |
20100223857 | September 9, 2010 | Sutton |
20100307086 | December 9, 2010 | Hibbs |
20110197519 | August 18, 2011 | Henriott |
20120186164 | July 26, 2012 | Pensi |
20120317899 | December 20, 2012 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
20140102021 | April 17, 2014 | Gosling |
20140310873 | October 23, 2014 | Gosling |
20150007516 | January 8, 2015 | Glick |
20150354212 | December 10, 2015 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
20160032644 | February 4, 2016 | Geller |
20160053485 | February 25, 2016 | Von Hoyningen Huene |
55086 | October 1985 | CA |
1294107 | November 1987 | CA |
2011977 | October 1990 | CA |
2002674 | May 1991 | CA |
2040822 | November 1991 | CA |
2162300 | May 1997 | CA |
2273631 | October 2001 | CA |
2324050 | April 2002 | CA |
2348060 | November 2002 | CA |
2359165 | April 2003 | CA |
2310869 | August 2003 | CA |
2476368 | January 2006 | CA |
2428593 | August 2007 | CA |
2359547 | February 2008 | CA |
2591176 | December 2008 | CA |
2634407 | December 2008 | CA |
2349964 | October 2009 | CA |
2840843 | December 2013 | CA |
2535213 | April 2014 | CA |
2863783 | April 2014 | CA |
686795 | June 1996 | CH |
202069245 | December 2011 | CN |
1659015 | November 1971 | DE |
4207753 | September 1993 | DE |
69316247 | July 1998 | DE |
19960535 | June 2001 | DE |
202004017808 | January 2005 | DE |
0443202 | August 1991 | EP |
0557092 | January 1998 | EP |
0963719 | December 1999 | EP |
1094167 | April 2001 | EP |
1526637 | May 1968 | FR |
2221946 | February 1990 | GB |
2283071 | April 1995 | GB |
2353541 | October 2003 | GB |
HO3 17333 | January 1991 | JP |
2003105908 | April 2003 | JP |
2005155223 | June 2005 | JP |
1020000049102 | July 2000 | KR |
1020070077502 | July 2007 | KR |
GB1259347 | January 1972 | WO |
GB1400613 | July 1975 | WO |
EP0302564 | February 1989 | WO |
WO9212074 | July 1992 | WO |
WO9212300 | July 1992 | WO |
WO9315970 | August 1993 | WO |
WO9323629 | November 1993 | WO |
WO9402695 | February 1994 | WO |
WO9633323 | October 1996 | WO |
WO9746770 | December 1997 | WO |
EP0557092 | January 1998 | WO |
WO9807357 | February 1998 | WO |
WO9816699 | April 1998 | WO |
WO9829623 | July 1998 | WO |
WO9837292 | August 1998 | WO |
WO9851876 | November 1998 | WO |
WO9946453 | September 1999 | WO |
WO9946455 | September 1999 | WO |
WO9946458 | September 1999 | WO |
WO9953156 | October 1999 | WO |
WO9958780 | November 1999 | WO |
WO9963177 | December 1999 | WO |
WO0015918 | March 2000 | WO |
WO0075447 | December 2000 | WO |
WO0171241 | September 2001 | WO |
WO0208851 | January 2002 | WO |
WO02052111 | April 2002 | WO |
WO02103129 | December 2002 | WO |
WO03071045 | August 2003 | WO |
WO03104581 | December 2003 | WO |
2006127804 | November 2006 | WO |
2010121788 | October 2010 | WO |
WO2012173930 | December 2012 | WO |
WO2013130871 | September 2013 | WO |
WO2013185141 | December 2013 | WO |
WO2013188211 | December 2013 | WO |
WO2013188235 | December 2013 | WO |
2014039278 | March 2014 | WO |
WO2014055883 | April 2014 | WO |
- European Search Report, EP 12800672, dated Oct. 10, 2014.
- International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/041906 dated Jan. 31, 2013.
- International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/042314 dated Jun. 13, 2012.
- European Search Report for PCT/US2012/042314 dated Jan. 29, 2015.
- Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901, IPR2015-01690, filed Aug. 7, 2015.
- Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901, IPR2015-01691, filed Aug. 7, 2015.
- Genius Architectural Walls, [Publication Date Unlisted], Copyright Date 2004 by KI, Document Code KI-00473/HC/IT/PP/504.
- KI Improves STC Rating on its Genius Architectural Wall and receives ICC approval, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Feb. 26, 2004.
- Lifespace Environmental Wall Systems, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Apr. 1995.
- Press Release—“KI unveils Genius Full Heigth Movable Wall Microsite with new interactive features”, Accessed on Aug. 14, 2015 at http://web.archive.org/web/20040506230219/http://www.ki.com/about_press_release.asp?id=49.
- Office Insight, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Mar. 23, 2009.
- KI Genius Full-Height Moveable Walls, [Publication Date Unlisted], Copyright Date 2003 by KI, Document Code KI-00506/HC/PP/803.
- U.S. Specifier Guide and Price Book, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Jan. 1998.
- Achieving the Atkins Aesthetic: KI's new ThinLine option for its award-winning Genius Architectural Wall flaunts a slimmer figure, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Jun. 14, 2004.
- SMED International—Lifespace—Technical Information, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Jan. 1, 1996.
- Teknionaltos—Price and Product Guide Update, [Publication Date Unlisted], Dated Feb. 2002.
- Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/681,874 dated Jul. 23, 2015.
- Patent Owner's Preliminary Response for Case No. IPR2015-01690 Dated Nov. 13, 2015.
- Patent Owner's Preliminary Response for Case No. IPR2015-01691 Dated Nov. 18, 2015.
- Canadian Office Action for Application No. 2,800,414 dated Jul. 15, 2015.
- Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/657,837 dated Nov. 2, 2015.
- Decision Denying Institution (IPR2015-01690), Allsteel v. DIRTT Environmental Solution dated Jan. 27, 2016.
- Decision Granting Institution (IPR2015-01691), Allsteel v. DIRTT Environmental Solutions dated Feb. 2, 2016.
- Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 29/492,776 dated Jan. 21, 2016.
- Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 29/493,280 dated Jan. 21, 2016.
- Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 14/657,837 dated Apr. 12, 2016.
- Final Written Decision (IPR2015-01691), Allsteal v. DIRTT Environemtnal Solutions dated Jan. 19, 2017.
- Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/681,874 dated Jun. 15, 2016.
- Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/032,931 dated Jul. 16, 2015.
- Restriction Requirement for U.S. Appl. No. 14/683,684 dated Oct. 5, 2017.
Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 16, 2014
Date of Patent: Nov 20, 2018
Assignee: DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LTD (Calgary)
Inventors: Geoff Gosling (Calgary), Mogens Smed (DeWinton)
Primary Examiner: Jeffrey L Gellner
Application Number: 14/305,819
International Classification: E04H 1/00 (20060101); E04B 1/00 (20060101); E04B 2/74 (20060101);