US5339576A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System of modulable walls
Assignee: Steelcase Strafor SA
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Filing: 1992-12-01
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Granted: 1994-08-23
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Expires: 2012-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A modulable wall system is shown including panels that are flexibly hinged to each other along vertical main frame sections. Each individual panel consists of a flat core made of a light material and is peripherally limited by a rigid area. The rigid area is provided for connecting vertical main frame sections to upper and lower horizontal main frame sections. The vertical main frame sections have grooves along their vertical sides for linking and hinging with adjacent panels and the lower horizontal main frame sections have support feet threadedly connected thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 Philippe Fussler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:53
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/7407; E04B2/7416; E04B2/7422; E04B2/7427; E04B2/7429; E04B2002/7479
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A panel for modulable walls of variable shape comprising: a flat core of light material with a peripheral rigid portion; a main frame hooked to said rigid portion, said main frame having vertical main frame sections for bringing successive panels together, and having upper and lower horizontal main frame sections wherein said lower horizontal main frame sections provide means for resting the panel upon the ground; said flat core being made of an unique plate of agglomerated particles; a cover made of a sheet of spongy material having an external decorative surface; an additional frame comprising sections made of synthetic resin having a section in the shape of two opposed U's, the branches of a first U pinching edges of said panel and the branches of a second U including grooves parallel to edges of said panel for hooking to said main frame; said cover being slipped downwardly over said panel and over said additional frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A panel for modulable walls of variable shape comprising: a flat core of light material with a peripheral rigid portion; a main frame hooked to said rigid portion, said main frame having vertical main frame sections for bringing successive panels together, and having upper and lower horizontal main frame sections wherein said lower horizontal main frame sections provide means for resting the panel upon the ground; said flat core being made of an unique plate of agglomerated particles; a cover made of a sheet of spongy material having an external decorative surface; an additional frame comprising sections made of synthetic resin having a section in the shape of two opposed U's, the branches of a first U pinching edges of said panel and the branches of a second U including grooves parallel to edges of said panel for hooking to said main frame; said cover being slipped downwardly over said panel and over said additional frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
206 words
A panel for modulable walls of variable shape comprising: a flat core of light material with a peripheral rigid portion; a main frame hooked to said rigid portion, said main frame having vertical main frame sections for bringing successive panels together, and having upper and lower horizontal main frame sections wherein said lower horizontal main frame sections provide means for resting the panel upon the ground; said flat core being made of an unique plate of agglomerated particles; a cover made of a sheet of spongy material having an external decorative surface; an additional frame comprising sections made of synthetic resin having a section in the shape of two opposed U's, the branches of a first U pinching edges of said panel and the branches of a second U including grooves parallel to edges of said panel for hooking to said main frame; said cover being slipped downwardly over said panel and over said additional frame; said second U portion of said additional frame having longitudinal rims extending inwardly from opposite inner surfaces on the branches of said second U; and a longitudinal stem member pressed in between said longitudinal rims and securing lower edges of said cover between said stem member and said longitudinal rims.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
206 words
A panel for modulable walls of variable shape comprising: a flat core of light material with a peripheral rigid portion; a main frame hooked to said rigid portion, said main frame having vertical main frame sections for bringing successive panels together, and having upper and lower horizontal main frame sections wherein said lower horizontal main frame sections provide means for resting the panel upon the ground; said flat core being made of an unique plate of agglomerated particles; a cover made of a sheet of spongy material having an external decorative surface; an additional frame comprising sections made of synthetic resin having a section in the shape of two opposed U's, the branches of a first U pinching edges of said panel and the branches of a second U including grooves parallel to edges of said panel for hooking to said main frame; said cover being slipped downwardly over said panel and over said additional frame; said second U portion of said additional frame having longitudinal rims extending inwardly from opposite inner surfaces on the branches of said second U; and a longitudinal stem member pressed in between said longitudinal rims and securing lower edges of said cover between said stem member and said longitudinal rims.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
A panel as in claim 2 wherein braces are provided at a lower end of each of said vertical main frame sections, and said braces having studs inserted into said lower ends and studs inserted into said lower horizontal main frame sections for assembling said vertical main frame sections and said lower horizontal main frame sections into said main frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A panel according to claim 3 wherein said braces are provided with vertically oriented threaded bores for threadedly receiving support members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A panel according to claim 4 wherein an upper horizontal main frame section comprises integral studs inserted into upper ends of said vertical main frame sections.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A panel according to claim 5 wherein each vertical main frame section comprises a vertical groove for receiving a flexible band for joining two successive panels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A panel according to claim 6 wherein a lower horizontal main frame section comprises a longitudinal groove for receiving a rib of a stabilizing base member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A panel according to claim 7 wherein said stabilizing base member supports said panel at a height which is higher than a minimum height at which said panel is supported by said support member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A panel according to claim 2 wherein said cover sustains a slight strain when slipped over said panel as a result of having a total surface area before installation that is slightly smaller than a total surface area of said panel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A panel according to claim 9 wherein said main frame and said braces are made of metal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A panel according to claim 9 wherein said main frame and said braces are made of a synthetic resin.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-22 | 1998-02-21 | 1998-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-22 | 2002-02-21 | 2002-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-22 | 2006-02-21 | 2006-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |