CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S Provisional Patent Application No. 82/826,886, filed March 29, 2019, and titled "MODULAR STRUCTURES FOR CREATING FUNCTIONAL SPACES," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology is generally directed to modular structures for creating functional spaces. In particular, several embodiments of the present technology are related to modular walls for partitioning an open floor plan into conference rooms and offices in addition, several embodiments of the present technology are related to modular devices, such as toilets, that create a functional environment for workplaces and other shared spaces.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many workers in service or other industries typically use or need an office in which to work, which often takes the form of thousands of square feet of office space leased or owned by the worker's employer. Some workers are self-employed or work for small companies that may have a more difficult time finding an acceptable space in which to work. These self-employed or small company workers, as well as workers for large businesses, have turned to coworking arrangements.

[0004] Coworking is a self-directed, collaborative, and flexible work style, often based around a common interest, such as geographic location, shared social values, etc. Coworking typically employs a shared workplace and independent activities among individuals working with the workplace. Unlike a typical office, coworking often allows workers from different organizations to share resources, such as conference rooms, break rooms, receptionists, IT professionals, telecommunications resources, etc.

[0005] Coworking arrangements can be particularly attractive to work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, people in academia, independent scientists, and people who travel frequently— typically workers who would otherwise end up working in reiative isolation or environments not specifically suited for a working environment (e.g., coffee shop). Coworkers can enjoy a social gathering of a group of people who are still working independently or in small groups, but who may share certain values and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with people who value working in the same place alongside each other. Thus, coworking offers a solution to the problem of isolation that many freelancers experience while working at home, while at the same time letting them escape the distractions of home and providing them with office-like features and capabilities not necessarily provided in a home office. Larger businesses with numerous employees in one geographic location also see the value in offering coworking arrangements for some of their employees, who can enjoy the same benefits noted above even if they represent a majority of the people in the coworking space. Further, for individuals, emerging companies, and larger corporations alike, coworking spaces also remove the need to find, rent, purchase, configure, outfit, supply, and/or manage their own space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A is a partially schematic illustration of a co-working space configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] Figures 1 B-1 D are perspective views of modular partitions for use in the co- working space of Figure 1A and configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a modular partition system installed within an interior of a building in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the modular partition system taken along the line 3A-3A in Figure 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; and Figures 3B and 3C are enlarged cross-sectional side views of an upper assembly and a lower assembly, respectively, of the portion of the system shown in Figure 3A.

[0010] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a process or method for installing the portion of the modular partition system shown in Figures 3A-3C in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the modular partition system taken along the line 3A-3A in Figure 2 and configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology

[0012] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the modular partition system taken along the line 3A-3A in Figure 2 and configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

[0013] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional top view of a first post of the modular partition system taken along the line 7A-7A in Figure 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional top view of a second post of the modular partition system taken along the line 7B-7B in Figure 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] Figures 8-10 are top views of different brackets of the modular partition system of Figure 2 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[001 S] Figures 1 1A-1 1 E are cross-sectional fop views illustrating various arrangements of the brackets of Figures 8-10 secured to the first post of Figure 7 A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0016] Figures 12A-12C are cross-sectional top views illustrating the brackets of Figures 8-10 secured to the second post of Figure 7B, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0017] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional top view of a mullion of the modular partition system taken along the line 13-13 in Figure 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0018] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional top view of a mullion of the modular partition system of Figure 2 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

[0019] Figure 15 is a top view of a pair of glazings of the modular partition system of Figure 2 coupled together via a joint in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0020] Figure 16A is a front view of a portion of the modular partition system of Figure 2 including a swinging door configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, Figure 16B is a cross-sectional side view of the swinging door taken along the line 16B-18B in Figure 16A, and Figure 16C is a cross-sectional top view of the swinging door taken along the line 16C-16C in Figure 16A.

[0021] Figure 17A is a front view of a portion of the modular partition system of

Figure 2 including a sliding door configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, Figure 17B is a cross-sectional side view of the sliding door taken along the line 17B-17B in Figure 17A, and Figure 17C is a cross-sectional top view of the sliding door taken along the line 17C-17C in Figure 17A.

[0022] Figure 18A is a partially-exploded isometric view of a modular partition system configured to be installed within the interior of a building in accordance with embodiments of the present technology

[0023] Figure 18B is an exploded isometric view of a panel of the modular partition system of Figure 18A configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology

[0024] Figures 19A-19K are isometric views illustrating various stages in a method of installing the modular partition system of Figure 18A into a building in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0025] Figures 20A-20D are front views of the modular partition system of Figure 18A having different arrangements of acoustic panels in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0026] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a modular plumbing assembly configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0027] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a modular plumbing assembly configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0028] Figure 23 is a front view in elevation of a modular plumbing assembly configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure is directed generally toward modular structures and devices configured to be installed within buildings, such as office buildings, and associated systems and methods. A modular partition system in accordance with the present technology can include a frame easily mounted between a bulkhead and a floor of a building to create walls and/or doors that together form the overall layout of an otherwise empty indoor space. For example, these modular partitions and the modular structures therein can create meeting rooms, offices, cubicals, acoustically insulated rooms, bathrooms, and other types of partitioned areas used in offices and other functional indoor spaces, such as healthcare and educational facilities. In some embodiments, a plurality of acoustically-insulating panels can be coupled to the frame to form a solid wail between the floor and the bulkhead to, for example, separate and form a meeting room from a larger space in an office. In other embodiments, a plurality of glazings can be coupled to the frame to form a transparent wall between the floor and the bulkhead to, for example, separate and form an individual office from the larger space in the office in some aspects of the present technology, the glazings and/or the panels can be coupled to the frame via a snap-fit or other arrangement that does require many— if any— fasteners or adhesives. This can facilitate the quick and easy assembly of the system and provide increased flexibility in the selection/manipu!ation of the floor plan of the office.

[0030] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in Figures 1A-23 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. For example, numerous embodiments of modular structures and devices are described with respect to creating environments and structures in an office setting. However, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in other types of indoor facilities to create functional spaces for different purposes. For example, the modular partitions and modular plumbing units can be used to create functional facilities that serve as schools, hospitals, research Institutions, laboratories, factories, and living facilities (e.g., dormitories, residential spaces). In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations and/or systems often associated with wails, glazings, etc.— such as fasteners, connecting devices, etc.— are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth.

[0031] The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the technology indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

[0032] The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the invention.

[0033] Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present technology in addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the invention can be practiced without several of the details described below.

I. Overview of Selected Embodiments of Modular Spaces

[0034] Several implementations are discussed below in more detail with reference to the Figures. Figure 1A illustrates an overview of an environment 100 in which some implementations of the disclosed technology can operate. The environment 100 includes a co-working facility 102 that includes conference rooms 104, desks 108, a kitchen area 108, and a restroom 109. The co-working facility 102 also includes additional resources, such as phone booths 1 10 and printers 1 12, as well as IT infrastructures such as wireless routers 1 13 to provide wireless local networking (e.g. IEEE 802.1 1 Wi-Fi networking), networked or "smart" thermostats, smart lighting, and so forth.

[003S] Some or all of the rooms and/or other structures in the co-working facility 102 can be defined at least in part by various modular structures, such as modular partitions 1 1 1 that can be easily and expeditiously installed in the co-working facility 102 to create a desired fioorpian. The modular partitions 1 1 1 can include acoustically insulated wall structures, partitions made of glass and/or other transparent or partially transparent materials, partitions made of opaque materials, partitions including sliding and/or swinging doors, partitions that provide for eiectrical cabling, and/or various other suitable partitions and features on the partitions for creating the desired layout for a co-working or other office environment. Figures 1 B-1 D, for example, illustrate modular partitions 1 1 1 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The modular partitions 1 1 1 can create one or more walls mounted between a ceiling or header and the floor to define one or more meeting rooms (Figure 1 B) and/or offices (Figure 1 C) that may be accessible via a sliding door (Figure 1 C) or swinging door (Figure 1 D) that is part of the modular partitions 1 1 1. The modular structures can also include modular plumbing units 1 15 that are at least partially preassembled prior to delivery at the installation site and facilitate the connection of plumbing necessary to create bathroom facilities including one or more toilets. Thus, these modular structures can expedite the configuration of an office space and/or allow for simple reconfiguration of the office space.

[0036] As further shown in Figure 1A, the co-working facility 102 and/or members occupying the co-working facility 102 typically have one or more laptop computers 1 14, mobile devices 1 18 (e.g., mobile phones), and other data processing devices that can connect to one or more servers 122 via the wireless routers 1 13 or via WWAN/cellular base stations 1 18 and via a network or cloud 120. While the server 122 is displayed logically as a single server 122, the system can employ a distributed computing environment encompassing multiple computing devices located at the same or at geographically disparate physical locations. The network or cloud 120 can be any network, ranging from a wired or wireless local area network (LAN), to a wired or wireless wide area network (WAN), to the Internet or some other public or private network. The server 122 is coupled to one or more databases 124. The database 124 stores data such as space data 128, member data 128, and schedule data 129. The space data 126 includes data related to physical layout and resources within the co-working facility 102. The member data 128 includes information regarding members who work within the co working facility 102, and can include information regarding rental or lease data, personal information, preferences, and so forth. The schedule data 129 includes information regarding scheduling of resources within the co-working facility 102, such as the conference rooms 104, desks 106, and so forth. Members and/or those managing the co-working facility 102 can access various aspects of this information via one or more applications running on the laptop computers 1 14 or the mobile devices 1 16. As shown, the mobile devices 1 18 can include an operating system 136, one or more applications 134, application data 132 and a graphical user interface (GUI) 130. While the connections between the server 122 and the cloud 120 and database 124 are shown as separate connections, these connections can be any kind of local, wide area, wired, or wireless network, public or private.

[0037] Various aspects of the co-working facility 102 can be implemented as special-purpose hardware (for example, circuitry), as programmable circuitry appropriately programmed with software and/or firmware, or as a combination of special- purpose and programmable circuitry. Hence, implementations can include a machine- readable medium having stored thereon instructions which can be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The machine-readable medium can include, but Is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optica! discs, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, ROMs, random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optica! cards, flash memory, or other types of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the modular structures and other features of the co-working facility 102 are described with respect to a co-working space. However, the modular structures and other features described herein may be suitable to for use in other environments that are partitioned to create a specific layout. For example, the modular partitions 1 1 1 and/or other modular structures disclosure herein can be used to define rooms and bathrooms for a school environment, clean rooms and partitioned spaces for a laboratory, patient rooms and nurse's facilities in hospitals, sleeping quarters and living spaces for temporary or permanent housing, and so forth.

II. Selected Embodiments of Systems Having Modular Glass Structures

[0039] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a modular partition system 200 ("system 200") installed within the interior of a building (e.g., an office building) in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In general, the system 200 includes a plurality of glass panes that can be easily mounted together to form a modular wall for, for example, separating and forming an individual office from a larger space in an office. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 200 includes a plurality of glazings 210 (which can also be referred to herein as windows, glass panes, glass sheets, etc.) removably secured to a frame 212. The frame 212 can include an upper assembly 214 (e.g., a first assembly) mounted to a bulkhead 202 of the building, a lower assembly 216 (e.g., a second assembly) mounted to a floor 204 of the building, a plurality of posts 218 (e.g., third assemblies) extending between the bulkhead 202 and the floor 204 (identified individually as first posts 218a and second posts 218b), and/or a plurality of muliions 219 (e.g , fourth assemblies) extending between the upper assembly 214 and the lower assembly 216. In the Illustrated embodiment, the second posts 218b abut a wail 208 of the building.

[0040] The system 200 can enclose/define one or more rooms within the interior of the building. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the system 200 encloses three sides of a rectangular room 206 and abuts the wall 208 of the building, which defines the fourth side of the room 206. In other embodiments, the system 200 can be configured to fully enclose a room (e.g , enclose four sides of a rectangular room), or extend along and enclose a different portion of a perimeter of a room (e.g., enclose one or two sides of a rectangular room). In one aspect of the present technology, the system 200 is a modular system that can be flexibly configured/arranged based on the characteristics (e.g., size, shape, etc.) of a building to partition the interior space of the building into a desired layout (e.g., fioorpian) including one or rooms having the same or different dimensions.

[0041] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the system 200 taken along the line 3A-3A in Figure 2. in the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower assemblies 214 and 216 receive and secure one of the glazings 210 ("the glazing 210") such that the glazing 210 is positioned generally perpendicular with respect to the bulkhead 202 and the floor 204. More specifically, the upper assembly 214 is configured to receive and secure an upper end or edge portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210, and the lower assembly 216 is configured to receive and secure a lower end or edge portion 31 1 b of the glazing 210.

[0042] Figures 3B and 3C are enlarged cross-sectional side views of the upper assembly 214 and the lower assembly 216, respectively, shown in Figure 3A. Referring first to Figure 3B, the upper assembly 214 includes an anchor 320 (e.g., a first portion) and a bracket assembly 322 (e.g., a second portion) coupled to the anchor 320. The anchor 320 is attached the bulkhead 202 via one or more fasteners 321 . In some embodiments the fasteners 321 can comprise an adhesive (e.g., foam rubber), bolts, screws, etc. The bracket assembly 322 is movably (e.g., slidably) coupled to the anchor 320 such that the bracket assembly 322 can deflect upward and/or downward relative to the anchor 320 along a Y-axis illustrated in Figure 3B.

[0043] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the anchor 320 includes opposing first and second sidewalls 323a and 323b that define a channel 325. The bracket assembly 322 similarly includes opposing first and second sidewalls 327a and 327b that are positioned at least partially within the channel 325 adjacent to the first and second sidewalls 323a and 323b, respectively, of the anchor 320. When the bracket assembly 322 deflects along the Y-axis, the sidewalls 327 of the bracket assembly 322 slide relative to the sidewalls 323 of the anchor 320. in some embodiments, one or both of the sidewalls 327 of the bracket assembly 322 can include a flange 328 configured to engage the adjacent one of the sidewalls 323 of the anchor 320 to (a) limit vertical movement of the bracket assembly 322 relative to the anchor 320 and/or (b) maintain the coupling between the bracket assembly 322 and the anchor 320. For example, the sidewalls 323 of the anchor 320 can include corresponding flanges 329 that engage/contact the flanges 328 of the bracket assembly 322 to inhibit the bracket assembly 322 from fully disengaging (e.g. failing out of) the anchor 320 when there are no upward forces (e.g., from the glazing 210) on the bracket assembiy 322. The anchor 320 and bracket assembiy 322 can be formed of any suitably strong material such as, for example, one or more metal, composite, and/or plastic materials.

[0044] The bracket assembly 322 defines a plurality of receptacles 330 (identified individually as a first receptacle 330a, a second receptacle 330b, and a third receptacle 330c) that are each configured to receive and secure the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210. In the illustrated embodiment, however, only the second receptacle 330b receives and secures the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210. (Figures 4 and 5, described in greater detail below, illustrate alternative embodiments in which the glazing 210 is positioned in the first receptacle 330a and/or the third receptacle 330c.) In general, the features and configurations of the receptacles 330 can be generally similar or identical. Accordingly, while the features of the second receptacle 330b are described in detail below, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the first and third receptacles 330a and 330c can have the same or similar features. [0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the second receptacle 330b includes opposing first and second sidewalls 332a and 332b that together define a channel 331. A pair of first arms 334 extends from the first sidewall 332a into the channel 331 in a first direction, and a pair of second arms 338 extends from the second sidewall 332b into the channel 331 in a second direction, opposite the first direction. A first flexible member 338a spans between the first arms 334 and a second flexible member 338b spans between the second arms 338. More particularly, the first flexible member 338a (a) includes opposing end portions coupled to corresponding end portions of the first arms 334 and (b) is flexed outwardly away from the first arms 334 into the channel 331 . Similarly, the second flexible member 338b (a) includes opposing end portions coupled to corresponding end portions of the second arms 336 and (b) is flexed outwardly away from the second arms 338 into the channel 331. By this arrangement, the flexible members 338 are urged against and engage opposing sides of the glazing 210 to secure the glazing 210 within the channei 331. Put differently, when the glazing 210 is positioned in the second receptacle 330b, the glazing 210 compresses (a) the first flexible member 338a in a direction toward the first arms 334 and (b) the second flexible member 338b in a direction toward the second arms 336. In one aspect of the present technology, the glazing 210 can easily be removed from/inserted into the second receptacle 330b by puliing/pushing the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210 past the flexible members 338. When the glazing 210 is removed from the second receptacle 330b, the flexible members 338 extend farther into the channel 331 in an uncompressed state. The flexible members 338 can be formed of any suitably flexible material such as, for example, plastic, metal (e.g., a thin metal strip or sheet), etc.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, a first plug 339a is releasab!y secured within the first receptacle 330a and a second plug 339b is reieasably secured within the third receptacle 330c. The plugs 339 can be positioned within the first and third receptacles 330a and 330c instead of flexible members (e.g., the flexible members 338). In some embodiments, the plugs 339 can be secured within the receptacles 330 via a snap-fit arrangement (e.g., by mating/engaging with corresponding arms projecting into the receptacles 330) or another suitable arrangement that enables the plugs 339 to be easily removed from/inserted into the receptacles 330. Similarly, in some embodiments the flexible members 338 can be reieasably coupled to the first and second arms 334 and 338 by a snap-fit arrangement, releasable pins, screws, etc., such that the flexible members 338 can be easily removed from within the second receptacle 330b. Accordingly, in one aspect of the present technology the bracket assembly 322 is easily configurable to accommodate different positioning of the glazing 210. For example, the flexible members 338 can be removed from the second receptacle 330b and alternatively mounted within the first receptacle 330a or the third receptacle 330c (instead of the plugs 339) for receiving the glazing 210 therein.

[0047] Referring next to Figure 3C, the lower assembly 216 includes an anchor 340 (e.g., a first portion) and a support assembly 342 (e.g., a second portion) coupled to the anchor 340. The anchor 340 is positioned on the floor 204. in some embodiments, the anchor 340 can be secured to the floor 204 via one or more fasteners (not pictured; e.g., adhesives, bolts, screws, etc.) while, in other embodiments, the anchor 340 can simply rest on the floor 204. The anchor 340 and the support assembly 342 can be formed of any suitably strong material such as, for example, one or more metal, composite, and/or plastic materials.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 340 includes opposing first and second sidewalls 343a and 343b. An adjustment mechanism 350 is positioned between the sidewalls 343 and is operab!y coupled to a platform 352 configured to engage and support the support assembly 342. The adjustment mechanism 350 is operable to move the platform 352 upward or downward relative to the anchor 340 and the floor 204 along the Y-axis illustrated in Figure 3C. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the adjustment mechanism 350 includes a base 354, a bolt 355 secured to the base 354, and a screw 356 threaded through the bolt 351 and attached to the platform 352. The screw 356 can be moved upward and downward through the bolt 351 relative to the base 354 to raise and lower the platform 352. In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 350 can be an automated device including, for example, a motor, pneumatic device, etc., for raising and lowering the platform 352.

[0049] The support assembly 342 includes opposing first and second sidewalls 347a and 347b slidably positioned adjacent to the first and second sidewalls 343a and 343b, respectively, of the anchor 340. In some embodiments, the support assembly 342 can be removed (e.g., lifted away from) the anchor 340 to permit access to and adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 350. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 347 of the support assembly 342 can each include a flange 348 that engages the adjacent one of the sidewalls 343 of the anchor 340 (e.g., engages a corresponding slot 349 in the adjacent one of sidewalls 343) to limit/inhibit movement of the support assembly 342 relative to the anchor 340.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 342 further includes a receptacle 360 positioned between the sidewalls 347. The receptacle 360 is configured to receive and secure the lower end portion 31 1 b of the glazing 210 and can include some features generally similar to the features of the receptacles 330 described in detail above with reference to Figure 3B. For example, the receptacle 360 includes (a) opposing first and second sidewalls 362a and 362b that define a channel 361 , (b) a pair of first arms 364 extending from the first sidewall 362a into the channel 361 in a first direction, and (c) a pair of second arms 366 extending from the second sidewall 362b into the channel 361 in a second direction, opposite the first direction. A first flexible member 368a spans between the first arms 364 and is flexed outwardiy away from the first arms 364 into the channel 361 , and a second flexible member 368b spans between the second arms 366 and is flexed outwardly away from the second arms 366 into the channel 361 . By this arrangement the flexible members 368 are urged against and engage opposing sides of the giazing 210 to secure the glazing 210 within the channel 361.

[0051] Unlike the upper assembly 214 (Figure 3B), the lower assembly 216 Is configured to bear and support the weight of the glazing 210 when the glazing 210 is installed between the upper and lower assemblies 214 and 216 Accordingly, the support assembly 342 can include a support member 365 positioned within the channel 361 of the receptacle 360. When the glazing 210 is installed between the upper and lower assemblies 214 and 216, the lower end portion 31 1 b of the glazing 210 engages (e.g , rests on) the support member 365 such that the load path extends from the receptacle 360 through the platform 352 and the adjustment mechanism 350 to the floor 204. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the load path can extend through the sidewalls 343 of the anchor 340 via engagement of the sidewalls 347 of the support assembly 342 with the sidewalls 343 of the anchor 340 (e.g., via engagement of the flanges 348 with the slots 349). Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment the receptacle 360 includes an energy absorbing portion 367 positioned between the support member 365 and the platform 352 The energy absorbing portion 367 can be an elastic, flexible member that dissipates energy when the glazing 210 is moved (e.g., during installation or cleaning of the glazing 210, via inadvertent contact with the glazing 210, etc.). In some embodiments, the support member 385 can also be formed of an elastic material for absorbing energy transmitted through the glazing 210.

[0052] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a process or method 400 for installing the portion of the system 200 shown in Figures 3A-3C in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Accordingly, some features of the method 400 are described in the context of the embodiments shown in Figures 3A-3C.

[0053] Beginning at block 402, the method 400 includes mounting the upper assembly 214 to the bulkhead 202 via, for example, the fasteners 321. At block 404, the method 400 includes positioning the lower assembly 216 on the floor204 below the upper assembly 214. The lower assembly 216 can be secured to the floor 204 via adhesives, fasteners, etc., or simply positioned thereon.

[0054] At block 406, the method 400 includes leveling the lower assembly 218. In some embodiments, for example, an operator installing the system 200 can remove/disengage the support assembly 342 from the anchor 340 to access the adjustment mechanism 350. The operator can then adjust the adjustment mechanism 350 (e.g., by turning the screw 356) to vary the height of the platform 352— and thus the ultimate position of the lower end portion 31 1 b of the glazing 210. in one aspect of the present technology, the adjustment mechanism 350 allows the platform 352 to be leveled to compensate for irregularities in the floor 204. The ability to level the platform 352 can be especially useful where the system 200 is installed in older buildings (e.g , during retrofitting of older buildings) that often have irregular floors in some embodiments, the lower assembly 216 can include multiple adjustment mechanisms 350 that support the platform 352 (or multiple such platforms) to permit the platform 352 to be leveled/adjusted at multiple locations.

[0055] At block 408, the method 400 includes inserting the glazing 210 into the upper and lower assemblies 214 and 216. For example, the operator can first insert the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210 into the second receptacle 330b of the bracket assembly 322 by angling the glazing 210 (e.g., as shown in dashed lines in Figure 3A) and pushing the glazing 210 upward past the flexible members 338. Next, the operator can rotate the glazing 210 toward vertical (e.g., into alignment with the Y-axis) and insert the lower end portion 31 1 b of the glazing 210 into the receptacle 360 of the support assembly 342 and downward past the flexible members 368. In some embodiments, after inserting the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210 into the second receptacle 330b of the bracket assembly 322, the operator can apply an upward force to the glazing 210 to deflect the bracket assembly 322 upward relative to the anchor 320 to thereby provide more room/clearance for the lower end portion 31 1 b of the glazing 210 to be fitted into the receptacle 360 of the support assembly 342. In another aspect of the present technology, the slidable coupling between the bracket assembly 322 and the anchor 320 allows the bracket assembly 322 to deflect upward (e.g., toward the bulkhead 202) to accommodate any increased height of the glazing 210 (e.g., relative to the floor 204) resulting from adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 350 (block 406).

[0056] In another aspect of the present technology, the glazing 210 can be installed into/removed from the upper and lower assemblies 214 and 216 without the use of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.), adhesives, etc. That is, the glazing 210 can be simply installed by maneuvering the glazing 210 into (a) one of the receptacles 330 in the bracket assembly 322 of the upper assembly 214 and (b) the receptacle 360 in the support assembly 342 of the lower assembly 216. Accordingly, unlike many conventional systems including glass partitions, the current technology can be quickly and easily installed and taken down.

[0057] In addition, the system 200 can accommodate the glazing 210 in different configurations (e.g., installed into a different one of the receptacles 330 of the bracket assembly 322) and/or can accommodate multiple one of the glazings 210. More particularly, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the system 200 taken along the line 3A-3A in Figure 2 and configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210 is installed into the first receptacle 330a of the bracket assembly 322 of the upper assembly 214, rather than the second receptacle 330b as shown in Figures 3A-3C. Accordingly, a pair of flexible members (e.g., the flexible members 338; Figure 3B) can be mounted in the first receptacle 330a for securing the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210 therein.

[0058] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the system 200 taken along the line 3A-3A in Figure 2 and configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end portion 31 1 a of the glazing 210 (e.g., a first glazing 210) is installed into the first receptacle 330a of the bracket assembly 322 of the upper assembly 214, and the lower end portion 31 1 b of the first glazing 210 is installed into the receptacle 360 in the lower assembly 216 (e.g., a first lower assembly 216). However, the system 200 further includes a second glazing 610 having an upper end portion 61 1 a installed into the third receptacle 330c of the bracket assembly 322 of the upper assembly 214, and a lower end portion 61 1 b installed within a receptacle 660 in a second lower assembly 616. The second lower assembly 616 can be generally the same as or identical to the first lower assembly 216, as described in detail above in one aspect of the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the first and second glazings 210 and 610 can provide relatively greater acoustical isolation within the room 206 (Figure 2) and/or can provide greater insulation by creating an insulating air gap 669 between the first and second glazings 210 and 610.

[0059] In other embodiments, the system 200 can include any combination of one or more of the glazings 210 distributed in any one or more of the receptacles 330 of the bracket assembly 322. Similarly, in some embodiments the bracket assembly 322 can include more (e.g., more than three) or fewer (e.g., less than three) of the receptacles 330.

[0060] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional top view of one of the first posts 218a ("the first post 218a") taken along the line 7A-7A in Figure 2. in the illustrated embodiment, the first post 218a includes a hollow body 770 have a generally rectangular (e.g., square) cross-sectional shape. The body 770 can be formed of a metal material (e.g , aluminum) and, in some embodiments, can be formed from an extrusion process. The body 770 defines a plurality of channels 772 (identified individually as first through fourth channels 772a-772d, respectively) configured to receive and secure a bracket therein, as described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 1A-1 1 E. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels 772 are each formed generally centrally in a corresponding side of the body 770. in other embodiments, one or more of the channels 772 can be formed in a different location along the body 770 and/or the number of channels 772 can be different (e.g., including only a single channel in a single side of the body 770, two or more channels per side, etc.).

[0061] In general, the features and configurations of the channels 772 can be generally similar or identical. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the channels 772 are each defined by (a) opposing first and second sidewaiis 773a and 773b and (b) a base wail 774. The sidewalls 773 and/or the base wall 774 can include a plurality of projections 775, grooves 776, and/or other features for engaging and securing a bracket. As further shown in Figure 7A, the hollow body 770 can receive and secure various cables 777 (e.g., power cables, data cables, etc.) therein.

[0062] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional top view one of the second posts 218b ("the second post 218b") taken along the line 7B-7B in Figure 2. In the illustrated embodiment the second post 218b includes a hollow body 790 having a first portion 792 secured to the wail 208 of the building and a second portion 794 coupled to the first portion 792. T o install the second post 218b, in some embodiments the first portion 792 can first be fastened to the wall 208 via fasteners 791 (e.g., bolts, screws, brackets, adhesives, etc.), and the second portion 794 can then be installed onto the first portion 792 (e.g., via a snap-fit arrangement). The body 790 defines a channel 796 configured to receive and secure a bracket therein, as described in detail below with reference to Figures 12A- 12C. The channel 796 can be generally similar or identical to the channels 772 of the first post 218a (Figure 7A). in some embodiments, the body 790 can include one or more additional channels 798 (identified individually as a first additional channel 798a and a second additional channel 798b). The additional channels 798 can be configured to receive and secure additional components to the second post 218b such as, for example, a cable trunking.

[0063] Figures 8-10 illustrate various brackets for securing the glazings 210 (Figure 2) to the posts 218 (Figures 2, 7A, and 7B). For example, Figure 8 is a top view of a bracket 880 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 880 include a receptacle 882 configured to receive and secure a side portion of one of the glazings 210. The receptacle 882 can include some features generally similar or identical to the features of the receptacles 330 and/or the receptacle 360 described in detail above with reference to Figures 3B and 3C. For example, the receptacle 882 includes (a) opposing first and second sidewalls 883a and 883b that define a channel 881 , (b) a pair of first arms 884 extending from the first sidewall 883a into the channel 881 in a first direction, and (c) a pair of second arms 886 extending from the second sidewall 883b into the channel 881 in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Likewise, a first flexible member 885a spans between the first arms 884 and is flexed outwardly away from the first arms 884 into the channel 881 , and a second flexible member 885b spans between the second arms 886 and is flexed outwardly away from the second arms 886 into the channel 881. By this arrangement, when one of the glazings 210 is positioned within the receptacle 882, the flexible members 885 are urged against and engage opposing sides of the glazing 210 to secure the glazing 210 within the channel 881.

[0064] Referring to Figures 7A-8A together, the bracket 880 further includes a pair of legs 888 configured to be positioned within (a) one of the channels 772 of the first post 218a to secure the bracket 880 to the first post 218a or (b) the channel 796 of the second post 218b to secure the bracket 880 to the second post 218b. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the legs 888 each include a projection 887 that can be secured within a groove (e.g., one of the grooves 778) within a desired one of the channels 772 or 796. In some embodiments, the bracket 880 can be easily secured to (and subsequently removed from) the posts 218 via a snap-fit arrangement or otherwise without requiring the use of fasteners, adhesives etc. in some embodiments, the receptacle 882 can define one or more additional channels 889 (identified individually as a first additional channel 889a and a second additional channel 889b). The additional channels 889 can be configured to receive and secure additional components to the bracket 880 such as, for example, a cable trunking. In a particular embodiment, the bracket 880 can be used in the system 200 when the glazing 210 is installed into the second receptacle 330b of the upper assembly 214, as shown in Figures 3A-3C, and is thus centered relative to the posts 218.

[0065] Figure 9 is a top view of a bracket 980 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. The bracket 980 can include some features generally similar or identical to the features of the bracket 880 described in detail above, such as legs 988 coupled to a receptacle 982. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the legs 988 are laterally offset from the receptacle 982. In a particular embodiment, the bracket 980 can be used in the system 200 when the glazing 210 is installed into the first receptacle 330a or the third receptacle 330c of the upper assembly 214, as shown In Figure 5, and is thus offset from the center of the posts 218.

[0066] Figure 10 is a top view of a bracket 1080 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. The bracket 1080 can include some features generally similar or identical to the features of the brackets 880 and 980 described in detail above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the bracket 1080 includes a first receptacle 1082a and a second receptacle 1082b coupled to legs 1088. In other embodiments, the bracket 1080 can include more than the two illustrated receptacles 1082 (e.g., three or more spaced-apart receptacles) in a particular embodiment, the bracket 1080 can be used in the system 200 when two of the glazings 210 are installed between the upper assembly 214 and the lower assembly 216, as shown in Figure 6.

[0067] Figures 1 1A-1 1 E are cross-sectional top views showing various arrangements of the brackets 880, 980, and/or 1080 secured to the first post 218a in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. For example, Figure 11 A illustrates a cross-joint arrangement in which one of the brackets 880 is secured in each of the channels 772 of the first post 218a. Figure 11 B illustrates another cross-joint arrangement in which one of the brackets 1080 is secured in each of the channels 772 of the first post 218a.

[0068] Figure 1 1 C illustrates a T-joint arrangement in which one of the brackets 980 is secured in each of the second and fourth channels 772b and 772d, and one of the brackets 1080 is secured in the first channel 772a of the first post 218a. Figure 11 D illustrates another T-joint arrangement in which one of the brackets 980 is secured in each of the second and fourth channels 772b and 772d, and one of the brackets 880 is secured in the first channel 772a. Referring to Figures 11 C and 11 D together, a plug 1 139 can be secured in the unused third channel 772c.

[0069] Figure 11 E illustrates a corner-joint arrangement in which one of the brackets 980 is secured in each of the first and second channels 772a and 772B. in some embodiments, plugs 1 139 can be positioned in the unused third and fourth channels 772c and 772d As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, Figures 1 1 A- 11 E illustrate a few specific embodiments, but many other combinations/arrangements of the brackets 880, 980, and 1080 around the first post 218a are within the scope of the present technology.

[0070] Figures 12A-12C are cross-sectional top views showing the brackets 880, 980, and 1080 secured within the channel 796 of the second post 218b, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Figures 12A and 12C further illustrate a housing or trunking 1295 coupled to the brackets 880 and 1080, respectively. More specifically, the trunking 1295 can include a projection 1299 that mates/engages with one of the additional channels of the brackets 880 and 1080 (e.g., the second additional channel 889b of the bracket 880) to secure the trunking 1295 thereto. The trunking 1295 can receive and conceal/secure one or more cables.

[0071] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional top view of one of the muilions ("the muilion 219") taken along the line 13-13 in Figure 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In general, the muilion 219 is configured to couple together adjacent ones of the glazings 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the muilion 219 includes a first receptacle 1302a and a second receptacle 1302b each configured to receive and secure a side portion of one of the glazings 210. The receptacles 1302 can include some features generally similar or identical to the features of the receptacles 330, 360, 882, 982, and/or 1082 described in detail above. In a particular embodiment, the muilion 219 can be used in the system 200 when the glazing 210 is installed into a single one of the receptacles 330 of the upper assembly 214, as shown in Figures 3A--3C and 5.

[0072] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional top view of a muilion 1419 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the muilion 1419 includes first through fourth receptacles 1402a-1402d, respectively, each configured to receive and secure a side portion of one of the glazings 210. In a particular embodiment, the muilion 1419 can be used in the system 200 when two of the glazings 210 are installed between the upper assembly 214 and the lower assembly 216, as shown in Figure 6. Referring to Figures 13 and 14 together, in some embodiments the trunking 1295 can be reieasably attached to the muilion 219 and/or the muilion 1419 (e.g., via a snap-fit arrangement).

[0073] In yet other embodiments, adjacent ones of the glazings 210 (Figure 2) can be secured together via a butt-joint or other arrangement. For example, Figure 15 is a top view illustrating two of the glazings 210 coupled together via a butt joint 1504. in some embodiments, the butt joint 1504 can comprise a silicone tape.

[0074] Referring again to Figure 2, in some embodiments the system 200 can include one or more doors extending between the upper assembly 214 and the floor 204 for permitting access to the room 206. For example, Figure 18A is a front view of a portion of the system 200 including a swinging door 1620 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Figure 16B is a cross-sectional side view of the swinging door 1620 taken along the line 16B-16B in Figure 16A, and Figure 18C is a cross-sectional top view of the swinging door 1620 taken along the line 16C-16C in Figure 16A.

[0075] Figure 17A is a front view of a portion of the system 200 including a sliding door 1720 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Figure 17B is a cross-sectional side view of the sliding door 1720 taken along the line 17B-17B in Figure 17A, and Figure 17C is a cross-sectional top view of the sliding door 1720 taken along the line 17C-17C in Figure 17A.

III. Selected Embodiments of Systems Having Modular Walls

[0076] Figure 18A is a partially-exploded, isometric view of a modular partition system 1800 ("system 1800") configured to be installed within the interior of a building (e.g., an office building) in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In general, the system 1800 includes a plurality of acoustically-insulated panels that can be easily mounted together to form a solid wall for, for example, separating and forming a meeting room from a larger space in an office. The system 1800 can include some features generally similar or identical to the features of the system 200 described in detail above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the system 1800 includes a frame 1812 comprising an upper assembly 1814 configured to be mounted to a bulkhead of a building, a lower assembly 1816 configured to be mounted to a floor of the building, and a pair of posts 1818 (identified individually as a first post 1818a and a second post 1818b) configured to extend between the upper and lower assemblies 1814 and 1816.

[0077] A plurality of lower panels 1820 (identified individually as first through fourth lower panels 1820a~1820d, respectively) are coupled to the lower assembly 1818 via a pair of lower cross members 1830 (identified as a first lower cross member 1830a and a second lower cross member 1830b). A plurality of central panels 1822 (identified individually as first through third centra! panels 1822a-1822c, respectively) are coupled to the lower panels 1820 via a pair of central cross members 1832 (identified as a first central cross member 1832a and a second central cross member 1832b.). Similarly, a plurality of upper panels 1824 (identified individually as first through third upper panels 1824a~1824c, respectively) are coupled to the central panels 1822 via a pair of upper cross members 1834 (identified as a first upper cross member 1834a and a second upper CrOSS member 1834b). in other embodiments, the system 1800 can include a different number of the panels 1820-1824 and/or the cross members 1830-1834.

[0078] The lower panels 1820 and the central panels 1822 can have varying sizes (e.g., 0.5-meter or 1.0-meter widths) but can each have a generally similar or identical construction. For example, Figure 18B is an exploded isometric view of one of the central panels 1822 ("the central panel 1822") of Figure 18A configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology in the illustrated embodiment, the central panel 1822 includes opposing first and second outer plates 1840a and 1840b that can be coupled together via a plurality of generally elongate ribs 1842. More specifically, the ribs 1842 can each include a plurality of first tabs 1846, and the outer plates 1840 can each include a plurality of recesses 1844 (the recesses 1844 in the first outer plate 1840a are obscured in Figure 18B) configured to engage corresponding ones of the first tabs 1846 in a snap-fit arrangement. In some embodiments, the ribs 1842 can include second tabs 1847 configured to mate/engage with slots in corresponding ones of the cross members 1830-1834, as described in greater detail below. The central panel 1822 can further include a fill material 1848 substantially filing the space between the outer plates 1840 and the ribs 1842. The fill material 1848 can be an acoustically insulating material, such as recycled fiber.

[0079] Referring to Figure 18A, the upper panels 1824 can be generally similar to the lower panels 1820 and the centra! panels 1822. For example, each of the upper panels 1824 can include a plurality of ribs 1852 and a fill material 1858 therebetween in the illustrated embodiment, however, the upper panels 1824 further include a first connecting member 1855a and a second connecting member 1855b that can be snap fit (or otherwise attached) to the ribs 1852. A plurality of first outer plates 1841 and a plurality of second outer plates 1843 can be coupled to the first and second connecting members 1855a and 1855b, respectively, to provide a generally planar and uniform outer surface with the lower panels 1820 and the central panels 1822.

[0080] In one aspect of the present technology, all the components of the panels 1820-1824 can be formed from sheet materials (e.g., plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), etc.) via a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining process in another aspect of the present technology, the panels 1820-1824 can be assembled entirely via snap-fit connections and thus do not require the use of adhesive, fasteners, etc. This is expected to simplify manufacturing and increase recyclability of the panels 1820-1824.

[0081] The cross members 1830-1834 can have varying lengths but can otherwise be generally similar or identical. For example, the cross members 1830-1834 can each comprise a sheet material (e.g., plywood, MDF, etc.) machined to include a plurality of slots/grooves 1836 for engaging corresponding ones of the ribs of the panels 1820-1824.

[0082] in the illustrated embodiment, the upper assembly 1814 includes an anchor portion 1860 defining a channel 1862 configured to receive a portion of the upper panels 1824 therein. In some embodiments, the upper assembly 1814 further includes a fill material 1864 (e.g., an acoustically insulating material) in the channel 1862. The lower assembly 1816 similarly includes an anchor portion 1870 defining a channel 1872 configured to receive the lower cross members 1830 therein. In some embodiments, the lower assembly 1816 further includes a plurality of ribs 1876 positioned within the channel 1872 and configured to engage corresponding ones of the slots 1836 of the lower cross members 1830. A fill material 1874 can be positioned within the channel 1872 between the ribs 1876. In some embodiments, the system 200 can further include one or more gaskets 1813 configured to seal an interface between the paneis 1820-1824 and the posts 1818.

[0083] Figures 19A-19J are isometric views illustrating various stages in a method of installing the system 200 into a building in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring first to Figure 19A, instailation of the system 200 begins with installing the frame 1812. More specifically, the upper assembly 1814 can be mounted to a bulkhead 1902 of the building, the lower assembly 1816 can be mounted to a floor 1904 of the building, and the posts 1818 can be mounted between the upper and lower assemblies 1814 and 1816. In some embodiments, the anchor portion 1860 of the upper assembly 1814 is first mounted to the bulkhead 1902 via one or more fasteners or adhesives (not shown) and the fill material 1864 is then positioned therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower assembly 1816 comprises two separate pieces that are installed side-by-side between the posts 218 while, in other embodiments, the lower assembly 1816 can comprise a single, integral part. In some embodiments, the anchor portion(s) 1870 of the lower assembly 1816 is first positioned on the floor 1904 and the fill material 1874 is then positioned therein. As further shown in Figure 19A, the gaskets 1813 can be taped or otherwise adhered to the posts 218 before installing the panels 1820-1824.

[0084] Referring next to Figure 19B, installation of the system 200 continues by positioning the lower cross members 1830 on the lower assembly 1816 More specifically, the slots 1836 of the lower cross members 1830 can be positioned over/on corresponding ones of the ribs 1876 of the lower assembly 1816 to secure the lower cross members 1830 to the lower assembly 1816.

[0085] Referring next to Figure 19C, installation of the system 200 continues by positioning the lower panels 1820 on the lower cross members 1830. For example, the second tabs 1847 of the ribs 1842 (Figure 18B) of the lower panels 1820 can be inserted into corresponding ones of the slots 1836 in the lower cross members 1830. In some embodiments, the first lower panel 1820a is installed first, followed sequentially by the second through fourth lower panels 1820a-1820d. In one aspect of the present technology, the sequential installation of the lower panels 1820 can help facilitate their proper placement along the lower cross members 1830.

[0086] Figures 19D-19F illustrate the sequential installation of the central cross members 1832, the central panels 1822, and the upper cross members 1834, respectively. The installation of these components can proceed in a similar manner as the installation of the lower cross members 1830 and the lower panels 1820 described in detail above with reference to Figures 19B and 19C.

[0087] Referring next to Figure 19G, installation of the system 200 continues by positioning the upper panels 1824 on the upper cross members 1834. Figures 19H and 191 are enlarged isometric views of the first upper panel 1824a during installation. Referring to Figures 19G-19I together, the upper panels 1824 are installed by (a) first moving the upper panels 1824 upward at an angle (e.g., as indicated by arrows A in Figure 9H) into the channel 1862 in the anchor portion 1860 of the upper assembly 1814 and (b) then moving the upper panels 1824 downward (e.g., as indicated by arrow B in Figure 9I) onto the upper cross members 1834. More specifically, the ribs 1852 of the upper panels 1824 can be positioned in corresponding ones of the slots 1836 of the upper cross members 1834. The connecting members 1855 connect the ribs 1852 and the fill material 1858 therebetween to permit installation of the upper panels 1824 before the first and second outer plates 1841 and 1843 are coupled thereto. [0088] Referring next to Figure 19J, installation of the system 200 continues by coupling (a) the first outer plates 1841 to the first connecting members 1855a and (b) the second outer plates 1843 to the second connecting members 1855b (obscured in Figure 19J). In some embodiments, the outer plates 1841 and 1843 can have projections/tabs (e.g. dowels; not shown) that fit into corresponding holes of the upper panels 1824 to secure the outer plates 1841 and 1843 to the upper panels 1824 via a snap-fit arrangement. The outer plates 1841 and 1843 provide a generally planar and uniform outer surface with the lower panels 1820 and the central panels 1822. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment individual ones of the outer plates 1841 and 1843 are each coupled to multiple ones (e.g., two) of the upper panels 1824. This is expected to increase the effective acoustic insulation and mechanical strength of the system 1800.

[0089] Referring to Figures 19A-19J together, in one aspect of the present technology most or all of the components of the system 1800— for example, the panels 182Q--1824 and the cross members 1830--1834— can be fit together via a snap-fit arrangement such that the system 1800 can be quickly and easily constructed/deconstructed in another aspect of the present technology, each of the individual components can be small and light-weight enough that a single user can install the system 200. in another aspect of the present technology, the system 200 does not include a single continuous seam extending vertically between the upper and lower assemblies 1814 and 1816. That is, the seams formed between adjacent components (e.g., the panels 1820-1824) are laterally offset from one another. This is expected to increase the effective acoustic insulation and mechanical strength of the system 1800.

[0090] Referring to Figure 19K, in some embodiments a plurality of acoustic panels 1980 can be coupled to the panels 1820-1824. For example, the acoustic panels 1980 can have projections/tabs (e.g., dowels; not shown) that fit into corresponding holes in the central panels 1822 to secure the acoustic panels 1980 to the central panels 1822 via a snap-fit arrangement. The acoustic panels 1980 can comprise a recycled fiber or other acoustically-insulating material. In some embodiments, the acoustic panels 1980 can be panels such as those manufactured under the trademark "ezoBord." in the illustrated embodiment, the acoustic panels 1980 each have a rectangular shape and are generally the same size and evenly spaced apart. However, in other embodiments the acoustic panels 1980 can have different shapes, sizes, and/or configurations, and/or can be coupled to/over the upper panels 1824 and/or lower panels 1820. For example, Figures 20A-20D are front views of the system 1800 having different arrangements of acoustic panels 2Q80a-2080d, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

IV. Selected Embodiments of Modular Plumbing Assemblies

[0091] Disclosed herein are modular plumbing assemblies and associated methods for use in quickly and efficiently building-out bathrooms and reconfiguring existing bathrooms in various environments, such as workplaces. Typically, plumbing multiple toilets and sinks in workplace and other bathrooms involves high labor costs due to what amounts to custom fitting each bathroom fixture in-situ. Fitting these fixtures can include mounting a toilet carrier to the building's floor, which requires drilling concrete and setting anchors in the correct positions. It can also include measuring, cutting, and connecting drain and vent pipes; measuring, cutting, and brazing water supply lines; and framing the wall that surrounds the plumbing. The disclosed technology provides convenient modular pre-assemb!ed plumbing assemblies that are efficiently constructed in a factory environment and easily transportable to a construction site for installation. These pre assembled plumbing assemblies can be custom designed or standardized to further reduce costs.

[0092] Figure 21 illustrates a pre-assembied modular plumbing assembly 21 10 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. In this particular embodiment, the modular plumbing assembly 21 10 is configured for plumbing multiple toilets in a commercial environment (e.g , a workplace). The modular plumbing assembly 21 10 can include two horizontal toilet bowl carriers 21 12. As shown, each of the toilet bowl carriers 21 12 can be configured to support two toilet bowls (not shown) back-to-back. Accordingly, the modular plumbing assembly 21 10 can support four toilets. Each of the toilet bowl carriers 21 12 can include multiple studs 21 13 to secure the toilet bowls to the carrier. Back-to-back double toilet bowl carriers can be used to efficiently provide plumbing to two bathrooms (i.e. , men's and women's bathrooms) on opposite sides of a wall constructed between the bathrooms. Although the disclosed embodiments are described with respect to two back-to-back double toilet bowl carriers, the technology described herein can be applied to other fixture carrier configurations, such as single toilet bowl carriers, urinals, and/or sinks, for example. Other multiples of carriers (e.g., 3 or 4) can be combined in an assembly. Multiple modules can also be connected together to provide multiple toilets as needed. Suitable horizontal toilet bowl carriers and other fixture carriers are available from Watts Water Technologies, Inc. of North Andover, Massachusetts, for example.

[0093] A drain pipe 21 14 connects the two toilet bowl carriers 21 12, both of which ultimately connect to a building's drain system. The drain pipe 21 14 can be connected to the toilet bowl carriers 21 12 with suitable couplings, such as flexible couplings 21 16 along with hose clamps 21 18. In some embodiments, multiple hose clamps 21 18 (e.g., two clamps) can be used to secure a coupling 21 16 to each of the toilet bowl carrier 21 12 and the drain pipe 21 14. A vent pipe or line 2120 can be coupled to each of the toilet bowl carriers 21 12 using flexible couplings 2122 along with multiple hose clamps 2124. A horizontally oriented vent pipe 2126 can connect the two vent pipes 2120 for ultimate connection to a building's vent system. Although flexible couplings and hose clamps are shown and described, other suitable connections can comprise threaded connections, clamped gaskets, and welded connections, for example.

[0094] The pre-assembled modular plumbing assembly 21 10 can also include a water supply manifold 2128 having multiple outlet lines 2132. Each outlet line 2132 can be positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the toilet bow! carriers 21 12. The supply manifold 2128 can include a supply line 2130 connectable to a building's water system. The supply line 2130 and outlet lines 2132 can be comprised of copper tubing that is brazed together using suitable tee and elbow fittings, for example. In some embodiments, the supply manifold 2128 can be carried by one or more of the toilet bow! carriers 21 12. For example, each outlet line 2132 can be supported relative to its corresponding toilet bowl carrier 21 12 by a support bracket 2134, which can be brazed to the outlet line 2132. The support bracket 2134 can be attached to the carrier's studs 21 13 with suitable hardware 2136, such as nuts and washers.

[009S] While the drain pipe 21 14, the vent pipes 2120 and 2126, and the supply manifold 2128 ail connect the toilet bowl carriers 21 12 together to comprise a module, one or more frame members 2138 can be coupled to the toilet bowl carriers 21 12 in order to further stabilize the modular plumbing assembly 21 10 for transport and/or installation. Wheel assemblies, such as casters 2140, can be mounted to the frame members 2138, as shown, to facilitate transporting the modular plumbing assembly 21 10. Once the modular plumbing assembly 21 10 is pre-assemb!ed it can be transported (e.g., by truck) to a worksite where it is rolled into position, mounted to the floor (with casters 2140 removed), and connected to the building's systems. The assembly can be mounted to the floor via the frame members 2138 or the frame members can be removed and the carriers mounted directly to the floor.

[0096] Figure 22 illustrates a pre-assembied modular plumbing assembly 2250 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present. The plumbing assembly 2250 is similar to the modular plumbing assembly 2110 described above with respect to Figure 21 ; however, plumbing assembly 2250 includes additional frame members. As with the modular plumbing assembly 21 10, plumbing assembly 2250 includes a pair of horizontal double back-to-back fixture carriers 2252, one or more drain pipes 2256 connecting the carriers 2252, vent pipes 2258, and a water supply manifold 2260. in addition to frame members 2262, plumbing assembly 2250 can also include horizontal frame members 2264 and vertical frame members 2266 that comprise framing (e.g., wall studs) for a section of wail located between the back-to-back toilet bowls (not shown) mounted to the carriers 2252. in some embodiments, the lower horizontal frame members 2262 can be omitted and the casters 2240 (see Figure 21 ) can be mounted directly the carriers 2252. In such an embodiment, the upper horizontal frame members 2264 can stabilize the plumbing assembly 2250 for transport and/or installation it should be understood that frame members 2262, 2264, and 2266 are only representative of many possible configurations to support and stabilize the plumbing assembly 2250 as well as provide for wall structure/framing. In some embodiments, the frame members 2262, 2264, and 2266 can comprise wood and/or metal members. The plumbing assembly 2250 can act as a bathroom wall unit that can be tied into surrounding structure via the frame members 2262, 2264, and 2266, for example.

[0097] The modular plumbing assemblies 21 10 (Figure 21 ) and 2250 (Figure 22) can each have a length L, a width W, and a height H selected to fit within a commercial elevator. For example, the length can be less than approximately 5.5 feet, the width can be less than approximately 3.0 feet, and the height can be less than approximately 6.5 feet in some embodiments, the carrier inlets 2254 are spaced apart center-to-center a distance C. For example, the carrier inlets 2254 can be spaced apart approximately 36 inches. [0098] Figure 23 is a schematic representation of a pre-assembied modular plumbing assembly 2370 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present. Plumbing assembly 2370 is a pre-assemb!ed modular unit that is intended for use where module size is not limited by access constraints (e.g., elevator access only). For example, in new construction, plumbing assembly 2370 can be positioned in the building by crane as the building is constructed. Another example can include projects where a window is temporarily removed to provide access for larger pre-assembled units and/or equipment, such as for major renovation projects. Without access constraints, pre-assembled modular plumbing assembly 2370 can include many more than just two toilet bowl carriers. For example, pre-assembled modular plumbing assembly 2370 can include six horizontal double back-to-back fixture carriers 2372 interconnected by a plurality of drain pipes 2374. The drain pipes 2374 can be positioned to drain toward a collector pipe 2378 that connects to a building's drain system. In the depicted embodiment, the collector pipe 2376 is positioned with three carriers 2372 on each side. As is standard practice, the drain pipes 2374 are positioned on a slope S to facilitate proper drainage flow. For example, typical commercial installations have a slope of 1 /8th inch per foot. The plumbing assembly 2370 can include vent lines 2378 and a water supply manifold 2380 similar to those described above.

[0099] One or more frame members 2382 and 2384 can be coupled to the carriers 2372 in order to support and stabilize the plumbing assembly 2370 for transport and/or installation. Wheel assemblies, such as casters 2388, can be mounted to the frame members 2382, as shown, to facilitate transporting the plumbing assembly 2370. As with the modular plumbing assemblies described above, the assembly can also include various frame members to support and stabilize the plumbing assembly 2370 as well as provide for wail structure/fra ing.

[0100] Disclosed herein are methods for plumbing a multi-toilet bathroom, such as workplace bathroom in some embodiments, a method can comprise pre-assembling a plumbing module at a first location (e.g., a factory) and transporting the plumbing module to an installation site (e.g., office building) different than the first location. The method can also include coupling the plumbing module to a plumbing system of the workplace location. In some embodiments, pre-assembling the plumbing module can Include coupling two or more horizontal toilet bowl carriers via one or more drain pipes, coupling a vent pipe to each of the two or more carriers, and assembling a supply manifold having two or more outlet lines. The supply manifold can be coupled to at least one of the two or more carriers, wherein each outlet line is positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the two or more carriers. In some embodiments, one or more frame members (e.g., wall studs) can be coupled to the two or more carriers. In some embodiments, transporting the plumbing module can include roiling the plumbing module on wheels attached to the plumbing module and/or transporting the plumbing module in an elevator.

V. Additional Examples

[0101] The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of the present technology:

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 releasabiy 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 releasabiy secure the second edge portion in the second receptacle.

2. The modular partition system of example 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 example 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 any one of examples 1-3 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 example 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 example 4 or example 5 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 any one of examples 4-6 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 any one of examples 1-3 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 any one of examples 1-8 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. 1 1. The modular partition system of example 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 example 1 1 , 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 centra! 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 example 10 or example 1 1 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 bow! 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 bow! carriers

15. The modular plumbing assembly of example 14, further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to the pre-assemb!ed module.

16. The modular plumbing assembly of example 14 or example 15 wherein each of the two or more carriers comprises a horizontal back-to-back double toilet bowl carrier.

17. The modular plumbing assembly of any one of examples 14-16 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 example 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 any one of examples 14-18 wherein the one or more frame members include wall studs.

20. The modular plumbing assembly of any one of examples 14-19 wherein the supply manifold Is carried by at least one of the two or more carriers.

21. A method of forming a modular partition, the method comprising:

securing a first assembly to a first portion of a building;

securing a second assembly to a second portion of the building; inserting a first edge portion of a glazing into a first receptacle of the first assembly;

engaging the glazing proximate the first edge portion with first flexible members mounted at least partially within the first receptacle to releasabiy secure the first edge portion in the first receptacle;

inserting a second edge portion of the glazing into a second receptacle of the second assembly; and

engaging the glazing proximate the second edge portion with second flexible members mounted at least partially within the second receptacle to releasabiy secure the second edge portion in the second receptacle;

22. The method of example 21 wherein engaging the glazing with the first flexible members includes compressing the first flexible members with the glazing, and wherein engaging the glazing with the second flexible members includes compressing the second flexible members with the glazing.

23. The method of example 21 or example 22 wherein the first portion of the building is a bulkhead, and wherein the second portion of the building is a floor.

24. The method of example 23 wherein the method further comprises leveling the second assembly.

25. The method of example 23 or example 24 wherein securing the first assembly to the bulkhead includes (a) mounting an anchor portion of the first assembly to the bulkhead and (b) movably coupling a bracket portion of the first assembly to the anchor portion, wherein the bracket portion includes the first receptacle.

26. The modular partition system of example 21 or example 22 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. 27. The method of any one of examples 21-28 wherein the method further comprises removing (a) the first edge portion of the glazing from the first receptacle (b) the second edge portion of the glazing form the second receptacle to release the glazing from the first and second assemblies.

28. The method of any one of examples 21-27 wherein releasabiy securing the first edge portion of the glazing in the first receptacle does not include using fasteners or adhesives, and wherein releasabiy securing the second edge portion of the glazing in the second receptacle does not include using fasteners or adhesives.

29. A method of forming a modular partition, the method comprising: mounting an upper assembly to a bulkhead of a building;

mounting a lower assembly to a floor of the building;

snap-fit coupling a lower portion of each of a plurality of lower panels to the lower assembly so that the lower panels define a plurality of lower seams between adjacent ones of the lower panels;

snap-fit coupling a lower portion of each of a plurality of central panels to an upper portion of one or more of the lower panels so that (a) the central panels define a plurality of central seams between adjacent ones of the central panels and (b) the central seams are laterally offset from each of the lower seams; and

snap-fit coupling (a) a lower portion of each of a plurality of upper panels to an upper portion of one or more of the central panels and (b) an upper portion of each of the upper panels to the upper assembly.

30. The method of example 29 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. 31. The method of example 30 wherein the method further comprises:

positioning a plurality of lower cross members between the lower panels

and the lower assembly, wherein snap-fit coupling the lower panels to the lower assembly includes positioning the ribs of the lower panels in corresponding first slots in one or more of the lower cross members;

positioning a plurality of central cross members 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 snap-fit coupling the central panels to the lower panels includes (i) positioning the ribs of the lower panels in corresponding second slots in one or more of the central cross members and (ii) positioning the ribs of the central panels in corresponding ones of the second slots in one or more of the central cross members; and

positioning a plurality of upper cross members 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 snap-fit coupling the upper panels to the central panels includes (i) positioning the ribs of the central panels in corresponding third slots in one or more of the upper cross members and (ii) positioning the ribs of the upper panels in corresponding ones of the third slots in one or more of the upper cross members.

32. A method for plumbing a workplace bathroom, the method comprising:

pre-assembling a plumbing module at a first location;

transporting the plumbing module to a workplace location different than the first location; and

coupling the plumbing module to a plumbing system of the workplace location.

33. The method of example 32 wherein pre-assembling the plumbing module includes—

coupling two or more horizontal toilet bowl carriers via one or more drain pipes; coupling a vent pipe to each of the two or more toilet bowl carriers;

assembling a supply manifold having two or more outlet lines;

coupling the supply manifold to at least one of the two or more toilet bowl carriers, wherein each outlet line is positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the two or more toilet bowl carriers; and

coupling one or more frame members to the two or more toilet bowl carriers.

34. The method of example 32 or 33 wherein transporting the plumbing module comprises roiling the plumbing module on wheels attached to the plumbing module.

35. The method of any one of examples 32-35 wherein transporting the plumbing module comprises transporting the plumbing module in an elevator.

VI. Conclusion

[0102] The above detailed description of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0103] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

[0104] As used herein, the phrase "and/or" as in "A and/or B" refers to A alone, B alone, and A and B. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not ali embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. The following examples provide further representative embodiments of the present technology.