Patent Publication Number: US-2015059270-A1

Title: Flexible wall system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a novel, sustainable, flexible, modular, reusable construction system, which can be used as a vertical or horizontal space-enclosing element or can also functionally extend existing space enclosures as a facing shell. The system is composed of a combination of braces provided with a variable adjustment in the longitudinal axis, which braces have an integrated shop construction system, and modular covers having a variable surface design, structural design and material design, which covers are connected flexibly and reversibly to the braces via a bonding system. The system can be set up, dismantled, and modified without the aid of an electric tool and without damage to the surrounding components or without a mechanical attachment to surrounding components. It can therefore be adapted to changing needs of a user (corporate identity, corporate design, wall as furniture, position of the installation outlets or installation routing) in a “plug &amp; play” manner and also has a sound-insulating or heat-insulating effect. 
     PRIOR ART 
     From the prior art, furnishings and systems are known which enable a space enclosure or a facing shell. Compared to conventional, solid systems, so-called dry wall systems provide a certain flexibility due to their relatively simple setup and disposal. However, a setup is characterized by many different work steps, which both damage existing components as a result of attachment systems and also produce a relatively large amount of dirt and dust as a result of plaster work and sanding work. After a dismantling, these systems are no longer reusable; the dismantled material can then only be disposed of. An adaptation (e.g. line routing) of the system during use is associated with considerable work (cutting open the wall, renewed spackling and sanding of the surface). The finished surface cannot be modified or adapted without construction work. A use of such systems as an integrated shop construction system is only possible with the sacrifice of other wall properties (for example, sound-insulating or heat-insulating or space-enclosing). 
     In the document U.S. 2008/0209832 A1, a demountable wall with vertical support devices is shown, which devices are attached between horizontal ceiling devices and floor devices and form a fixed frame on which wall panels cover at least part of the frame. This document discloses wall panels which are provided with decorations and are removable, as well as integrated installation routing, but it provides neither an integrated or adaptable shop construction system, nor a variable adjustment of the braces in the longitudinal axis. 
     The document U.S. 2009/0064621 A1 describes a wall covering system, comprising two panels positioned adjacent one another and forming a joint, one or more fastening means which secure the joint on a support element, a tape which covers the joint, and a binding agent covering the tape, wherein a part of the tape remains free so that it can be grasped and removed. Although this document shows a modular and reusable interior wall system, it discloses neither an integrated shop construction system nor the use of bonding systems for the attachment of the panels. 
     In the document WO 90/03749 A1, a space-partitioning construction with a horizontally extending profile is described. This document shows an integrated installation routing and a use of the profile as a furniture-mounting device. Nevertheless, this document gives no indication of the use of a bonding system for attaching reversible and flexible surface modules and of the use of variably adjustable braces. 
     The document U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,390 describes a space-partitioning device comprising a wall construction plate, which device has an upright metal stud. A shop construction system, for example in the form of a holed top-hat rail or a specially shaped profile, can be mounted on or in this metal stud. However, a bonding system for mounting reversible and flexible surface modules and the use of variably adjustable braces are not mentioned in this document. 
     In the document DE 2 130 929, a mobile wall is described, wherein, in order to clamp the wall in place between stationary boundary walls of the frame accommodating the wall, at least one elastic tensioning device is provided between the mobile wall and at least one of the stationary boundary walls. Although this document shows a similar tensioning device, the illustrated device does not have any braces, does not enable integrated installation routing, and does not indicate a modular surface design which can be interchanged independent of the substructure. 
     In the document CA 1 176 425, a stud arrangement is shown which is formed between floor rails and ceiling rails for a use inside dry walling. Although the studs of this arrangement are embodied in a height-adjustable manner, they must be mechanically fastened to the corresponding floor rails and ceiling rails. Additionally, neither an integrated shop construction system nor an integrated installation routing nor a sound-insulating and heat-insulating design are described. 
     In the document EP 2 017 401 A2, a wall covering system is shown in which wood panels are attached to metal profiles using a hook-and-loop fastening system. In addition, this document also describes a quick and virtually joint-free assembly or dismantling as well as the advantageous thermal and acoustic insulation of this arrangement. However, this document neither describes an integrated shop construction system or an integrated line routing, nor does it describe the use as a fully-fledged space-partitioning element. The studs must be mechanically attached to a load-bearing substructure. 
     The document U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,219 shows a demountable partition wall which is used between the floor and the ceiling and which comprises a channel opened at the top and secured on the floor, a channel open at the bottom and mounted on the ceiling, and perpendicular studs positioned facing one another and comprising an H cross section. In this document, a reusable, modular interior wall system with integrated installation routing is described, but the integration of a shop construction system or reversible and flexible surface modules are, however, not mentioned. 
     In the document EP 0 190 913 A2, a sheet of flexible material is described, wherein this sheet extends between a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from one another and is held by at least one pair of rails and at least one support device which spaces the rails. This document describes a quick, easily adaptable, low-damage and reusable setup with height-adjustable studs. However, the disclosed device is not suitable for providing a space partition having sound-insulating and heat-insulating properties and cannot accommodate any installations. The sheet is not attached reversibly by means of bonding strips. 
     In the document U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,189, a completely reusable and decorative wall panel is disclosed. It describes wall panels equipped with different surfaces and a hook-and-loop system, which panels can be attached to dry walling. A self-supporting or space-partitioning function is not described. Also, no integrated shop construction system or the possibility of an integrated, retrofittable installation routing is disclosed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is to form a flexible system for general space enclosure ( FIG. 1 ), which system is not stationary (for example, mechanically connected to the environment) or which moves on predefined paths (for example, rails) and therefore is not subject to building laws typical of a given country. It should also be possible to install, modify and dismantle the system without prior applicable technical knowledge or mechanical vocational training. Also, when in use, the system is characterized by a largest possible flexibility in terms of use, surface modification, or adaptability. By means of a reusability of the main parts of the system after a dismantling, a greatest possible sustainability is to be created. 
     According to the invention, the preceding object is attained with the features of claim [ 1 ]. The advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are disclosed in additional dependent claims. 
     Accordingly, the system of the type described at the outset is characterized in that it can be set up, modified and dismantled simply and without costly tools and in that it subsequently leaves the existing structure completely free of residue and damage. The system remains reusable even after modification and dismantling. It is composed of a structural level and a design level ( FIG. 2 ), which is attached on one side or both sides and forms surfaces. 
     Furthermore, it is characterized in that the structural level is essentially secured by braces which are reversibly clamped horizontally ( FIG. 10 ) or vertically ( FIG. 1 ) between two adjacent components, or at any desired angle, at an either predefined or freely selectable distance from one another ( FIG. 3 ). An additionally heat-insulating and/or sound-insulating design of the braces (for example, by means of a corresponding choice of the brace materials or an additional lining or coating of the braces with heat-insulating and or sound-insulating materials) proves to be particularly advantageous so that, in the case of an additional embodiment of the spaces between the braces with heat-insulating and or sound-insulating materials (heat insulation panels or sound insulation panels) a fully usable, reversible spatial partition is created ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In a further embodiment, a moisture-resistant and or vapor-resistant and or airtight layer (for example, sheet, sealing panel, . . . ) can be inserted into the structural level in addition to or in place of the heat-insulating materials and or the sound-insulating materials and can also be retained by a bonding system ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Integrated or adaptable installation level: By means of a corresponding perforation of the braces ( FIG. 9 ) in an axial direction of the structural level or spacers between the braces perpendicular to the structural level, a through-accessibility in the direction of the structural level is produced which enables an integrated and subsequently adaptable installation routing ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Integrated or adaptable shop construction system: A specially shaped profile (for example, a perforated bar or a perforated top-hat rail, a brace with perforation, a special structure for accommodating shelf supports, etc.) can be set into the braces ( FIG. 2 ) so that, with the aid of a shelf support, an integrated or adaptable shop construction system is created ( FIG. 9 ). 
     Advantageously, the brace itself can also be of such a materiality that a perforation or punching enables the immanent use of the brace as part of a shop construction system. 
     The design level is primarily used for the flexible surface design ( FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 12 ) and the visual space enclosure which also protects against mechanical impact ( FIG. 5 ). 
     The final surface of the system is modularly constructed and composed of individual design elements ( FIG. 11 ). These elements are preferably variable in terms of the surface design, structural design and material design. The connection of the design elements and the structural level occurs via a bonding system which is applied, preferably partly or across the entire surface, to the side of the design elements facing the structural level. Thus all elements are reversibly connected to the braces in a durable manner. At the same time, the bonding system constitutes an acoustic decoupling of the design elements and the structural level located therebehind, so that the system provides effective protection against a transfer of structure-borne sound. 
     On the final surface, the modular system creates a joint pattern which enables the use of and the access to the structural level positioned therebehind as a shop construction system ( FIG. 11 ). The joint pattern can preferably extend in an axial direction ( FIG. 12 ), alternatively in both axial directions ( FIG. 11 ). Each module can be removed from the surface at any time, even during use, and can be replaced by a different module. 
     Preferably, the surface can thus also be adapted by users to the changing needs. The use of modules which provide additional functions, such as, for example, modules with installation outlets (power outlets, switches, water outlets, drains, etc.), heating installations (wall radiators, infrared modules, flueless fireplaces, etc.), promotional modules (promotional graphics, price lists, etc.) TVs, and many other modules ( FIG. 12 ), is advantageous. 
     The shop construction system integrated in the structural level enhances the flexibility. If the system is used in a vertical setup, it provides an interface for adding elements (for example, furniture, furnishing objects, etc.) ( FIG. 1 ). If the system is used in a horizontal folio, securing hooks can be mechanically hung into the shop construction system and can thus, in addition to the bonding system, secure the design elements against falling ( FIG. 10 ). 
     A use of the system without joints can also be advantageous. Here, the surface material (for example, surface elements with a click system, groove-spring system, etc.) is connected to the braces in an identical manner by means of a reversible bonding system. A use of the integrated shop construction system in not possible in this version. In this case, however, a jointless, paintable surface provides a surface utilization that is comparable to conventional dry walling. 
     In a further embodiment, the construction can also be used as a facing shell in front of existing walls ( FIG. 6 ). In this manner, a reversible shop construction system with a freely designable surface is created. The existing components remain in the original condition during the installation, use, and after the dismantling; a complicated mechanical attachment to a non-homogeneous substructure is therefore unnecessary. As a result of the described system, costly design work and setup work become superfluous. The interior design and furnishing of spaces can be prefabricated and accelerated to a considerable extent by means of the described system. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Brief description (list) of the drawings: 
       Additional objects, features, benefits and application possibilities of the device according to the invention are derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments based on the drawings. All features which are described and/or pictorially illustrated thereby form, per se or in combination, the subject matter of the invention, independent of the abstract, in separate claims or in reference made to these claims. 
       The drawings show 
         FIG. 1  The device with braces ( 1 ), a level for accommodating heat insulation and or sound insulation ( 6 ) and modular surface elements ( 4 ) as a system in horizontal section. 
         FIG. 2  The brace ( 1 ), which is variably adjustable ( 11 ) in a longitudinal direction, with an integrated shop construction system ( 8 ), and a bonding surface ( 10 ) for the reversible, modular surface elements ( 4 ) in section, including the level for accommodating heat-insulating and or sound-insulating materials ( 6 ), the level for accommodating the moisture-resistant and or airtight film ( 5 ) and the installation space ( 7 ). 
         FIG. 3  The variable adjustment ( 11 ) of the brace ( 1 ) in a longitudinal axis, including a terminating rail ( 16 ) as a stop for the surface modules ( 4 ). 
         FIG. 4  The brace connection to the existing component with a variable adjustment, including a spring mechanism ( 12 ) for accommodating deflections of adjacent components and a stop rail ( 16 ) for the surface modules ( 4 ). 
         FIG. 5  The brace connection ( 3 ) to the existing component without any additional requirement in terms of construction physics. 
         FIG. 6  The system ( 3 ) as a facing shell ( 4 ) and or as a partitioning element without any additional requirement in terms of construction physics. 
         FIG. 7  The brace connection to the existing component with a connecting piece ( 15 ), including a level for accommodating heat insulation and or sound insulation ( 6 ), and including a level for accommodating a moisture seal and or air seal ( 5 ) and surface modules ( 4 ). 
         FIG. 8  The brace connection to the existing component with a connecting piece ( 15 ), including a spring mechanism ( 17 ) for accommodating deflections of adjacent components and a terminating rail ( 16 ) for the surface modules ( 4 ) and including a level for accommodating heat insulation and  or sound insulation ( 6 ), as well as a level for accommodating a moisture seal and or an air seal ( 5 ). 
         FIG. 9  The perforation ( 14 ) in the brace ( 1 ) for the feed-through of installations ( 7 ), as well as the shop construction system ( 8 ) including a hooked-in shelf support and or furniture support ( 9 ). 
         FIG. 10  The system in a horizontal application as a suspended ceiling with surface modules ( 4 ) which are reversibly retained via bonding strips ( 10 ) and with an additional mechanical protection ( 18 ) by means of hooks hung into the shop construction system ( 8 ). 
         FIG. 11  A view of the design level ( 2 ) with vertically and horizontally joint-forming surface modules ( 4 ), including a module with an installation outlet ( 19 ), and with a hung-in shelf support and or furniture support ( 9 ). 
         FIG. 12  A view of the design level ( 2 ) with vertically joint-forming surface modules ( 4 ), including a module with an installation outlet ( 19 ), and with a hung-in shelf support and or furniture support ( 9 ). 
     
    
    
     LEGEND 
       1 ) Braces in section 
       2 ) Design level 
       3 ) Structural level 
       4 ) Surface modules on bonding strips 
       5 ) Level for accommodating moisture seal or air seal 
       6 ) Level for accommodating sound insulation or heat insulation 
       7 ) Installation level 
       8 ) Construction for accommodating shelf supports and or furniture supports 
       9 ) Shelf supports and or furniture supports hung into the shop construction system 
       10 ) Bonding strips 
       11 ) Variable adjustment 
       12 ) Variable adjustment with spring mechanism for accommodating the deflection of adjacent components 
       13 ) Device for positioning a tension force limiter 
       14 ) Perforation of the braces spacers between the braces 
       15 ) Terminating piece 
       16 ) U-profile terminating rail 
       17 ) Spring mechanism for accommodating the deflection of adjacent components 
       18 ) Mechanical securing of the surface modules 
       19 ) Installation outlet