GB2199863A

GB2199863A - A framework structure for a demountable panelling system

Info

Publication number: GB2199863A
Application number: GB08729575A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bryan Harry Thompson
Original assignee: Environmental Panelling Syst
Current assignee: Environmental Panelling Syst
Priority date: 1986-12-30
Filing date: 1987-12-18
Publication date: 1988-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2007-12-18
Also published as: GB2199862B; GB2199862A; CA1304906C; GB2199863B; GB8729575D0; GB8729572D0; CA1309829C

Abstract

The invention relates to a framework 10 for a demountable panelling system, a plurality of such sections 10 providing for a complete framework structure for panelling that can be erected in a required location. Each framework structure 10 includes two uprights 12 held in a parallel spaced apart configuration by a base member 16 and a top member 14, the position of the top member 14 with respect to the uprights 12 being adjustable to thereby render the framework height adjustable. This system permits the attachment of accessories, and the like, at a constant height above floor level, in the operative configuration of the framework, while accommodating variations in height between floor and ceiling. <IMAGE>

Description

1 2 19986-3 A FRAMEWORK SECTION FOR A DEMOUNTABLE PANELLING SYSTEM THIS

INVENTION relates to wall panelling. In particular, the invention relates to a framework section for a demountable panelling system, to a demountable panelling system as such and to components for use in such a system.

t According to the invention there is provided a framework section for a demountable panelling system, which includes two upright members held in a parallel, spaced apart configuration by abase member a,nd a top member, the position of the top member with respect to the upright members being adjustable for rendering the operative height of the upright members adjustable.

The framework section of the invention may be particularly adapted to cooperate with other similar sections by being erected in a required location within a compartment where panelling is required, for forming a main support framework fo.r such panelling.

The top member may particularly have two engagement sections projecting perpendicularly therefrom at opposite ends thereof, the engagement sections being adapted to engage and be adjustably securable to the upright members, for determining the position of the top member with respect to the upright members, and thus the operative height of the framework section.

2 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upright members may define a channel-shaped cross-sectional profile and the engagement sections a complementary profile that permits them to slidingly engage the upright members. Preferably, the engagement sections may define a channel-shaped cross-sectional profile that fits within the walls of the channel formation defined by the upright members.

The upright members, base member and the top member, including its engagement sections but excluding the channel-shaped cross-sectional profile sections thereof, may define a constant width so that the effective thickness of the framework section is constant.

The framework section of the invention may further include securing means for adjustably securing the position of the engagement sections with respect to the upright members. The securing means may include two clamping elements secured to the respective engagement sections in a location in which they can fit between opposing walls of the upright members and the engagement sections, and two clamping members that simultaneously engages the upright members and the engagement sections and can clamp them together when required.

The upright members and engagement sections may be particularly profiled to accommodate the location of the clamping elements.

Furthermore, each clamping element may define a serrated abutment surface that abuts an opposing surface of an upright member, in its clamping configuration, for enhancing securing of the top member with respect to the upright members.

Each clamping member may comprise a screw, that can pass through an aperture therefore within the walls of an upright member and a clamping element, and a nut that is engaged by the screw so that clamping can be effected between them.

1 4A -14 The nut of e ach clamping member may comprise a U-shaped element and the screw may be a self tapping screw that can pass through and engage opposing walls of the U-shaped element, thereby providing the desired clamping and securing effect. Preferably, the engagement sections may define formations for accommodating the U-shaped elements, the wall of the U-shaped elements remote from the clamping sections engaging the engagement sections in their operative configuration, so as to prevent collapse of the U-shaped elements when tightening the screws.

The apertures in the upright members for the screws may be elongate slots that permit the sliding displacement of the upright members and the engagement sections with respect to one another.

The framework section of the invention may further include at least one support rail, secured between the upright members, for supporting panels to be attached thereto. The support rail may permit panels to be clipped onto the framework section.

Conveniently, the framework section of the invention may be premanufactured so that it can be erected on site by being secured to other similar framework sections.

The framework section of the invention may still further include auxiliary frames, secured between the upright members,the base member and the top member, which frames can serve for the location of doors, windows, and the like.

The invention still further extends to a demountable panelling system which includes a main support framework that can be made up of a plurality of framework sections in accordance with the present invention. This panelling system may clearly include panels for covering the support framework and that are attachable to the framework sections.

- 4 The invention is now described by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which Figure 1 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a framework section including panelling, forming a part of a panelling system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows an elevational front view of a part of a framework section, in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 shows an elevational front view of the top portion of the framework section of Figure 2, which is not illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional plan view of a part of an assembled framework section, in accordance with the invention; and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional end view of the section of Figure 4, along line V-V of Figure 4.

Referring initially to Figure 1 of the drawings, a panelling system, in accordance with the invention, generally includes a pre-manufactured main support framework that can be erected on site and onto which panels can be secured in the manner hereinafter described. The main support framework is made up of separate pre-manufactured framework sections 10, each framework section 10 including two spaced apart uprights 12, with a top member 14 and a base member 16 holding the uprights in their desired spaced apart configuration. Three support rails 18 are secured in pre- determined locations between the uprights 12, the support rails 18 providing for the location of panels with respect to the framework sections.

A complete main support framework can therefore be constructed in a desired location within a compartment by erecting the fl t C separate framework sections 10 adjacent to one another between the roof and floor of the compartment. The framework sections provide for height adjustment, insofar as the top member 14 of each section 10 is vertically displaceable with respect to its uprights 12, in the manner described in more detail hereinafter. In this way,,-any-variation in spacing between the roof and floor can be accommodated.

Figure 1.Mustrates one framework section only and it will. be understood that a plurality of such sections can be erected adjacent to one another to define a complete wall. The framework sections may also make provision for door openings, window openings, vents, and the like, the sections being made up at a remote location as required before being transported to the site where they are erected. The framework sections can clearly be secured to one another by means of connecting screws, bolts and nuts, rivets, or the like, that can simultaneously engage opposing and abuting uprights of adjacent framework sections. The particular framework section 10 as illustrated provides for two opposite panels, 20 and 22 respectively, to be attached to the framework section 10, each panel. including a gypsum board sheet element 26. The sheet elements 26 may be attached to the framework section in their natural form, or may be painted or be upholstered, as is the panel 20 illustrated in the drawing. In particular, the panel 20 has a foam layer 24 applied to the sheet element 26, with an outer covering element 28 covering the foam layer to provide the outward surface appearance as illustrated.

Each panel, 20 and 22, is further associated with a panel mounting frame 30 which is to be disposed between the panel and the framework section 10 in the operative configuration-of the panel. This is clearly illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings.

The panels are attached to the framework section 10 by means of engagement clips 32 that can engage the support rails 18 by - 6 clipping onto these rails, it being typically anticipated that a panel, such as the panel 22, can be engaged onto a framework section by means of six such engagement clips that are pre-secured to the panel. It will be understood that by the proper location of the engagement clips, the panels can be attached onto a framework scction 10 through vertical displacement thereof with respect to the section, whereby the engagement clips clip onto the support rails. As this aspect does not form a essential part of the present invention, this is not described in any further detail herein.

Figures 2 to 5 illustrate clearly the mode in which the framework section 10 is height adjustable, Figure 2 illustrating the main part of the framework section 10 without the adjustably positionable top member 14. Figure 4 illustrates the crosssectional profile of the uprights 12, which is a channel shaped profile as shown and which is adapted to slidably receive a portion 60 of two engagement sections 62 that extend perpendicularly from and form a part of the top member 14 of the framework section 10. The cross-sectional profiles of the uprights 12 and portions 60 of the engagement sections 62 complement one another, permitting the portions 60 to be slideably received within the uprights 12, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 4, securing means 64 being provided to secure the position of the top member 14 with respect to the uprights 12.

Each securing means 64 includes a clamping element 66 that is secured to the portion 60 of an engagement sections 62, by means of a rivet 68, as well as a self tapping screw 70 that can pass through apertures in the wall of an upright 12 and the clamping element 66 and can screw into a nut 72, that permits the clamping element and upright to be clamped together, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 5.

r 1 1 Each nut 72 comprises a'U-shaped element having receiving apertures through opposing walls thereof and being formed to permit a screw 70 to engage the opposing walls, permitting tightening of the screw 70 and thereby the secure location of the uprights 12 with respect to the portions 60 of engagement sections 62.

As is shown clearly in Figure 5 of the drawings, the portions 60 define formations 74 that are formed to accommodate the nuts 72 the walls 76 of each nut 72 engaging the portion 60, so that upon tightening the U-shaped element defining the nut 72, it cannot collapse while still performing the required clamping action.

The Applicant believes that the above mode of permitting adjustment of the top member 14 with respect to uprights 12 of a framework section 10 and the mode in which the top member 14 is secured with respect to the uprights 12 in a desired location, is simple and easy to carry out while remaining very effective.

It will also be appreciated that the mode of height adjustment of the framework section 10 can be varied in various different respects and the invention clearly also covers all such alternative configurations.

By permitting the adjustment of height of framework sections 10 by the adjustment of the position of the top members 14, the position of panels and other attachments onto a framework structure will always all be at a constant height with respect to one another, when forming a part of a complete panelling structure, the height adjustability accommodating any variations in height between the floor and the roof between which panelling is requried. Roof elements 52 can clearly be provided to accommodate any height variations, thus rendering invisible any variation in height of the framework sections 10.

Alternative elements for use in framework structures may include skirting elements 50 that can be located at the lower end of panelling to be constructed.

The panelling system as above described may still further provide for additional features such as for internal wiring, and the like, it being anticipated that the panels 20 may, for example, define apertures therein for switches, and the like.

It will be appreciated that the panelling system of the invention and, in particular, framework sections for the system, can be completely predesigned, which will permit pre-manufacture of complete framework structures, which can be followed by the location of wiring, and the like, before the application of panels, which will be the final step in the construction of panelling, thus ensuring that the possibility of damage to panels is minimised.

1 1 t

Claims

1. A framework section for a demountable panelling system, which includes two upright members held in a parallel, spaced apart configuration by a base member and a top member, the position of the top member with respect to the upright members being adjustable for rendering the operative height of the upright members adjustable.

2. A framework section as claimed in Claim 1, which'can co-operate with other similar sections by being erected in a required location within a compartment where panelling is required, for forming a main support framework for such panelling.

3. A framework section as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the top member has two engagement sections projecting perpendicularly therefrom at opposite ends thereof, the engagement sections being adapted to engage and be adjustably secureable to the upright members, for determining the position of the top member with respect to the upright members, and thus the operative height of the framework section.

4. A framework section as claimed in Claim 3, in which the upright members define a channel-shaped cross-sectional profile and the engagement sections a complementary profile that permits them to slidingly engage the upright members.

5. A framework section as claimed in Claim 4, in which the engagement sections define a channel-shaped cross-sectional profile section that fits within the walls of the channel formation defined by the upright members.

- 10 6. A framework section as claimed in Claim 5, in which the upright members, base member and the top member, including its engagement sections but excluding the channel-shaped cross-sectional profile sections thereof, define a constant width so that the effective thickness of the framework section is constant.

7. A framework section as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 6, which includes securing means for adjustably securing the position of the engagement sections with respect to the upright members.

8. A framework section as claimed in Claim 7, insofar as this claim is dependent on Claim 6, in which the securing means includes two clamping elements, secured to the respective engagement sections in a location in which they can fit between opposing walls of the upright members and the engagement sections, and two clamping members that simultaneously engages the upright members and the engagement sections and can clamp them together when required.

9. A framework section as claimed in Claim 8, in which the upright members and engagement sections are profiled to accommodate the location of the clamping elements.

10. A framework section as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, in which each clamping element defines a serrated abutment surface that abuts an opposing surface of an upright member, in its clamping configuration, for enhancing securing of the top member with respect to the upright members.

A framework section as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 10, in which each clamping member comprises a screw, that can pass through an aperture therefor within the walls of an upright member and a clamping element, and a nut that is engaged by the screw so that clamping can be effected between them.

M' I-- 12. A framework section as claimed in Claim 11, in which the nut of each clamping member comprises a U-shaped element and the screw is a self tapping screw that can pass through and engage opposing walls of the Ushaped element, thereby providing the desired clamping and locking effect.

13. A framework section as claimed in Claim 12, in which the engagement sections define formations for accommodating the U-shaped elements, the wall of the U-shaped elements remote from the clamping sections engaging the engagement sections in their operative configuration, so as to prevent collapse of the U-shaped elements when tightening the screws.

14. A framework section as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 13, in which the apertures in the upright members for the screws are elongate slots that permit the sliding displacement of the upright members and the engagement sections with respect to one another..

15. A framework section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes at least one support rail, secured between the upright members, for supporting panels to be attached thereto.

16. A framework section as claimed in Claim 15, in which the support rail permits panels to be clipped onto the framework section.

17. - A framework section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is pre-manufactured and can be erected on site by being secured to other similar framework sections.

18. A framework section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes auxiliary frames, secured between the upright members, the base member and the top member, which frames can serve for the location of doors, windows, and-the like.

12 19. A demountable panelling system which includes a main support framework that can be made up of a plurality of framework sections as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18.

1 20. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 19, which includes panels for covering the support framework and that are attachable to the framework sections.

21. A framework section substantially as described in th specification with reference to and as illustrated in the drawings.

e Pub-iz'--! 1988 a, T-,ie Patent Office. State House. 66 71 Higi Holborn, Lond-r. WCIR 4TP Fxirther copies mkv be obtained from The Patent office.

Sales Branch, St Mary Cray. Orpir-fun Kept BFL5 3-tD Pr-ited by Multiplex techniques It& St Mary Cray Kent Con. 1/87.

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