Patent ID: 8468751
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: E04B,E05D,E05F,E05Y,E06B

Abstract:
1. A method of moving panels from a stowed position, in which the panels are substantially positioned above a ceiling, to a deployed position, in which the panels are substantially vertically aligned to form a wall, the method comprising: supporting a first panel on a cam, the first panel having a first weight; rotating the cam in a first direction; lowering the first panel in response to rotation of the cam, wherein lowering the first panel separates the first panel from the cam; supporting the first panel on a flexible lift member in response to lowering the first panel, wherein the flexible lift member bears the first weight; supporting a second panel on a support rack, the second panel having a second weight; biasing the second panel into engagement with the cam; rotating the cam in the first direction; transferring the second panel from the support rack to the cam in response to rotating the cam, wherein the cam bears the second weight; further rotating the cam in the first direction; lowering the second panel in response to further rotation of the cam; transferring the second panel from the cam to the first panel, wherein the first panel bears the second weight, and wherein the flexible lift member bears the first weight and the second weight through the connection between the first panel and the flexible lift member; and fixing the second panel to the first panel through a mating tongue and groove engagement.