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US 9,546,483 B2Granted
Modular walls with seismic-shiftability
AssigneeDirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd.
InventorsGeoff Gosling, Mogens F. Smed
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing components of a wall module and a modular wall with the ability to shift or move relative to each other. The ability to shift can reduce or prevent damage to the wall modules during movement of support structures (ceilings, floors, permanent or structural walls) that secure the wall modules, which can shift or move relative to each other during seismic events or otherwise.
Claims20
A shiftable frame for accommodating movement of structural portions of a building that secure the shiftable frame, the shiftable frame comprising:
- a first frame section including a plurality of first vertical supports and one or more first horizontal supports;
- a second frame section including a plurality of second vertical supports and one or more second horizontal supports;
- one or more brackets, each of the one or more brackets having a first end thereof pivotally connected to the first frame section and a second end thereof pivotally connected to the second frame section;
- a connector rod disposed between the first frame section and the second frame section and extending between opposing ends of the shiftable frame, wherein the connector rod limits lateral movement of the first frame section and the second frames section while allowing the first frame section and the section frame section to move vertically relative to one another and relative to the connector rod;
- and
- one or more knuckle brackets movably connected to the connector rod, the one or more knuckle brackets being connectable to one or more support structures or other shiftable frames, wherein the movable connection between the one or more knuckle brackets and the connector rod enables the one or more knuckle brackets and the connector rod to move independent of one another.
3 more elements
A shiftable wall module for at least partially defining one or more individual spaces within a building, the shiftable wall module comprising:
- a first frame section including a first vertical support and a first stringer;
- a second frame section including a second vertical support;
- a bracket pivotally connected to the first vertical support and the second vertical support in a manner that the first frame section and the second frame section are movable relative to each other;
- at least one panel removably connected to the stringer;
- one or more yokes connected between the first frame section and the second frame section, each of the one or more yokes having an opening or cutout, wherein the one or more yokes are configured to rotate upon relative movement between the first frame section and the second frame section;
- a connector rod disposed between the first frame section and the second frame section and extending between opposing ends of the shiftable frame, the connector being disposed within the opening or cutout of the one or more yokes, wherein the connector rod limits lateral movement of the first frame section and the second frames section while allowing for relative movement between the first frame section and the section frame section;
- and
- one or more knuckle brackets movably connected to the connector rod, the one or more knuckle brackets being connectable to one or more support structures or other shiftable frames, wherein the movable connection between the one or more knuckle brackets and the connector rod enables the one or more knuckle brackets and the connector rod to move independent of one another.
5 more elements
A method of installing a wall module in a building, the method comprising:
- positioning a bottom end of a first frame section of a frame on a floor of the building;
- tilting the frame toward an upright orientation;
- pressing a second section of the frame against the floor, the second section being movably connected to the first section;
- moving the second section in a direction generally parallel to the first section;
- positioning the frame in the upright orientation
- securing a connector rod between the first frame section and the second frame section such that the connector rod extends between opposing ends of the wall module and such that the connector rod limits lateral movement of the first frame section and the second frames section while allowing the first frame section and the section frame section to move vertically relative to one another and relative to the connector rod;
- and
- securing one or more knuckle brackets between the connector rod and one or more support structures or other wall modules, wherein the one or more knuckle brackets and the connector rod are movably secured together to enable the one or more knuckle brackets and the connector rod to move independent of one another.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.