Patent ID: 6286258
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: E05D,E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
A movable wall system comprising:at least two wall elements;each of said at least two wall elements being configured to be disposed in a first position to park each of said at least two wall elements in an open position;each of said at least two wall elements being configured to be disposed in a second position to at least partially close an opening;said at least two wall elements comprising a first wall element and a second wall element;a rail being configured to mount at least said first wall element thereon;said first wall element comprising an arrangement to mount said first wall element on said rail;said mounting arrangement of said first wall element being configured and disposed to permit said first wall element to move along said rail between said first position and said second position;said first wall element comprising a first edge and a second edge disposed opposite to said first edge;said mounting arrangement of said first wall element comprising a structure to support and guide said first wall element on said rail;said support and guidance structure being disposed towards said first edge of said first wall element;said support and guidance structure being configured and disposed to permit movement of said first wall element into said second position;said rail comprising a first portion and a second portion;said first portion of said rail being curved;said first portion of said rail being configured and disposed to permit said first edge of said first wall element to be moved at least adjacent to a wall without a substantial gap between said first edge of said first wall element and the wall;said rail comprises a first end and a second end;said first end of said rail is configured to be disposed a first distance from the wall;said second end of said rail is configured to be disposed a second distance from the wall;said second distance is substantially greater than said first distance;said first portion of said rail is disposed adjacent to said first end of said rail;said second portion of said rail is disposed adjacent to said second end of said rail;said second portion of said rail is configured to be;said first wall element is configured to be disposed on said second portion of said rail upon said first wall element being disposed in said first position;said support and guidance structure comprises at least one drive unit;said at least one drive unit being permanently attached to said first wall element to drive said first wall element;said at least one drive unit automatically moves said first wall element into said second position only after said first wall element passes a predetermined point on said rail between said first position and said second position;said first wall element and said second wall element are substantially flush with one another upon both said first wall element and said second wall element being disposed in said second position.