`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US008024901B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Gosling et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,024,901 B2
`Sep.27,2011
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`INTEGRATED RECONFIGURABLE WALL
`SYSTEM
`
`Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Calgary (CA); Mogens
`Smed, Dewinton (CA)
`
`(73) Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd.,
`Calgary, Alberta (CA)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1054 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/205,314
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug. 17, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2006/0059806 AI
`Mar. 23, 2006
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/601,985, filed on Aug.
`17,2004.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`E04H 1100
`(2006.01)
`E04B 1100
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................... 52/238.1; 52/481.2; 52/772
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 52/238.1,
`52/239, 242, 243, 243.1, 578, 582.1, 474,
`52/476, 481.2, 482, 772, 773, 781.3, 126.3;
`403/286,297,329,397
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,600,926 A * 2/1997 Ehrlich ........................... 52/239
`6,250,032 B1 * 6/2001 Davis et al ...................... 52/239
`
`6,260,321 B1 * 7/2001
`6,282,854 B1 * 9/2001
`6,341,457 B1 * 1/2002
`6,481,168 B1 * 1112002
`6,920,727 B2 * 7/2005
`2002/0108330 A1 * 8/2002
`2002/0157335 A1
`10/2002
`2003/0089057 A1 * 5/2003
`2003/0221384 A1
`12/2003
`2004/0020137 A1 * 2/2004
`2004/0035074 A1
`2/2004
`2004/0177 573 A1 * 9/2004
`2006/0059806 A1
`3/2006
`2006/0185276 A1
`8/2006
`* cited by examiner
`
`Rudduck ......................... 52/474
`Vos et a!. ........................ 52/239
`Aerts et al ....................... 52/239
`Hodges eta!. ............... 52/220.7
`Yu et al ........................... 52/239
`Yu et al ........................ 52/238.1
`Vos
`Wiechecki eta!. .......... 52/238.1
`Burken eta!.
`Battey et a!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2/36.1
`Stanescu et a!.
`Newhouse eta!. ............. 52/239
`Gosling et a!.
`Pai
`
`Primary Examiner- Khoi Tran
`Assistant Examiner- Jason Holloway
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm- Welsh Flaxman & Gitler
`LLC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A movable reconfigurable wall system having at least one
`module having a front and rear surface, the at least one mod-
`ule having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side
`edges, each the vertical end frame having a vertically extend-
`ing flange directed toward the front surface and a vertically
`extending flange directed toward the rear surface; a plurality
`ofhorizontal stringers affixed between the pair of vertical end
`frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to the stringers; and a
`removable connecting strip, the connecting strip adapted to
`affix about one of the two flanges on one of the vertical end
`frames and join the one of the two flanges to a corresponding
`flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing
`trim or a connection post.
`
`25 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`ALLSTEEL INC.
`Exhibit 1001, Page 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep.27,2011
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`Sheet 1 of21
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`Sep. 27, 2011
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`
`1
`INTEGRATED RECONFIGURABLE WALL
`SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present invention claims the benefit of the filing date of
`U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/601,985,
`entitled "INTEGRATED RECONFIGURABLE WALL
`SYSTEM", filed Aug. 17, 2004.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a wall moveable system,
`and more particularly to a reconfigurable moveable wall sys-
`tem comprising reconfigurable components and design ele-
`ments.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Wall systems, or dividers as they are sometimes called, are
`used most commonly in an office environment to separate
`work areas and to give people privacy where permanent walls
`are lacking. It is beneficial to have a wall system that is easily
`movable and easily reconfigured given the ever changing
`needs and requirements in these environments. Another
`important aspect in an office is to maximize available space.
`Aesthetics are also important, including the ability to provide
`the aesthetic element independently of underlying structural
`componentry.
`Previous wall systems have lacked some or all of these
`attributes. Some are difficult to reconfigure or to move with-
`out significant amounts of labour and dislocation. Most sys-
`tems lack the flexibility to quickly change the height of a wall,
`or to use or substitute different types of panels, or replace a
`module in the middle of a wall without taking apart the entire
`wall. There also is a need to be able to use the wall system
`against an existing wall as a curtain wall for an integrated look
`and to provide the design flexibility needed in those spaces
`bordered by permanent walls.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the present wall system com-
`prises at least one module, where each module includes a 45
`frame and a plurality of tiles mounted to the frame by means
`of a tile clip system. Clips are attached to the rear surface of
`each tile and the tile is then pressed into place, aligning the
`clips with a capture detail on the horizontal frame stringers.
`Tiles can span adjacent frames where required. Horizontal 50
`frame stringers may include a cantilever channel detail where
`desired to allow objects to be hung along the width. A single
`frame comprised of two verticals frame members and a plu-
`rality of horizontals stringers mounted to an existing wall by
`connecting the horizontal members to brackets attached to the
`existing wall allows tiles to be mounted as a curtain wall on
`the existing wall. Two frames may be supported back to back
`within a framework for modules used to divide adjacent work
`spaces.A spline is attachable to the top of the frame to extend
`the frame and allow for additional tiles to be added on to 60
`increase a module's height if so desired. The spline is also
`used to connect a different style of frame above the existing
`frame if so desired. For example, this allows a framed glass
`module to be attached above a framed wood substrate mod-
`ule. Two adjacent modules are connected using a removable 65
`zipper interface. The zipper contains two flexible gasket com-
`ponents. Where tiles will span adjacent frames or meet one
`
`US 8,024,901 B2
`
`2
`another without a gap, the gaskets bend back behind the tiles.
`Where tiles do not span adjacent frames and a gap is wanted,
`the gaskets point outward from the frame, between the tiles.
`At the edge of a module where no other module is to be
`connected, a starter strip may be placed, wherein the starter
`strip includes an integral flexible gasket which conforms to
`the shape of the surrounding environment while providing
`both light and sound baffling. The cantilever channel between
`tiles allows for various accessories or mill work to be sup-
`10 ported from the outside of the module at convenient locations
`and to be adjusted as needed.
`The present wall system also includes a glass wall module,
`where each module includes a frame and a plurality of glass
`tiles mounted within the frame. The glass may be center
`15 mounted, front mounted or rear mounted. A charmel within
`each end frame extrusion holds a full length gasket extrusion
`or notch. The glass is retained within the gasket extrusion,
`around the full perimeter of the glass tile. Extra horizontal or
`vertical extrusions are attached within the frame to further
`20 divide the module into smaller areas.
`The present wall system also includes levelers. Levelers
`include upper, middle and lower sections. The upper section
`includes a hollow cylinder which is threaded along the inte-
`rior, and a flat upper plated perpendicular to the leveler. The
`25 middle section is a hollow cylinder where the interior and
`exterior surfaces are threaded in opposite directions, with a
`fixed nut at one end of the middle section for adjustment. The
`lower section includes a solid cylinder threaded to correspond
`with the middle section, a fixed lower nut and an inverted
`30 V-shaped lower plate. The leveler is used by having the flat
`plate in the upper section engage a continuous channel in an
`the lowermost extrusion of a module's frame, and the lower
`plate engaging a continuous universal foot, located beneath
`each module. The V-shape of the lower plate distributes the
`35 weight of the wall in the direction of the connection charmels
`of continuous universal foot. A leveler can be placed at any
`location along the width of the module, allowing for a plural-
`ity of levelers to be used if needed. Along the base of the
`universal foot is a plurality of grippers, which can be adapted
`40 for either carpet or hard flooring surfaces. The attachment of
`the leveler to the module is secure and without extra fastener
`requirement of any sort. Sliding the leveler plates into the
`extrusion channels, followed by the attachment of subsequent
`vertical members, secures the levelers in place.
`A base trim is provided which, in one embodiment, can be
`removably secured to the universal foot to provide access to
`the levelers when needed but which otherwise provides a
`finished look to the modules. The base trim can be modular, or
`span multiple frames.
`Wall modules can be adapted to include integrated rear
`projection video systems or digital whiteboards. Front pro-
`jection screens or whiteboards can be mounted within the
`frame confines, or sparming adjacent frames.
`The present wall system provides for true curved walls.
`55 Curved wall frames are comprised of straight vertical extru-
`sions and stretch formed horizontal extrusions which are
`curved to the required radius. Glass or other substrate tiles are
`curved to match the radius of the frame and mounted in the
`same manner as planar wall modules.
`The present wall system can incorporate universal slat wall
`constructions which would accept all standard slat wall
`accessories. The slat wall component is a horizontal structural
`extrusion, interlocking above and below the cantilever chan-
`nel horizontal member or other slat wall extrusions.
`The present wall system can also support desktops and
`work surfaces using support brackets in the cantilever chan-
`nel.
`
`Exhibit 1001, Page 23
`
`
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`US 8,024,901 B2
`
`3
`The present wall system also integrates completely with a
`related furniture panel system. A furniture panel system is
`comprised of a frame and plurality of tiles attached to the
`frame. The furniture panel system is designed to serve as
`cubicle type dividers or desk type units, rather than full height
`walls. The integration to the furniture panel system is seam-
`less, as the zipper connection detail, tile clip capture detail
`and cantilever detail are identical to the wall system connec-
`tion details. All components used in or on the wall system can
`also be used in or on the furniture panel system.
`According to the present invention then, there is provided
`a movable reconfigurable wall system comprising: at least
`one module having a front and rear surface, said at least one
`module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side
`edges, each said vertical end frame having a vertically extend- 15
`ing flange directed toward said front surface and a vertically
`extending flange directed toward said rear surface; a plurality
`of horizontal stringers affixed between said pair of vertical
`end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to said stringers;
`and a removable connecting strip, said connecting strip 20
`adapted to affix about one of said two flanges on one of said
`vertical end frames and join said one of said two flanges to a
`corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall
`bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`4
`FIG.17 is a perspective, schematic view of the present wall
`system including integrated media panels and storage areas;
`FIG.18 is a perspective, schematic view of the present wall
`system incorporating an integrated media center;
`FIG. 19 is a plan view of a two-way rectilinear connector
`for the present wall system;
`FIG. 20 is a plan view of an alternative (radial) two-way
`connector for the present wall system;
`FIG. 21 is a plan view of a three-way connector for the
`10 present wall system;
`FIG. 22 is a plan view of a variance of a 90 degree connec-
`tor for the present wall system;
`FIG. 23 is a plan view of a 120 degree connector for three
`merging walls according to the present wall system;
`FIG. 24 is a plan view of an end vertical and gasket for
`abutting existing walls with the present wall system;
`FIG. 25 is a plan view of a connector for connecting to
`existing walls according to the present wall system;
`FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a floor leveller and
`ceiling connector for a solid (tile clad) wall;
`FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a floor leveller and
`ceiling connector for a glass wall;
`FIG. 28 is a plan view of two wall panels having a gap
`between adjoining panels;
`FIG. 29 is a plan view of two wall panels directly abutting
`each other and being sealed with a zipper;
`FIG. 30 is a plan view of two wall panels directly abutting
`each other and having a zipper with no fins;
`FIG. 31 is a plan view of an end vertical and gasket for
`30 abutting existing walls with the present glass wall system; and
`FIG. 32 is a plan view of a connector for connecting to
`existing walls according to the present glass wall system.
`
`25
`
`35
`
`Preferred embodiments of the applicant's integrated recon-
`figurable wall system will now be described in greater detail
`and will be better understood when read in conjunction with
`the following drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a module repre-
`sentative of the present tile cladded wall system;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall system including two
`adjacent modules, one tile cladded and one glass wall;
`FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall system
`ofFIG. 3 showing the connection between adjacent modules;
`FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame member including
`a finishing trim;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame member including
`a wall starter trim where a module meets an existing wall;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a height extension to an
`existing module;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a wall module 45
`showing the orientation of horizontal members with inte-
`grated cantilever charmel;
`FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8 showing
`cantilever bracket details and tile clip connection details;
`FIG.10 is a perspective view of a wall panel incorporating 50
`slat wall construction;
`FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the slat wall construc-
`tion of FIG. 10;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the related panel furniture
`system utilizing the same connectors and slat wall extrusion 55
`to support a work surface;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially exploded view showing
`the assembly of a leg used to support the panel furniture
`system, utilizing the same connection zipper as the wall com-
`ponents of FIG. 12;
`FIG.14 is a perspective, exploded view of a leveller for use
`with the present wall system;
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
`leveller mounting system as it slides into the charmel of a
`lower glass wall extrusion and universal foot extrusion;
`FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the base trim connec-
`tion to the leveller assembly;
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed
`towards a wall system 10 made up of one or more modules 20.
`Each module comprises a pair of vertical end frames 12 that
`40 will be spaced apart by the desired width of each module.
`Modules 20 may be clad with tiles 18 and can be one or two
`sided with a finished wall surface on both sides or a finished
`wall surface on one side only. Tiles 18 can be made of wood,
`plastic, metal fabric glass or other material, and end frames 12
`may be interconnected by a plurality of horizontal stringers 8
`that will be described in greater detail below.
`With reference to FIG. 2, the next adjacent module 20 can
`be identical to its neighbour, or, as shown in this figure, may
`consist of two vertical end frames 17 and one or more dividers
`14 which can be, for example, glass or plastic if transparency
`is desired. End frames 17 used for such dividers are shaped as
`shown most clearly in FIG. 4 and include a notch 19 that
`receives and holds the divider's vertical edge.
`Stringers 8 are horizontally spaced apart at intervals along
`the height of the module for strength and rigidity. To support
`objects, cantilever channel stringers 40, including a cantilever
`channel portion 41, are used, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
`Stringers 8 that do not include charmel portion 41 can be used
`anywhere structure is required but the charmel portion is not
`60 required for supporting objects. For example, the lowest
`stringer Sa may not include cantilever charmel portion 41.
`The stringers are connected to end frames 12 by fasteners,
`usually threaded screws, in a marmer to be described below.
`If the module will be visible from both sides, finishing tiles
`65 18 can be connected to the stringers on both sides of module
`20. It is not necessary that the tiles on one side of the wall be
`at all like the tiles on the other. They can be different materials
`
`Exhibit 1001, Page 24
`
`
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`US 8,024,901 B2
`
`5
`or even aligned differently as shown in FIG. 1, in which the
`tiles on one side of the module are horizontally mounted and
`the tiles on the other side of the wall are vertically mounted for
`a different look. The tiles can also span adjacent modules, if
`required. If only one side of the module will be visible, which
`can be the case for example if the module is used as a curtain
`wall to cover an existing wall, its necessary to apply tiles 18 to
`only one side of the module as needed.
`The depth or thickness of the module can be selected by
`varying the width of frame 12. For example, as will be 10
`described below, the modules can house a rear projection or
`digital video system and the greater depth is needed to enclose
`the componentry.
`With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 28 and 29, each end frame 15
`12 and 17 includes a pair of rearwardly extending L-shaped
`flanges 23 that align vertically with correspondingly posi-
`tioned and shaped flanges 23 on opposite end frame 12 or 17
`so that frames 12 and 17 can be connected together by con-
`necting strips ("zippers") 25. If the adjacent module 20 itself 20
`comprises an end frame 12 as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29,
`flanges 23 will abut and will be connected together in the
`same manner using zippers 25. As shown most clearly in FIG.
`28, each of flanges 23 is formed with a bead 27. Each zipper
`25 is generally T-shaped in cross-sectional shape and includes 25
`a central spine 29 that fits between flanges 23 and a pair of
`arms 30 on opposite sides of the spine. Each arm includes a
`bead 31 that snap fits with beads 27 on flanges 23 for a secure
`but releasable connection. When two adjacent modules are
`connected together in this way, there is enough of a gap 30
`between them that the zippers can be accessed for removal,
`allowing an individual module to be removed should the need
`anse.
`As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, each zipper can also
`include a pair of flexible extended fins 32 extending rear-
`wardly from the spine 29. Depending on the application, a
`user may wish adjacent modules to be abutted together com-
`pletely or to have a gap between them. In FIG. 28, a gap exists
`between the modules, and this gap is sealed using extending
`fins 32. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
`width of the gap is variable since extensions 32 are flexible
`and can accommodate various widths.
`If no gap is desired, or if tiles span adjacent modules, FIG.
`29 illustrates an embodiment having adjacent panels. In this
`case extensions 32 are behind each panel, and the force of 45
`extensions 32 against the rearward side of the module creates
`an acoustic seal for the wall.
`In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, it is
`also possible to have a zipper 25 without extensions 32. This
`may be desirable when modules 20 abut and an acoustical seal
`is not required.
`FIG. 5 shows an end piece 35 similar to end frame 17 but
`lacking notch 19. This end piece is therefore used to finish the
`vertical edge of module 20 using zippers 25 if no additional
`module is to be connected to it.
`If either of frames 12 or 17 is to start, or end, at an existing
`wall, flexible starter strips 37 can snap-fit onto flanges 23 as
`shown most clearly in FIG. 6. Starter strips 37 include curved
`flexible gaskets 38 which will conform to the shape of the
`existing wall and will provide sound and light barriers. This
`can also be seen in FIGS. 24 and 32.
`Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 31, a wall start
`43 can be mounted to an existing wall to provide a start to a
`module. Wall start 43 is preferably an aluminum extrusion
`mounted vertically to an existing wall using known mounting
`techniques. The mounting technique of screws shown in FIG.
`25 is not meant to be limiting.
`
`6
`Wall start 43 includes a flanges 23 and is connected to an
`end frame 12 or 17 using a zipper 25. As indicated above,
`extensions 32 can provide a seal against the wall and panel.
`To increase the height of an existing module 20, or to
`combine a glass module above or below a tile-clad module, a
`spline 39 can be used to connect end frame 12 (or 17) to an
`extension frame 12e as shown most clearly in FIG. 7. Actu-
`ally, as shown in this figure, extension frame 12e is a length of
`frame 17, which allows the lower portion of the wall to be
`hung with standard tiles and the upper extended portion of the
`wall to be finished in a glass or plastic divider 14 for a
`combination of finished looks. The upper and lower extru-
`sions 90, which complete the framing of divider 14, will be
`described below in connection with a levelling system in
`which the same extrusion is used.
`It is desirable that work surfaces, mill work and wall acces-
`sories such as trays or document holders be connectable to
`modules 20. This can be easily achieved in the present system
`by using cantilever channel stringers 40 with channel brack-
`ets horizontally disposed in the channel between adjacent
`tiles 18 as shown most clearly in FIGS. 8 and 9.
`Each channel stringer 40 includes a central horizontally
`extending channel portion 41 with a generally L-shaped slot
`42 formed along its length adapted to receive and engage a
`substantially L-shaped hook 45 formed on a wall accessory
`47 such as the document holder shown in FIG. 8. A pair of
`diagonally extending webs 49 connects channel portion 41 to
`upper and lower portions 51 and 53 respectively. Each portion
`includes a tile support 55 that is the connection point for the
`tiles 18 that are mounted above and below channel portion 41.
`More specifically, the upper and lower edges of tiles 18 are
`provided with a connector strip 60 attached by means of
`screws, adhesive or any other suitable fastening. Each strip
`includes a pair of opposed flexible arms 62 to snap-fit with a
`35 generally arrow shaped bead 64 formed along the edge of
`flanges 67 that are formed on and extend the length of each
`upper and lower portion 51 and 53. This allows individual
`tiles 18 to be removed or replaced without having to disas-
`semble the entire wall. The flanges 23 formed on vertical end
`40 frames 12 and 17 that are connected together by zippers 25 are
`located sufficiently inwardly that the zippers will not interfere
`with the continuity of slot 42 from one module to the next so
`that wall accessories, mill work or work surfaces can be
`connected or moved between modules without interference.
`The upper and lower edges of tiles 18 that abut channel
`portion 41 of each channel bracket are camphored for clear-
`ance as seen most clearly in FIG. 9.
`The upper and lower portions 51 and 53 of the channel
`stringer 40 are advantageously formed with longitudinally
`50 extended circular recesses 57 and inner channels 58. Recesses
`57 are adapted to receive screws used to connect end frames
`12 or 17 to channel stringers 40. Channels 58 can be used to
`support mounting hardware for audio-video equipment
`mounted within the modules, cable management clips or any
`55 other hardware to be housed or contained in the module's
`interior. Channels 58 are also used to connect a single-sided
`tile clad module to brackets attached to existing wall surfaces.
`With reference to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the
`invention is shown incorporating a section of standard slat
`60 wall 69 including slats 70 and slat wall channels 71 for con-
`nection to all slat wall accessories 47. Slat wall panels can
`make up some or all of the panels incorporated into any one
`module 20 and the modules themselves are configured for use
`with end frames 12 and zippers 25 so that the modules them-
`65 selves can be connected together in any desired combination.
`Slat wall modules can be one (FIG.ll) or two sided (FIG.10)
`for use as either dividing or curtain walls.
`
`Exhibit 1001, Page 25
`
`
`
`US 8,024,901 B2
`
`25
`
`8
`7
`If modules 20 are situated atop carpet, toothed carpet grip-
`As shown in FIG. 12, in the applicant's related panel fur-
`pers 130 are inserted into slots 129 in foot 100. If the modules
`niture system, a work surface or desktop 7 6 can be connected
`are installed on hard surfaces, nonskid grippers can be
`to modules 20. The desktop 76 can hook into either cantile-
`vered channel stringers 40 or into slat wall channels 71 and
`inserted instead. The grippers can be placed precisely where
`otherwise the construction of the individual modules 20 is the 5
`needed to bear the modules weight and can be easily moved,
`replaced or switched over as needed.
`same as described above for wall system 10. Furniture legs 80
`FIG. 16 shows a leveller 110 installed on modules 20 and
`shown in the example of FIG. 12 consist of a vertical frame 12
`illustrates the installation ofbase trim 140 used to conceal the
`zipper connected to a finishing end extrusion 35 using zippers
`25 as shown in FIG. 13, in the same manner as the wall system
`levellers 110 when they're not being adjusted. In this view,
`10. The lower end of each furniture leg 80 is finished with a 10
`plate 113 is again slidingly received into channels formed in
`the module's lowermost extrusion and plate 125 is received
`concentric sleeve 79 which conceals a threaded bolt 84 in the
`lower end of each leg which can be used for levelling.
`into grooves 101 in foot 100. The base trim 140 includes
`baseboards 142 and snap pieces 144. Snap pieces 144 snap-fit
`As illustrated in FIG. 23, three vertical extrusions 2310 are
`onto foot 100 as shown with grooves 145 and 147 on the snap
`connected to each other to create the connection point for the 15
`piece engaging flanges 108 and 109 on the foot. Each snap
`three wall systems, and each wall meets the others at an angle
`piece includes a longitudinally extending elevated hook 149
`of 120 degrees.
`and a similarly longitudinally extending channel 150. Each
`In the case of modules having tiles that extend all the way
`baseboard includes a hook 143 to engage hook 149 on the
`down to the floor, applicant has developed a leveller mounting
`system that allows levellers to be placed anywhere along the 20
`snap piece, and a bead 153 that snap fits into channel150 to
`retain the baseboards in a vertical position to provide a fin-
`length of a module and extra levellers to be added where
`ished look. Because the baseboards are installed usually after
`needed. There are two variations of the leveller mounting
`system shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, one to be used with mod-
`the modules have been assembled together, the boards can
`ules comprising tiles 18, and the other with modules using
`span multiple modules for longer runs and fewer seams.
`glass or plastic dividers.
`Reference is now made to FIGS. 26 and 27. As illustrated,
`Referring first to FIG. 15, this is the levelling system to be
`besides the bottom connection with the leveller (as described
`used with modules having glass or plastic dividers extending
`with relation to FIGS.15 and 16 above), a ceiling connection
`down to floor level. This system includes a structural extru-
`is also preferred.
`sion 90, which is generally an inverted U -shaped channel with
`FIG. 26 shows a ceiling connection for a solid wall, such as
`a notch 92 to engage the lower edge of the glass or plastic 30
`those described above having tile cladding. A ceiling track
`divider, and a universal foot 100.
`2601 is affixed to the ceiling above the area for the desired
`Extrusion 90 and universal foot 100 are interconnected by
`wall. Each module includes two horizontal uppers 2610 abut
`means of dual threaded levellers 110, an example of which is
`thereto (on either side of the ceiling track), the horizontal
`shown in F