Lifting apparatus for a flexible divider

A lifting apparatus is provided. The lifting apparatus includes a lifting cable supported relative to the ceiling structure, the lifting cable extending along a vertical direction and attaching to a lift point on the flexible divider. The lifting cable is retractable in the vertical direction to lift the flexible divider from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration. The lifting apparatus further includes a guiding element for guiding a position of the lifting cable along a horizontal direction while the flexible divider moves between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration. The guiding element is movably mounted to the ceiling structure to move between a first horizontal position when the flexible divider is in the lowered configuration, and a second horizontal position when the flexible divider is in the raised configuration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to lifting apparatuses, for example to lift flexible dividers such as walls, curtains, etc. which are generally used to enclose spaces and/or divide spaces into smaller sections.

BACKGROUND

Products exist for dividing large spaces that have a non-parallel ceiling to floor profile. These divider walls can partially or completely fill the vertical space from floor to ceiling. When lowered, they split the existing space into smaller sections, and when stored in the raised position, they match the ceiling profile and restore the space to full size.

Current products available for this application use either excessive fullness that matches the dimension of the ceiling profile, or they use angular lift cables so that the rising divider meets the ceiling profile at a narrower width (lift cables are normally vertical). These solutions are less than ideal, as they create excessive stresses on the materials and lift systems and also permanently distort the divider wall materials.

Most manufacturers install a standard space divider wall used for parallel ceiling to floor profiles, even when the ceiling to floor profile is non-parallel, due to the lack of current solutions for the change in geometry. This can limit the divider wall and/or not allow the divider wall to be raised above the lowest point of the non-parallel ceiling. However, this situation is unacceptable for many facilities, since these structures are often designed to provide higher clearance when the space is not divided. In these cases, the manufacturer will specify and supply multiple smaller divider walls to increase the final opening height when the many divider walls are stored in the raised position, which still may not provide full potential clearance.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a lifting apparatus for lifting a flexible divider in a space having a ceiling structure is provided. The lifting apparatus includes: a lifting cable supported relative to the ceiling structure, the lifting cable extending along a vertical direction and attaching to a lift point on the flexible divider, said lifting cable being retractable in the vertical direction to lift the flexible divider from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration; and a guiding element for guiding a position of the lifting cable along a horizontal direction while the flexible divider moves between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration, said guiding element being movably mounted to the ceiling structure to move between a first horizontal position when the flexible divider is in the lowered configuration, and a second horizontal position when the flexible divider is in the raised configuration.

According to an aspect, a lifting apparatus for lifting a flexible divider in a space having a ceiling structure is provided. The lifting apparatus includes: a plurality of lifting cables supported relative to the ceiling structure, the plurality of lifting cables extending along a vertical direction and attaching to corresponding lift points spaced apart along a width of the flexible divider, the plurality of lifting cables being retractable in the vertical direction to lift the flexible divider from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration; and a plurality of guiding elements, each of the plurality of guiding elements being configured to guide a corresponding one of the plurality of lifting cables along a horizontal direction while the flexible divider moves between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration, said plurality of guiding elements being movably mounted to the ceiling structure to move along corresponding horizontal travel distances when the flexible divider moves between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

According to an aspect, a method of lifting a flexible divider to a raised configuration conforming to a contour of a segment of a ceiling structure is provided. The method includes the steps of: retracting lifting cables attached to corresponding lift points on the flexible divider in a vertical direction towards the ceiling structure, thereby moving the flexible divider from a lowered configuration towards the raised configuration; and while the flexible divider is moving towards the raised configuration, displacing the lifting cables in a horizontal direction towards a peak of the segment of the roof structure.

According to an aspect, a lifting apparatus is provided. The lifting apparatus includes: a flexible divider wall; a guiding structure attached to the ceiling having a shape corresponding to a profile of the ceiling; pulleys attached laterally along the guiding structure; guiding elements travelling along the guiding structure, the guiding elements can travel between a first position when the flexible divider wall is lowered and a second position when the flexible divider wall is lifted; lifting cables having first ends that are pullable to lift the flexible divider wall via the pulleys and second ends respectively attached to lift points on the flexible divider wall, each of the lifting cables being respectively guided by the corresponding guiding element; and a biasing device operatively connected to at least one of the guiding elements, the biasing device urging the guiding elements toward their respective first positions, the guiding elements being urged to their respective second positions when the flexible divider wall is lifted by means of the lifting cables.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, there is shown a lifting apparatus10for lifting a flexible divider12in accordance with an embodiment. InFIG. 1the configuration of the components of the apparatus10are shown while the flexible divider12is in a lowered configuration, while inFIG. 2the configuration of the components of the apparatus10are shown while the flexible divider12is lifted towards a raised configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible divider12is a divider wall, for example to divide a large space such as a gymnasium. However, it is appreciated that the lifting apparatus can be used in combination with other types of flexible dividers as well, such as curtains, partitions, etc., for example to partition, divide, separate, enclose, or decorate a space, among other functions. In the present embodiment, the flexible divider12comprises a net/mesh13which can be coated or uncoated materials, however it is appreciated that the divider12can comprise other materials as well, such as single or double-layered vinyl, woven or non-woven scrim (for example made from polyester), etc., which can be coated or uncoated. In some embodiments, the flexible divider12can comprise several sections made from different combinations of the materials described above.

In the illustrated configuration, the flexible divider12is provided to divide a space having a ceiling structure16. As can be appreciated, the ceiling structure16can be any structure extending over the space. For example, in some embodiments, the ceiling structure16can comprise a structure defining a roof covering the space, and/or can comprise a structure helping to support said roof or covering. In other embodiments, the ceiling structure16can comprise structures extending from the ceiling or roof. In yet further embodiments, the ceiling structure16can comprise free-standing structures and/or support structures provided inside a building, for example to support or suspend elements such as light fixtures, ventilation, audio-visual equipment, personnel access/walkways, etc. above the ground. For example, the ceiling structure16can comprise structural elements such as trusses, joists, beams, frames, rafters, girders, arches, domes, cables, etc., for example made of steel, timber, concrete, or other available building materials. In some embodiments, the ceiling structure16can comprise a structure specifically designed to support a divider, wall, curtain, or the like.

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, lifting cables24are provided to raise and/or lower the flexible divider12. Although the term lifting “cables” is used herein, it is appreciated that such elements can correspond to any drive element capable of performing similar functions when cooperating with winches, pulleys, or the like. In the present embodiment, the lifting cables24are supported relative to the ceiling structure16and extend at least partially along a vertical direction25. The lifting cables24have a first end that is operatively connected to a pulling or retracting mechanism (for example such as a motor or a manual winding mechanism or winch), and a second end that is attached to corresponding lift points26on the flexible divider12. The lifting cables24can be retracted or tensioned along the vertical direction25to lift the flexible divider12from a lowered configuration (as shown inFIG. 1) towards a raised configuration (as shown inFIG. 2). As can be appreciated, while a pulling force exerted on the lifting cables24can raise the flexible divider12, the lifting cables24can be released or relaxed along the vertical direction25to allow the flexible divider12to drop and return to the lowered configuration. In the present embodiment, the lifting cables24comprise lifting cables which can be made of wire, steel cable, and/or other similar types of material. It is appreciated, however, that drive elements can comprise rope, webbing, chain, belts, and/or type of elements suitable for lifting/pulling, and/or any combination thereof.

In the presently illustrated embodiment, the lifting cables24are supported relative to the ceiling structure16via fixed pulleys20. The fixed pulleys20are attached to the ceiling structure16via fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, nails or bolts. In other embodiments, the fixed pulleys20can be integral parts of the ceiling structure16or can be attached to, or form part of, other structural elements to be supported relative to the ceiling structure16. In the present embodiment, the fixed pulleys20change a direction of the lifting cables24and allow a segment thereof to extend and move along the vertical direction25. More specifically, in the present embodiment, an upstream segment of lifting cables24proximate the first end extends substantially along a horizontal direction27. Upon wrapping around fixed pulleys20, a downstream segment of lifting cables24proximate the second ends extends substantially along the vertical direction25. In this configuration, lifting cables24can be retracted substantially along the horizontal direction27, for example via a pulling or retracting mechanism, and the horizontal lifting force will be converted to a vertical lifting force via pulleys20to allow the flexible divider12to be raised along the vertical direction25, towards pulleys20. The pulleys20can comprise, for example, yoyo drums, drums, roller, bearings, etc. It is appreciated that other configurations of pulleys are possible to transfer lifting force as required. In some embodiments, the fixed pulleys20can redirect cables24such that their upstream segments can be driven by a common pulling or retracting mechanism, whereas their downstream segments can attach to different spaced-apart lift points26on the flexible divider12. It is appreciated that in some embodiments, fixed pulleys20can drive lifting cables24directly. For example, the fixed pulleys20can be motorized, and can each individually control/wind a corresponding lifting cable24directly along the vertical direction25.

Guiding elements18are provided to guide lifting cables24while the flexible divider12is being raised and/or lowered. In the present embodiment, the guiding elements18comprise mobile pulleys positioned between the first and second ends of the lifting cables24, and more specifically between the second end of the lifting cables24and the fixed pulleys20. The guiding elements are configured to guide a position of the liftings cables24along the horizontal direction27, although it is appreciated that other types of guiding elements are possible. In the present embodiment, the guiding elements18are movably supported relative to the ceiling structure16to move between a first position11when the flexible divider12is in the lowered configuration (as shown inFIG. 1), and a second position22when the flexible divider12is in the raised configuration (as shown inFIG. 2). In this configuration, as the guiding elements18move, the vertically-extending segments of lifting cables24are translated along the horizontal direction27. For example, in the presently illustrated embodiment, when the flexible divider12is in the lowered configuration, the guiding elements18can be in a first position11horizontally spaced apart from the fixed pulleys20, whereas when the flexible divider12is lifted towards the raised configuration, the guiding elements18can move along the horizontal direction27towards the fixed pulleys20. In some embodiments, in the second position22, the guiding elements18can be substantially vertically aligned with the fixed pulleys. It is appreciated that other configurations are possible.

In the present embodiment, the lifting apparatus10comprises a guiding structure14for guiding corresponding guiding elements18. The guiding structure14comprises one or more guiding members attached to the ceiling structure16using fastening means such as screws, nails, bolts or the like. The guiding members can be configured to engage with the guiding elements18and constrain motion thereof along a defined path. For example, the guiding members can comprise one or more tracks in which the guiding elements18can engage and slide along. In some embodiments, the guiding elements18can engage in a single track, whereas in other embodiments, the guiding elements18can engage in two or more tracks, such as in two or more parallel and/or adjacent tracks, for example to provide more stability. Although in the present embodiment guiding structure14comprises a member secured to ceiling structure16it is appreciated that in other embodiments guiding structure14can be an integral part of ceiling structure16. Moreover, the guiding member has been described as a track, it is appreciated that different types of structural elements and/or guiding mechanisms can be used to guide the guiding elements18.

With reference toFIG. 10, a detailed view of guiding structure14and guiding elements18is shown according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, guiding structure14comprises a track member15with corresponding slots17for engaging with guiding element18. Guiding element18comprises a body with a pulley and engagement elements19for engaging in slots17of track member15and allowing the body of guiding element18to move there along. In the illustrated embodiment, engagement elements19comprise wheels engaging in opposite slots/tracks17in track member15and bearing thereon, allowing the guiding element18to move along track member15with relatively little friction or resistance. It is appreciated that other engagement elements19are possible, for example including bearing elements such as a sled to allow guiding element18to slide along the track member15.

As can be appreciated, depending on the configuration of the space in which the flexible divider12is installed, the ceiling structure16may not be parallel to the ground or floor. For example, the ceiling structure16can be sloped relative to the ground, and/or can have a convex or concave shaped profile such as an arch (as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4), a peak (as shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6), an inverted peak, or other shapes. In such embodiments, the guiding structure14can have a shape corresponding to the profile of the ceiling structure16, including, but not limited to, the shape of a slope, a peak, an inverted peak or an arch. In such configurations, the shape of the guiding structure14can comprise a peak (i.e. a highest point of the guiding structure14relative to the floor) and one or more ridges (i.e. a lowest point of the guiding structure14relative to the floor). In some embodiments, the guiding structure14can comprise one or more sequentially arranged segments, such as track segments, along which guiding elements18can travel, with said sequentially arranged segments following the contour of ceiling structure16. In some embodiments the guiding structure14can be formed using straight segments, curved segments, and/or combinations thereof. The successive arrangement of segments can allow the shape of the guiding structure14to match the profile of the ceiling structure16, allowing guiding elements18to follow a profile of ceiling structure16as they move. In some embodiments, the guiding structure14can define an axis having a slope along which guiding elements can travel18. In some embodiments, the lifting apparatus10can be configured such that guiding elements18move horizontally away from the ridges of guiding structure14towards the peak as the flexible divider12is raised.

As can be further appreciated, in spaces where the ceiling structure16is not parallel to the ground, the flexible divider12can further have a shape which corresponds to the profile of the ceiling structure16such that it can fully divide the space between the ground and the ceiling structure16. In such embodiments, a top section or edge of the flexible divider can have a contour substantially conforming to the contour of the ceiling structure, while a bottom section or edge of the flexible divider can have a contour which is substantially rectilinear and parallel to the ground. In such an embodiment, a perimeter of the bottom contour or edge can be different than a perimeter of the top contour or edge of the flexible divider12and different than a perimeter of the contour of the ceiling structure16. The lifting apparatus10described above can allow alleviating tension in such a flexible divider12while it is raised and allow it to neatly conform to the contour of the ceiling structure16(or a segment thereof) when the flexible divider12is raised. In operation, the lifting cables24can be retracted along the vertical direction25to lift the flexible divider12via the lift points26proximate to the bottom edge of flexible divider, thus lifting the bottom edge of the flexible divider12towards the top edge. While the flexible divider is being raised, the lifting cables24can be displaced along the horizontal direction27via the guiding elements18, for example in an inward direction towards the peak. Once the bottom edge of the flexible divider12reaches its final position near the top edge, the lifting cables24can be horizontally positioned such that the corresponding lifting points26adjacent the bottom edge of the flexible divider12are positioned to allow the bottom edge of the flexible divider12to be supported while following a contour of a segment of the ceiling structure16without being significantly stressed or tensioned. As can be appreciated, in the configuration of lifting apparatus10described above, as the lifting cables24are retracted, the tension in lifting cables24can apply a force to guiding elements18causing them to move inwards towards their second position22. Similarly, as lifting cables24are released, gravity can allow guiding elements18to move outwards and back towards their first position11. In some embodiments, however, a control assembly can be provided to more directly control a displacement of the guiding elements18, for example to control a rate of horizontal displacement of the lifting cables24as the flexible divider12is raised to assure that it folds neatly.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the control assembly comprises a biasing device28operatively connected to at least one of the guiding elements18. The biasing device28can comprise different biasing elements to actively or passively control the movement of guiding elements18, including a counterweight, a spring, or a motor, among others. As shown inFIG. 1, the biasing device28urges the guiding elements18toward their respective first positions11when the flexible divider12is being lowered. Conversely, when the flexible divider12is being lifted by means of the lifting cables24the guiding elements18are urged to their respective second positions22as a result of the action of the biasing device28. It is appreciated that in some embodiments, the biasing device28can apply a force in only one direction, for example to resist or oppose the force applied by lifting cables24on the guiding elements18. In other embodiments, the biasing device28can be operated to alternately apply a force in two opposite directions.

In the illustrated embodiment, a control cable19is provided for operatively coupling the biasing device28to the at least one guiding element18. The control cable19has a first end attached to the at least one guiding element18and a second end operatively coupled to a biasing element such as a counterweight, a spring or a motor. In some embodiments, the biasing device28can comprise at least one linear actuator attached to the control cable. It is appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the biasing device28can be operatively connected directly to guiding element18without a cable, or that other connection means can be provided. In yet further embodiments, the control assembly can comprise an actuator or a motor configured to drive a movement of the at least one guiding element18in at least two opposite directions.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the biasing device28is operatively connected to an outermost one of the guiding elements18. The guiding elements18are mechanically linked together via the lifting cables24and the flexible divider wall12, thereby allowing a biasing force applied to outermost guiding element to be transferred to the remaining guiding elements18when the flexible divider12is raised and/or lowered. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, further connections can be provided to transfer biasing force from one guiding element18to another. It is further appreciated that in some embodiments, two or more guiding elements18can be biased via a common biasing device28or via separate biasing devices.

Examples

In embodiments of the lifting apparatus10described above, guiding elements18are provided in the form of mobile lift pulleys. The mobile lift pulleys move horizontally inward, from a first position, and/or outwards, from a second position, as the flexible divider lifts or lowers. The overall travel or displacement distance of the mobile lift pulleys can depend on the difference between the dimension of the profile/contour of the ceiling structure16, and the required overall width of the flexible divider12(for example the contour of its bottom edge). The movement of the mobile lift pulleys can be either controlled or uncontrolled, and the ratio of fixed to mobile lift pulleys can change based on design, movement and other parameters. Moreover, each of the mobile lift pulleys can be configured to travel a different distance as the flexible divider12is raised. For example, a horizontal travel distance of outermost mobile lift pulleys (i.e. those closest to the ridge or ridges of the ceiling structure16) can be greater than a travel distance of innermost mobile lift pulleys (i.e. those closest to the peak of the ceiling structure16).

In a non-parallel ceiling to floor space, the ceiling's profile is longer than the width of the space at floor level that is to be divided. For example, an arch ceiling is a segment of a circle with an arc length (s) derived by:

Or, in the example of an equal-sided peak ceiling, it is the sum of (b)+(b).

The lifting apparatus10described above allows the mobile lift pulleys to move inwards, when the flexible divider12is lifted, so that the natural width of the designed flexible divider12rests along a narrower segment on the non-parallel ceiling structure16when stored in the raised configuration. Likewise, the mobile lift pulleys can return to their designed rest points, or first position, as the flexible divider12is lowered towards the floor or in the lowered configuration.

As can be appreciated, the described apparatus can allow full unobstructed use of the space, providing optimal clearance on non-parallel openings.

1—Actively Controlled Lifting Movement

FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10show an example of an actively controlled lifting apparatus. In the present example the lifting apparatus is cable-controlled and comprises a control cable which is extended from a motorized winch at a rate to match the lifting and changing geometry of a flexible divider wall. The control cable retracts onto the motorized winch when lowering the flexible divider wall to return mobile lift pulleys, or guiding elements, to their designated rest point, also referred to in the present description as their “first position”. It is appreciated that other control assemblies can be used, such as linear actuators (or ball screws and ball nuts) with matching movement speeds and limits, a motor driven trolley with mobile lift pulleys, a rack and pinion connected to mobile lift pulleys, among others.

More particularly, by way of example, and as illustrated inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, it is possible to divide a space that has an arch-shaped ceiling structure with a radius of 163′ with a flexible divider wall having a width of 198′-6″ across the floor. If the arc length of the ceiling is 212′, both ends of the flexible divider wall must move inwards 6′-9″ in order to store in the lifted position along the arch profile of the ceiling.

In the illustrated configuration, the cable controlled lifting apparatus comprises:a superstructure, or guiding structure, attached to the ceiling structure to which a track is mounted;equally spaced cable guides, as shown inFIG. 10, attached to the superstructure;fixed lift pulleys attached to the superstructure;a motorized winch centrally mounted on the superstructure;nineteen panels with twenty lifting cables, each at a distance of 10′-3″ plus edge for a total width of 198′-6″;wherein two of the twenty lifting cables run through permanently fixed lift pulleys installed near the middle of the flexible divider wall on the superstructure that is mounted to the ceiling (the ratio of fixed to mobile lift pulleys may change based on the movement required);and wherein the remaining eighteen lifting cables, nine on each side of the flexible divider wall, run through mobile lift pulleys attached to trolleys running on a track curved to match the arch ceiling hung from the flexible divider wall superstructure which is mounted to the ceiling; andtwo control pulleys mounted at each end of the trolley/carrier track.

The flexible divider wall is 58′-3″ high at the extremities and 90′-4″ high at the peak. Referring toFIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10each of the lifting cables77are attached to the bottom of the flexible divider wall. The lifting cables run through rings/grommets78attached every 10′ vertically up the flexible divider wall and run through a mobile lift pulley72except for two central lifting cables running through a fixed lift pulley71that is angled with a cable guide70toward the motorized winch.

Each of the mobile lift pulleys72is chained to the headband of the flexible divider wall. The headband is further supported every 18″ with chains attached to carriers74running along the trolley track80.

Two control cables76run outward from the motorized winch, one to each end of the flexible divider wall through the cable guides70and down from the fixed lift pulley100, wraps around a control pulley75and attaches to the nearest mobile lift pulley72.

The motorized winch can use yoyo pulleys that allow the cables to only wrap on top of themselves. Ten pairs of yoyo pulleys each have a different start diameter so that all cables completely lift the flexible divider wall to match the ceiling profile at the end of n revolutions. Each half of a pair is used to handle the corresponding cable on each side of the flexible divider wall. A reducer turns a second set of two yoyo pulleys or drum pulleys that let out 6′-9″ of control cable in n/x revolutions, allowing the flexible divider wall extremities to ride up the trolley track as the divider lifts. As can be appreciated, in this configuration, the lifting cables and the control cables are driven by the same motorized winch. As can be further appreciated, although this example of a controlled lifting apparatus is shown for a ceiling structure and corresponding flexible divider having an arc shape, a similar configuration can be applied for other shapes as well.

2—Passively Controlled Lifting Movement

FIGS. 11, 12an13show an example of a passively controlled lifting apparatus. In summary, the mobile lift pulleys are not actively controlled by a cable and winch, but are instead biased via a passive biasing element, and the mobile pulleys move inward, toward a second position, as the flexible divider wall begins to raise. They only return to their rest point, or first position, when the flexible divider wall is fully lowered.

More particularly, by way of example and as shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, it is possible to divide a peaked space with a slope of 14 degrees on both sides of the peak with a flexible divider wall having a width of 179′-8″ across the floor. If the sum of the two slopes is 182′-4½″, both ends of the flexible divider wall must move inwards 10″ in order to be stored in the lifted position along the peak profile of the ceiling.

In the illustrated configuration, the passively controlled lifting apparatus comprises:a superstructure, or guiding structure, attached to the ceiling structure to which a track is mounted;equally spaced cable guides, as shown inFIG. 10, attached to the superstructure;fixed lift pulleys attached to the superstructure;a motorized winch centrally mounted on the superstructure;nineteen panels with twenty lifting cables, eighteen panels each having a width of 9′-5″ and two panels each having a width of 9′-2″ plus edge;wherein fourteen of the twenty lifting cables run through permanently fixed lift pulleys installed near the middle of the flexible divider wall on the superstructure that is mounted to the ceiling (the ratio of fixed to mobile lift pulleys may change based on the movement required);and wherein the remaining six lifting cables, three on each side of the flexible divider wall, run through mobile lift pulleys attached to trolleys running on a sloped track that is hung from the flexible divider wall superstructure, which is itself mounted to the ceiling; andtwo return pulleys mounted at each end of the trolley track.

Referring toFIGS. 11, 12 and 13, each of the lifting cables77is attached to the bottom of the flexible divider wall. The lifting cables run through rings/grommets78attached every 3′ vertically up the flexible divider wall and run through a mobile lift pulley72, except for the fixed central cables running through a fixed lift pulley71that is angled with a cable guide70toward the motorized winch.

Each of the mobile lift pulleys72is chained to the headband of the flexible divider wall. The headband is further supported every 18″ with chains attached to carriers74running on the trolley track80. The natural reaction of the mobile lift pulleys on trolleys72is to move inward toward a second position as the lifting cable77begins to lift. Full inward movement happens before the flexible divider wall lifts and the pulleys return to their rest points, or first positions, as the flexible divider wall is fully lowered.

A passive biasing element in the form of a tension spring81or exaggerated weight81connected82to the last mobile lift pulley72running through an end pulley75mounted on a track80can be used to restore the mobile lift pulleys72to their designated rest points, on lighter flexible divider wall units.