Kit for a room divider and system with kits

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit for a room divider (1) having a plurality of slats (2, 3) which are at least 1.5 m long and having a cap (5) for each slat (2, 3), into which cap one end of a slat (2, 3) can be inserted in order to cover a cut edge or a sawn edge. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for installing the room divider.

Description

[0001] ter Hürne GmbH & Co. KG

[0002] G70311WO

[0003] Kit for a room divider as well as a system with kits and assembly methods

[0004] Description

[0005] The invention relates to a kit for a room divider and a system comprising kits. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a room divider.

[0006] A room divider is a device used to divide or separate a room into different sections without completely enclosing it. Room dividers can be used to create privacy or to separate different functions within an open space. A room can be divided into different sections using shelves, partitions, curtains, or other structural elements.

[0007] A room divider can extend from the floor to a defined height within a room.

[0008] A room divider can extend from the floor to the ceiling of a room. Since rooms can have different heights, the height of a room divider must be adjusted to the room's height in such cases.

[0009] Ideally, a room divider should have a minimal footprint. This means its depth should be small. However, a room divider can also be integrated with furniture and seating specifically designed for its intended use.

[0010] Another goal for a room divider can be that it is mechanically stable and can therefore withstand external mechanical influences such as impacts.

[0011] A room divider can be sold as a kit. The individual parts supplied can then be assembled to form the room divider. It is advantageous to minimize the costs associated with manufacturing, distribution, and storage of a kit. Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to assemble a room divider with minimal physical effort and low technical skill requirements.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a kit for room dividers. Preferably, the kit and the room divider constructed from it should achieve one or more of the aforementioned objectives. To solve this problem, a kit for a room divider can comprise a plurality of slats. A slat is a thin, elongated component. A slat can be an elongated plate. The cross-section of a slat can be rectangular. Each side of the slat can be rectangular. Other shapes are also possible. For example, a slat can have an oval or curved side. The cross-section of a slat can be oval. A slat can also be composed of two identical or two dissimilar shells to achieve specific designs or to enable higher production efficiency. The shells can be identical halves. A slat can also be composed of more than two shells.

[0013] A lamella can have a core profile, such as a hollow profile. This hollow profile can then be concealed by the lamella's outer layers and thus not visible from the outside. The hollow profile can be, for example, rectangular or round.

[0014] The hollow profile can be made of a metal such as aluminum or steel. For weight reduction, the hollow profile can be made of plastic. The plastic can be reinforced with glass fibers. The hollow profile can be made of carbon fiber.

[0015] The hollow profile can consist of a single piece. The hollow profile can be composed of several pieces. The hollow profile can extend over the entire length of the lamella or over a portion of the lamella.

[0016] The inclusion of one or more profiles, particularly one or more hollow profiles, within a lamella can reduce weight and / or material usage. The inclusion of one or more profiles, particularly one or more hollow profiles, can improve stiffness. For this purpose, a profile limited to a central section of the lamella, such as a hollow profile, may suffice. This profile then does not extend over the entire length of the lamella. The profile, such as a hollow profile, does not extend from one end of the lamella to the opposite end. The respective distance to the ends can be at least 1 / 5 or at least % of the lamella's length. A profile or hollow profile present only in a central section of a lamella can be a maximum of 2 m or 1.5 m long. A profile or hollow profile present only in a central section of a lamella can be at least 1 m or at least 1.3 m long.

[0017] One or more profiles or hollow profiles can be provided only in the end sections of a slat. Such profiles or hollow profiles are preferably at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm long. Such profiles or hollow profiles are preferably not longer than 100 cm or not longer than 80 cm. Such profiles or hollow profiles can be shortened by the user along with the slat if required. Such profiles or hollow profiles can provide stable supports for connecting a slat to a horizontal strip.

[0018] For manufacturing reasons, a panel may be composed of a hollow profile and at least two other profiles. These two other profiles can form two shells. The two shells can be of the same shape.

[0019] Living spaces can vary considerably in height. Some existing buildings have ceiling heights of less than 2 meters. The height of rooms in half-timbered houses and farmhouses can be 2.10 meters or less. The rooms in apartments built in Hamburg between 1948 and 1966 (the "red brick" buildings) have a uniform ceiling height of 2.20 meters. Living spaces in apartments built from 1960 onwards have an average ceiling height of 2.40 to 2.50 meters. After 1966, only residential buildings with ceiling heights between 2.40 and 2.80 meters were built in Hamburg. Heights of at least 3.30 meters are found in rooms of older apartments. For a room divider made of slats to reach the ceiling of a living space, each slat should be at least 2 meters long. To accommodate even greater ceiling heights, each slat should be at least 2.40 meters or at least 2.50 meters long. However, a slat at least 1.50 m or 1.80 m long may also suffice.A room divider created in this way will generally not reach the ceiling. However, it will clearly divide a room into sections.

[0020] To cover the height of most rooms and / or to ensure the louvers can still be transported by most passenger vehicles, the length of a louver can be limited to 2.40 m, 2.50 m, or 2.60 m. However, louvers up to 3 m, 3.30 m, 4 m, or 4.50 m long can also be provided to cover even higher rooms.

[0021] A maximum cross-section of 40 cm x 30 cm for a slat is advisable to avoid excessive weight of the slat and / or to limit the space required for the room divider to a reasonable size.

[0022] A slat can be opaque. A slat can be airtight. A slat can have perforations, allowing visibility through it in places. A slat can be made of wood, a wood-based material, plastic, glass, and / or metal, and / or a composite material. A slat can include a veneer, which may be applied to a wood-based material, for example. A slat can have a grid structure. A slat can be made of or include panels made of stripboard, blockboard, and / or plywood. A slat can be made of or include a sound-absorbing material. For example, a slat can have a core made of a foam material and / or a fiber material to absorb sound. The sound-absorbing material can be contained within a shell that provides stability to the slat.The casing may be perforated to allow sound to penetrate the sound-absorbing material. The sound-absorbing material may be wool-like or felt-like. The fibers may be made of plastic, wool, hemp, cotton, or a metal such as aluminum. An air cavity may be present to absorb sound.

[0023] A wood-based material is a material made from wood fibers, wood chips, wood fiber fabric, or other wood components held together with glue or other adhesives. These materials may have been processed into panels or other shapes by pressing, gluing, or molding. Examples of wood-based materials include particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density fiberboard), and plywood.

[0024] The louvers can be designed to be mounted vertically in a room. Mounted louvers of a room divider can have gaps between them. These gaps can be equal. Gaps between the louvers can be intended to prevent acoustic separation between sections of a room, to allow air circulation, and / or to prevent complete light opacity. If there are gaps between the louvers of a room divider, it may be possible to see through the divider in certain areas. It is also possible to mount the louvers differently, for example, horizontally in a room.

[0025] Each slat can be fitted with a cap. One end of the slat can be inserted into the cap. When the room divider is installed, the cap covers one end of the slat. If a slat is cut to length to adjust the height of the room divider to the room's height, the cap can cover the cut or saw edge when the room divider is installed. This reduces the required accuracy of the cut. This design is therefore particularly advantageous for DIY enthusiasts.

[0026] A cap can have a base and side walls. The side walls can form a continuous wall. The height of a side wall can be very small compared to the height of a lamella. Each side wall can extend perpendicularly from the base of the cap. Thus, the base and side walls can form a right angle. In particular, the side walls can serve to cover a cut edge or a saw edge. Side walls can be rectangular. However, other shapes are also possible. If the cross-section of a lamella is rectangular, the base of the cap can be rectangular. The cap can then be shaped like a box with a rectangular base. If the cross-section of a lamella is oval, the base of the cap can be oval. The shape of the base of the cap can therefore be adapted to the shape of the lamella's cross-section. The side walls can abut a lamella if one end of the lamella is covered by a cap.Between the side walls of the cap and the adjacent surface of the lamella, there can be a clearance fit or a transition fit when the room divider is installed. An interference fit is also possible. If a clearance fit is present, the clearance is preferably small. The clearance can be less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 1 mm. A transition fit is particularly preferred.

[0027] In one design, one end of a slat can be loosely inserted into a cap, or simply be loosely inserted. In this case, a simple pull is sufficient to detach the cap from the slat. It is also possible to permanently bond a cap to a slat, for example, with adhesive. However, this design is less desirable, as the two parts can then no longer be separated without damage. Non-destructive disassembly can be desirable in order to dismantle an installed room divider and reassemble it elsewhere.

[0028] A cap can be made of plastic or metal, for example. Plastic is particularly practical because it allows for the simple, single-piece manufacturing of the cap. A cap can then be manufactured in one piece, for instance, through injection molding. "Single-piece" means that several parts are not manufactured separately and then joined together. Single-piece manufacturing is also possible if a cap includes not only a base and a side wall, but also at least one fastening element, for example, to connect the cap to another component of the room divider.

[0029] A cap may be manufactured in multiple parts, for example, to integrate an additional function. A cap might, for instance, enclose a spring and therefore be composed of several pieces. The spring could be made of metal, for example. Alternatively, the cap itself could be made of plastic. A cap could also be made entirely of metal. A spring might be concealed by one or more plastic parts.

[0030] The base of a cap can, for example, have a hole. This hole can serve as a drilling template, for instance, to drill a hole into the end of a lamella. The cap can then be placed on the end of the lamella. The hole can be used to make a mark at the end of the lamella. A hole can then be drilled at this mark or directly through the hole in the cap. Following this, the cap can be attached to the lamella with a screw. The screw can then extend through the hole in the base of the cap and into the hole drilled in the lamella. The hole can be positioned in the center of the base to eliminate the need for precise alignment when placing the cap on the end of the lamella.

[0031] A lamella may already have a hole into which a screw can be drilled. The hole can extend into one end of the lamella. The hole can be a blind hole. However, this design has the disadvantage that such a hole must then be very deep, since the length of the lamella still needs to be shortened. This aspect should therefore be taken into account when selecting the depth of a hole in the end face of a lamella.

[0032] Instead of a blind hole, a through hole can also be provided for drilling screws. The hole can then run from one end of a slat to the opposite end of a slat.

[0033] To make it easier for a consumer to drill a hole into the end face of a lamella, a template can be provided, which, similar to a cap, can be placed on the end face of the lamella. Unlike a cap, however, a tube can protrude vertically from the base, through which a drill bit can be inserted to drill a hole into the end face of the lamella. The tube ensures a perpendicular drilling motion into the end face. Such a template, like a cap, can be made of materials such as metal and / or plastic.

[0034] A cap can incorporate such a tube. After drilling a hole into the end face of a slat, the tube can be broken off from the cap. A predetermined breaking point can be provided for this purpose. The cap can then be used as before. Alternatively, such caps with a tube can be intended only for slats that are meant to be part of a frame. Strips can have blind holes or through holes to accommodate the tubes, so that the tubes do not need to be removed to use the cap as intended.

[0035] For example, outward-protruding bolts on a cap can be used to securely attach a bracket with a pipe to the outside of the cap. A hole can then be drilled through the pipe to ensure a perpendicular drilling point. Afterwards, the bracket and pipe can be removed and used to drill the next hole.

[0036] The room divider can consist of one or two strips. A strip can be shaped and / or designed like a slat. A strip can be connected to a slat directly or indirectly. Essentially, the strip can be connected to one end of a slat directly or indirectly. This connection secures the slat in the assembled state of the room divider.

[0037] Fasteners may be provided. A strip can be connected to a slat, either directly or indirectly, by means of fasteners. A cap can be a fastener. Screws, nuts, internal threads, sleeves with internal threads, holes (especially blind holes), hooks, bolts, and / or dowels can also be fasteners. A nail or adhesive may be used for joining. However, such fasteners should be avoided to allow for damage-free disassembly of a mounted room divider, i.e., to dismantle it into its individual components.

[0038] A connector can comprise two elements that can be rotatably connected to each other. Such a connector can therefore include a rotational mechanism. One element can be connected or connectable to a horizontal bar. The other element can be connected or connectable to a slat. Rotation of a slat is possible due to the rotatability of the elements.

[0039] A locking mechanism can be provided on the connecting element with the two components to allow locking at predetermined positions. The slats can then be rotated into predefined positions. A maximum of 12 different locking positions can be provided. Eight locking positions can be provided. At least four different locking positions can be provided. Locking positions can be equidistant from one another.

[0040] A cap can incorporate the rotating mechanism. An element of the cap can be designed to allow the cap to be detachably connected to a horizontal strip or a lamella. This element can include a projection or be a projection that can be inserted into an opening or hole. The opening or hole can be provided by a profile or hollow profile within the lamella. In its assembled state, the lamella can then be rotated by the rotating mechanism. Optionally, the lamella can be rotated from one detent position to another, thus enabling it to be rotated in a predetermined manner.

[0041] A fastener can be permanently and therefore advantageously securely attached to a strip or lamella. The fastener then generally cannot be detached from the strip or lamella without being damaged.

[0042] If the cap serves as a connecting element, it may have one or more bolts on its outer surface that can be inserted into one or more designated holes in the strip. The cap with the bolts may be made from a single piece. In this case, two parts of a cap are not first manufactured separately and then joined together to form the cap. Holding a lamella in a vertical position by a cap can be achieved solely through positive locking and / or frictional locking.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, a cap can be attached to the strip using a screw, for example. The cap may have a hole in its base. When mounted, a screw can be inserted through this hole and into the strip.

[0044] It is preferable to be able to securely attach each cap to a strip, for example by gluing. This can simplify the assembly of the room divider, especially compared to the case where caps must first be attached to one end of a slat before being attached to the strip. If it is intended that a cap be attached to one end of a slat through the base of the cap using a screw, clamp, or nail, then it may be necessary to first attach the cap to the slat before attaching the cap to a strip.

[0045] The one or two strips can be designed to be mounted horizontally in a room. Each strip can be configured so that the slats and / or end caps can be attached to it. A room divider can therefore consist of or include slats and at least one strip, as well as connecting elements. A room divider can also consist of slats, end caps, and at least one strip. Additionally, a room divider can include further connecting elements to join a strip to the slats.

[0046] The room divider may have a frame. A frame is an outer enclosure that can provide stability. Slats can be mounted within the frame. The frame can consist of two slats and two rails. One rail can be connected to two frame slats by end caps. The other rail can be connected to the two frame slats by other fasteners.

[0047] One end of a slat can be separated from a rail by the base of a cap. The opposite end of the slat can touch the opposite rail. Such a connection between slat and rail can include at least one hole into which a bolt extends. Both the slat and the rail can have a hole. A bolt can be inserted into either hole for joining them. The bolt can therefore be a separate part of the kit. However, a bolt can also be permanently attached to the rail or the end of a slat. More than one bolt and more than one hole can be provided to connect one end of a slat to a rail for assembling the room divider. A frame slat can be permanently attached to a rail by a screw connection. This can facilitate the assembly of a room divider. However, a permanent connection is not strictly necessary.A room divider can be held in place by being wedged between the wall and the floor of a room. In this case, for example, plug-in connections between strips and slats may suffice.

[0048] Each end of a slat can be connected to a strip using a cap. In this case, the kit includes two caps per slat. Otherwise, the kit may only include one cap per slat.

[0049] The slats of a frame can be visually separated from other slats of the room divider. The slats of a frame can be oriented differently from the other slats of the room divider that are mounted within the frame. The slats of a frame can run parallel to each other. A slat of a frame cannot run parallel to another slat. The other slats can then provide good privacy without making the room divider completely opaque. For example, a slat of a frame can form a 45° angle with another slat. However, the angle can also be less than or greater than 45°. The angle can be at least 25° or at least 30°. The angle cannot exceed 65° or 60°. The other slats can run parallel to each other. The angle is then the same for all other slats.

[0050] It is possible that the additional slats of a room divider can be positioned in such a way that the divider becomes opaque, thus providing complete privacy. It is then impossible to see through the room divider. In this way, the room divider can function as an opaque wall. The slats of a frame can, in a configuration with additional slats, form an angle of 90°. It is also possible that additional slats can be rotated so that they run parallel to the slats of the frame. The room divider can then be maximally transparent to light. Therefore, it is possible that the additional slats of a room divider can be rotated by at least 90°. It is also possible that all slats can be rotated by at least 90°, including the outer slats that, together with horizontal strips, form a frame.

[0051] It is therefore possible that all the louvers of a room divider are rotatable. Such a room divider can consist of only two fixed rails. These two rails can be designed for horizontal mounting. All the louvers of a room divider can then be moved, for example, from an opaque position to a position with maximum light transmission and back again. This design offers the advantage of being able to arrange multiple room dividers in a row. Outer louvers, which can be considered part of a frame, can be offset from the ends of horizontal rails. There is then a gap between the end of a horizontal rail and the mounting position of an outer louver. This gap can be half the distance between two adjacent louvers.This makes it easier to arrange two room dividers one behind the other along a line without any functional limitations. For example, for stability reasons, the frame slats can be oriented differently than the other slats. Frame slats can also be oriented differently to allow for the tightest possible connection to a wall. A tight connection to a wall can, for example, help prevent dust accumulation between the room divider and the wall. Frame slats can be oriented perpendicular to the dividing surface of the room divider, which separates two sections of the room. A room divider can then protrude perpendicularly from an adjacent wall without leaving a gap between the room divider and the wall.

[0052] The dividing surface of the room divider refers to the area defined by the height and length of the room divider. A person cannot cross this surface to get from a section of the room located in front of the room divider to a section located behind it.

[0053] All slats of the room divider can be arranged parallel to each other. All slats of the room divider can form a right angle with the partition surface. It may be possible to select the orientation of each slat when installed. A strip can be designed so that two different orientations, i.e., two different positions, are possible for each slat. It is then possible to select the angle at which each slat should form with the partition surface. At least two different angles are then available.

[0054] It's possible that the selection option only applies to the additional slats. Only the slats that are not part of the frame can, for example, be arranged at an angle to the partition surface of the room divider or perpendicular to the partition surface. The orientation of the two slats within a frame cannot then be selected. This orientation is therefore fixed from the outset.

[0055] The louvers can preferably be angled so that the room divider is opaque when viewed perpendicularly from the front. In this sense, a choice can be made between an opaque and a non-opaque position of the louvers. However, even with angled louvers, light may still pass through the room divider. In this case, the room divider avoids completely darkening a section of the room. It is therefore advantageous to angle the louvers only as much as necessary to ensure opacity as described above.

[0056] The strip can have two blind holes on one side into which two bolts of a cap or a lamella can be inserted for connection. The strip can also have two blind holes on the opposite side into which two bolts of a cap or a lamella can be inserted for connection. The blind holes on one side can be arranged so that a lamella can be positioned at an angle to the dividing surface of the room divider. The blind holes on the opposite side can be arranged so that a lamella can be positioned perpendicular to the dividing surface of the room divider. The blind holes on the opposite side can be arranged so that a lamella can be positioned at a different angle to the dividing surface of the room divider. Blind holes on one side of the strip are thus arranged differently than the blind holes on the opposite side. The position orThe orientation of a slat in the installed state depends on the type of blind holes used and the side of the strip to which the slat is attached. This design has the advantage that blind holes in the strip are not visible when the room divider is installed. Blind holes located on the inside of a strip in the installed state are concealed by a cap and / or a slat. Blind holes located on the outside of a strip in the installed state are not visible in practice because they are either on the top side of the room divider (at the ceiling) or on the underside (which rests on the floor).

[0057] Instead of blind holes, other fastening means can be provided on opposite sides of a strip to allow for different positions of a slat when installed and to ensure that these fasteners are not visible in practice. Another fastening means could be, for example, a snap-fit ​​device that engages with a snap-fit ​​device on the slat or the cap, thus connecting them. A snap-fit ​​device on the slat and / or the strip can be recessed, meaning it does not protrude from the surface of the strip. However, other snap-fit ​​devices are generally more technically complex and therefore not preferable.

[0058] When installed, the room divider's slats can be mounted on pivots. These can then be rotated into the desired position. The orientation of a slat can therefore be changed at any time. The slats can be mounted on one or more guide rails to allow for rotation. This does not apply to slats that are part of a frame.

[0059] The room divider can include a drive mechanism that ensures the slats can only be rotated together when the room divider is assembled. Rotating one slat is sufficient to transmit this rotational movement to the other slats via the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can include gears. Each slat can be directly or indirectly connected to a gear. Two gears from adjacent slats can be connected via an intervening gear. A rotational movement of one gear then causes the gear of the adjacent slat to also rotate due to the intervening gear. Gears connected to slats can be of the same size and have the same number of teeth. Gears located between gears of slats for transmitting a rotational movement can be of the same size and have the same number of teeth.This allows the slats to move uniformly together, meaning they rotate at the same speed and through the same angle. A strip of the room divider can incorporate the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be attached to a strip of the room divider. This attachment can be permanent, meaning the drive mechanism cannot be removed from the strip without damage. For example, the drive mechanism's gears can be attached to the strip either detachably or permanently.

[0060] Instead of gears, for example one or more belt drives or one or more chain drives can be provided to ensure that the lamellae can only be rotated together around their longitudinal axis.

[0061] A drive unit can be recessed into a strip. A strip may, for example, have a surrounding rim that encloses the drive unit, perhaps for protective reasons.

[0062] Kits can be designed so that a room divider assembled from them comprises either exactly x slats or exactly a multiple of x slats, where x is an integer greater than 1. With this design, it is not possible to assemble a room divider from the intended kits in such a way that it comprises a different number of slats. X can, for example, be four. A room divider can then have, for example, four slats, eight slats, or twelve slats, i.e., a single or multiple of four. However, it is not possible to assemble a room divider with, for example, three slats, five slats, or eleven slats. Room dividers of different lengths can be created due to the varying number of slats. This design can be advantageous for reasons of storage and transport of kits.

[0063] A kit can consist exclusively of identical slats. There is then no distinction between slats for one frame and other slats. One packaging unit of a kit can contain only one slat. Another packaging unit of the kit can contain two horizontal rails. Horizontal rails of a kit can always be the same length. Therefore, there are no packaging units that differ in the length of their horizontal rails. This minimizes the number of different packaging units. Slats from packaging units can then be mounted with a fixed grid spacing between two horizontal rails. This makes it possible to offer an endless room divider or a room divider tailored to individual lengths.

[0064] A kit may include a grid template. Using the grid template, a horizontal strip can be cut to a length specified by the template. The specified lengths can be such that an outermost, last slat is flush with the cut horizontal strip, or flush when the outermost slat has been rotated to its maximum opaque position.

[0065] Kits can be designed such that a room divider constructed from them, as intended, comprises either exactly x slats + 2 slats or exactly a multiple of x slats + 2 slats, where x is an integer greater than 1. X can, for example, be four. A room divider can then, as intended, comprise, for example, exactly six slats, exactly ten slats, or exactly eighteen slats. A room divider that, for example, has seven slats as intended cannot exist with this design. This design can also be advantageous for reasons of storage and transport of kits. This design can be provided if the outer slats of the room divider are to be different from the slats arranged between them. An outer slat of the assembled room divider is then not the same as another slat arranged between two outer slats.The outer slats can be part of a frame consisting of two slats and two battens. The outer slats can, for example, have a different surface finish than the slats positioned between them and / or be made of a different material. This might be to provide a particularly impact-resistant surface for the outer slats, while the surface of an inner slat could be less impact-resistant.

[0066] The invention therefore also relates to a system with kits from which room dividers of different lengths can be formed, wherein the number of slats of one room divider can differ from the number of slats of a room divider of a different length only by a single or multiple of x. X is an integer greater than 1. Thus, X can be, for example, 2, 3, 4, or 5. However, X cannot be, for example, 1.5. The room divider can include a clamping device. The clamping device allows the room divider to be pressed against the floor and ceiling of a room, i.e., to bear against the floor and ceiling of a room with pressure. This allows the room divider to be held in place by friction within a room. Advantageously, this eliminates the need to drill holes in the floor and / or ceiling to install the room divider.

[0067] The room divider may include a stand. The stand allows the room divider to be positioned stably on the floor of a room. The stand may consist of one or more feet that are wider than the depth of the room divider. The feet are then placed on the floor.

[0068] The kit can have multiple packaging units for transport and storage. A first packaging unit can contain x slats, where x is an integer greater than two. A first packaging unit can contain exactly x slats and at least x end caps for the slats. A second packaging unit can contain exactly two rails. The rails can be designed so that exactly x slats can be mounted on them. When assembled, the room divider then comprises two rails and exactly x slats connected to the two rails. Another second packaging unit can contain a different two rails. The other two rails can be designed so that y times x slats can be mounted, where y is an integer greater than 1. When assembled, the room divider then comprises two rails and exactly y times x slats connected to the two rails.For example, the first packaging unit might contain exactly four slats. The two strips of a second packaging unit could be designed to accommodate exactly four slats. The assembled room divider would then consist of exactly four slats connected by these two strips. There would therefore be no fifth slat connected to the two strips. The two strips of another second packaging unit could be designed to accommodate exactly eight slats. The two strips of yet another second packaging unit could be designed to accommodate exactly twelve slats. This design has the advantage that a single packaging unit is sufficient for transporting and storing the slats. Otherwise, it might be necessary to provide multiple first packaging units to assemble room dividers of varying lengths.Initial packaging units can always be identical. Subsequent packaging units can vary to allow for the assembly of room dividers of different lengths. A packaging unit can consist of an outer carton. Inside the carton are the components of the packaging unit, such as slats and corresponding end caps, or slats, corresponding end caps, and other connectors for joining the slats to one or two rails.

[0069] A second packaging unit can contain two rails and two slats. This second packaging unit can also contain two end caps for the two slats and / or other fasteners such as bolts and / or screws. When assembled, the two slats of this second packaging unit, together with the rails, can form a frame for the room divider. The rails can be designed to accommodate exactly x additional slats. The rails of another second packaging unit can be designed to accommodate exactly y times x additional slats.

[0070] It is possible that a third packaging unit has two slats which, when assembled, form a frame with the two strips of a second packaging unit. The third packaging unit may also include caps for the two slats and / or other connecting elements. In this case, the strips of a second packaging unit would be such that exactly y times x plus two slats can be connected to them.

[0071] Another packaging unit may include a clamping device or a mounting device for the room divider.

[0072] A room divider with two slats for a frame and four slats in between can be 305 mm to 405 mm long, for example, 355 mm. A room divider with two slats for a frame and eight slats in between can be 569 mm to 669 mm long, for example, 619 mm. A room divider with two slats for a frame and twelve slats in between can be 833 mm to 933 mm long, for example, 883 mm. A room divider with two slats for a frame and sixteen slats in between can be 1097 mm to 1197 mm long, for example, 1147 mm. A room divider with two slats for a frame and twenty slats in between can be 1361 mm to 1461 mm long, for example, 1411 mm. A room divider with two slats for a frame and twenty-four slats in between can be 1889 mm to 1989 mm long, for example 1939 mm.

[0073] The slats of a room divider can be connected to create varying lengths. There can be more than one length available for these connectable slats. For example, one slat might be 355 mm long. These 355 mm slats can be used to assemble a room divider with, say, six panels. Another slat might be 264 mm long. Connecting the 355 mm slat to the 264 mm slat would create a 619 mm long room divider with, say, ten panels. Connecting a 355 mm slat to two 264 mm slats would create an 883 mm long room divider with, say, fourteen panels.

[0074] The height of the slats and strips can be chosen so that, when installed, they are slightly less than the height between the floor and ceiling of the room where the room divider is to be installed. This may be intentional for installation reasons. The chosen distance between the top strip and the ceiling can then be, for example, at least 5 mm or at least 8 mm. The chosen distance between the top strip and the ceiling can then be, for example, no more than 50 mm or no more than 35 mm. The chosen distance between the top strip and the ceiling can, for example, be 10 mm.

[0075] A room divider is preferably attached between the floor and ceiling without damaging the building structure, for example by clamping or gluing. However, fastening by screwing is also possible. The frame may have pre-drilled holes for screw fastening. These holes may be located in the frame's slats.

[0076] Frames and end caps can be in a dark color. Internal slats can be in a light color. This makes the end caps barely noticeable, as the eye is drawn more to the lighter slats.

[0077] A room divider can be mounted with a gap to a wall. A room divider can also be mounted with one narrow side flush against a wall.

[0078] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a room divider from a kit comprising a plurality of slats and a frame. The frame can be assembled in a room. Subsequently, the slats can be attached within the frame. The effort required for assembling the room divider can thus be minimized. The kit can be designed as described above. Two caps can be provided for each slat of the room divider, which are attached or already attached to the frame opposite each other. To attach a slat, it can first be inserted into one cap. The slat can then be moved into the other, opposite cap.

[0079] The slat can first be inserted into one of the upper caps of the frame, which is positioned in the room. Then, the slat can be moved into the opposite, lower cap. This is preferable for assembly reasons.

[0080] A spring may be provided inside a cap to fix the slats and / or at least one cap.

[0081] A slat of a room divider can be composed of at least two separate shells, such as two halves. This increases design possibilities without requiring excessive manufacturing effort. For example, a slat with a rectangular or elliptical cross-section can be easily manufactured by assembling two identical shells. The two shells can be joined by gluing or secured with mechanical means (such as dovetails, tenons, or dowels). Similarly, by manufacturing and assembling individual shells, an internal cavity can be created to, for example, reduce the weight of the slat. This cavity can be used to house useful components such as an RFID chip.A cavity can be used to route electrical cables, for example, for lighting or for supplying power to a drive mechanism for the room divider. One or more electrical cables can therefore run through the cavity of a panel. A cavity can also be used to stiffen a panel – for example, with hollow metal profiles inserted in sections or along the entire length of the panel. This can improve the stability of the panel.

[0082] A cavity can be used to implement the functions of "fixing a lamella," "rotating a lamella," and / or "spring-loaded mounting of a lamella." One or more of these functions can be integrated into a cap. However, in such a cap, the cap function can also be omitted. It then becomes a component that enables the implementation of the functions of "fixing a lamella," "rotating a lamella," and / or "spring-loaded mounting of a lamella." Unlike a cap, this component cannot cover an unevenly cut edge. At least part of the component can be accommodated by a cavity on its end face to implement one or more of the aforementioned functions. For example, the component can have a bolt. The bolt can be fixed within the cavity. The bolt can then be used to rotate a lamella.The bolt can therefore be rotatably mounted in a cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the component's bolt can be rotatably mounted. The component's bolt can be spring-mounted to enable the function of "spring-loaded mounting of a lamella." Spring-loaded mounting means that a spring element is present to facilitate the assembly of a lamella.

[0083] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a room divider from a kit comprising a plurality of slats and a frame, wherein the frame is assembled in a room and subsequently the slats are attached within the frame.

[0084] For each slat of the room divider, two caps (5) can be provided, which are attached or are attached opposite each other to the frame, wherein one slat is first inserted into one cap and then into the other opposite cap.

[0085] The lamella (3) can first be inserted into an upper cap (5). Subsequently, the lamella can be inserted into the other, opposite, lower cap (5).

[0086] A spring may be provided, which is arranged inside a cap.

[0087] A gearbox for a room divider can be advantageously integrated and mounted on the underside of the partition. Tests have shown that this allows the slats to rotate more smoothly. A gearbox enables the synchronous rotation of multiple slats. This differs from rotating a single slat independently of others. The latter can be achieved using connecting elements with a swivel function.

[0088] The invention will be explained in more detail below, also with the help of figures.

[0089] Figure 1 shows a front view of a room divider;

[0090] Figure 2: Side view of the room divider from Figure 1;

[0091] Figure 3: Top side of the room divider from Figure 1;

[0092] Figure 4: Section through the room divider from Figure 1;

[0093] Figure 5: View of the inside of a strip from Figure 1;

[0094] Figure 6: Section through room divider from Figure 1;

[0095] Figure 7: Front view of a room divider;

[0096] Figure 8: Room divider between the floor and ceiling of a room;

[0097] Figure 9: Cap;

[0098] Figure 10: Section through cap from Figure 1;

[0099] Figure 11: Top view of cap from Figure 9;

[0100] Figure 12: Section through a room divider;

[0101] Figure 13: Top view of a cap for a room divider from Figure 12;

[0102] Figure 14: Front view of a room divider;

[0103] Figure 15: Room divider with shelf;

[0104] Figure 16: Room divider with shelf;

[0105] Figure 17: Room divider with cabinet element;

[0106] Figure 18: Room divider;

[0107] Figure 19: Strip with gearbox;

[0108] Figure 20: Top view of cap 5 with non-circular bolt;

[0109] Figure 21: Cross-section of a lamella with a bore;

[0110] Figure 22: Half-body of a lamella; Figure 23: Section of a room divider with cover for strip;

[0111] Figure 24: Cap with internal clamping elements;

[0112] Figure 25: Section through cap with inserted lamella;

[0113] Figure 26: Front view of a room divider;

[0114] Figure 27: Lamella;

[0115] Figure 28: Gearbox with belt;

[0116] Figure 29: Frame mounted in the room;

[0117] Figure 30: Frame mounted in the room with attached caps

[0118] Figure 31: Assembly of another slat within the frame from Figure 30;

[0119] Figure 32: Frame with an additional attached slat;

[0120] Figure 33: Lamella with spring;

[0121] Figure 34: Frame with lamella, spring and lamella bolt;

[0122] Figure 35: Lamella with spring and lamella bolt;

[0123] Figure 36: Lamella with fungus;

[0124] Figure 37: Tongue for lamella with fungus;

[0125] Figure 38: Gills with fungi and mounted tongues;

[0126] Figure 39: Gills with mushrooms and a mounted tongue;

[0127] Figure 40: Assembly of a room divider with staggered arrangement of external louvers;

[0128] Figure 41: Cap with rotating mechanism;

[0129] Figure 42: Cap with integrated spring;

[0130] Figure 43: Hollow-profile slat. Figure 1 shows a front view of a room divider 1. The room divider has a height H and a length L. The room divider 1 can have exactly six slats 2, 3. The room divider 1 can have exactly two strips 4. The outer slats 2 and the strips 4 can form a frame. The frame can be rectangular, as shown in Figure 1. The upper ends of the slats 2, 3 can be inserted into caps 5. The caps 5 can cover the upper ends of the slats 2, 3 and thus the cut or saw edges. The length L can be more than 30 cm and / or less than 50 cm. The length L can be approximately 40 cm. The height H can be, for example, 2.35 m or 2.45 m. The narrow sides of the slats 2, 3 can be rectangular, as shown in Figure 1.

[0131] Figure 2 shows a side view of the room divider 1 from Figure 1. The side view shows a slat 2, which can be part of a frame. Figure 2 illustrates that the depth T of the room divider 1 can be small compared to its length L. For example, the depth T can be at least 70 mm or at least 80 mm for stability reasons. For example, the depth T can be no more than 150 mm, no more than 100 mm, or no more than 90 mm due to space constraints. The depth can be, for example, 84 mm. The cross-section of a slat 2, 3 can then have a side 84 mm long. Therefore, the cross-section of a slat 2, 3 can generally have a long side that defines the depth of the room divider. The short side of the cross-section of a slat can be less than half, less than one-third, or less than one-quarter of the length of the long side.The short side of the cross-section of a lamella 2, 3 can therefore be several times shorter than the long side. For stability reasons, the short side of the cross-section of a lamella can be at least 15 mm or at least 20 mm long.

[0132] Even in the side view, all slats 2, 3 can be rectangular.

[0133] Figure 3 shows a top view of the room divider 1 from Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a top view of a strip 4. The strip 4 can be much shorter than the length of a slat 2, 3. The strip 4 can have holes on its end faces through which screws 6 can be screwed. The screws 6 can be screwed into the end faces of the outer slats 2 to firmly connect the outer slats 2 to the strip 4. Two blind holes 7 can be provided for each additional slat 3. A connecting line between two blind holes 7, which are provided for an additional slat 3, can form an oblique angle with the front face when viewed from above, which can be, for example, 45°. In this sense, an oblique angle can be formed with a separating surface.If another lamella 3 is connected to the strip 4 using the blind holes 7 shown in Figure 1, the additional lamella 3 is positioned at an angle and, viewed from above, can form an oblique angle with the front face or the dividing surface. This oblique angle can be, for example, 45°. Connecting another lamella 3 to the strip 4 can be achieved by means of bolts that extend into the blind holes 7. Such bolts can be part of a cap 5. These bolts can also be directly connected to an end face of a lamella 3.

[0134] The strip 4 can have bores 8 for each additional lamella 3 located between the two outer lamellae 2. The bores 8 can be located centrally above the additional lamellae 3. Each bore 8 can be located between two blind holes 7, which are provided in pairs for connecting to another lamella 2. Screws may have been screwed from below through the caps 5 into the bores 8 to firmly connect the caps 5 to the strip 4.

[0135] For the outer slats 3, holes 9 can also be provided in pairs. The holes 9 can also be blind holes. However, they can also be through holes 9, which extend through the strip 4 without any disadvantages. As described previously, a connection can be made, for example, using bolts that can be inserted into the holes 9. Such bolts can be part of a cap 5. Such bolts can be directly connected to an end face of a slat 2.

[0136] A connecting line between two holes 9, intended for an external slat 2, can form a right angle with the front face when viewed from above. Other angles are also possible, but less suitable.

[0137] Figure 4 shows a section through the lamellae 2, 3 of the room divider 1 from the figure

[0138] 1. The cross-sections of the lamellae 2 and 3 are shown. Figure 4 illustrates that all lamellae 2 and 3 can be arranged parallel to each other. All lamellae

[0139] Viewed from above, slats 2 and 3 can form a right angle with the front face or the partition surface it provides. In section, all slats 2 and 3 can be rectangular. Figure 5 shows the side of the strip 4 opposite the side of the strip 4 shown in Figure 3. In the assembled state, shown in Figure 1, this is the inside of the strip 4. Again, a pair of blind holes 10 can be provided for each additional slat 3. Along an imaginary line between the two blind holes 10, this imaginary line forms a right angle with the front face or partition surface of the room divider 1 when viewed from above. Therefore, all slats 2 and 3 of the room divider shown in Figure 1 are then parallel to each other.

[0140] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the position and orientation of the louvers 2 and 3 when they are connected to the side of the strip 4 shown in Figure 3. Unlike the outer louvers 2, the additional louvers 3 are now angled. These additional louvers 3 run parallel to each other, but not parallel to the outer louvers 2. Therefore, compared to the case shown in Figure 1, it is significantly more difficult to see through the room divider 1. However, air exchange through the room divider 1 remains easily possible.

[0141] Figure 7 shows a room divider 1 with a different length. The room divider 1 shown in Figure 7 comprises twice the number of internal slats 3, i.e., eight instead of four, and is therefore longer than the room divider shown in Figure 1.

[0142] Figure 8 shows how a room divider 1 can be held in a room between a floor 11 and a ceiling 12 by means of a clamping device 13. The clamping device 13 clamps the room divider 1 between the floor 11 and the ceiling 12. The height H of the room divider 1, including the clamping device 13, can now be 2.40 m or 2.50 m, thus corresponding to a standard room height.

[0143] Providing a gap between the upper rail 4 and the ceiling 12 may be necessary to allow the installation of the room divider 1. This gap can be used to accommodate a tensioning device 13 between the rail 4 and the ceiling 12.

[0144] Figure 9 shows a cap 5. The cap 5 comprises side walls 14 and a base 15. Bolts 16 can extend outwards from the base 15. The bolts 16 can project perpendicularly from the base 15. The bolts 16 can be inserted into blind holes 7 in a strip 4. For example, the base can have an opening 17 in the center through which a cap 5 can be attached to a strip 4 or to the end of a lamella 2 using a screw or a pin. The opening 17 can serve as a drilling template for drilling a blind hole into the end face of a lamella 2, 3 at a suitable location. For this purpose, the cap 5 can be placed on a sawn-off end of a lamella 2, 3. Subsequently, a mark can be made in the end face of the lamella 2, 3 through the hole 17 using a pin.After removing cap 5, the mark can be used to drill a blind hole into the end face at a suitable location. After replacing cap 5 onto this end of lamella 2, 3, the screw can be inserted into the drilled hole.

[0145] Securing a cap 5 to one end of a slat using a screw is particularly relevant for slats 2 that form part of a frame. Screwing the cap 5 in place provides stability to the frame. The screw then passes not only through the base of the cap 5 but also through a hole in a strip 4.

[0146] In particular, slats 2, which can be part of a frame, preferably have a pre-drilled hole on each end face for screwing in a screw. Pre-drilled means that the slats of the kit already have holes drilled in their end faces during manufacturing. If a consumer saws off a piece of one end, one of the two pre-drilled holes may also be cut off. However, one end with a pre-drilled hole remains, which can then be used for screwing in a screw. The consumer then only needs to drill a blind hole into one end of a slat 2 to be able to easily screw all the elements of a frame together.

[0147] Figure 10 shows a section of the cap 5. Figure 11 shows a top view of the outside of the base 15 of the cap 5. Figures 8 to 10 illustrate that the cap 10 can be essentially a rectangular box.

[0148] Figure 12 shows a section through a room divider, the additional slats 3 of which can be oval in section. Figure 12 shows that the additional slats 3 can form an angle with the dividing surface of the room divider that can be between 45° and 90°. The slats 2, which can be part of a frame, can be rectangular in section. However, the cross-section of these slats 2 can also be oval in section.

[0149] Figure 13 shows a top view of a cap 5 for the room divider from Figure 12. The base 15 of this cap 5 can be oval, like the cross-section of another lamella 3 from Figure 12.

[0150] Figure 14 shows a front view of a room divider 1 with additional slats 3, which may be oval in a side view. The side walls 14 of the caps 5 can be angled and / or curved accordingly, thus adapting to the oval shape. The slats 2, which may be part of a frame, can, for example, remain rectangular for stability reasons. However, other shapes are also possible.

[0151] Figure 15 shows a room divider 1 that can include two shelves 18. The shelves 18 run horizontally when assembled. The shelves 18 can be attached to the inner sides of slats 2, which may form part of a frame. Additional slats 3 can be divided into two parts. The upper ends of the lower parts of the slats 3 can be attached to the underside of the lower shelf 18. The lower ends of the upper parts of the slats 3 can be attached to the top of the upper shelf 18. The two shelves 18 form one shelf. More than two shelves 18 are also possible. In this case, there is not just one shelf compartment, but several.

[0152] Figure 16 illustrates that shelf boards 18 can be attached to the insides of slats 3, which can be located between slats 2.

[0153] The depth of shelf board 18 can differ from the depth of slats 2 and 3. For example, the depth of shelf board 18 can be greater than the depth of slats 2 and 3 to provide a sufficiently large storage area. The depth of shelf boards can be, for example, at least 150 mm or at least 200 mm. The depth of shelf boards can be, for example, up to 300 mm or up to 250 mm. The depth of shelf board 18 can be the same as the depth of slats 2 and 3.

[0154] Figure 17 shows a room divider 1 that includes a cabinet element 19 instead of shelves. Other elements, such as a lamp, can also be integrated in this way. Figure 18 shows a room divider 1 that does not include any horizontal strips or similar elements. Instead, slats 3 are individually mounted between the floor 11 and the ceiling 12. For mounting, rods 20 can be provided on the top and / or bottom of the slats 3. A rod 20 can be telescopic to clamp a slat 3 between the floor 11 and the ceiling 12. Caps 5 can be provided to cover cut or saw edges. Caps 5 and / or the ends of the slats 3 can be detachably connected to rods 20. The spacing between the slats 3 and / or the number of slats 3 can be freely selected in this design. The orientation of slats 3 can also be freely selected.All slats 3 can be identical. A telescopic tube can be provided instead of a rod 20. For example, there can be rods 20 on the underside. Telescopic tubes can only be provided on the top side.

[0155] Figure 19 shows a strip 4 with an attached gear mechanism for rotating a plurality of further slats 3 of a room divider 1 only together. The gear mechanism can have first gears 21, which can be non-rotatably connected to slats 3 or to caps 5 of slats 3. The gears 21 can be rotatably mounted. Between each pair of gears 21, there can be a second gear 22 for transmitting a rotary motion, which is meshed with the first two gears 21. A rotary motion from one first gear 21 to an adjacent first gear 21 can be transmitted by every second gear 22. The first gears 21, which can be non-rotatably connected to slats 3, can have central holes 23 that are not circular in cross-section. The central holes 23 can, for example, be polygonal, such as hexagonal.A central bolt 24 of a cap 5 (see Figure 20) or a lamella 3 can extend into a non-circular hole 23. The cross-section of the central bolt can correspond to the cross-section of a circular hole 23 so that a rotary motion of a first gear 21 can be transmitted to a cap 5 and / or a lamella 3. For example, the base of a cap or the end of a lamella can have only one such bolt in its center, which can extend into a hole 23. The lamellae 3 can then only be rotated together.

[0156] In the assembled state, the gearbox can be located on the top or bottom of the strip 4. The strip 4 with the gearbox can be positioned on the underside or on the top of the lamellae 2, 3. The top of an upper strip 4 is preferred so that the gearbox is concealed by the strip 4. Alternatively, the gearbox can be located below a lower strip 4 so that the lower strip 4 can conceal the gearbox. The gearbox can also be recessed within the strip 4.

[0157] An external slat 2, which may be part of a frame, cannot be rotatably connected to a strip 4 as described above.

[0158] Figure 20 shows a top view of a cap 5, which has a non-circular bolt 24. The bolt 24 projects outwards from the base 15 of the cap 5. The bolt 24 can be positioned centrally on the base 15. The bolt 24 can be inserted into a hole 23 of a gear 21 in a rotationally fixed manner, or it can be inserted into the hole 23 when the room divider 1 is assembled.

[0159] Figure 21 shows a top view of the end face of a lamella 2, which can form part of a frame. A hole 25 passes through the lamella 2. The hole

[0160] Hole 25 can be used for screwing in a screw. If one end of the lamella 2 is sawn off, hole 25 is still available for drilling in a screw.

[0161] The lamella two can be formed from two half-bodies 26. Each half-body 26 can have a groove 27, as shown in Figure 22. Two superimposed grooves 27 can then form the hole 25. The two half-bodies

[0162] For example, the 26 with the grooves 27 may have been glued together.

[0163] The strip 4 can also be shortened to allow for variable selection of the length of a room divider 1. A sawn edge can therefore also occur on a strip 4. A cover 28 can be provided for such an end face of the strip 4, an example of which is shown in Figure 23. The cover 28 can have a plate 29. The plate 29 can be slightly longer and wider than the cross-section of the strip 4. The plate 29 can be rectangular. This is particularly the case if the cross-section of the strip 4 is also rectangular. For example, band-shaped collar elements 30 can project from two opposite narrow sides of the plate 29. A band-shaped collar element 31 can project from one long side of the plate 29. Nothing can project from the other long side of the plate 29. The collar elements 30, 31 can project perpendicularly from the plate 29 and together form a collar.For example, adhesive pads 32 can be applied to the plate 29 to allow the plate 29 to be adhered to an end face of the strip 4 using the adhesive pads 32. This is indicated by an arrow in Figure 23. Inner surfaces of band-shaped collar elements can abut and / or border the strip 4 when the plate 29 has been adhered to the end face of the strip 4. The cover 28 can thus form an edge finish that can conceal a sawn or cut edge of the strip 4. Adhesive pads can be, for example, circular or rectangular when viewed from above.

[0164] Between a strip 4 and a cap 5, there may be a groove 33 on opposite sides in the assembled state, for example, due to chamfers. Projections 34 may extend inwards from the lower ends of the band-shaped collar elements 30. The projections 34 may reach into a respective groove 33 if the cover 28 has been glued to an end face of the strip 4. This improves the retention of the cover 28. It is also possible that the cover 28 can be held in place by clamping elements 30, 31 and / or projections 34 on a strip. In this case, it is possible to forego gluing the cover 28 to an end face of the strip 4. It is also possible that the cover 28 can be fastened to the end face of a strip 4 with a screw.

[0165] The cover 28 can be made of the same material as the caps 5. The color for caps 5 and covers 28 can also be the same.

[0166] Figure 24 shows an interior view of a cap 5. One or more clamping elements 34 can project inwards from the side walls 14 of the cap 5. By means of the clamping elements 34, a cap 5 can be held clamped to a lamella 2, 3.

[0167] Clamping elements 34 can be thin to avoid excessive deformation of a cap 5 placed on a lamella 2, 3. The thickness of a clamping element 34 can therefore correspond to or even be less than the thickness of a side wall 14. A clamping element 34 can be thinner than 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm. To minimize deformation of a side wall 14 due to clamping action, the one or more clamping elements 34 are preferably located on the long side walls 14. Preferably, each clamping element 34 is only present in the middle of a side wall 14 to minimize deformation. Clamping elements 34 can hold lamellae 2, 3 securely even if they are not otherwise fastened. A clamping element 34 can be shaped like a plate or a strip.A clamping element 34 can extend over the entire height of a side wall 14. The width of a clamping element 34 can be less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, or less than 10 mm. A clamping element 34 allows a cap to be reliably clamped to a lamella 2, 3 despite manufacturing tolerances.

[0168] To facilitate the insertion of a rectangular lamella 2, 3 into a rectangular cap 5, the longitudinal edges 35 of the lamella can be rounded, as shown in the sectional view in Figure 25. The longitudinal edges 35 of a lamella 2, 3 cannot then extend completely into a rectangular corner of a cap 5. There is always a gap, which facilitates insertion of a lamella 2, 3 into a cap 5. To further improve the insertion of a lamella end into a cap 5, the longitudinal edges 35 of a lamella 2, 3 can be veneered. A veneer can thus form a rounded longitudinal edge 35 extending over the entire length of a lamella 2, 3, ensuring a reliably smooth transition. A small radius of curvature may suffice.

[0169] Figure 25 shows a clamping hold of a lamella 2, 3 by two clamping elements 34.

[0170] Figure 26 shows a front view of a room divider 1, which preferably has no end caps 5. The slats 2, 3 of this room divider 1 are not intended to be shortened by the user. The height from the underside of the lower slat 4 to the top of the upper slat 4 can, for example, be at least 2 m and / or not more than 2.50 m or not more than 2.40 m as standard. The height can, for example, be 2.10 m, 2.20 m, or 2.30 m. The room divider 1 can be clamped between a floor 11 and a ceiling 12 of a room, for example, by means of a clamping device 13. One or more telescopic tubes can be provided as the clamping device 13. Such a telescopic tube 13 can be locked at a desired length. Extending the telescopic tube 13 to the desired length is sufficient for it to lock immediately.Alternatively, the length of the telescopic tube 13 can be changed by rotating it. One tube of such a telescopic tube 13 can have an external thread onto which an internal thread of a second tube can be screwed. Both tubes can form the telescopic tube 13. Each telescopic tube 13 can have a laterally projecting plate 36 on its underside and / or its top side. The lower plate 36 can, for example, be firmly connected to the upper rail 4 of the room divider 1, for example by screws. It is also conceivable that the upper plate 36 can be attached to the ceiling 12, for example by screws. Plates 36 can then have holes around their edges through which screws can be inserted.

[0171] A kit can include not only a telescopic tube 13, which allows for bridging larger distances to the ceiling, but also caps 5 for slats 2 and 3. A consumer can then decide whether to shorten slats 2 and 3 or to compensate for larger distances to the ceiling 12 using the telescopic tube 13. In this sense, the individual parts of the room divider form a modular system. Individual parts can therefore be used or assembled in different ways.

[0172] Figure 27 shows a single slat 2 or 3 that can be mounted in a room using a telescopic tube 13 and / or a rod 20. The slat 2 or 3 can be rotatably mounted by the telescopic tube 13 and the rod 20. A room divider can comprise such a slat 2 or 3. A few slats 2 or 3 may be sufficient to form a room divider. The slat 2 or 3 can be rectangular when viewed from the front. The cross-section of the slat 2 or 3 can be oval.

[0173] Figure 28 shows a section of a top view of a strip 4 with an attached gearbox, designed to allow a plurality of further slats 3 of a room divider 1 to rotate together. The gearbox can have first gears 21, which can be non-rotatably connected to slats 3 or to caps 5 of slats 3. The gears 21 can be rotatably mounted. Instead of second gears, a toothed belt 37 with teeth 38 attached to its sides can be used. The teeth 38 can engage with the teeth of the first gears 21. When the belt 37 is rotated as indicated by the arrows, all first gears 21 and the slats 3 connected to them are moved together. The gearbox shown in Figure 28 has the advantage that the slats 3 can be rotated particularly synchronously. For protective reasons, the gearbox can be arranged between two projecting second rails 39 on the outer edge of the strip 4 and thus be recessed.

[0174] Instead of a toothed belt, a chain or one or more racks can be used. A simple belt drive is also possible.

[0175] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame is first assembled. To assemble the frame, two strips 4 and two slats 2 can be joined together. This can be done while the frame is lying on the floor. After assembly, the frame rests on the floor. The frame can then be stood upright. Once stood upright, the frame can be installed in a vertical position. For example, after being stood upright, the frame can be braced against the ceiling to allow for vertical installation. The frame is then fixed at the desired location within the room. In this embodiment, no further slats 3 are present within the frame.

[0176] It is also possible to mount the frame upright in the room immediately and then secure it appropriately within the room. However, this option is less desirable as it is less straightforward.

[0177] If the frame has been mounted standing upright in space, as shown in Figure 29, further slats 3 can then be mounted, i.e., attached inside the frame. This avoids excessive weight that would have to be moved during the frame's setup.

[0178] This embodiment of the invention is of particular interest for room dividers that have a large number of additional slats 3 and can therefore become correspondingly heavy.

[0179] Preferably, slats 3 can be attached within a pre-assembled frame, as shown by way of example in Figure 29, in order to avoid excessively large forces when erecting or installing a room divider. Caps 5 can already be attached to the frame or to at least one slat 4 before the frame is installed in the room. However, this can also be done after the room divider has been erected or installed in the room.

[0180] Preferably, slats 3 can be attached within a pre-assembled frame without the use of tools. To achieve this, caps 5 can be provided or attached to both frame members 4, as indicated in Figure 30. The cap 5 on the upper member

[0181] 4 can have a greater depth than the cap 5 on the lower rib 4, as can be seen in Figure 30. Another lamella 3 can then first be inserted into the upper cap 5, as indicated in Figure 30.

[0182] The further lamella 3 can be pushed into the upper cap 5 until the lower end of the further lamella 3 is located above the lower cap 5. This is shown in Figure 31.

[0183] Subsequently, the further lamella 5 can be pushed downwards into the lower cap 5. The further lamella 5 can then be held in place by the two caps 5, provided its length is appropriately selected. This is shown in Figure 32.

[0184] A slat 3 and / or caps 5 can be fixed in place by means of a spring 40. Such a spring 40 is shown in Figure 33. The spring 40 can be inserted into a hole 41 on an end face of the slat 3. When the room divider is assembled, the spring 40 can be located inside an upper cap and be pre-tensioned. The cap 5 can then be pressed against an upper bar 4 by spring force. Conversely, the slat 3 can then be pressed into another lower cap 5 by the force of the spring 40. Thus, the slat 3 and one or more associated caps 5 can be fixed in place by spring force.

[0185] Conversely, it is also possible that such a spring 40 is located in a lower cap.

[0186] 5. A lamella 3 can initially be inserted into a lower cap 5 and subsequently moved upwards into an upper cap 5. The lower cap 5 can then have a greater depth than the upper cap 5. However, for assembly reasons, the reverse is preferable. Lamellae 3 can be veneered. Lamellae 3 can have a real wood veneer.

[0187] Slats 3 may have a covering made of decorative paper.

[0188] The frame can be made of a different material than the slats 3 that are mounted within the frame. The frame can be made of aluminum and / or a wood-based material and / or another panel material.

[0189] A slat 3 can be fixed in place with the aid of a spring 40 even if a frame is already assembled. A slat 3 can be inserted into the assembled frame with the spring 40 compressed. Once the slat 3 reaches its mounting position, the spring 40 can release to fix the slat 3 in place.

[0190] Figure 34 shows a further embodiment in cross-section. The slats 3 can comprise a first slat bolt 42 and a second slat bolt 43 at their end faces. The first slat bolt 42 can be connected to a spring 40. The first slat bolt 42 can be pressed into an end-face hole 41 of the slat 3 against the force of the spring 40, so that the slat 3 can be inserted even when the frame or at least the horizontal slats 4 are already mounted and / or arranged. In the assembled state, the first slat bolt 42 can extend into a bore 8 of a slat 4.

[0191] The second lamellar bolt 43 can be fixedly connected to the other end face of the lamella 3. However, the second lamellar bolt 43 can also be connected to a spring 40, just like the first lamellar bolt 42. If the second lamellar bolt 43 is fixedly connected to the end face of a lamella 3, the second lamellar bolt 43 can first be inserted into a bore 8 in the strip 4 for assembly. Subsequently, the first lamellar bolt 42 can be pressed towards the end face of the lamella 3 so that the end face with the first lamellar bolt 42 can be pushed into the frame. Once the lamella 3 has reached its mounting position, the first lamellar bolt 42 can be pressed into a bore 8 by the force of the spring 40. The lamella 3 is then mounted. The lamella 3 can then be mounted in a rotatable manner.

[0192] A first and / or a second lamellar bolt 42, 43 may not be present. Nevertheless, a lamellar 3 with at least one spring 40 can be inserted into an already assembled frame. Instead of a lamellar bolt 42, 43, one end of a spring 40 can then extend into a bore 8 of a strip 4 when the lamellar 3 is inserted into the frame.

[0193] Figure 35 shows a lamella 3 with a spring 40 and a first lamella bolt 42 at one end. A second lamella bolt 43 can be attached to a plate 44. The plate 44 can be screwed or glued to the other end of the lamella 3. The plate 44 can be recessed and thus not protrude from one end of the lamella 3. The plate 44 can be recessed so that it forms a flat surface with the end of the lamella 3.

[0194] A first lamellar bolt 42 can pass through a plate 44. A first lamellar bolt 42 can be slidably held by a plate 44. A first lamellar bolt 42 can have an upper and / or a lower stop for the plate 44. If two stops are present, then the first lamellar bolt 42 can be moved back and forth between two stop positions. If a plate 44 is attached to an end face, then a first lamellar bolt 42 can be attached to an end face by the plate 44.

[0195] Figure 36 shows another embodiment of a lamella 3. A mushroom-shaped element 45 can be attached to an end face of the lamella 3. The mushroom 45 can be arranged on a narrow side of the lamella 3, as shown in Figure 36. The mushroom 45 can have a neck and a mushroom head or cap on the upper side of the neck. Mushrooms 45 can be present on both narrow sides, as can be seen in Figure 36. The mushroom head can be a circular disc or a plate. The neck can be a cylinder. The cylinder can have a smaller diameter than the mushroom head. The mushroom head can be spaced from the corresponding end face of the lamella 3 by means of the neck.

[0196] A mushroom cap is not absolutely necessary. A neck can suffice instead of a mushroom with both a neck and a cap.

[0197] Figure 37 shows a tongue 46. A tongue 46 can have a rectangular, flat cross-section, like a band. A tongue 46 can include recesses 47. There can be exactly two recesses 47. A recess 47 can be located at one end of the tongue. Each recess 47 can be designed and dimensioned so that it can be placed around the neck of a mushroom 45 or around a neck (without a mushroom cap). A recess 47 can be placed around a neck in such a way that it snaps into place. A recess 47 can be semicircular so that it can snap around a neck. The semicircle can be larger than a semicircle. A recess 47 can initially be funnel-shaped in a top view. A widening, for example in the form of a semicircle, can be attached to the base of the funnel shape so that this recess 47 can snap into a neck. This is shown in Figure 37.The funnel shape seen from above, which tapers inwards as shown in Figure 37, can facilitate threading.

[0198] The tongue 46 can be coupled to a mushroom 45 or neck by a form-fit connection. A tongue 46 can then be rotatably mounted. The mushroom head of the mushroom 45 can abut one side of a tongue 46. An end face of the lamella 3 can abut the other side of the tongue 46.

[0199] Mushrooms 45 or necks of adjacent lamellae can be coupled via a tongue 46, as shown in Figure 38. If lamellae 3 are rotatably held by a frame, then a rotary motion can be transmitted from one lamella 3 to another lamella 3 coupled to the tongue 46 via a tongue 46. A tongue 46 is then part of a drive mechanism by which a rotary motion can be transmitted from one lamella 3 to another.

[0200] A tongue 46 can have exactly two recesses 47 to couple two lamellae 3 together. A first tongue 46 can then be rotatably connected by means of mushrooms 45 or necks, the mushrooms 45 being located on the first narrow sides of lamellae 3, as shown in Figure 38. A second tongue 46 can then be rotatably connected by means of mushrooms 45 or necks, the mushrooms 45 or necks being located on a second narrow side of lamellae 3, as shown in Figure 38. It is thus possible to couple all lamellae 3, which are rotatably held by a frame or horizontal strips, together, as shown in Figure 38. Rotating one lamella 3 then results in the other lamellae 3 also being rotated accordingly. The attachment of tongues 46 can take place if the lamellae 3 are already rotatably held by a frame or horizontal strips.It is therefore possible to retrofit a coupling between slats 3. A tongue 46 can have more than two recesses 47 to couple more than two slats 3 together. An example of this is shown in Figure 39. Rotational movements can then be transmitted more evenly, since play cannot accumulate to the same extent as in the embodiment shown in Figure 38. However, it may then be necessary to have tongues 46 of different lengths available, depending on the number of slats 3 that are to be rotatably held by a frame or horizontal strips. For example, a tongue 46 with four recesses 47 may be required for a frame or horizontal strips with, say, four slats 3, and a tongue 46 with eight recesses 47 for a frame or horizontal strips with eight held slats.The problem of having to keep tongues 46 of different lengths ready is avoided by a tongue 46 with only two recesses 47.

[0201] The end faces of a slat 3 and / or strips 4 may include pre-drilled holes to allow a slat 3 to be connected to a strip 4 either rotatably or non-rotatably. A strip 4 may have pre-drilled holes on both sides. Pre-drilled holes on one side may be arranged differently from pre-drilled holes on the opposite side of a strip 4. The pre-drilled holes on one side of a strip 4 may be arranged so that slats 3 can be rotatably held in the frame or the horizontal strip. The pre-drilled holes on the opposite side of the strip 4 may be arranged so that slats 3 cannot be rotatably held in the frame or by the horizontal strip 4.

[0202] An extension kit can include mushrooms 45 or necks and / or tongues 46 to couple lamellae 3 together. An extension kit can include springs 40 to insert a lamella 3 into an already assembled floor divider. An extension kit can include first and / or second lamella bolts 42, 43 to retrofit lamellae 3 for rotatable mounting. The invention therefore also relates to an extension kit with mushrooms 45 or necks and / or tongues 46 and / or springs 40 and / or first lamella bolts 42 and / or second lamella bolts 43. Mushrooms 45 or necks and / or tongues 46 and / or springs 40 and / or first lamella bolts 42 and / or second lamella bolts 43 can be made of metal and / or plastic. The expansion kit can include the components additionally required for the rotatable mounting of lamellae 3. Such an expansion kit allows the rotatability of lamellae 3 to be retrofitted.The extension kit can include the components required for a drive unit to transfer the rotary motion of one slat 3 to one or more additional slats 3. Such an extension kit allows a room divider to be retrofitted with a drive unit. The extension kit can also include the components required to insert a slat 3 into an already assembled frame.

[0203] A spring or a spring-loaded lamella bolt can be present on the underside of a lamella 3 in the room divider. A drive unit can be arranged on the top side of the lamella 3. The drive unit can comprise at least one tongue 46. Conversely, the drive unit can be provided on the underside. In this case, a spring or a spring-loaded lamella bolt can be present on the top side of a lamella 3 in the room divider.

[0204] The basic equipment of each lamella 3 can include a pre-mounted first lamella bolt 42 on one end face and a pre-mounted second lamella bolt 43. An extension kit can then include the additional components required for a drive mechanism. These can be mushrooms 45 or necks and tongues 46. Each lamella 3 can have pre-drilled holes on its end faces for the mushrooms 45 or necks. Mushrooms 45 or necks can be inserted or screwed into the pre-drilled holes, for example. A mushroom 45 or neck can be held in a pre-drilled hole by an adhesive. An extension kit can form a packaging unit of a kit.

[0205] Figures 34 to 39 refer to technically very simple room dividers that cannot have a cap.

[0206] Figure 40 refers to an embodiment of a room divider with identical slats 3. All slats 3 can be rotatable. An outer slat can be mounted offset from the adjacent ends of the two horizontal rails 4, as can be seen in Figure 40. The gap resulting from the offset can be half the distance between two adjacent slats 3. Room dividers can then be mounted one behind the other along a straight line without impairing their functionality. If the slat 3 shown in Figure 40 can be rotated, the offset can be reduced by rotating it. It is possible that the slat 3 shown in Figure 40 can be rotated into an opaque position. In this case, there may no longer be any offset. Outer slats 3 of room dividers arranged one behind the other along a straight line can then also ensure opacity.

[0207] For easy installation, a horizontal rail 4 can first be securely mounted. The horizontal rail 4 can be glued to a floor or ceiling and / or firmly attached to the floor or ceiling using screws or dowels. If a horizontal rail 4 has been attached to a ceiling, a second horizontal rail can be placed on the floor underneath it. Then, the slats 3 can be mounted, for example, all of them or only some, such as only the outermost slats 3. Afterward, the lower horizontal rail 4 can be precisely aligned and then finally secured, for example, by screwing it to the floor. If necessary, any missing slats 3 can then be mounted. This entire process can be carried out by one person.

[0208] Conversely, a horizontal rail 4 can first be firmly attached to the floor. A second horizontal rail 4 can then be suspended above it from the ceiling. Slats 3 can be mounted between the two rails 4. Finally, the horizontal rail 4 can be secured to the ceiling, for example, by tensioning it. Any missing slats 3 can then be installed. This process typically requires two people.

[0209] A room divider such as shown in Figure 40, which can always include identical slats 3, can include caps or other covers for the ends of horizontal strips 4 in order to cover cut edges of possibly shortened horizontal strips 4.

[0210] Figure 41 shows a connecting element with a rotational mechanism. The connecting element can be a cap 5. The top of the cap 5 can include a rotatable element 48. The element 48 can be rotated relative to a part of the cap 5 below it, as indicated by a double arrow. The rotatable element 48 can therefore be rotatably attached to a part of the cap 5 below it. The rotatable element 48 can be cylindrical and / or plate-shaped. The rotatable element 48 can be connected to, or connectable with, a horizontal bar 4. For connection purposes, one or more projections 49 can be provided, for example, and fixed to the rotatable element 48. The one or more projections 49 can be located on the top of the rotatable element 48. The one or more projections 49 can be cylindrical or cuboidal, for example.The one or more projections 49 can be attached to the top of the rotatable element, for example, to the cylindrical and / or plate-shaped element. If the cap 5 is placed on a lamella 3, then the lamella 3 can be rotatably mounted due to the rotatability of the element 48.

[0211] A locking mechanism may be provided to allow the rotatable element 48 to lock into position relative to another part of the cap 5 at predetermined positions. For example, the rotatable element may have one or more projections on its underside that can engage in recesses below, thus providing a locking mechanism with predetermined locking positions. Conversely, the rotatable element may have several recesses on its underside into which one or more projections arranged below can engage. In this case, a projection is rotatably arranged relative to a recess.

[0212] Both ends of a lamella 3 can encompass caps 5, as illustrated in Figure 41. For assembly reasons, caps 5 for one side of lamella 3 may have a different height than caps 5 for the opposite side. This applies particularly to mounting using springs.

[0213] It is possible that the rotatable element 48 can be pressed downwards against the force of a spring. The cap 5 shown in Figure 41 can therefore include a spring. It is possible that only one or more projections 49 can be pressed downwards against the force of a spring. Alternatively, one or more projections can be rotationally fixed to the rotatable element 48.

[0214] Figure 42 shows a cross-sectional view of a cap with an integrated spring 40. The integrated spring 40 can extend through the base of the cap 5. The spring 40 can be covered by a cover 50. The cover 50 can extend through the base of the cap 5. The cover 50 can have a stop 51 that can be pressed against the inside of the base of the cap 5. The underside of the spring 40 can be held by an inner housing part 52. The inner housing part 52 can be attached to the inside of the base of the cap 5. It is then possible to push the cover 50 downwards. Against the force of the spring 40, the cover 50 can be moved upwards again.

[0215] A lamella 3 can be inserted at one end into a cap 5 with an integrated spring 40. A lamella 3 can also be inserted at one end into a cap 5 from which a bolt protrudes outwards. The bolt may differ from the cover 50 in that it is firmly connected to the cap. Such a lamella 3 with caps 5 can be subsequently inserted into a frame. Figure 43 shows a lamella 3 with two shells 3a, 3b and a hollow profile 53. The hollow profile 53 can be a rectangular profile. The two shells 3a, 3b can enclose the hollow profile and be attached to each other.

Claims

1. ter Hürne GmbH & Co. KG G70311WO Claims 1. Kit for a room divider (1 ) with a plurality of slats (2, 3) of at least 1.5 m length and with a cap (5) for each slat (2, 3) into which an end of a slat (2, 3) can be inserted to cover a cut edge or a saw edge.

2. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the kit comprises a strip (4) and connecting means (5, 6) for connecting the strip (4) to the ends of the lamellae (2, 3).

3. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a cap (5) is a connecting means for connecting the strip (4) to an end of a lamella.

4. Kit according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the kit comprises a second strip (4) and connecting means (5, 6) for connecting the second strip (4) to the ends of the lamellae (2, 3).

5. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two strips (4) and two slats (2) form a frame in the assembled state of the room divider (1), and further slats (3) are present within the frame.

6. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the slats (2) of the frame run parallel to each other in the assembled state of the room divider (1) and the slats (3) within the frame do not run parallel to the slats (3) of the frame.

7. Kit according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that, in the assembled state of the room divider (1), the slats (2) of the frame are aligned perpendicular to the partition surface of the room divider (1), which separates two room sections.

8. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orientation of a lamella (3) can be selected in the assembled state of the room divider (1).

9. Kit according to one of the five preceding claims, characterized in that the orientation of a slat (2) of the frame cannot be selected in the assembled state of the room divider (1).

10. Kit according to one of the preceding dependent claims, characterized in that each strip (4) has two on one side The strip (4) has blind holes (10) into which two bolts (16) of a cap (5) or a lamella (3) can be inserted for connection, and the strip (4) has two blind holes (7) on the opposite side into which two bolts (16) of a cap (5) or a lamella (3) can be inserted for connection, wherein the blind holes (10) on one side of the strip (4) are arranged differently from the blind holes (7) on the opposite side, so that the orientation of a lamella (3) in the assembled state depends on the selection of the side of the strip (4) to which the lamella (3) has been connected.

11. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the assembled state of the room divider (1), slats (3) are rotatably mounted.

12. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a drive device for rotatably mounted slats (3) is provided, such that rotatably mounted slats (3) can only be rotated together.

13. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are exactly two lamellae (2) which are identical, and there are further lamellae (3).

14. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the further lamellae (3) are identical.

15. System with two kits according to one of the preceding claims, from which two room dividers (1) of different lengths can be formed, wherein the number of slats (3) of one room divider (1) located within a frame (2, 4) differs from the number of slats (3) of the other room divider (1) located within a frame (2, 4) by a factor x, where x is an integer greater than 1.

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