Patent Description:
Typically buildings such as, homes, hospitals, office spaces may be constructed with a predefined number of rooms. However, in some cases, the predefined number of rooms may not be sufficient for a user. In order to extend the number of rooms or convert a single room into multiple rooms, conventional methods include breaking of one or more structures, for example, walls of the room, adjusting the furniture and other components of the buildings. Such process may be tedious, time consuming and may result in loss of material due to breaking of existing walls or other parts of the buildings.

Moreover, such modifications in the room structure are permanent and it may not be possible to dynamically change the configuration of the room into multiple rooms or revert back to a single room. Other known methods include providing a movable partition that is used to partition the rooms into two predefined spaces. However, such a configuration may not provide a closed room. Therefore, there exists a need for a solution that addresses the problems discussed above.

For reference, <CIT> is generally directed to a modular space in a building construction with a method and system for making the modular space, and more particularly to a modular room comprising custom designed and prefabricated components.

<CIT> discloses a modular wall system comprising a support structure and a modular wall, wherein the modular wall comprises a pair of wings. The wings can move in an open position and a closed position.

In one aspect of the present invention, a modular wall system according to independent claim <NUM> is.

According to claim <NUM>, a modular wall system for a room having a ceiling and a plurality of sidewalls is provided. The modular wall system includes a support structure configured to be coupled to the ceiling of the room. The modular wall system also includes a modular wall movably coupled to the support structure. The modular wall includes a supporting member and a pair of wings operatively coupled to the supporting member. Each of the wings is configured to move towards an open position and a closed position. The wings are configured to move towards the corresponding sidewall in the open position. The modular wall with the pair of wings in the open position is configured to divide the room into at least two rooms.

According to claim <NUM>, a modular room is provided. The modular room includes a plurality of sidewalls and at least one drywall. The at least one drywall defines a vertical axis along a height thereof, a first axis along a length thereof, and a second axis perpendicular to each of the vertical axis and the first axis. The at least one drywall is configured to move parallel to the second axis to a moved position. The at least one drywall includes a supporting member and a pair of wings operatively coupled to the supporting member. Each of the wings is configured to move towards an open position and a closed position. Each of the wings is configured to move towards the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls in the open position. The plurality of sidewalls, the at least one drywall in the moved position and the pair of wings in the open position are configured to form at least two rooms within the modular room.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Embodiments disclosed herein are related to modular rooms and wall systems that may be used to render the feature of modularity to the rooms. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary modular home <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the modular home <NUM> includes four rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The room <NUM> will be explained hereinafter as the modular room <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it may be contemplated to implement the concepts of the modular room <NUM> in any of the rooms of the modular home <NUM> or rooms of other homes, office spaces, hospitals, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the modular room <NUM> includes four sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, each of the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> may define an opening. In an example, a movable door (not shown) may be disposed in at least one of the opening defined in the respective sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, any of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may define the opening. Although, the modular room <NUM> is illustrated and described to include the four sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, it may be recognized that the modular room <NUM> may include any number of sidewalls so as to form the modular room <NUM> there between. In an example, the modular room <NUM> may have more than four sidewalls and have a polygonal shape. In another example, the modular room <NUM> may have three sidewalls and have a triangular shape.

The modular room <NUM> further includes a ceiling <NUM> disposed on the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be a false ceiling disposed below a roof of the modular home <NUM>. In another embodiment, the ceiling <NUM> may be the roof of the modular home <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the modular room <NUM> includes a modular wall system <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The modular wall system <NUM> includes a modular wall <NUM> disposed in the modular room <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the modular wall <NUM> is a movable drywall. The drywall <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>. In an example, the frame <NUM> may be a metal frame. In other examples, the frame <NUM> may include other suitable materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, wood and the like. The frame <NUM> may include multiple cross-beams (not shown) attached between sides of the frame <NUM>. The drywall <NUM> also includes a gypsum panel <NUM> attached on each of the sides of the frame <NUM>.

The drywall <NUM> may also include at least one insulation element <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation element <NUM> is disposed between the frame <NUM> and the gypsum panels <NUM>. In an example, the insulation element <NUM> may include a foam material. In other embodiments, the insulation element <NUM> may be disposed at other locations in the drywall <NUM> based on a specific type of application. Alternatively, the drywall <NUM> may be configured without the insulation element <NUM>.

It may be preferable for one or more components of the modular wall <NUM> to be reinforced. In an example, the supporting member <NUM> and the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be reinforced. Such an embodiment of the invention may be preferable to improve the racking resistance of the gypsum panel <NUM>. Preferably, the gypsum panel <NUM> may comprise a polymeric binder and plurality of fibres. Such a feature may be preferable as it may provide reinforcement to the gypsum panel <NUM>. Preferably, said plurality of fibres may comprise glass fibres, synthetic polymer fibres or natural fibres, either separately or in combination.

Preferably, said polymeric binder and said plurality of fibres, in combination, comprise greater than <NUM>% by weight of the gypsum panel <NUM>. Such an embodiment of the invention may be preferable as it may increase the strength of the modular wall <NUM>. Preferably, the polymeric binder may comprise greater than <NUM>% by weight of the gypsum panel <NUM>. Preferably, the fibres may comprise greater than <NUM>% by weight of the gypsum panel <NUM>.

It may be preferable for the polymeric binder to comprise starch. It may also be preferable for the polymeric binder to comprise a synthetic material. More preferably, the synthetic polymeric binder may comprise polyvinyl acetate.

Preferably, the gypsum panel <NUM> may be a Habito (registered trade mark) board.

However, in various other embodiments, various components of the modular wall <NUM> may be made of any other materials such as, but not limited to, MDF, plywood, glass, metal sheet, cement, fiber cement and plastic sheet.

The modular wall <NUM> and the modular wall system <NUM> will be explained hereinafter with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The modular wall <NUM> has a length 'L I' and a height 'H1' in a plane <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM>. The modular wall <NUM> defines a vertical axis <NUM> along the height 'H1' and a first axis <NUM> along the length 'L1'. The modular wall <NUM> further defines a second axis <NUM> perpendicular to each of the vertical axis <NUM> and the first axis <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular wall <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the sidewall <NUM> and parallel to the first axis <NUM>. Further, the modular wall <NUM> is also disposed in between the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>.

The modular wall <NUM> includes a supporting member <NUM> having a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may include multiple shelves <NUM> that are disposed on the first side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. Further, the first side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM> may face the sidewall <NUM>. In another embodiment, the shelves <NUM> may be disposed on the second side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. Alternatively, the supporting member <NUM> may further include shelves <NUM> that are disposed on both the first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a design and/or configurations of the shelves <NUM> are merely exemplary in nature and hence non-limiting of this disclosure. Moreover, the supporting member <NUM> may or may not include other types of shelves <NUM> or components.

The modular wall <NUM> also includes a pair of wings <NUM> and <NUM> slidably attached to the supporting member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to the first side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. As such, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may act as doors for the shelves <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to the second side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the modular wall <NUM> includes a supporting member <NUM> disposed in the plane <NUM>. The modular wall <NUM> further includes a pair of wings <NUM> and <NUM> operatively coupled to the supporting member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be slidably attached to the supporting member <NUM> so as to slide along the plane <NUM>. In an example, each of the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the supporting member <NUM> via an elongate member (not shown) having an I-shape. Further, one side of the elongate member may be attached to the corresponding wings <NUM>, <NUM> and the other side of the elongate member may be attached to the supporting member <NUM> via a track disposed in the supporting member <NUM>. As such, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may slide along the track.

In another embodiment, the modular wall <NUM> may include a receiving member (not shown) attached to the supporting member <NUM> adjacent to a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM> thereof. Further, each of the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a track member <NUM> corresponding to each of the receiving member. As such, the receiving member may slide inside the track member <NUM> to enable the wings <NUM> and <NUM> to slide parallel to the first axis <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may define a recess in each of the sides of the supporting member <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to be slidably received in the corresponding recesses, at least partially. With such an implementation, both the first and second sides <NUM> and <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM> remain accessible with the wings <NUM> and <NUM> either in open position or closed position. As such, the shelves or other features may be suitably enabled on any of the sides <NUM>, and/or <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the supporting member <NUM> so as to fold out from the supporting member <NUM>. In an example, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the supporting member <NUM> by hinges. In another embodiment, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may have a concertina arrangement. It may also be contemplated to use other mechanisms to accomplish the coupling between the wings <NUM>, <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM>.

In another embodiment, one of the wings <NUM> or <NUM> may be attached to the first side <NUM> and the other of the wing <NUM> or <NUM> may be attached to the second side <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. However, in other embodiments, the modular wall <NUM> may also include multiple pairs of wings <NUM>, <NUM> that may be attached to each of the first and second sides <NUM> and <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>.

Each of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to move towards an open position and a closed position. Further a combined length 'L1' of the modular wall <NUM> having the wings <NUM>, <NUM> in the open position may be substantially equal to the distance between the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> between which the modular wall <NUM> is disposed. As such, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may move towards the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> respectively while moving towards the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may contact the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> respectively in the open position.

In another embodiment, the modular wall <NUM> may include one or more secondary wings (not shown) coupled to each of the wings <NUM> and <NUM>. The secondary wings may either be slidably or rotatably coupled to the corresponding wings <NUM> and <NUM>. As such, to obtain the open position, each of the secondary wings and the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may have to be unfolded.

In the illustrated embodiment, the modular wall <NUM> is disposed parallel to the first axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the modular wall <NUM> may be suitably disposed at an angle with the first axis <NUM>. In an example, the modular wall <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees to the first axis <NUM> based on the shape of the modular room <NUM>.

In other examples, as discussed above, the modular wall <NUM> may be disposed in various other configurations and shapes of the rooms. In such cases, a size, a shape and a configuration of the supporting member <NUM> and/or the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may vary to suit the requirements of the application. Accordingly, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> in the open position may substantially contact the corresponding sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In yet another example, each of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may further include an additional wing slidably coupled thereto. As such, in the open position of both the additional wings and the wings <NUM>, <NUM>, the additional wings may contact the corresponding sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, the modular wall <NUM> is configured to move parallel to the second axis <NUM>. In an embodiment, the modular wall <NUM> may also be configured to rotate about the vertical axis <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the modular wall <NUM> may be configured to rotate about the first axis <NUM>. As such, the modular wall <NUM> may be flipped against the ceiling <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the modular wall system <NUM> also includes a support structure <NUM>. The modular wall <NUM> may be movably coupled to the support structure <NUM>. Further, the support structure <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the ceiling <NUM> of the modular room <NUM>.

According to the invention, the support structure <NUM> includes a rail member <NUM> disposed parallel to the second axis <NUM> and coupled to the ceiling <NUM>. As shown, the rail member <NUM> may be coupled to the ceiling <NUM> via an overhanging structure <NUM>. The overhanging structure <NUM> may be coupled to the ceiling <NUM>. Further, the overhanging structure <NUM> may include multiple bars coupled to each other via fasteners. Alternatively, at least some of the bars of the overhanging structure <NUM> may be welded to each other.

The support structure <NUM> also includes an elongate member <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. As shown, the elongate member <NUM> has an I-shape. The first end <NUM> may be slidably received in the rail member <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> also includes a first flange member <NUM> that is coupled to the first end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> further includes a second flange member <NUM> coupled to the first flange member <NUM>. Each of the first and second flange members <NUM> and <NUM> may have a plate configuration. Further, the second flange member <NUM> is coupled to the top end <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM>. With such an implementation, the modular wall <NUM> may be moved parallel to the rail member <NUM>.

The coupling between the first and second flange members <NUM> and <NUM> may be accomplished by using any suitable methods such as, but not limited to fasteners, welding and the like. Further, the first flange member <NUM> and the second flange member <NUM> may be coupled to the second end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> and the top end <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM> respectively, by any suitable methods such as, but not limited to fasteners such as, threaded screws or bolts, studs, welding and the like.

In other embodiments, the support structure <NUM> may include multiple rail members <NUM> disposed parallel to each other. The support structure <NUM> may also include multiple elongate members <NUM> that may be slidably received in the corresponding rail members <NUM>. Further, the elongate members <NUM> may be coupled to the top end <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM> at different locations.

In another embodiment, the elongate member <NUM> may include a rotatable member (not shown) disposed between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The rotatable member (not shown) may be a circular member rotatably coupled to the elongate member <NUM> adjacent to the second end <NUM>. As such, the modular wall <NUM> may rotate about the vertical axis <NUM>.

Additionally or optionally, the support structure may also include floor tracks (not shown) attached to the bottom end <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM>. The floor tracks may include any of the rails, wheels and the like that can enable the modular wall <NUM> to translate and/or rotate about the vertical axis <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the modular wall <NUM> is disposed against the sidewall <NUM> and further, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> are in the closed position. Referring now to <FIG>, the modular wall <NUM> being moved to a moved position is illustrated. Referring to <FIG>, the modular room <NUM> divided into two rooms <NUM> and <NUM> by the modular wall <NUM> is illustrated. In the moved position, the modular wall <NUM> may be at a distance from the sidewall <NUM>. The distance may be chosen based on a ratio of sizes that may be desired for the rooms <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown, the modular wall <NUM> may be moved parallel to the second axis <NUM> in the moved position.

Referring to <FIG>, the modular wall <NUM> with the wings <NUM> and <NUM> in the open position is illustrated. Each of the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be slid parallel to the first axis <NUM> in the open position. In one embodiment, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a handle (not shown) disposed thereon. Accordingly, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may be at least partially moved towards the open position using the respective handles. Further as shown, in the open position the wings <NUM> and <NUM> may substantially contact the corresponding sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. With such a configuration, the modular room <NUM> includes two rooms <NUM> and <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the room <NUM> formed with the modular wall <NUM>, and the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have a closed configuration.

In various other embodiments, the modular room <NUM> may include more than one modular wall <NUM>. Accordingly, the modular room <NUM> may be divided into more than two rooms. For example, the modular room <NUM> may include an additional wall disposed against one of the sidewalls <NUM> or <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the additional wall may be moved parallel to the first axis <NUM>. Further, the corresponding wings <NUM>, <NUM> of the additional modular wall may be slid to the open position so as to divide the room <NUM> into two other rooms. As such, the modular room <NUM> with two modular walls <NUM> may be divided into three rooms.

With use and implementation of the modular wall system <NUM> of the present disclosure, any of the rooms may be converted into at least two rooms. In one configuration, the second side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM> may be disposed against one of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed in the closed position. Further, various components such as, a television, decorative items or the like may be disposed on the first side <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. In such a configuration, the modular wall <NUM> may form part of the modular room <NUM> without interfering with other components of the modular room <NUM>. In other configuration, the modular wall <NUM> may be moved parallel to the second axis <NUM> to a certain position and the wings <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved to the open position to obtain two rooms. Moreover, furniture in the modular room <NUM> may be arranged such that the movement of the modular <NUM> may be achieved without moving the furniture.

Further, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> of the modular wall <NUM> in the open position are configured to contact the corresponding sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the modular room <NUM>. As such, at least one closed room may be obtained. Moreover, the use of drywall <NUM> in dividing the modular room <NUM> into multiple rooms may render various properties to the divided room such as acoustic properties, insulation, aesthetics and the like.

Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, is provided to assist in describing the teachings, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainly be used in this application.

This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

Claim 1:
A modular wall system (<NUM>) for a room having a plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a ceiling (<NUM>), the modular wall system (<NUM>) comprising:
a support structure (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to the ceiling (<NUM>) of the room; and
a modular wall (<NUM>) movably coupled to the support structure,
wherein the modular wall (<NUM>) defining a vertical axis (<NUM>) along a height thereof, a first axis (<NUM>) along a length thereof, and a second axis (<NUM>) perpendicular to each of the vertical axis (<NUM>) and the first axis (<NUM>), the modular wall(<NUM>) being configured to move parallel to the second axis (<NUM>),
the support structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a rail member (<NUM>) disposed parallel to the second axis (<NUM>) and couplable to the ceiling (<NUM>);
an elongate member (<NUM>) of I-shape having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), the first end (<NUM>) slidably disposed in the rail member (<NUM>);
a first flange member (<NUM>) coupled to the first end (<NUM>) of the elongate member (<NUM>); and
a second flange member (<NUM>) coupled to the first flange member (<NUM>) through the elongated member (<NUM>) and coupled to a top end of the modular wall (<NUM>);
the modular wall (<NUM>) comprising:
a supporting member (<NUM>); and
a pair of wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively coupled to the supporting member (<NUM>), wherein each of the supporting member (<NUM>) and the pair of wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a frame (<NUM>); and
one or more of gypsum panels (<NUM>) attached to the frame (<NUM>),
wherein each of the wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to move to an open position and a closed position, wherein the pair of wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to move towards a corresponding sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the plurality of sidewalls in the open position,
and wherein the modular wall (<NUM>) is configured to be moved between a position where the supporting member (<NUM>) is disposed against a sidewall and a position where it is at a distance from said sidewall, thereby dividing the room.