Modular structures for creating functional spaces

Abstract

Modular structures for creating functional spaces are disclosed herein. The modular structures can include partitions, such as walls, storefronts, and/or doors that can be easily assembled in a desired space and selectively paired together to create a desired floorplan suitable for the environment. The modular structures may also include plumbing assemblies to facilitate the install of toilets. These modular structures can be used together to create a suitable layout for a co-working space, an office environment, a school, a hospital, a laboratory, a factory, and various other indoor spaces.

I/we claim: 
     
         1 . A modular partition system, comprising:
 a glazing having a first edge portion and a second edge portion;   a first assembly configured to be secured to a first portion of a building, wherein
 the first assembly includes 
 a first receptacle configured to receive the first edge portion of the glazing; and 
 first flexible members mounted at least partially within the first receptacle and configured to engage the glazing proximate the first edge portion to releasably secure the first edge portion in the first receptacle; and 
   a second assembly configured to be secured to a second portion of a building,
 wherein the second assembly includes 
 a second receptacle configured to receive the second edge portion of the glazing; and 
 second flexible members mounted at least partially within the second receptacle and configured to engage the glazing proximate the second edge portion to releasably secure the second edge portion in the second receptacle. 
   
     
     
         2 . The modular partition system of  claim 1  wherein
 the first receptacle includes a pair of opposing first sidewalls defining a first channel, 
 the first flexible members include a pair of the first flexible members mounted to corresponding ones of the first sidewalls, 
 the first flexible members are flexed outwardly away from the corresponding ones of the first sidewalls into the first channel, 
 the second receptacle includes a pair of opposing second sidewalls defining a second channel, 
 the second flexible members include a pair of the second flexible members mounted to corresponding ones of the second sidewalls, and 
 the second flexible members are flexed outwardly away from the corresponding ones of the second sidewalls into the second channel. 
 
     
     
         3 . The modular partition system of  claim 2  wherein
 when the first edge portion of the glazing is positioned in the first receptacle, the glazing compresses the first flexible members toward the corresponding ones of the first sidewalls; and 
 when the second edge portion of the glazing is positioned in the second receptacle, the glazing compresses the second flexible members toward the corresponding ones of the second sidewalls. 
 
     
     
         4 . The modular partition system of  claim 1  wherein the first portion of the building is a bulkhead, and wherein the second portion of the building is a floor. 
     
     
         5 . The modular partition system of  claim 4  wherein the second assembly includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the second receptacle, wherein the adjustment mechanism is operable to move the second receptacle toward and away from the floor. 
     
     
         6 . The modular partition system of  claim 4  wherein the second assembly further includes an energy absorbing portion configured to support at least a portion of the glazing. 
     
     
         7 . The modular partition system of  claim 4  wherein the first assembly includes an anchor mounted to the bulkhead and a bracket movably coupled to the anchor, and wherein the bracket includes the first receptacle. 
     
     
         8 . The modular partition system of  claim 1  wherein the first assembly is a first bracket configured to be mounted to a first post, and wherein the second assembly is a second bracket configured to be a second post. 
     
     
         9 . The modular partition system of  claim 1  wherein the first assembly is configured to releasably secure the first edge portion of the glazing without use of fasteners or adhesives, and wherein the second assembly is configured to releasably secure the second edge portion of the glazing without the use of fasteners or adhesives. 
     
     
         10 . A modular partition system, comprising:
 an upper assembly configured to be mounted to a bulkhead of a building;   a lower assembly configured to be mounted to a floor of the building;   a plurality of lower panels each having (a) a lower portion configured to be releasably snap-fit to the lower assembly and (b) an upper portion opposite the lower portion, wherein the lower panels define a plurality of lower seams between adjacent ones of the lower panels;   a plurality of central panels each having (a) a lower portion configured to be releasably snap-fit to the upper portion of one or more of the lower panels and (b) an upper portion opposite the lower portion, wherein the central panels define a plurality of central seams between adjacent ones of the central panels, and wherein each of the central seams is laterally offset from each of the lower seams; and   a plurality of upper panels each having (a) a lower portion configured to be releasably snap-fit to the upper portion of one or more of the central panels and (b) an upper portion configured to be secured to the upper assembly.   
     
     
         11 . The modular partition system of  claim 10  wherein each of the lower panels, the central panels, and the upper panels includes
 a pair of outer plates spaced apart from one another by a gap; 
 a plurality of ribs coupling the outer plates to one another; and 
 an acoustically insulating material substantially filling the gap between the outer plates. 
 
     
     
         12 . The modular partition system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a plurality of lower cross members configured to be positioned between (a) the lower assembly and (b) the lower portion of one or more of the lower panels, wherein the lower cross members each include slots configured to snap-fit couple to corresponding ones of the ribs of the lower panels;   a plurality of central cross members configured to be positioned between (a) the upper portion of one or more of the lower panels and (b) the lower portion of one or more of the central panels, wherein the central cross members each include slots configured to snap-fit couple to corresponding ones of the ribs of the lower panels and the central panels; and   a plurality of upper cross members configured to be positioned between (a) the upper portion of one or more of the central panels and (b) the lower portion of one or more of the upper panels, wherein the upper cross members each include slots configured to snap-fit couple to corresponding ones of the ribs of the central panels and the upper panels.   
     
     
         13 . The modular partition system of  claim 10  wherein first ones of the lower panels have a first width, and wherein second ones of the lower panels have a second width different than the first width. 
     
     
         14 . A modular plumbing assembly, comprising:
 a pre-assembled module including
 two or more horizontal toilet bowl carriers; 
 one or more drain pipes connecting the two or more bowl carriers; 
 two or more vent pipes, each coupled to a corresponding one of the two or more bowl carriers; and 
 a supply manifold having two or more outlet lines, each outlet line positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the two or more bowl carriers; and 
   one or more frame members coupled to the two or more bowl carriers.   
     
     
         15 . The modular plumbing assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to the pre-assembled module. 
     
     
         16 . The modular plumbing assembly of  claim 14  wherein each of the two or more carriers comprises a horizontal back-to-back double toilet bowl carrier. 
     
     
         17 . The modular plumbing assembly of  claim 14  wherein the modular plumbing assembly has a length, a width, and a height selected to fit within a commercial elevator. 
     
     
         18 . The modular plumbing assembly of  claim 17  wherein the length is less than approximately 5.5 feet, the width is less than approximately 3.0 feet, and the height is less than approximately 6.5 feet. 
     
     
         19 . The modular plumbing assembly of  claim 14  wherein the one or more frame members include wall studs. 
     
     
         20 . The modular plumbing assembly of  claim 14  wherein the supply manifold is carried by at least one of the two or more carriers.