Movable Element On Partition Engages Overhead Barrier; I.e., Ceiling, To Secure Partition In Place Patents (Class 52/243.1)
  • Patent number: 10590689
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer system, and computer program product for a processor-implemented method for a movable wall process, the method including collecting a set of rules governing a size of a main room and a size of one or more sub-rooms comprising the main room, determining a starting position of a movable wall, where the movable wall separates the one or more sub-rooms, and where the starting position is determined by the set of rules, determining a location of one or more people, determining a required wall movement for the movable wall, wherein the required wall movement is determined by the set of rules and the location of one or more people, and moving the movable wall to a new position, based on the starting position and the required wall movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Risham Y. Chokshi, Rhonda L. Childress
  • Patent number: 10504311
    Abstract: A method for maintaining a folding operable wall comprising: (a) recording a template of a biological trait of an authorized individual into a biometric verification system; (b) saving the template in a database; (c) capturing a new record; (d) comparing the new record against the template; (e) confirming the identity of the authorized individual if the new record is substantially similar to the saved template; (f) preventing the electrical operation circuit from functioning if the biometric verification system fails to authenticate the identity of the authorized individual; and (g) restarting the electrical operation circuit after the identity of the authorized individual is verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GYM DOOR REPAIRS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Cole, Kathleen Cole
  • Patent number: 10458130
    Abstract: A demountable wall system includes a frame component. The frame component may include a front channel that receives a panel of the demountable wall system. In addition to the front channel, the frame component may include at least one of a front cover, a removable back cover, a leveling system, a supplemental channel, or a joining system. In some examples, the demountable wall system includes a door support system for movably supporting a door relative to the panel of the demountable wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Inc.
    Inventors: Conor McDonald, Joseph Schiavone, Jeffrey James Phillips, Nathan Creech, Gavin Brin, Kelley Douglass, William Lang, Jarett Gibson, James P. Clark
  • Patent number: 10287789
    Abstract: An improved hotel configuration. The hotel room configuration includes two adjacent rooms, one of which forms a T, and the other of which forms an L, with the base of the T fitting into the right angle formed by the L. Embodiments are directed to reconfiguring an existing hotel having adjacent, side-by-side rooms into the T and L configuration. Additional embodiments are directed to a combined television stand and desk module that fits into or is used as a footboard of a bed. A television can be mounted on the top of this console, and can, in embodiments, rotate to face the desk, the bed, or other parts of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SIX CONTINENTS HOTELS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew James McLoughlin, Timothy Robert Jones, Richard Matthew Booth, David Alexander Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10196813
    Abstract: A modular wall comprising at least two wall panels, each comprising first and second vertical edges, a top edge and a bottom edge. A leg is connectable to a wall panel, configured to apply a vertical force on the wall panel. The first and second vertical edges are shaped to form a male-female connection between adjacent wall panels. Adjacent wall panels are joined together using adhesive. Each vertical edge is provided with cooperating elements, which in use engage with a cooperating element on an adjacent wall panel to pull the two wall panels together whilst the adhesive cures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Intelligent Construction Engineering Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Nigel Paul Conybeare
  • Patent number: 9003732
    Abstract: A mobile partitioning wall is disclosed and provided with several wall elements, which are displaceably suspended at running rails. The wall elements have a structure that is simple to manufacture and to mount and is universally usable. The wall elements are formed without supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan-Gerd Behrens, Carsten Klapproth, Rolf Warns
  • Patent number: 8997404
    Abstract: A closet door support mechanism that provides rotation and translation of a door used to close the entry to a room such as a closet is disclosed. An example of the mechanism includes a first track that is generally straight and is connected to a first track retraction section by a curved section. The track sections are mounted a distance from the floor, and allow movement of a closet door through translation and rotation to close the entry of the closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: David L. Barber
  • Patent number: 8983675
    Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one partition in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Patent number: 8978326
    Abstract: A high-strength partition top anchor and anchoring system is disclosed. The high-strength partition top anchor is a dynamic anchor that provides resistance to wall and deck separation during periods of high lateral forces. The partition top anchor is set within a slip tube embedded within the upper most portion of a partition or masonry wall and interconnected with a channel affixed to an overlying slab or deck structure. Foam filler is emplaced within the slip tube and a compressible mat is positioned between the wall and the overlying slab or deck structure to further temper the results of high lateral forces on the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150059270
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, sustainable, flexible, modular, reusable constriction system, which can be used as a vertical or horizontal space-enclosing element (FIG. 1) or can functionally extend existing space enclosures as a lacing shell (FIG. 6). The system consists of a combination of height-adjustable braces (FIG. 3) with integrated shop construction system and modular covers with variable surface, structural and material design, which are connected flexibly and reversibly to the braces via a bonding system (FIG. 2). The system can be set up, dismantled, and modified without damage to the surrounding components and without a mechanical mounting on surrounding components. The system can compensate for flexing of adjacent components using a spring mechanism (FIG. 4). It can therefore be adapted to changing needs of a user (corporate identity, corporate design, “wall as furniture”, position of the installation outlets or installation routing) in a “plug-and-play” manner (FIGS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: JAN-MICHAEL WERNER
    Inventor: Jan-Michael Werner
  • Patent number: 8966842
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly via latch mechanisms having actuator levers which are accessible in gaps formed between adjacent solid panel assemblies, wherein a user of the wall panel system can discern whether or not a panel assembly is properly engaged with the frame assembly based on the visibility and positioning of the actuator lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 8959859
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly with seal members disposed between the panel assemblies and the frame assembly. The seal members are unitary seal members able to seal adjacent panel assemblies on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Haan, Karl J. Mead, Ryan Geister, David Michael Kerley, Chuck C. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8955271
    Abstract: A modular wall assembly includes a frame assembly that includes at least one vertical frame member and at least one horizontal frame member, wherein the frame assembly is configured to define a door opening, a door member slidably operable between a closed position, wherein the door member is at least partially located within the door opening, and an open position, wherein the door member is at least partially removed from with the door opening to allow ingress and egress through the door opening, and a support assembly that includes a sliding support member that slidably supports the door member between the open and closed positions, and at least one mounting arrangement coupling the sliding support member, wherein the at least one mounting arrangement allows vertical adjustment of the sliding support member with respect to the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Ralf Keller, Ryan Geister, Helmut Petrat, Theodore M. Haan, Andreas Borchhardt
  • Publication number: 20150033642
    Abstract: A reconfigurable space system and components therefore which can be reconfigured to accommodate sleeping space, entertainment space, work space, kitchen space, dining space and various combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: LeRoy Bryan Johnson, Bruce Williams Thompson, Kevin Darrell Swanson, Peter Davis Mitchell, Gabriel M. VanGessel, Anthony M. VanGessel, Michael Robert VanGessel, Brian Lee LaHaie
  • Patent number: 8833001
    Abstract: A data center includes a floor that supports rack computing systems and walls that enclose a computing room. The computing room holds the rack computing systems. One of the walls is a movable wall. The movable wall translates relative to the other walls to increase or decrease the size of the computing room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock R. Gardner, Michael P. Czamara
  • Patent number: 8713869
    Abstract: A suspended containment wall system including a support rail with a hook track positioned thereon and a hanging panel. The hanging panel further includes: (i) an attachment rail with a hook track oriented to engage the hook track of the support rail; and (ii) a panel body connected to the attachment rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Gordon Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Eychaner, Rob Rombough, Steven Shugarts, Daniel Smiley, Joey Nuckols, Mike Davis, Bill Nichols
  • Patent number: 8695296
    Abstract: A mounting hardware and a mounting system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting hardware has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotate relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting hardware to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventor: Todd M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8671633
    Abstract: The foldable sliding wall includes at least a first and a second wall element that are pivotally connected to one another and pivotally held by a first and a second head carriage, which are displaceably supported in a head rail. A first head fitting is mounted at the upper side of the first wall element and is connected to a first shaft, which is supported in a first carriage body of the first head carriage and a second head fitting is mounted at the upper side of the second wall element and is connected to a second shaft, which is supported in a second carriage body of the second head carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hawa AG
    Inventors: Gregor Haab, Peter Ettmuller, Hans Wuthrich, Nejib Yezza
  • Patent number: 8665582
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket for a modular panel. More particularly, the invention encompasses a quick roll mounting bracket for modular panels. The quick roll mounting bracket for a modular panel provides an easier/improved means for an installer to install a modular panel and to electrically and mechanically couple the modular panels together. The inventive roller bracket helps guide the modular panel during the coupling process by providing at least one wheel or a rolling interface to an otherwise metallic or metal-to-metal interface. The wheel or a rolling interface could be secured to the modular panel via at least one mounting bracket or via at least one spacer or at least one emboss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Jeffrey K. Hudgins, Jr., Fan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8627611
    Abstract: An aisle enclosure system including ceiling bracket assemblies, ceiling panels, vertical blanking panels, aisle duct adaptors, and accessory rails, for use with equipment racks and ceiling structures in hot-aisle and cold-aisle data centers. The ceiling assemblies may be mounted to the tops of the racks or may be suspended from an area above the racks. The aisle enclosure system further includes a moveable structure that is configured and adapted to position a ceiling panel in an closed position when the moveable structure is in a first position, and position the ceiling panel in an open position when the moveable structure is in a second position, where the moveable structure is configured and adapted to move from the first position to a second position in response to an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Cottuli, Manuel D. Linhares, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8621784
    Abstract: A sliding door with reversible hand configurations can include a plurality of mounting locations along a top and a bottom edge thereof. The plurality of mounting locations can be configured to allow the sliding door to selectively hang and operate according to multiple orientations in order to satisfy site-specific handedness requirements. In one implementation, the sliding door includes a door frame and mounting hardware for selectively mounting the sliding door to a roller track affixed near the upper portion of a doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens F. Smed, Colin V. Blehm, Steven M. van Beveren
  • Patent number: 8613164
    Abstract: A closet door support mechanism that provides rotation and translation of a door used to close the entry to a room such as a closet is disclosed. An example of the mechanism includes a first track that is generally straight and is connected to a first track retraction section by a curved section. The track sections are mounted a distance from the floor, and allow movement of a closet door through translation and rotation to close the entry of the closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: David Barber
  • Patent number: 8601751
    Abstract: A concealed sliding partition track and integrated subterranean water removal system includes an elongated generally U shaped main body having an angled top surface and a pair of opposing side section, a plurality of drainage openings are disposed along a lower portion of one side section, and a drainage hose is secured thereon. One or more guide tracks and moisture diverters are positioned along the length of the main body and secured thereto via one or more support plates. One or more gaps are positioned between the guide tracks and moisture diverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Benjamin Carter
  • Patent number: 8601749
    Abstract: A wall panel of a moveable and demountable frameless wall panel system that is secured between a floor of a room and a ceiling rail secured to a ceiling of the room. The wall panel includes a frameless panel, an upper clamp assembly, a ceiling track configured to be removably inserted into the ceiling rail, a lower clamp assembly, a first height adjustment mechanism secured to the lower clamp assembly, a second height adjustment mechanism, and a bottom floor channel receiving the first height and second height adjustment mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Allsteel, Inc.
    Inventors: Eberhard Von Hoyningen Huene, Michael Salzman, Anneke Struis
  • Patent number: 8590233
    Abstract: A wall panel system and method of installation and use are provided, in which wall panels are suspended from trolleys along a track system. The trolleys include guide devices that interact with diverters coupled to the tracks to allow the trolley to be directed as desired at intersections of the tracks, and to follow a predetermined path along the track system. The wall panel system is configurable to allow the wall panels to be aligned serially, such as for dividing the space within a room, or may be stacked, such as suitable for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 8584317
    Abstract: A ceiling track system including a guiding rail, in which at least one wall element is received and an encasing element that is affixed to the guiding rail. A long leg extends in a vertical joining direction and has a latching geometry, into which a latching hook can be latched such that the encasing element is affixed to the guiding rail in a self-retaining manner. The long leg has a web with a projection. The guiding rail has a groove into which the projection engages for the purpose of self-retaining the encasing element. Adjacent to the groove the guiding rail has a screw reception into which a screw element is screwable by which a clamping action is achieved. The screw reception is at an angle with regard to the vertical joining direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Arne Liebscher, Olaf Lüttmann
  • Patent number: 8528283
    Abstract: A panel mounting system configured to securely mount a panel to a support structure includes a channel and a pivoting wedge assembly. The pivoting wedge assembly is configured to selectively lock a panel to the channel. In one or more implementations, the pivoting wedge assembly is configured to automatically rotate between a released position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Wen U. Chen, Brian Hillstrom, Michael Damen
  • Patent number: 8511015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements suspended at running rails. In order to provide a mobile partitioning wall, which is designed to be simple to manufacture and to mount and to be universally applicable, and offers simple and variable possibilities to be optionally completed with add-on parts, the wall elements are formed without supporting frame, and mounting elements are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides of the wall elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan-Gerd Behrens
  • Publication number: 20130086860
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to modular demountable wall systems and more particularly, to a flexible and versatile demountable wall system for where control of air pressure and contaminants may be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: CONCEPTS TO SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: John Vernon SOLOMON, John R. WHITE, Forrest C. CURRY, John RYDALL
  • Patent number: 8402699
    Abstract: An office partition system including at least first and second panels and a sliding privacy door guidably supported against the first panel via an elongated horizontal guide. The elongated horizontal guide has a channel that receives the privacy door and a mounting structure for mounting the guide to a horizontal track of the first panel. The elongated horizontal guide has a width that is substantially equivalent to the width of the first panel. The privacy door includes wheels that may support the entire weight of the privacy door. The privacy door may move from a first, open position allowing access to an interior space of the office partition system via an opening to a second, closed position restricting access to the interior space via the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay M. Henriott
  • Patent number: 8387339
    Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Ann Birch, Bryan Thomas Welch, Aaron Earl Daniel
  • Publication number: 20120317899
    Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Allsteel Inc.
    Inventors: Eberhard Von Hoyningen Huene, Michael Salzman, Anneke Struis
  • Patent number: 8327591
    Abstract: An overhead panel assembly for coupling to a drop ceiling includes a support channel and a clip coupling the support channel to a grid member of the drop ceiling. The overhead panel assembly further includes a vertical panel received over and coupled to the support member with a plurality of binding members. A plurality of clips, support channels, and vertical panels may be positioned in series along a drop ceiling to form a decorative soffit, valance, display, or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Edgar L. Wilkinson, Jr., Arthur L. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8322095
    Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Patent number: 8261500
    Abstract: A wall panel system including a retractable floor anchor for converting a wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly and a pivoting wall panel assembly that may be configured to slide or pivot. A retractable floor anchor configured to be included in the pivoting wall panel assembly includes retractable spindle that is coupled to a base member by a linear actuator. The spindle is rotatably coupled to a door closer included in the retractable floor anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: C.R. Laurence Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Publication number: 20120167500
    Abstract: Brackets for an office partition system permit the off-modular attachment of articles of furniture, such as cabinets, above the upper edges of panels in the partition system. The width of the furniture article may be either equal to, less than, or greater than the width of an underlying panel. Also, the location of the furniture article may be adjusted relative to the underlying panels such that the location of the furniture article is not determined by the size or position of an underlying panel to which the furniture article is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: KIMBALL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jay M. Henriott
  • Publication number: 20120124923
    Abstract: Movable partition systems comprise a movable partition. A track may be configured to engage with the movable partition such that the movable partition is extendable along the track. A first mass of intumescent material may be positioned adjacent the track on a first side of a gap defined by the track. A second mass of intumescent material may be positioned adjacent the track on a second, opposing side of the gap defined by the track. At least one shroud may at least partially surround the track and may be configured to confine expansion of the first and second masses of intumescent material toward one another across the gap. An intumescent material may be sandwiched in a gap between a leading end of a lead post at a distal end of the movable partition and a cap at least partially surrounding the leading end to define the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell
  • Patent number: 8099920
    Abstract: An external wall constructing structure excellent in ornamental appearance, weather resistance, contractibility, and safety is provided. An external wall constructing structure 1 comprising external wall panels that are joined to each other by vertical and horizontal shiplap joints and secured to a skeleton of a building by securing a metal fitting 5. A cut-off end portion 23 of a dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 among the plurality of external wall panels is fixed to a skeleton 10 of the building via end constructing bracket 3. Left and right joint end portions of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 are fixed to the skeleton 10 via lateral end securing metal fittings 6. In the end constructing bracket 3, a rear plate portion 31 is abutted on rear surface 26 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 and forward-bending portion 32 is abutted on cut-off end surface 231 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneaki Ito, Koji Sawada, Shin Takami
  • Patent number: 8091301
    Abstract: Partition walls for absorbing or reflecting sound waves are already available in various types and qualities. Such partition walls are generally permanently fixed to a structural member of a building, for example, or are otherwise permanently stationed, in order to absorb a substantial part of the incidental sound waves, and thus actually remove them. The invention relates to an improved sound-insulating partition wall. The invention also relates to an assembly method for such a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Unispace A.G.
    Inventor: Cornelis Jacobus Van Klaveren
  • Patent number: 8061099
    Abstract: A wall structure has a telescoping portion and a stationary portion. An overlapping section of the telescoping portion has a recess to allow dry wall to be fastened to the stationary portion at the overlapping section without being attached to the telescoping portion. The fastener pierces through the drywall and a sidewall of the stationary portion. However, a tip of the fastener does not engage a sidewall of the telescoping portion. Rather, the tip of the fastener stops within the recess of the telescoping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: William John Andrews
  • Patent number: 8056286
    Abstract: A sliding door with reversible hand configurations can include a plurality of mounting locations along a top and a bottom edge thereof. The plurality of mounting locations can be configured to allow the sliding door to selectively hang and operate according to multiple orientations in order to satisfy site-specific handedness requirements. In one implementation, the sliding door includes a door frame and mounting hardware for selectively mounting the sliding door to a roller track affixed near the upper portion of a doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens F. Smed, Colin V Blehm, Steven M. van Beveren
  • Publication number: 20110271619
    Abstract: A wood fastener according to principles of the invention comprises a wood unit having at least one upper and one lower groove. The grooves are offset. The grooves have sufficient depth and width to allow a nail or similar fastener to extend therethrough and also allow passage of a reciprocating saw blade. The side ends are trimmed to mesh with furring strips. The fastener includes one or more starter holes to facilitate use by guiding placement and insertion of screws or nails. In use, the fastener attaches a movable wall to bracing provided in finished walls and ceilings of a room. To facilitate removal of the fastener for rearrangement of the wall, nails or screws extending through the grooved sections of the fastener may be cut using a reciprocating saw. A method for using the fastener is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Charles R. Horn
  • Patent number: 8051616
    Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20110252729
    Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MODERNFOLD, INC.
    Inventors: Julia Ann Birch, Bryan Thomas Welch, Aaron Earl Daniel
  • Patent number: 8037644
    Abstract: An arrangement for the cooling of computer data centers. More particularly, the arrangement eliminates the problems present in the uneven or inadequate cooling of computer racks due to unwanted airflows, which are encountered between so-called hot aisles and cold aisles present in a computer data center. Specifically, this problem is solved through the provision of partitions which, under normal circumstances, prevent the unwanted airflows by standing in a vertical orientation, yet which, in the event of a fire, collapse from the vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, thereby avoiding interference with water sprays from sprinkler heads, and thus complying with fire codes and ordinances. Moreover, also employed is a method of preventing the unwanted air flows by utilization of the novel arrangement comprising the fire-code-compatible, collapsible partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn A. Hall
  • Patent number: 8033071
    Abstract: A partition panel for dividing a room in an office comprises a pair of decoration panels each having a plurality of engagement holes, a rectangular frame between the pair of decoration panels, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks. The hooks engage in the engagement holes of the decoration panel. The engagement member is fixed to the frame. Another partition panel comprises a rectangular frame having a vertical rod, a plurality of panels on the rectangular frame, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks and screw holes. The engagement member is fixed to the vertical rod of the frame with screws. The partition panel can be assembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Miyata, Tsuneo Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8033068
    Abstract: Mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements displaceably suspended in running rails. The mobile partitioning wall have structural units that are technically simple to manufacture and to mount and are structured to be universally usable and can be easily and variably disposed at the edge sides of individual wall elements. The wall elements have mounting elements that are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides. Modular structural units are laterally insertable into the mounting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Olaf Lüttmann, Harald Hoopmann
  • Patent number: 7958684
    Abstract: A device for suspending equipment such as a lighting fixture or public address speaker from a ceiling mounted track (5) used to suspend a movable partition and including an extruded rail (4) defining a channel having a longitudinal slot opening (8) between flanges (9) projecting inwardly from opposite lateral walls(6) of the rail. The device comprises a threaded stem (13) capped by an enlarged head (14) passes through the slot opening (8) and is engaged by a lug (17) which cooperates with the head to forcibly bear against or capture one or more of the flanges. In an alternate embodiment of the invention the axial movement of the lug along the stem and the rotational movement of the head in reference to the slot are accurately limited for ease of alignment. The device can be quickly loosened to allow horizontal adjustment of the suspended structure along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Airwall Hangers, Inc.
    Inventor: Nevin Kleege
  • Patent number: 7861474
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a top frame structure defining an upward-opening channel extending lengthwise along the upper edge of the panel. An elongate header member is normally disposed within this channel. The header member is vertically slidably supported on supports fixed to the top frame structure so that the header member, in a storage position, is retained in the space. When the panel has been swung upwardly so that the upper edge is aligned below a preinstalled ceiling track, then the header member is manually displaced upwardly until the header telescopes over the ceiling track. A fixed connection is then formed between the header and the ceiling track to provide lateral stability at the upper edge of the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Leo Houle, Charine Ella Roy, Steven Charles McIlvenna
  • Patent number: 7861475
    Abstract: A wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly that includes a pivot lock for converting the wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The pivot lock includes a first lock member that is configured to selectively prevent translation of the wall panel assembly along a track and a second lock member that is configured to selectively prevent pivoting of at least a portion of the wall panel assembly relative to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: C.R. Laurence Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague