1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates to movable partitions, also known as operable walls and, more particularly, to an improved operable wall system providing improved response to lateral loads.
2. Description of Related Art
Operable walls, particularly those used to divide large spaces such as convention centers, ballrooms, and gymnasiums, may be subjected to lateral loading of the wall panels as a result of earthquake or pressure differential between the rooms divided by the operable walls. The wall panels in question can have dimensions of up to 5 feet wide and up to 40 feet high. Loads can reach on the order of 20 pounds per square foot (psf). Based on 5'.times.40' panel dimensions, and 20 psf, the load to be resisted at the top and at the bottom of the panel is 2,000 pounds.
Such significant lateral loading can occur, for example, between spaces divided by an operable wall in an exhibit area where one of the rooms is adjacent to an exterior wall containing large doors which may be opened during windstorms. The resultant pressure differentials may be large enough to cause suspension components to break and the walls to collapse. The ability of the operable wall panels to resist large lateral loads is limited by the relatively small-diameter, cylindrically-shaped trolley pendent bolts which suspend the operable wall panels from their overhead guide tracks.
Sliding of the bottom of the panels in response to lateral loads also constitutes a safety hazard for occupants of the space near the panels. The panels can move rather abruptly and without warning in response to such forces, enhancing the likelihood of injury or property damage. According to conventional panel design, resistance to sliding has been dependent upon friction between the flat floor surface and the bottom panel seal. This magnitude of resistance to sliding has proven insufficient in some cases.
Thus, there exists a need to substantially reduce the possibility of sliding of the panels. There also exists a need to impart significant additional strength to the ability of the top of the panels to resist large lateral loads.