AU636508B2 - Ducted skirting - Google Patents

Description

636508

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT PL p

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Name of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: ROGER WILLIAM FRANKS and JAMES VIVIAN RENNELL ROGER WILLIAM FRANKS and JAMES VIVIAN RENNELL CULLEN CO., Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane, Qld. 4000, Australia.

DUCTED SKIRTING p

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a Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Nos. PK 2035 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 THIS INVENTION relates to skirtings for location at the foot of interior walls of buildings, and is particularly concerned with ducted skirtings for the purpose of providing means for carrying services such as power lines, computer lines, telecommunication lines, gas lines and water lines, to desired locations within a room and to different rooms within a building.

S Ducted skirtings are we11 known and have been in use primarily in commercial and industrial buildings for a large number of years. They basically comprise a shallow channel section wall mounting plate which optionally includes means such as internal walls for supporting pipes or cables. A front cover plate is fitted to the mounting plate by either fasteners or by press-fitting it over the upper and lower channel defining walls. Such known ducted skirtings have a number of limitations. The main limitation is that they are not adaptable to varying architectural requirements such as differing skirting heights between buildings, differing number of service requirements, differing aesthetic requirements for 20* each room or building, and recess and face fi;ing adaptability. Additionally, such ducted skirtings have no specific provision for the ready and easy assembly of power and like outlets thereto.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a universal ducted skirting system which obviates or at least minimises one or more of the disadvantages of the abovementioned known arrangements.

According to one aspect of the present invention, 1, I 3 there is provided a ducted skirting system comprising a .partition mounting plate having longitudinal walls extending therefrom which define at least two substantially horizontal channels for carrying building service lines; a rectangular cover adapted for dismountable hinged connection to said mounting plate; a capping adapted for engagement with said mounting plate; and a locking strip of deformably resilient "ece" material for releasably securing said capping to said cover.

It is the capping arrangement of the invention which essentially permits the adaptability of the skirting to

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S. differing architectural requirements. The capping may vary in profile, width and number of components whereas the basic structure of partition mounting plate, rectangular lid and locking strip will generally be of standard profile. This means that the major part of the ducting system can be 9.

preformed with standard componsntry for essentially all building requirements and the capping can be designed for the specific architectural requirements of any one building.

Generally, the capping may comprise one or two components depending upon whether the skirting is partially or fully recessed within the wall cavity, or is proud therefrom; and depending upon the required height of the ducting (which is usually dependent upon the number of ducting channels required) or the particular type of finish specified by the designer of the building. Thus, for a 125mm face fixed or recessed skirting system having two ducting channels, there will generally only be one capping component. However, for a 150mm face fixed or recessed skirting system having three ducting channels, there will generally be two capping components. In this latter case, the second capping component preferably provides the additional ducting channel for the extra required service. If it is desired for aesthetic reasons to have a recessed skirting system with a 150mm face but only two ducting channels, then this can be effected with a single capping section. Various other combinations and permutations of heights, number of recesses, number of

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0 cappings and so forth will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee.

The mounting plate may be a metal or plastics extrusion such as aluminium or high density polypropylene, or it could be a roll formed product produced from sheet metal such as galvanised iron or aluminium. Preferably, it is an *.IS aluminium extrusion since this is a good light-weight material Ce

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which provides a high degree of structural integrity and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The basic profile of the mounting plate is ses preferably such that two of the longitudinally extending walls 20' defining the channels are located, in use, respectively at the top and bottom of the skirting, with one or more intermediate walls. Generally, only one intermediate wall is sufficient as any additional cabling or pipework may be accommodated in the region bounded by the capping and the top wall of the mounting plate.

The bottom longitudinal wall of the mounting plate is preferably not located at the very base of the mounting plate but slightly raised theref-rom by support ribs running the length of the plate. These support ribs define one or more, preferably one, longitudinal cavities to enable the placement of a packer therebetween to ensure that the correct height is achieved for the skirting when being placed.

The outer edge of the bottom longitudinal wall is suitably shaped to receive an edge of the cover and to orientate the cover in a substantially vertical position. The rooe 0 o: opposite interior edge of the bottom wall preferably meets the back wall of the partition mounting plate at an obtuse angle r e 10 so that, in effect, the support ribs are spaced from the *6 partition to which the skirting is erected.

The rear wall of the partition mounting plate in the region bounded by the bottom longitudinal wall and the first (or only) intermediate longitudinal wall, is preferably .1 substantially flat so as to abut firmly against the partition.

e6 This bounded region will suitably include means enabling the S plate to be fixed to the wall such as regions of wall thinning, as for example, a V-shaped groove formed therein by the use of fasteners such as screws, nails, or the like.

0 a' The region will also suitably include one or more, preferably two, longitudinal abutments for securing power outlet isolator sheathes, to be hereinafter described thereto. Ideally, the uppermost of the abutments is formed integrally with the intermediate longitudinal wall which defines the upper limit of this cavity.

The intermediate longitudinal wall is preferably substantially V- or U-shaped in cross-sectional configuration so that the cabling or pipework is snugly retained in position without protruding out over the edge where it could otherwise interfere with the assembly of the cover.

The uppermost channel which is defined by the top longitudinal wall and an intermediate longitudinal wall is usually of smaller height and breadth than the lowermost channel. Furthermore, it's rear wall is preferably offset from the plane in which the rear wall of the lower section of the skirting is located. Such an offset may be formed by a 0b tapering in the rear wall of the bottom channel region, *1O inwardly and then parallel to the said rear wall. One purpose S of the offset is to accommodate screw fixing burrs which are produced on the rear side of the wall when drilled. This, in effect means that simultaneous drilling and screwing may be carried out. Another purpose of the offset is to provide an o.I$ enclosed cavity for wiring. This is required when a crossover of the upper channel is required or when two mounting S plates are coupled together to support a platform as hereinafter described, and wiring from the partition to the o••o lower channel has to be isolated from the upper channel. A 2 longitudinal leg is located at the upper region of the uppermost channel, on the exterior wall thereof, in order to provide support with the partition to which it is to be fixed.

Suitably, the intermediate and upper longitudinal walls defining the upper channel, terminate a short distance before the vertical plane in which the rectangular lid is contained.

The top longitudinal wall is suitably profiled so as to retain the capping in a fixed relationship thereto. Such profiling preferably includes lugs on the top and bottom surfaces about which the capping can engage and are aligned for retention.

Finally, fixing means, such as associated with the lowermost channel, and thinned regions such as V-grooves, may be provided in the rear wall of the upper channel.

As mentioned above, the capping may comprise one or two components. A single component capping is designed to either cover the entire upper longitudinal wall of the *44* partition mounting plate as would be the requirement for a face fixed skirting or to simply attach to a portion of the ""1o upper longitudinal wall and include an outwardly visible 4* 4.

adornment such as a bull-nosed edging, as would normally be the case for a recessed skirting arrangement. In the former of these single component embodiments, the capping can, for instance, have a low height inverted U-shaped cross-sectional oe •6 profile with a substantially flattened upper surface and a quarter round outer edge. The walls of the capping are adapted to be retained, respectively, by a longitudinal lug in the upper rearwardly facing surface of the top longitudinal 4445 wall, and the front edge portion of the said top longitudinal S. wall. In this latter arrangement, the top of the capping is preferably spaced from the front edge by an integrally formed spacer element, and extends down over the said edge by a small distance. In this "extended" region ridges may be formed on the outward surface of the capping to provide supports against which the lid may be supported. An outwardly opening recess for accommodating the locking strip, completes the configuration.

In the case of a single component capping for a I 8 recessed skirting, this will generally comprise a longitudinally extending clip which attaches to both surfaces of the top longitudinal wall of the partition mounting plate.

A visible adornment is formed on the extension of the clip, at substantially right angles thereto, and an outwardly opening recess is formed adjacent thereto.

When the capping comprises two components, one component will normally be fitted to the top longitudinal wall of the partition mounting plate and also securely fixed to the ioo *01o partition itself by appropriate fixing means such as *6 by Shereinbefore described. This component will be dimensioned to 0S provide spacing for additional services to be placed in the ducting. It may comprise a substantially right-angular or channel shaped cross-sectional profile, and it may include a .5g**4 .91 planar base wall formed with suitable projections on its exterior surface for mating with the top longitudinal wall so as to be retained in the required pre-determined juxtaposed relationship thereto. The second of the two component system Soo* Oo* will be designed to snap lock with the first component and its profile will basically be determined by whether the skirting is to be recessed or face fixed to the partition. For a recessed arrangement, there can be a design similar to that used for the single component recess embodiment described above. Similarly, for a face fixed arrangement, a similar adaptation of the secondary component to that of the face fixed single component may be employed.

The capping section may be fabricated from extruded aluminium as is the partition mounting plate but any visible portion is preferably treated to provide an appropriate adornment for the particular design required. Such an adornment may comprise anodization, powder coating and the like.

The rectangular cover is the most visible component of the ducted skirting system and for this reason is an easily replaceable item so that changing decor requirements during .0 *0000 the life of the building, can be readily catered for. It may be fabricated from a wide range of sheet materials including 0"*0 plastics, metals and composites. The preferred material is anodized or powder coated aluminium, marviplate (Registered

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Trade Mark) or zincaneal (Registered Trade Mark). The cover is basically planar in configuration and includes a folded lower edge which sits over the outer edge of the bottom S. longitudinal wall of the partition mounting plate. The opposite, or upper, edge is recessed inwardly so that the deformable locking strip may overlap therewith and be flush with the front or outwardly facing surface of the cover.

The deformable locking strip is preferably o' fabricated from rubber or plastics material and comprises a planar strip with an integrally formed keying projection formed along an inwardly facing surface thereof. The keying projection is adapted to fit within an opening in the capping and to be retained therein as a disengageable snap-lock arrangement. The planar section of the strip is adapted to retain the upper edge of the cover in firm butting contact with the edge of the capping section.

The ducted skirting system thus described may be accessed by simply removing the locking strip and lifting the cover upwardly and outwardly from its bottom hinge support.

The cover itself can be substituted with another cover of the same or different aesthetic attributes and the capping section may likewise be readily and easily replaced with one of different design and/or material. The main disadvantages of known ducted skirtings is thereby obviated.

e The other mentioned disadvantage of known ducted skirtings, namely the lack of provision of easily assessable power outlets and the like, is solved according to a further aspect of the invention.

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According to this further aspect there is provided a ducted skirting system of the type hereinbefore defined and which includes a power outlet isolator sheath adapted for retention by the partition mounting plate, said power outlet O S isolator sheath being of insulative material and comprising a walled box having cable entry and exit ports thereto and an opening through which the wire connector means of a power outlet switch extend, said box including fixture means So." enabling the face of the power outlet switch to be connected thereto.

Such an isolator sheath is of major significance in providing a safe ducting system as when the ducting lid is removed, no power connections are exposed. This is another advantage not present in known ducted skirtings.

Furthermore, the construction is such that one level outlets with power, data and options not being staggered, is a significant advantage of the present system over anything currently on the market.

Although the ducted skirting system has been described as a recessed or face-fixed system, it is possible to construct a system which has the additional function of providing the base support for a partition. In such an arrangement, the partition mounting plates are placed back to back. Suitable abutment may be provided on the bottom e• longitudinal walls of the mounting plates for retaining the plates in tight abutting proximity and another abutment may be 10 provided on the top longitudinal wall for a similar purpose.

This top abutment may also act in unison with the top e* longitudinal wall to provide a support surface for the partition.

In summary, the invention has the following 0I 6 advantages for the architect, tenant, contractor and installer, as well as the listed safety and electrical C' features.

Architect Design flexability. Options in design of 2 to 3 channel i: 125 to 150 recessed or face fixed ducts.

With the use of isolation sheath it allows close proximity positioning of power data and telecom outlets. All outlets are fully relocatable.

Long skirting and lid lengths to minimise unsightly joins.

Pleasing profile and flush face lid for maximum aesthetic appeal.

Slim profile outlets power data and telecom.

Outlets on one level. No more staggered appearance.

12 Total versatility of powdercoat and anodized colours and finishes to all surfaces.

Adjustable shadowline at carpet for varying floor materials.

Shadow line and caulking line for perfect finish of ducting to wall finish.

Continuous lid up to 2.4m lengths to avoid unsightly joins.

o*o Cost effective and safety efficient.

Solid cast end caps concealed fix in 3 positions.

Continuity of rubber trim from main skirting through the blank ends.

Tenant Greater flexibility for adjustments of power data and telecom with the isolator sheath fully relocatable.

i, Neat flush and aesthetically pleasing finish with pencil round leading edge.

Easy colour change when and if required to match future fitout colours.

Colours changed without the removal of any services or main duct body.

New flush profile data and telephone outlets to match the power outlet profile.

Slim line single and double power outlets.

Minimum joins to front lid up to 2.4m.

Secure and adjustable front lid.

Contractor/Developer Operation of ducted system and power outlets without the installation of the front lid.

Construction flexability, construction around duct without damage to finished surfaces.

Minimum components.

Cost effective installation benefits.

Powder coat and anodizing limited to exposed surfaces only allowing cost advantages.

Installation of finished face components after plaster and paint trades.

Installer 10 Drilling lines for easy fixing locations.

Set back mounting position to prevent burrs binding on wall in one step drill and immediate fix operation.

Pedestal leg to allow secure location on uneven slab and carpet surfaces.

3 flute locations to secure mitres and butt joins to S. S maintain continuity of duct.

Easy one direction front lid installation and thumb push rubber trim.

*see Secure front lid and adjustable to variable slab tolerances.

Fast main body installation as no finishes are applied to this member.

More precise mitres and neatness of final finish trims.

Shadow and caulking lines for easy alignment of uneven wall surfaces.

Easily installed blank ends secured to 3 flute positions.

Safety Electrical Large electrical capacity for separate circuits.

Versatility of use in Clipsal and HPM outlets double and single compatible with isolation sheath.

Isolation sheath enclosing power for removal of front lid at all times.

Isolation sheath snap fixes into duct to reduce fixings and easy installation.

Total power isolation from Telecom and Data with 0*e* termination on one level.

0 Isolation sheath suits single and double power outlets data and telecom.

S. Simplified wiring and snap fixing of the front cover to the isolation sheath.

Easy relocation of power and associated outlets screw fixings not required.

o .0150 Outlets can only be installed using the isolator sheath as eo a a safeguard against normal power outlets being installed 000 without earthing.

Continuous earthing of ducted skirting is required.

*oo Individual earthing of power outlets to the main duct body 20" not required.

The isolator sheath is a fully insulated compartment which is constructed of fire retardant polypropylene tested to 750°C.

The isolation sheath has mounting legs which allows it to be used outside the ducting for other on site purposes.

The ducting conforms to Austel technical standards No.9 and A.S. 3000 and is SECV approved.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective of a ducted skirting system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figures 3A 3F are sectional views of still alternative embodiments of the invention; and Figure 4 is a sectional view of two partition jointing plates placed back-to-back.

Referring generally to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings in which similar reference numerals refer to similar parts, the ducted skirting system comprises a partition mc.inting plate 10, a rectangular cover 11, a capping 12 and a locking strip 13. A power outlet isolator sheath is indicated at 14 and a power outlet at *e e Referring specifically to Figure 2, the partition mounting plate 10 is fixed in a partially recessed cavity of a partition 16 by means of screws 17 passing through V-shaped OS i 20" regions of thinning 18 in the rear wall of the plate. The partition mounting plate includes two longitudinal channels 19, 20 for respectively retaining data and power cables (not illustrated).

The capping 12 is a two component arrangement. The primary component 21 meshes with the top longitudinal wall of the uppermost channel 19, and is screwed to the partition by screw 22 which passes through V-shaped groove 23. The secondary component 24 is a decorative element which wedges into the primary component 23 as illustrated.

The cover 11 has a hooked lower edge 25 which passes over the outer longitudinal edge of the lower channel and functions as a hinge arrangement to enable removal and fitting of different covers by slightly pivoting the cover outwardly at the top (after removal of the locking strip) and then raising it over the said edge. The upper edge 26 of the cover g*es is inwardly chamfered to enable a flush fitting of the locking strip 13. The upper inner edge of the cover rests against an outer edge 27 of the secondary capping component.

as The locking strip is a resiliently deformable

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plastic strip having a keying projection 28 formed on its interior side which fits in a recess 29 formed in the secondary capping component.

The lower longitudinal channel 20 includes longitudinal ribs 30, 31 for the purpose of retaining the S" power outlet isolator sheath 14 in the position indicated by dotted outline. The power outlet isolator sheath comprises a rectangular plastics box 32 having a press-fit cover 33.

S. *o The Figure 2 embodiment of this item is the same as the Figure 1 embodiment, and reference is now made to this latter drawing which gives more detail. The end walls of the isolator sheath are formed with openings 34 for the admission of power cables thereto. Snap out panels 35, 36 are provided to accommodate different size power outlets 15 which, in turn, are connectable to the isolator sheath by screws 37 passing through pre-formed holes 38 therein. The power outlet isolator sheath can thus readily be snap locked in any desired V17 position of the ducting and can be removed and relocated without too much difficulty. In order to provide access to the power outlet, a region 39 of the cover is cut away so that the cover can be fitted thereabout.

The Figure 3 embodiments, to which reference is now made, all include variations of the above two embodiments.

Figure 3A is a typical 125mm face fixed ducted skirting system including a single capping component Figure 3B is a typical 125mm recessed ducted skirting system also including a single capping component 41.

Figure 3C is a 150mm recessed ducted skirting system including turn capping components 42, 43. Capping component 42 is adapted to be securely fixed to the partition and component 43 clips into component 42.

5 Figure 3D is a 150mm face fixed ducted skirting system including twin capping components 44, 45. Capping component 44 is adapted to be securely fixed to the partition and component 45 clips into a longitudinal channel recess 46 formed along the back wall of component 44.

9* 20* Figure 3E is a 150mm recessed skirting system including a single capping component 47 which clips over the upper longitudinal wall 48 of the partition mounting plate Figure 3F is a 150 mm partition mounting plate for recess or face-fixed mounting incorporating jointing strip for face-fixing and capping 61. The middle channel 62 is adapted to carry 5 or more cables.

The faue fixed ducted skirtings illustrated in Figures 3A and 3D can, furthermore, be stacked one 'atop 18 another by removing the capping component of the first fixed ducted skirting and sitting the next skirting thereon, thereby providing a multiple channel arrangement.

It will be noted that the partition mounting plate 10, the cover 11 and the locking strap 13 are common items to all these ducted skirting systems. The only variable component is the capping and the shape of this is dictated by the width of the ducting, whether the ducting is recessed or see a face fixed, the number of ducting channels required, and the *Ga.

aesthetic requirements therefor.

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Figure 4 illustrates two partition mounting plates be 51 arranged back to back. Such a combination may be used as a base support structure for a partition 52 which is adapted to sit on top wall 53. The main difference in the i profile between the backing plates to construct this support .o° and the backing plates illustrated in the previous 9* embodiments, are the inclusion on plate 50 of the top wall 53 and a bottom connecting section 54.

The base support structure is thus adapted to "29* provide ducting on both sides of the partition. The accompanying capping section will normally be as illustrated in Figure 3B.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth in the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. A ducted skirting system comprising a partition mounting plate having longitudinal walls extending therefrom which define at least two substantially horizontal channels for carrying building service lines; a rectangular cover adapted for dismountable hinged connection to said mounting plate; a capping adapted for engagement with said mounting plate; and a locking strip of deformably resilient material for releasably securing said capping to said cover.

2. A ducted skirting system as claimed in claim 1, 9, I9 wherein the partition mounting plate has three longitudinal walls; one of which is located adjacent the base of the plate, another of which is located at the top of the plate, and the third of which is located intermediate between said other two a walls.

3. A ducted skirting system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rectangular cover is hingedly connected to the longitudinal wall located adjacent the base of the plate.

4. A ducted skirting system as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the capping comprises a longitudinally extending clip which attaches to both surfaces of a top longitudinal wall of the partition mounting plate.

A ducted skirting system as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the capping comprises first and second components, said first component being interlockable with a top longitudinal wall of the partition mounting plate and being dimensioned to provide spacing for one or more service lines to be accommodated therein; said second component being adapted to snap lock with the first component and to provide an aesthetic finish to the top of the ducted skirting.

6. A ducted skirting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover has a planar configuration with a folded lower edge which sits over the outer edge of a bottom longitudinal wall of the partition mounting plate.

7. A ducted skirting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable locking strip ,m comprises a planar strip with an integrally formed keying projection which is adapted to fit within an opening in the capping and to be retained therein as a disengageable snap- l lock arrangement; said strip being adapted to retain the upper edge of the cover in firm butting contact with the edge of the capping section. a a S'

8. A ducted skirting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and including a power outlet isolator sheath adapted for retention by the partition mounting plate, a said power outlet isolator sheath being of insulative material and comprising a walled box having cable entry and exit ports thereto and an opening through which a wire connector means of a power outlet switch extend, said box including fixture means enabling the face of a power outlet switch to be connected thereto.

9. A ducted skirting system comprising two partition mounting plates as claimed in any one of the preceding claims placed back-to-back and including a support surface on which a 21 partition is adapted to rest. A ducted skirting system substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. DATED this 9th day of February 1993 ROGER WILLIAM FRANKS and JAMES VIVIAN RENNELL By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO. e p o *oo ABSTRACT Aducted skirting for carrying service lines in buildings. The skirting comprises a partition mounting plate with longitudinal walls for supporting the service lines, a dismountable face plate (11) which is hinged to the mounting S plate, a top capping (12) and a rubber or plastic locking strip (13) for releasably securing the capping to the face plate. The face plate is interchangeable to suit the architectural requirements of the building and the ducting is profiled to take snap-in power outlet isolator switches at any 9S location. 9'