SYSTEM FOR THE PARTITION OF SPACES

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable to the civil engineering and industrial building sector, and it particularly relates to a system for partitioning of spaces.

Background of the invention

[0002] Systems suitable for the partition of so-called "open spaces" are known. Such systems include a support structure which includes one or more longitudinal profiles horizontally mounted on the ceiling and/or floor for one or more sheet-like partition elements, for example glass or plasterboard.

[0003] Apparently, in order to minimize the aesthetic impact the profiles must have particularly low bulkiness, in particular low thickness. To this end, the profile, or part thereof, is concealably inserted in a suitable seat of a floor, ceiling or false ceiling.

[0004] Generally, an upper longitudinal profile operatively connected with the ceiling and a lower longitudinal profile operatively connected to the floor are provided.

[0005] The sheet-like element is subsequently supported on such profiles and fixed thereto by suitable fixing elements. In particular, the edges of the sheet-like element remain interposed between the respective profiles and the blocking element so as to constrain the same sheet-like element with the supporting structure, thus defining a partition wall.

[0006] Such systems have the drawback to show at sight the whole sheet-like element or part thereof once mounted on the support structure.

[0007] In attempting to overcome such disadvantages, systems wherein the sheet-like element is glued to the fixing element were developed.

[0008] While allowing a completely "clean" partition wall, i.e. without parts at sight, the bonding of the sheet-like element to the fixing element does not guarantee an optimal fixation over time.

[0009] Patent application GB2520925 discloses a system for build profiles in a seat formed along the edges of the sheet-like element so as they are not at sight.

[0010] One disadvantage of such systems is that the installation and mounting process thereof is particularly difficult.

[0011] This feature is particularly disadvantageous in case of sheet-like elements of large size. Indeed in this case the known systems are unsafe for the operator during mounting operations and further have a greater chance of breaking of the same sheet-like element.

[0012] Furthermore, such systems require the presence of different operators during the mounting operations with an obvious increase in term of costs.

[0013] A further disadvantage of this known system is that in the case of approaching or removal between floor and ceiling, for example due to structural vibrations, the sheet-like element is compressed on the edges, or the mechanical grip between the sheet-like element and the connection profile it weakens.

Summary of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the above mentioned drawbacks, providing a system for the efficient partitioning of spaces.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for the partition of spaces that allows a simple and rapid mounting of its different parts.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for the partition of spaces that allows the safe mounting of its different parts.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for the partition of spaces that allows a minimum use of manpower.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for the partition of spaces that allows to adapt to different size of the spaces.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for the partition of spaces that allows the compensation of small displacement of the sheet-like element during the mounting and/or once mounted.

[0020] Such objects, as well as others that will appear more clearly hereinafter, are fulfilled by a system for the partition of spaces having one or more of the features herein described, shown and/or claimed.

[0021] Therefore, a system for the partition of spaces that includes a ceiling according to claim 1 is provided.

[0022] Dependent claims 2 to describe advantageous embodiments of the above-mentioned system.

Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident by reading the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the partition system 1 shown by way of non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawing, wherein:

FIGs. 1 and 2 are a sectional view of respectively a first and a second example of a partition system 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlargement view of some details of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlargement view of some details of a unitary assembly 100;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a blocking element 80;

FIGs. 6A, 6B and 6C are a schematic side view of the system 1 comprising elastic counteracting means 60 in different operative phases;

FIGs. 7A, 7B and 7C are a schematic side view of the system 1 comprising adjustment means 50 in different operative phases;

FIGs. 8 and 9 are a lateral and axonometric view of an exploded view of some details of the system 1.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

[0024] Referring to the above mentioned figures, a system 1 for the partition of a spaces A is described by at least one partition wall 10 which may include at least one sheet-like element 11. For example, a pair of sheet-like elements 11 may be provided as shown in FIG. 1, or only one sheet-like element 11 may be provided as shown in Fig. 2.

[0025] In the present description a sheet-like element 11 consisting of a glass sheet is described. Such an example is not to be considered limiting because the partition wall 10 may also be a blind wall and/or an acoustic insulation wall. In this case, the sheet 11 for example may be of plasterboard or sound-absorbent material. In any case, the sheet 11 has at least one peripheral edge 12 and a pair of outer faces 13, 14.

[0026] In a known way, the space A may include a ceiling C and a floor. More specifically, the system 1 comprises at least one supporting profile 20 couplable to the ceiling C.

[0027] Although a supporting profile 20 coupled to the ceiling C is described in the following text, it will be understood that such supporting profile 20 may be in any case coupled to a false ceiling and/or to a beam without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] The supporting profile 20 has a substantially longitudinal development to define an axis X and presents a portion 30 coupled to the ceiling C and a portion 40 coupled to the sheet 11.

[0029] Although not shown in the annexed drawings as known per se, the system 1 may comprise a lower longitudinal profile placed in correspondence of the supporting profile 20 which may be coupled with the floor or to a raised floor and with the sheet 11.

[0030] In any case, once the system 1 is mounted in the space A to be partitioned, the sheet-like 11 is coupled with the portion 40 to remain interposed between the supporting profile 20 and the lower supporting profile and/or the floor.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the portion 30 and the portion 40 may be mutually slidable between a position wherein the reciprocal distance d thereof is maximum and a position wherein the reciprocal distance d thereof is minimal.

[0032] In particular, the portion 30 may comprise a pair of side walls 34, 35 and a horizontal wall 36 interposed therebetween. On the other hand, the portion 40 may comprise a pair of respective side walls 44, 45 and a horizontal wall 46 interposed therebetween and facing the horizontal wall 36.

[0033] As particularly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the side walls 34, 35 and the side walls 44, 45 of the portion 40 may be configured to reciprocally slide so as to remain reciprocally facing to each other during the sliding.

[0034] Once the system 1 is mounted, the portions 30, 40 may have a predetermined reciprocal distance d between the above maximum and minimum distance, thus defining an operative position of the portions 30, 40.

[0035] Suitably, the system 1 may comprise adjusting means 50 acting on the portions 30, 40 to vary such predetermined reciprocal distance d, i.e. to vary such operative position.

[0036] For example, the adjusting means 50 may allow a variation of the distance d between the portions 30, 40 of about 10 - 20 mm, preferably about 15 mm.

[0037] In this way, the system 1 may be adapted to different types of spaces A.

[0038] For example, figures 7A, 7B and 7C show the system 1 wherein the portions 30, 40 are in different operative positions.

[0039] In particular, the adjusting means 50 may comprise a female thread element 51 integral with the portion 30 of the supporting profile 20 and a screw element 52 operatively connected with the portion 40 thereof so that the screwing/unscrewing of the screw 52 and the female thread element 51 may correspond to the mutual approach/removal of the portions 30, 40.

[0040] More specifically, the portion 30 of the supporting profile 20 may include a tubular appendix 31 extending toward the portion 40, which may include a threaded inner surface defining the female thread element 51.

[0041] The screw 52 may be configured to be operated by an operator in a per se known manner, for example by an Allen key or a screwdriver. In particular, the same screw 52 may be arranged so as to be accessible to the operator even once the supporting profile 20 is mounted.

[0042] In other words, once mounted the supporting profile 20 in the space A, the operator may act on the screw 52 to vary the predetermined distance d so as the portion 40 is at an optimal distance from the ceiling C thereby defining the operative position.

[0043] This optimum distance may be chosen by the operator depending on the size of the sheet 11 and/or on the desired aesthetic appeal.

[0044] According to a particular aspect of the invention, once the operative position of the portions 30, 40 is defined (Figs. 7A and 6B), the portions 30, 40 may still be reciprocally slidable between a distal position (Fig. 6A) and proximal position (Fig. 6C).

[0045] In this way, advantageously, due to small reciprocal displacements of the sheet 11 and/or the longitudinal profile 20 and/or the ceiling C and/or the floor, the portions 30, 40 may telescopically slide so as to vary the reciprocal distance d thereof in such a way to preserve the integrity of the system 1 and in particular of the sheet 11. More specifically, the sheet 11 subjected to excessive tangential loads with the risk of damage or breakage of the sheet may be avoid.

[0046] For example, the variation of the distance between the portions 30, 40 in the distal and proximal positions may be about 20mm.

[0047] Such small displacement may be caused by mounting and maintenance operations, or by vibrations due to earthquakes or works in the proximity of the space A.

[0048] Furthermore, the partition walls 10 may have a development along the axis X within the space A in the order of several meters. It is known that the ceilings C and/or the sheets 11 have variations in size along their development of a few millimetres.

[0049] The portions 30, 40 may slide between the distal and proximal positions to compensate such small displacements both in case they are of a durable type, e.g. due to the above described size variations, and in case they are of a temporary or instantaneous type, e.g. due to induced vibrations.

[0050] Suitably, elastic counteracting means 60 may be provided acting on the portions 30, 40 of the supporting profile 20 to maintain the portions 30, 40 in the operative position interposed between the distal and proximal positions.

[0051] Furthermore, the elastic counteracting means 60 may promote the return of the portions 30, 40 to the operative position when the vibration stops. Such features may be particularly advantageous in the case of small short-term multi-displacements, such as during earthquakes.

[0052] Suitably, as particularly explained below, the adjusting means 50 and the elastic counteracting means 60 may be configured so as to synergistically operate in order to improve the mutual excursion of the portions 30, 40 and/or to minimize the bulkiness.

[0053] In this way, the system 1 may be particularly safe. In particular, the decoupling from the portion 40 of the sheet 11 and the falling thereof due to small displacements during the mounting and/or during an earthquake can be avoided, thus avoiding the risk of hurting the operator and/or users of the space A.

[0054] Furthermore, thanks to the above described features, the partition wall 10 it is possible to be mounted without further adjustment of the system 1, thus making the mounting simple and fast.

[0055] The elastic counteracting means 60 may comprise at least one spring, preferably a pair of springs 61, 62 which may be configured so as to counteract to each other so that the extension of one corresponds to the compression of the other and vice-versa.

[0056] More in detail, the spring 61 may be operably connected to the portions 30, 40 and may be configured so as to be elongated when portions 30, 40 are in one of the distal and proximal positions and so as to be compressed when portions 30, 40 are in the other of distal and proximal positions.

[0057] On the other hand, the spring 62 may be operably connected with the portions 30, 40 and may be configured so as to be compressed when portions 30, 40 are in one of distal and proximal positions and so as to be elongated when portions 30, 40 are in the other of distal and proximal positions.

[0058] Possibly, the springs 61, 62 may be substantially equal each other and reciprocally arranged so that in the operative position the springs 61, 62 are substantially unloaded and/or loaded with an equal load.

[0059] As particularly shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a tubular element 32 may be provided, the tubular element 32 may include a pair of annular projections 33, 33' placed at the ends of the same tubular element 32 to counteract the springs 61, 62.

[0060] On the other hand, the horizontal wall 46 of the portion 40 may comprise an upper face 47 facing the horizontal wall 36 of the portion 30 and a lower face 47' opposite.

[0061] Suitably, the horizontal wall 46 may comprise a passing through hole 46' for the tubular element 32 so that once the tubular element 32 is inserted into the passing through hole 46', the annular projections 33, 33' are opposite with respect to the same horizontal wall 46.

[0062] In particular, the spring 61 may be interposed between the annular projection 33 and the upper face 47 while the spring 62 may be interposed between the lower face 47' and the annular projection 33'.

[0063] As shown in the annexed figures, one of the annular projection 33' may be deformable so as to facilitate the insertion of the tubular element 32 into the passing through hole 46' and disadvantage the disengagement thereof.

[0064] It is to be understood that the horizontal wall 46 and the tubular element 32 may slide each other, whereas the portion 40 may be maintained in the operative position by the springs 61, 62.

[0065] For example, when the portions 30, 40 are in the proximal position, the horizontal wall 46 may be close to the annular projection 33 and the spring 61 may be compressed, and when the portions 30, 40 are in the distal position, the horizontal wall 46 may be close to the annular projection 33' and the spring 62 may be compressed.

[0066] Advantageously, the tubular appendix 31 may also pass through the passing through hole 46', and the tubular element 32 may be arranged coaxially to the same tubular appendix 31 to slide thereon.

[0067] In order to promote the sliding of the tubular element 32 with respect to the tubular appendix 31, a cap 55 coupled with the tubular element 32 may be provided, the cap 55 and the tubular element 32 may be reciprocally configured to be snap coupled by a male-female system of known type.

[0068] Possibly, as shown in the annexed figures, the cap 55 may be constituted of two pieces coupled together.

[0069] In any case, the cap 55 may comprise a cylindrical side wall 56 coaxially placed to the screw 52 in correspondence of the head 53 thereof. In particular, this cylindrical side wall 56 may have a free end 57 substantially curved to interact with the annular projection 33' of the tubular element 32 so as to be snap coupled with the latter.

[0070] It is understood that when the latter are coupled, the spring 62 may remain interposed between the curved end 57 and the face 47' of the horizontal wall 46 so that the latter are the abutment surface for the same spring 62.

[0071] Thanks to these features, upon the screwing/unscrewing of the screw 52 with respect to the female thread element 51 to vary the operative position of the portions 30, 40 as above described, the tubular element 32 may slide with respect to the tubular appendix 31. In particular, the head 53 of the screw 52 may therefore remain interposed between the tubular element 32 and the cap 55.

[0072] In this way, upon the screwing of the screw 52, the head 53 thereof may abut against the tubular element 32 to promote the approach thereof to the portion 30. On the other hand, upon the unscrewing, the head 53 of the screw 52 may act on the cap 55 to promote the removal thereof. In particular, the end 57 of the cap 55 may abut against the annular projection 33' so as to promote the removal of the tubular element 32 from the portion 30.

[0073] Suitably, as particularly shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, upon the approach or removal of the sheet 11 with respect to the ceiling C, the former is always coupled with the portion 40 of the supporting profile 20.

[0074] For this purpose, the portion 40 comprises at least one seat 41 for connecting the supporting profile 20 with the sheet 11.

[0075] As particularly illustrated in Fig. 3, at least one connecting profile 70 is provided, the connecting profile 70 comprises an end 71 which is integral with the sheet 11 and an end 72 which is engaged with the seat 41 so as to mount/dismount partition wall 10 on/from the supporting profile 20.

[0076] In particular, the end 71 of the connecting profile 70 comprises a male element 73, while the peripheral edge 12 of the sheet 11 comprises a corresponding female element 15.

[0077] More in detail, the peripheral edge 12 comprises a longitudinal concavity 15 defining the female element which has a shape such that once the male element 73 is engaged with the female element 15 the former is interposed between the outer faces 13, 14 of the sheet 11.

[0078] The longitudinal concavity 15 may have a pair of longitudinal side walls 16 facing each other, while the male element 73 may comprise a corresponding pair of side walls 74 susceptible to remain facing the side walls 16.

[0079] It is understood that the male and female elements may have any shape, provided that this shape promotes the reciprocal coupling thereof by counteracting the weight force of the sheet-like element 11.

[0080] Advantageously, the female and male elements may have an elongated shape defining an axis Y. Preferably, the latter may be substantially vertical, as illustrated in the annexed figures, or inclined with respect to the horizontal. Thus, the weight strength of the sheet-like element 11 may always have a vertical component that may promote the decoupling of the male and female elements.

[0081] The system 1 comprises at least one elastomeric element 90 interposed between the female and male elements 15, 73 and more particularly between the pairs of longitudinal side walls 16, 74 of the respective female and male elements 15, 73.

[0082] The elastomeric element 90 is configured to deform upon the coupling between the end 71 of the connecting profile 70 and the sheet 11 so as to firmly frictionally couple the latter to form an unitary assembly 100. In Fig. 4 an example of such a unitary assembly 100 is shown.

[0083] In this way, once the unitary assembly 100 is mounted on the supporting profile 20, the sheet 11 is supported at its top without the need for further supports in its lower part.

[0084] More in detail, the elastomeric element 90 may comprise a pair of longitudinal walls 91 susceptible to remain interposed between the pairs of longitudinal side walls 16, 74 of the female and male elements 15, 73.

[0085] Suitably, in order to promote the friction between the latter, the elastomeric element 90 may comprise a main body 91' with longitudinal walls 91 and a plurality of lips 92 which extend transversely with respect to the latter to come in contact with the longitudinal pair of side walls 16 for frictionally acting thereon.

[0086] In particular, the lips 92 may have a converging shape towards the pair of longitudinal walls 91 so as to promote the insertion of the elastomeric element 90 into the longitudinal concavity 15 and to prevent the removal thereof.

[0087] Moreover, the elastomeric element 90 may comprise a plurality of grooves 95 susceptible to remain facing the longitudinal side walls 74 of the male element 73 which may include corresponding grooves 75 susceptible to interact with the grooves 95 so as to increase the mechanic grip between the male element 73 and the elastomeric element 90 when coupled.

[0088] Due to these features, the mechanic grip of the unitary assembly 100 may be particularly high. For example, once the unitary assembly 100 is mounted on the supporting profile 20 the entire weight of the sheet 11 may be supported by the mechanical grip.

[0089] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the elastomeric element 90 may be designed so as once interposed between the sheet-like element 11 and the connecting profile 70, the latter are reciprocally spaced apart.

[0090] Thus, the elastomeric element 90 may also act as gasket and/or insulation so the partition wall 10, and more generally the system 1, has acoustic insulation properties.

[0091] The end 72 of the connecting profile 70 and the seat 41 of the portion 40 are reciprocally configured such that once mutually engaged, the reciprocally sliding along a direction substantially parallel to the direction defined by the axis X may be allowed.

[0092] In this way, at the beginning the operator couples the male 73 and female 15 elements with the interposition of the elastomeric element 90 to define the unitary assembly 100, then the operator engages the latter with the seat 41 so that the supporting profile 20 supports the sheet 11 and lastly the operator moves the latter along such a direction substantially parallel to the axis X to place the sheet 11 in the desired position.

[0093] Possibly, at first the elastomeric element 90 may be coupled to the male element 73 and subsequently the latter may be inserted into the female seat 15. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, thanks to the reciprocal configuration of the elastomeric element 90 and the male element 73 the coupling between the latter is particularly fast.

[0094] Generally, thanks to this features, the mounting of the unitary assembly 100 is particularly fast and simple.

[0095] Possibly, the system 1 may comprise at least one blocking element 80 susceptible to act on the supporting profile 20 and the connecting profile 70 to maintain the reciprocal engagement of the seat 41 and the end 72 once the latter are reciprocally engaged.

[0096] The blocking element 80 may be removably snap coupled with the supporting profile 20 so as to allow the selective engagement/disengagement of the seat 41 of the portion 40 and of the end 72 of the connecting profile 70.

[0097] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the blocking element 80 may be shaped so as to fill the space of the seat 41 which is not filled by the end 72 so that the latter may not be disengaged from the former.

[0098] The snap coupling may be achieved by a male-female system. In particular, the seat 41 may comprise a male element, while the blocking element 80 may include the corresponding female element.

[0099] Suitably, the blocking element 80 may comprise a shaped cover 82 susceptible to be shown at sight once coupled with the seat 41 and a plastic element 83 substantially "C" shaped defining the female element.

[0100] The shaped cover 82 and the plastic element 83 may also be reciprocally snap coupled.

[0101] In this way, at the beginning the operator may couple the plastic element 83 with the male element of the seat 41 and later the operator may couple the shaped cover 82 with the plastic element 83.

[0102] Suitably, the shaped cover 82 may be configured so that once coupled with the seat 41, the latter and the profile 20 appear to be continuous at sight.

[0103] Moreover, the blocking element 80 may include a curved portion 81 acting on the connecting profile 70 to prevent the reciprocal sliding along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the connecting profile 70 and the portion 40 of the supporting profile 20. This way, the risk of sheet 11 falling is avoided.

[0104] Preferably, as shown in Fig. 3, the shaped cover 83 may include such curved portion 81 which may act on the end 71 of the same connecting profile 70.

[0105] In this way, the system 1 may be particularly safe.

[0106] Suitably, the blocking element 80 may integrally slide with the portion 40 of the supporting profile 20 so as not to obstruct the adjusting means 50 and/or the elastic counteracting means 60.

[0107] Furthermore, thanks to the above mentioned features, at the beginning the operator makes the unitary assembly 100 formed by the sheet 11, the elastomeric element 90 and the connecting profile 70. Such operation may be carried out in the space A or, advantageously, it may be carried out in a different location and only later the unitary assembly 100 may be carried in the space A.

[0108] On the other hand, at any time the operator may mount the supporting profile 20 to the ceiling C and define the operative position by the adjusting means 50.

[0109] Operatively, therefore, the unitary assembly 100 assembly may be approached to the supporting profile 20 by the operator until the end 72 of the former engages the seat 41 of the latter so that the supporting profile 20 supports the whole unitary assembly 100.

[0110] The latter is later moved along the axis X until the desired position is reached. Once this position is detected, the insertion of the blocking element 80 may firmly block the unitary assembly 100 to the supporting profile 20.

[0111] In the event of mistakes during the adjustment or the unitary assembly 100 and/or the supporting profile 20 have irregularities, the elastic counteracting means 60 may act as above described to compensate for such irregularities, avoiding both the damage of system 1 and the stop of the mounting operations thereof.

[0112] Although a supporting profile 20 having a portion 40 comprising a seat 41 for a respective sheet 11 (Fig. 2) has been described, portion 40 may have another seat 41 for coupling with a respective sheet 11 in a analogous manner to the one above described (Fig. 1).

[0113] Moreover, as particularly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the system 1 may include a finishing cover 85 to conceal the supporting profile 20 to the view so as to further improve the aesthetic appeal of the system 1.

[0114] Although a system has been described wherein the means for connecting the sheet-like element 11 to the ceiling C include the profile 20 fixed to the latter and the profile 70 fixed to the sheet-like element 11 it is understood that the system 1 may include any connecting means without departing from the scope of the annexed claims.

[0115] For example, a single profile fixed to the ceiling C may be provided, on which the sheet-like element 11 is fixed.

[0116] From the above description, it appears evident that the invention fulfils the intended objects.

[0117] The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations. All the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the annexed claims.

Claims

1. A system for the partition of an space (A) that includes a ceiling (C), comprising:

- at least one partition wall (10) to partition the space (A) comprising at least one sheet-like element (11), the latter having at least one upper peripheral edge (12) and a pair of outer faces (13, 14);

- means (20, 70) for removably connecting said at least one sheet-like element (11) to the ceiling (C);

wherein said connecting means (20, 70) comprises at least one male element (73), said at least one upper peripheral edge (12) of said at least one sheet-like element (11) comprising a longitudinal concavity (15) defining a corresponding at least one female (15) element having a shape so that said male element (73) once engaged with said female element (15) is interposed between said pair of outer faces (13, 14) of said at least one sheet-like element (11);
wherein said connecting means (20, 70) further comprise at least one elastomeric element (90) interposed between said female (15) and male (73) elements, said at least one male (73) element and said at least one elastomeric element (90) being reciprocally designed and/or configured so as the latter (90) deforms upon the coupling of the former (73) to frictionally act against the same at least one female (15) and male (73) elements, so as to prevent the falling down by gravity of said at least one sheet-like element (11) from said connecting means (20, 70) without the need for further support in the lower part thereof;
wherein said connecting means (20, 70) comprise:

- at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20) defining a second axis (X) having a first portion (30) operatively coupleable with the ceiling (C) and a second portion (40) comprising at least one seat (41) for the connection with said at least one sheet-like element (11);

- at least one connecting profile (70) comprising a first end (71) integrally coupleable with said at least one sheet-like element (11) to define an unitary assembly (100), said at least one connecting profile (70) including a second end (72) removably engageable with said at least one seat (41) so as to mount/dismount said unitary assembly (100) to/from said at least one supporting profile (20), said first end (71) of said at least one connecting profile (70) comprising said at least one male (73) element.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said at least one female (15) and male (73) elements have elongated shape defining a first axis (Y), the latter being preferably substantially vertical or inclined with respect to the horizontal.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one elastomeric element (90) comprises a main body (91') and a plurality of lips (92) which extend transversely with respect to said main body (91') to come in contact with said at least one female (15) element for frictionally acting thereon, said main body (91') preferably defining said first axis (Y).

4. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said main body (91') defines said first axis (Y), said plurality of lips (92) having a converging shape towards said main body (91') so as to promote the insertion of said at least one elastomeric element (90) in said at least one female element (15) and to prevent the reciprocal removal.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said elastomeric element (90) comprises a plurality of first grooves (95) facing said male element (73), the latter comprising respective second grooves (75) susceptible to interact with said first grooves (95) so as to increase the mechanical grip between said male element (73) and said at least one elastomeric element (90).

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one female element (15) has a first pair of longitudinal side walls (16) facing each other, said male element (73) comprising a corresponding second pair of side walls (74) susceptible to remain faced to said first pair of longitudinal side walls (16), said at least one elastomeric element (90) being interposed between said first and second pairs of longitudinal side walls (16, 74).

7. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the main body (91') of said at least one elastomeric element (90) comprises a third pair of longitudinal walls (91) susceptible to remain interposed between said first and second pairs of longitudinal side walls (16, 74), said lips (92) extend transversely with respect to said third pair of longitudinal walls (91) to come in contact with said first pair of longitudinal side walls (16).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one elastomeric element (90) is designed so that once interposed between said at least one sheet-like element (11) and said at least one connecting profile (20) the latter remain mutually spaced apart.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second end (72) of said at least one connecting profile (70) and said at least one seat (41) of said second portion (40) of said at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20) are reciprocally configured so that once reciprocally engaged is allowed the reciprocally sliding along a direction substantially parallel to said axis (X).

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one blocking element (80) susceptible to act upon said at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20) and said at least one connecting profile (70) to maintain the reciprocal engagement of said at least one seat (41) of said second portion (40) of the former (20) and said second end (72) of the latter (70) once said at least one seat and said second end (41, 72) are reciprocally engaged.

11. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one blocking element (80) is removably snap coupled with said at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20) so as to allow the selective engagement/disengagement of said at least one seat (41) of said second portion (40) of said at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20) and of said second end (72) of said at least one connecting profile (70).

12. System according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said at least one blocking element (80) comprises at least one curved portion (81) acting on said at least one connecting profile (70) to prevent the reciprocal sliding along a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis (X) of said at least one connecting profile (70) and of said second portion (40) of said at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20).

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

- at least one longitudinal supporting profile (20) defining an axis (X) having a first portion (30) integrally coupleable with the ceiling (C) and a second portion (40) integrally coupled with the at least one sheet-like element (11), said first portion (30) and said second portion (40) being reciprocally slidable between a distal and a proximal positions;

- elastic counteracting means (60) acting on said first and second portions (30, 40) to maintain the latter in an operative position interposed between said distal and proximal positions.

14. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said elastic counteracting means (60) comprise at least one first spring (61) operatively connected with said first and second portions (30, 40), said at least one first spring (61) being configured so as to be elongated once said first and second portions (30, 40) are in one of said distal and proximal positions and so as to be compressed once said first and second portions (30, 40) are in the other of said distal and proximal positions.

15. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said elastic counteracting means (60) comprise at least one second spring (62) operatively connected with said first and second portions (30, 40), said at least one second spring (62) being configured so as to be compressed once said first and second portions (30, 40) are in one of said distal and proximal positions and so as to be elongated once said first and second portions (30, 40) are in the other of said distal and proximal positions.

Ansprüche

1. System zur Unterteilung eines Raums (A), der eine Decke (C) aufweist, umfassend:

- mindestens eine Trennwand (10), um den Raum (A) zu unterteilen, die mindestens ein plattenartiges Element (11) umfasst, wobei Letzteres mindestens einen oberen Umfangsrand (12) und ein Paar äußerer Flächen (13, 14) aufweist;

- Mittel (20, 70) zum lösbaren Verbinden des mindestens einen plattenartigen Elements (11) mit der Decke (C) ;

wobei das Verbindungsmittel (20, 70) mindestens ein Einsteckelement (73) umfasst, wobei mindestens ein oberer Umfangsrand (12) des mindestens einen plattenartigen Elements (11) einen Längshohlraum (15) umfasst, der mindestens ein entsprechendes Aufnahmeelement (15) definiert, das eine derartige Form aufweist, dass das Einsteckelement (73), sobald es mit dem Aufnahmeelement (15) in Eingriff steht, zwischen dem Paar äußerer Flächen (13, 14) des mindestens einen plattenartigen Elements (11) zwischengeordnet ist;
wobei die Verbindungsmittel (20, 70) ferner mindestens ein elastomeres Element (90) umfassen, das zwischen dem Aufnahmeelement (15) und dem Einsteckelement (73) zwischengeordnet ist, wobei das mindestens eine Einsteckelement (73) und das mindestens eine elastomere Element (90) zueinander entworfen und/oder eingerichtet sind, sodass sich Letzteres (90) verformt, wenn das Vorgenannte (73) angekoppelt wird, um reibschlüssig gegen dasselbe mindestens eine Aufnahmeelement (15) und Einsteckelement (73) zu wirken, um zu verhindern, dass durch Schwerkraft das mindestens eine plattenartige Element (11) von den Verbindungsmitteln (20, 70) abfällt, ohne einen weiteren Träger in dem unteren Teil davon zu benötigen;
wobei die Verbindungsmittel (20, 70) umfassen:

- mindestens ein Längsträgerprofil (20), das eine zweite Achse (X) definiert, welches einen ersten Abschnitt (30), der mit der Decke (C) wirkkoppelbar ist, und einen zweiten Abschnitt (40), der mindestens einen Sitz (41) für die Verbindung mit dem mindestens einen plattenartigen Element (11) umfasst, aufweist;

- mindestens ein Verbindungsprofil (70), das ein erstes Ende (71) umfasst, das mit dem mindestens einen plattenartigen Element (11) einstückig koppelbar ist, um eine einheitliche Anordnung (100) zu definieren, wobei das mindestens eine Verbindungsprofil (70) ein zweites Ende (72) aufweist, das mit dem mindestens einen Sitz (41) lösbar in Eingriff gebracht werden kann, um die einheitliche Anordnung (100) an/von dem mindestens einen Trägerprofil (20) zu montieren/abzumontieren, wobei das erste Ende (71) des mindestens einen Verbindungsprofils (70) das mindestens eine Einsteckelement (73) umfasst.

2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei das mindestens eine Aufnahmeelement (15) und Einsteckelement (73) eine längliche Form aufweisen, welche eine erste Achse (Y) definiert, wobei Letzteres vorzugsweise in Bezug auf die Horizontale im Wesentlichen vertikal oder dazu geneigt ist.

3. System nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das mindestens eine elastomere Element (90) einen Hauptkörper (91') und mehrere sich in Bezug auf den Hauptkörper (91') quer erstreckende Lippen (92) umfasst, um mit dem mindestens einen Aufnahmeelement (15) in Kontakt zu kommen, um darauf reibschlüssig zu wirken, wobei der Hauptkörper (91') vorzugsweise die erste Achse (Y) definiert.

4. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei der Hauptkörper (91') die erste Achse (Y) definiert, wobei die mehreren Lippen (92) eine konvergierende Form hin zu dem Hauptkörper (91') aufweisen, um das Einsetzen des mindestens einen elastomeren Elements (90) in das mindestens eine Aufnahmeelement (15) zu fördern und um die Lösung voneinander zu verhindern.

5. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das elastomere Element (90) mehrere erste Nuten (95) umfasst, die dem Einsteckelement (73) zugewandt sind, wobei Letzteres jeweilige zweite Nuten (75) umfasst, die ausgelegt sind, um mit den ersten Nuten (95) in Wechselwirkung zu treten, um den mechanischen Halt zwischen dem Einsteckelement (73) und dem mindestens einen elastomeren Element (90) zu erhöhen.

6. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das mindestens eine Aufnahmeelement (15) ein erstes Paar Längsseitenwände (16) aufweist, die einander zugewandt sind, wobei das Einsteckelement (73) ein entsprechendes zweites Paar Seitenwände (74) umfasst, die ausgelegt sind, um zu dem ersten Paar Längsseitenwände (16) zugewandt zu bleiben, wobei das mindestens eine elastomere Element (90) zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Paar Längsseitenwände (16, 74) zwischengeordnet ist.

7. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei der Hauptkörper (91') des mindestens einen elastomeren Elements (90) ein drittes Paar Längswände (91) umfasst, die ausgelegt sind, um zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Paar Längsseitenwänden (16, 74) zwischengeordnet zu bleiben, wobei sich die Lippen (92) in Bezug auf das dritte Paar Längswände (91) quer erstrecken, um mit dem ersten Paar Längsseitenwände (16) in Kontakt zu kommen.

8. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das mindestens eine elastomere Element (90) derart entworfen ist, dass, sobald es zwischen dem mindestens einen plattenartigen Element (11) und dem mindestens einen Verbindungsprofil (20) zwischengeordnet ist, Letztere voneinander beabstandet bleiben.

9. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das zweite Ende (72) des mindestens einen Verbindungsprofils (70) und der mindestens eine Sitz (41) des zweiten Abschnitts (40) des mindestens einen Längsträgerprofils (20) zueinander derart eingerichtet sind, dass, sobald sie miteinander in Eingriff stehen, ein Verschieben zueinander entlang einer Richtung im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Achse (X) ermöglicht ist.

10. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend mindestens ein Sperrelement (80), das ausgelegt ist, um auf das mindestens eine Längsträgerprofil (20) und das mindestens eine Verbindungsprofil (70) zu wirken, um den gegenseitigen Eingriff des mindestens einen Sitzes (41) des zweiten Abschnitts (40) des Vorgenannten (20) und des zweiten Endes (72) des Letzteren (70) aufrechtzuerhalten, sobald der mindestens eine Sitz und das zweite Ende (41, 72) gegenseitig in Eingriff stehen.

11. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das mindestens eine Sperrelement (80) mit dem mindestens einen Längsträgerprofil (20) lösbar schnappgekoppelt ist, um selektiv den Eingriff/die Lösung des Eingriffs des mindestens einen Sitzes (41) des zweiten Abschnitts (40) des mindestens einen Längsträgerprofils (20) und des zweiten Endes (72) des mindestens einen Verbindungsprofils (70) zu ermöglichen.

12. System nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, wobei das mindestens eine Sperrelement (80) mindestens einen gekrümmten Abschnitt (81) umfasst, der auf das mindestens eine Verbindungsprofil (70) wirkt, um zu verhindern, dass sich das mindestens eine Verbindungsprofil (70) und der zweite Abschnitt (40) des mindestens einen Längsträgerprofils (20) zueinander entlang einer Richtung im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Achse (X) verschieben.

13. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend:

- mindestens ein Längsträgerprofil (20), das eine Achse (X) definiert, das einen ersten Abschnitt (30), welcher mit der Decke (C) einstückig koppelbar ist, und einen zweiten Abschnitt (40), welcher mit dem mindestens einen plattenartigen Element (11) einstückig gekoppelt ist, aufweist, wobei der erste Abschnitt (30) und der zweite Abschnitt (40) zueinander zwischen einer distalen und einer proximalen Position verschiebbar sind;

- elastische entgegenwirkende Mittel (60), die auf den ersten und zweiten Abschnitt (30, 40) wirken, um Letztere in einer Wirkposition zwischen der distalen und proximalen Position zwischengeordnet zu halten.

14. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die elastischen entgegenwirkenden Mittel (60) mindestens eine erste Feder (61) umfassen, welche mit dem ersten und zweiten Abschnitt (30, 40) wirkverbunden ist, wobei die mindestens eine erste Feder (61) eingerichtet ist, um auseinandergezogen zu werden, sobald der erste und zweite Abschnitt (30, 40) in einer von der distalen und der proximalen Position sind, und um zusammengedrückt zu werden, sobald der erste und zweite Abschnitt (30, 40) in der anderen von der distalen und der proximalen Position sind.

15. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die elastischen entgegenwirkenden Mittel (60) mindestens eine zweite Feder (62) umfassen, welche mit dem ersten und zweiten Abschnitt (30, 40) wirkverbunden ist, wobei die mindestens eine zweite Feder (62) eingerichtet ist, um zusammengedrückt zu werden, sobald der erste und zweite Abschnitt (30, 40) in einer von der distalen und der proximalen Position sind, und um auseinandergezogen zu werden, sobald der erste und zweite Abschnitt (30, 40) in der anderen von der distalen und der proximalen Position sind.

Revendications

1. Système pour la séparation d'un espace (A) qui inclut un plafond (C), comprenant :

- au moins une paroi de séparation (10) pour séparer l'espace (A) comprenant au moins un élément de type feuille (11), ce dernier présentant au moins un bord périphérique supérieur (12) et une paire de faces extérieures (13, 14) ;

- des moyens (20, 70) pour raccorder de manière amovible ledit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) au plafond (C) ;

dans lequel lesdits moyens de raccordement (20, 70) comprennent au moins un élément mâle (73), ledit au moins un bord périphérique supérieur (12) dudit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) comprenant une concavité longitudinale (15) définissant au moins un élément femelle correspondant (15) présentant une forme de sorte que ledit élément mâle (73) autrefois engagé avec ledit élément femelle (15) est interposé entre ladite paire de faces extérieures (13, 14) dudit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) ;
dans lequel lesdits moyens de raccordement (20, 70) comprennent en outre au moins un élément élastomère (90) interposé entre lesdits éléments femelle (15) et mâle (73), ledit au moins un élément mâle (73) et ledit au moins un élément élastomère (90) étant réciproquement conçus et/ou configurés de sorte que le dernier (90) se déforme lors du couplage du premier (73) pour agir par frottement contre lesdits au moins un élément femelle (15) et mâle (73), de manière à empêcher la chute par gravité dudit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) depuis lesdits moyens de raccordement (20, 70) sans nécessiter de support supplémentaire dans la partie inférieure de celui-ci ;
dans lequel lesdits moyens de raccordement (20, 70) comprennent :

- au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20) définissant un second axe (X) présentant une première portion (30) pouvant être couplée de manière fonctionnelle au plafond (C) et une seconde portion (40) comprenant au moins un socle (41) pour le raccordement audit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) ;

- au moins un profil de raccordement (70) comprenant une première extrémité (71) pouvant être couplée intégralement audit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) pour définir un ensemble unitaire (100), ledit au moins un profil de raccordement (70) incluant une seconde extrémité (72) pouvant s'engager de manière amovible avec ledit au moins un socle (41) de manière à monter/démonter ledit ensemble unitaire (100) sur ledit/dudit au moins un profil de support (20), ladite première extrémité (71) dudit au moins un profil de raccordement (70) comprenant ledit au moins un élément mâle (73).

2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits au moins un élément femelle (15) et mâle (73) présentent une forme allongée définissant un premier axe (Y), ce dernier étant de préférence sensiblement vertical ou incliné par rapport à l'horizontale.

3. Système selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel ledit au moins un élément élastomère (90) comprend un corps principal (91') et une pluralité de lèvres (92) qui s'étendent transversalement par rapport audit corps principal (91') pour entrer en contact avec ledit au moins un élément femelle (15) pour agir par frottement sur celui-ci, ledit corps principal (91') définissant de préférence ledit premier axe (Y).

4. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ledit corps principal (91') définit ledit premier axe (Y), ladite pluralité de lèvres (92) présentant une forme convergente vers ledit corps principal (91') de manière à promouvoir l'insertion dudit au moins un élément élastomère (90) dans ledit au moins un élément femelle (15) et pour empêcher le retrait réciproque.

5. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel ledit élément élastomère (90) comprend une pluralité de premières rainures (95) faisant face audit élément mâle (73), ce dernier comprenant des secondes rainures respectives (75) susceptibles d'interagir avec lesdites premières rainures (95) de manière à augmenter l'adhérence mécanique entre ledit élément mâle (73) et ledit au moins un élément élastomère (90).

6. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel ledit au moins un élément femelle (15) présente une première paire de parois latérales longitudinales (16) se faisant face l'une à l'autre, ledit élément mâle (73) comprenant une deuxième paire correspondante de parois latérales (74) susceptibles de rester face à ladite première paire de parois latérales longitudinales (16), ledit au moins un élément élastomère (90) étant interposé entre lesdites première et deuxième paires de parois latérales longitudinales (16, 74).

7. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel le corps principal (91') dudit au moins un élément élastomère (90) comprend une troisième paire de parois longitudinales (91) susceptibles de rester interposées entre lesdites première et deuxième paires de parois latérales longitudinales (16, 74), lesdites lèvres (92) s'étendent transversalement par rapport à ladite troisième paire de parois longitudinales (91) pour entrer en contact avec ladite première paire de parois latérales longitudinales (16).

8. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit au moins un élément élastomère (90) est conçu de sorte que, une fois interposé entre ledit au moins un élément de type feuille (11) et ledit au moins un profil de raccordement (20), ces derniers restent mutuellement espacés.

9. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite seconde extrémité (72) dudit au moins un profil de raccordement (70) et ledit au moins un socle (41) de ladite seconde portion (40) dudit au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20) sont réciproquement configurés de sorte que, une fois réciproquement engagés, le coulissement réciproque le long d'une direction sensiblement parallèle audit axe (X) est autorisé.

10. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre au moins un élément de blocage (80) susceptible d'agir sur ledit au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20) et ledit au moins un profil de raccordement (70) pour maintenir l'engagement réciproque dudit au moins un socle (41) de ladite seconde portion (40) du premier (20) et de ladite seconde extrémité (72) du dernier (70) une fois que ledit au moins un socle et ladite seconde extrémité (41, 72) sont réciproquement engagés.

11. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ledit au moins un élément de blocage (80) est couplé par enclenchement de manière amovible audit au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20) de manière à permettre l'engagement/le désengagement sélectif dudit au moins un socle (41) de ladite seconde portion (40) dudit au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20) et de ladite seconde extrémité (72) dudit au moins un profil de raccordement (70).

12. Système selon la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel ledit au moins un élément de blocage (80) comprend au moins une portion incurvée (81) agissant sur ledit au moins un profil de raccordement (70) pour empêcher le coulissement réciproque le long d'une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire audit axe (X) dudit au moins un profil de raccordement (70) et de ladite seconde portion (40) dudit au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20).

13. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant :

- au moins un profil de support longitudinal (20) définissant un axe (X) présentant une première portion (30) pouvant être couplée intégralement au plafond (C) et une seconde portion (40) couplée intégralement à l'au moins un élément de type feuille (11), ladite première portion (30) et ladite seconde portion (40) pouvant coulisser réciproquement entre des positions distale et proximale ;

- des moyens de contrebalancement élastique (60) agissant sur lesdites première et seconde portions (30, 40) pour maintenir cette dernière dans une position fonctionnelle interposée entre lesdites positions distale et proximale.

14. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel lesdits moyens de contrebalancement élastique (60) comprennent au moins un premier ressort (61) raccordé de manière fonctionnelle auxdites première et seconde portions (30, 40), ledit au moins un premier ressort (61) étant configuré de manière à être allongé une fois que lesdites première et seconde portions (30, 40) sont dans une desdites positions distale et proximale et de manière à être comprimé une fois que lesdites première et seconde portions (30, 40) sont dans l'autre desdites positions distale et proximale.

15. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel lesdits moyens de contrebalancement élastique (60) comprennent au moins un second ressort (62) raccordé de manière fonctionnelle auxdites première et seconde portions (30, 40), ledit au moins un second ressort (62) étant configuré de manière à être comprimé une fois que lesdites première et seconde portions (30, 40) sont dans une desdites positions distale et proximale et de manière à être allongé une fois que lesdites première et seconde portions (30, 40) sont dans l'autre desdites positions distale et proximale.

Drawing