Gap cover apparatus for modular wall systems and installation methods
AssigneemfPHD, LLC
InventorThomas Crenshaw
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to modular wall systems and methods of installing modular wall systems in hygienic environments. In one aspect, gap cover apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, backplate arrangements are disclosed. In one aspect, non-progressive installation methods are disclosed. The modular wall systems can eliminate protruding ledges while maintaining structural integrity and hygienic properties.
Claims15
A modular wall system for medical treatment environments, comprising:
- a plurality of modular wall units configured to be arranged together as a wall, each of the plurality of modular wall units comprising:
- a non-metallic inner panel, and
- an outer panel disposed at least partially about a front face of the non-metallic inner panel;
- and
- a gap cover apparatus configured to cover one or more gaps of the wall, the gap cover apparatus comprising:
- one or more brackets configured to interface with one or more of the plurality of modular wall units, the one or more brackets defining a retaining opening that at least partially receives the one or more of the plurality of modular wall units therein, the one or more brackets comprising a first bracket, and the first bracket comprising:
- one or more back flanges,
- a front flange parallel to the one or more back flanges,
- a middle portion extending between the one or more back flanges and the front flange, and
- a plurality of first fastener openings formed in the one or more back flanges, and
- a plurality of first fasteners configured to fasten the one or more brackets to a support structure, the plurality of first fastener openings configured to receive the plurality of first fasteners therein.
A method of installing a modular wall system for a medical treatment environment, comprising:
- fastening a plurality of modular wall units to a support structure to form a wall, the wall comprising one or more gaps;
- positioning a gap cover apparatus in the one or more gaps, the positioning comprising disposing a modular wall unit partially in a retaining opening of the gap cover apparatus, the gap cover apparatus comprising a first bracket fastened to a second bracket using a plurality of fasteners, the first bracket having a front flange and one or more back flanges, and the second bracket having a base;
- fastening the gap cover apparatus to the support structure;
- abutting the front flange of the gap cover apparatus against the modular wall unit;
- and
- abutting the base of the gap cover apparatus against a back face of the modular wall unit.
A method of installing a modular wall system for a medical treatment environment, comprising:
- fastening a plurality of modular wall units to a support structure to form a wall, the wall comprising one or more gaps;
- positioning a gap cover apparatus in the one or more gaps, the positioning comprising disposing a modular wall unit partially in a retaining opening of the gap cover apparatus, the gap cover apparatus comprising a front flange and one or more back flanges;
- fastening the gap cover apparatus to the support structure;
- and
- abutting a tapered section of the front flange of the gap cover apparatus against the modular wall unit, the tapered section tapers away from the front flange and toward the one or more back flanges at a taper angle, the taper angle is 5 degrees or less, and the tapered section at least partially defines the retaining opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.