System of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces

Abstract

 The system of partitions comprises a set of guides in the ceiling of the architectural space on which multiple partitions which can be moved manually to any point within the architectural space in order to subdivide the same into the desired form are suspended, movable extensions being housed within each of the partitions at the lateral edges and the bottom edge of the partitions, with corresponding operating devices to bring about alternately their location pressing against one or more lateral walls of the enclosure and the floor thereof, or a position housed within the movable partitions themselves.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces.

[0002] The object of this invention comprises the provision of simple and easily industrialisable means which can be applied to bring about the division of architectural spaces with extensive possibilities, for example in housing, offices and other. In particular, the system to which this invention relates is intended to permit easy alteration of the interior distribution of a particular architectural space, so that the user can change the distribution, for example in the case of a dwelling house, to adapt it to a new distribution of spaces which is more appropriate to the composition of the family or simply the temporary circumstances of meetings, celebrations, etc., and in the case of offices to ease the redistribution of spaces in the event of changes in staff or activities, etc. In general, the advantages of the system to which this invention relates are that it can achieve the division of any type of architectural space in any environment.

[0003] In the present state of the art movable partition systems for changing the interior of movable spaces are known, but these movable partitions have to be dismantled and moved individually by hand to their new locations, positioning them and erecting them in their places, which makes the work difficult and virtually precludes this being done by the users themselves, as this requires the use of duly trained personnel.

[0004] In general, the system to which this invention relates is based on establishing a system of ceiling guides, which are parallel to each other or in a grid arrangement, which in the same way as in a system of coordinate axes make it possible to move the partition elements which are suspended from the guides to the desired location, extending these with lower locking members activated through endless screw devices in order to eliminate the gap at the bottom of the partition once it has been moved into position and which can subsequently make it possible to move the corresponding part of the partition upwards until a complete seal is made with the ceiling surface. The system to which this invention relates, which is basically intended for the division of spaces through the movement and rotation of movable partitions, also makes it possible to achieve a similar distribution using cabinets, shelving or other items of furniture incorporated in suspended partition elements.

[0005] Another feature of the system is that the movable partitions optionally rotate about a vertical axis. To this aim the supporting device has an intermediate rotary joint to the guide carriage. Each of the individual partitions can be easily handled through this arrangement.

[0006] Likewise, the system to which this invention relates is characterised in that it provides the possibility of areas into which some or all of the internal partition elements can be moved and stored in order to leave a larger free space and await a new distribution of spaces, all making use of the advantages of the system of guide rails and rotating movable partitions.

[0007] The original features of the system to which this invention relates provide means so that the configuration of an enclosure can be changed with great ease and without the need for specific learning, as a result of which it is very suitable for use directly by the user, without the need for external help.

[0008] For a better understanding thereof a set of drawings which illustrate the general layout of the means used in the system to which this invention relates and the material features of the same are provided by way of an explanatory but not restrictive example.

[0009] Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a plan of an architectural space with multiple ceiling guides.

[0010] Figure 2 shows an architectural arrangement similar to Figure 1 with partitions in a square arrangement.

[0011] Figures 3 and 4 show the same plans with alternative arrangements of subdividing partitions with light items of furniture such as cabinets, shelving or other furnishings.

[0012] Figure 5 shows diagrammatically a partition which is suspended and supported on the floor by a movable extension.

[0013] Figure 6 shows a diagrammatical illustration similar to that in Figure 5 with the extension retracted.

[0014] Figure 7 shows diagrammatically an embodiment in which the partition is provided with endless screw devices and a helical wheel to permit vertical movements.

[0015] Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the lower extension locking a partition in greater detail.

[0016] Figure 9 is an illustration similar to that in Figure 8 with an extension in a resting position on the floor, exerting pressure thereon.

[0017] Figure 10 shows diagrammatically an extension locking a lateral edge of a partition against a wall of the enclosure.

[0018] Figure 11 shows a detail of the suspension of the partition on ceiling guides.

[0019] Figure 12 shows diagrammatically the arrangement of rotating partitions mounted on parallel guides.

[0020] Figure 13 shows the joint between fitted modules of adjacent partitions.

[0021] Figure 14 shows an example of a joint between partitions.

[0022] Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a plan -1- of an architectural space, for example an office or house, in which there is shown one of the features of this invention comprising the arrangement of multiple guides in the ceiling such as -1-, -1'-, -1''- and -2-, -2'-, -2''-, forming a network of guide rails intended for the optional distribution of partitions which move easily suspended on the aforementioned guides. Although the set of guides is illustrated in the form of a set of regularly arranged axes, the guides may also be arranged in other arrangements, including "parking" areas in which the suspended partitions may be located awaiting the division of an architectural space. In Figure 2 the same plan -1- is provided with partitions in a square arrangement -3-, -4-, -5- and -6-, which separate off four spaces within the enclosure, it being necessary to understand that the figure is merely diagrammatical and intended to indicate the concept of the invention, without restricting the division of an architectural space in a specific way.

[0023] Figures 3 and 4 show architectural space -1- with other diagrammatical representations of dividing partition elements and light items of furniture such as cabinets, shelving or other items. Figure 3 shows partitions -6-, -7-and -8- dividing the architectural space into three large spaces and two partitions bearing cabinets or other items of furniture, such as -9- and -10-, which by making use of the arrangement of the guides can be positioned in the desired locations. Figure 4 shows another embodiment in which partitions -11-, -12-, -13- and -14- support corresponding items of light furniture, such as cabinets, and in addition to this a subsidiary space -18-, which may be enclosed, is delimited in the main architectural space -1- by means of other partitions such as -15-, 16-, and -17-.

[0024] Through this invention the suspended partitions can be easily moved to the desired location and quickly secured. In order to secure them a lower extension which is designed to press against the floor, directly or through the intermediary of sealing joints or wheels, is moved. After the extension has been lowered to the floor the partition can also be moved upwards in order to become flush with the ceiling, preferably through the intermediary of sealing joints.

[0025] One diagrammatical embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5, in which partition -19- which is supported on the floor by contact through movable extension -20- and which is suspended from guide -21- in the ceiling through a system of wheels -22-, and possibly a rotating joint in order to allow the partition to rotate about its vertical axis, will be seen. Wheels -22- may have horizontal axes, as in Figure 5, or vertical axes.

[0026] Thus partition -19-, Figure 5, which moves suspended from guide -21- without making contact with floor -23- will be brought into contact with the floor and with the ceiling in the location in which it is secured.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates the position in which lower extension -20- is retracted within partition -19- without making contact with the floor.

[0028] Vertical movements are brought about preferably by means of one or various endless screw devices and a helical wheel -24- which can easily be operated from the outside. Figure 6 shows indicatively vectors -25- and -26- to indicate rotation of the endless screw in the device.

[0029] Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which partition -19- is provided with two endless screw devices and helical wheels -27- and -28- in order to permit vertical movements.

[0030] Figures 8 and 9 show the positions for the support of a panel -29-, which may have lateral sections -30- and -31- optionally provided with longitudinal guides such as -32- and -33-, against floor -35-. Figure 8 shows movable extension -34- in the retracted position within the partition, and Figure 9 shows the arrangement in which it rests on floor -35-, corresponding to the position in which the partition is located in the desired position within the architectural space. Movable extension -34- is provided with bottom and side sealing joints, the latter to bear on the inner walls of a box-shaped section -36- which when housed within the bottom of the partition -29- receives movable extension -34-.

[0031] Figure 10 shows a lateral locking arrangement for a partition. This arrangement is similar to that used for the bottom edge of the partition and described in relation to Figures 8 and 9. In the case of partition -29- illustrated, an inner box member -60- receives movable extension -61- which through a similar screw and helical crown device as described in connection with the extension on the bottom edge can be used to establish contact with side wall -62-, thus sealing the space between movable partition -29- and wall -62-.

[0032] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a partition suspended by means of horizontal axis rollers, in which the two rollers - 37- and -38- associated with a section -39- equipped with inner guide edges -40- and -41- designed to receive vertical axis rollers -37- and -38- respectively are seen. Section -39- is joined to the upper frame of suspension -42- in a fixed manner or possibly through the intermediary of a rotational joint. The partition is suspended with respect to upper frame -42- by means of an element which allows relative axial movement between the upper suspension assembly and the partition proper, for example, allowing telescopic movement of the main suspension rod -43- within body -44- attached to the partition. In this way the partition will be suspended from rod -43- when the partition does not make contact with the floor, and once the partition makes contact with the floor after activation of the endless screw and helical wheel device the partition moves and ceases to make contact with the extremity of rod -43- until joints -63- and -64- of the top part of the partition make contact with the inner faces of edges -40- and -41-. Although suspension of the partition with respect to rod -43- is not illustrated in detail, this can be achieved merely by means of an end head of the rod which can be enclosed within a recess of matching shape -65- in block -44- included within the partition.

[0033] In the situation illustrated in said Figure 11 the suspended partition has the same structure as that shown in Figures 8 and 9, for which reason it will not be explained in greater detail.

[0034] The system to which this invention relates allows the internal volume of an architectural space to be easily compartmented in distributions which are appropriate to the use of that space, or which can be adapted to specific functions of a temporary nature, given that the ease with which the partitions can be moved and the great versatility in the ways in which they can be placed together makes it possible for even the user to produce very different arrangements of partitions very easily and quickly without the need for outside help. Likewise, if he should wish that the entire architectural space should be free in a so-called open arrangement, all the partitions can be moved along the guides to an area of the enclosure in which they lie alongside one of the walls, occupying minimum space and enabling all the architectural space to be used without any compartmentation whatsoever.

[0035] When the various partitions are being positioned, the possibility that they can rotate about their vertical axes is very useful. Figure 12 shows very diagrammatically the relative position of ceiling guides -45- and -46-, and their relative positions with respect to partitions such as -47- and -48-, line -49- showing the contact between the edges of the partitions after they have rotated on their corresponding carriages. The axes of rotation of the partitions are shown by means of dashed lines -66- and -67-.

[0036] Figure 13 shows the joint between fitted modules of two adjacent partitions -50- and -51- using extruded aluminium sections -52- and -53- which have matching male and female shapes to permit nesting, in a distribution for example such as that illustrated in which the projections and recesses of the two sections coincide so that intermediate sealing members such as -54- and -55- can be fitted in order to achieve a perfect seal.

[0037] Figure 14 illustrates one example of a joint between partitions -56- and -57-, for example by means of a rigid core -58- and an acoustic neoprene seal -59-.

[0038] Although this invention has been illustrated by way of example in the appended drawings and its features have been explained in the corresponding description, it will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made therein provided that these lie within the scope of the subject matter defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces, characterised in that it comprises a set of guides in a ceiling of the architectural space in which multiple partitions which can be moved manually to any point within the architectural space for division of the same in the desired form are suspended, movable extensions being housed within each of the partitions on the lateral edges and bottom edge of the partitions with corresponding actuating devices to locate them alternatively in pressurised contact with one or more lateral walls of the enclosure and the floor thereof, or housed within the interior of the movable partition itself.

2. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable elements of the lateral edges and bottom edge of the movable partitions comprise extensions which are capable of making adjusted movement in the corresponding housings in the edges of the movable partitions, and are capable of being completely retracted into the said housings.

3. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the devices for operating the movable extensions in the lateral edges and bottom edges of the movable partition comprise endless screw and helical crown devices.

4. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the set of guides in the ceiling has the structure of regularly arranged axes.

5. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable partitions are associated with auxiliary items of furniture in the form of cabinets, shelving and the like.

6. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the partitions are suspended from the ceiling guides by means of a set of horizontal axis rollers.

7. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the partitions are suspended from the ceiling guides by means of vertical axis rollers.

8. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the partitions are suspended from the ceiling by means of rotary joints which enable them to rotate about a vertical axis.

9. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the partitions have sections at their lateral edges which are designed to coincide with other partitions having matching sections through the intermediary of sealing joints.

10. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 8, characterised in that the partitions have sealing joints incorporating extruded aluminium sections of matching shape of male and female structure, comprising intermediate sealing joints, at their lateral edges.

11. A system of movable partitions for the division of architectural spaces according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable partitions are suspended from the frame supporting the guides in the ceiling and have the ability to move vertically, allowing contact with the ceiling after the lower extension of the partition has made contact with the floor.

Drawing