US20070283656A1 - Fabric Wall Panel System and Track - Google Patents
Fabric Wall Panel System and Track Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070283656A1 US20070283656A1 US11/423,543 US42354306A US2007283656A1 US 20070283656 A1 US20070283656 A1 US 20070283656A1 US 42354306 A US42354306 A US 42354306A US 2007283656 A1 US2007283656 A1 US 2007283656A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- web
- movable jaw
- wall
- movable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 21
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004821 Contact adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002557 mineral fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009417 prefabrication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019640 taste Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/30—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by edge details of the ceiling; e.g. securing to an adjacent wall
- E04B9/303—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by edge details of the ceiling; e.g. securing to an adjacent wall for flexible tensioned membranes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/002—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings made of webs, e.g. of fabrics, or wallpaper, used as coverings or linings
- E04F13/005—Stretched foil- or web-like elements attached with edge gripping devices
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F19/00—Other details of constructional parts for finishing work on buildings
- E04F19/02—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves
- E04F19/06—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves specially designed for securing panels or masking the edges of wall- or floor-covering elements
- E04F19/061—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves specially designed for securing panels or masking the edges of wall- or floor-covering elements used to finish off an edge or corner of a wall or floor covering area
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7479—Details of connection of flexible sheets to frame or posts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/04—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like
- E04B2009/0492—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like with fabrics tensioned on frames
Definitions
- This invention relates to a fabric wall panel system for use in decorating, and more particularly, relates to a fabric wall panel system and track system wherein fabric wall panels can be assembled and then mounted on a wall as a completed panel or the fabric wall panels can be assembled in place on the wall.
- Fabric wall panels are used to decorate the interior space in many buildings. Fabric coverings for the panels are available in numerous textures and patterns that can be coordinated with the furnishings and carpets in a room. These fabric wall panels can be customized to meet the decorating needs of various locations and decorating tastes.
- fabric wall panels provide other desirable features. Such features include sound and heat insulation. Particularly, in large rooms such as auditoriums and theaters, fabric wall panels may include a layer of acoustical material hidden behind the fabrics, which modifies the acoustical character of the room. In addition, heat-insulating material may be mounted behind the fabrics to enhance heat transfer properties of a wall.
- a substantial cost involved in fabric panels is the cost of installation. Moreover, if the fabric becomes worn or the decorating scheme changes, the need may arise to change the fabric panels. Consequently, the method of mounting and/or changing the fabric wall panels becomes an important consideration when fabric wall panels are selected for a building project.
- fabric wall panels can be prefabricated off of the wall.
- One method for installing prefabricated fabric wall panels employs a cross-nailing system as disclosed by the patent to Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,972.
- the fabric wall panels disclosed in the Anderson patent are prefabricated and then installed by driving two headless pin nails at an angle in a crossed fashion through the frame pieces of the prefabricated panels. The crossed nails penetrate completely through the fabric, partially penetrate the frame, and securely fasten the panel to the wall.
- a fabric wall panel attached using this cross-nailing method cannot be easily removed from the wall if one should desire to replace the fabric, replace the panels, or remove the panels entirely.
- each frame member of each wall panel has a spine with an elongated slit, a side edge, and a front edge that together define a groove.
- a flat filler insert is fitted within the groove of each frame member.
- Fabric is stretched over the frame and flat filler insert and is bonded to the back of the spine of each frame member to complete the finished fabric wall panel.
- the hanger has a flat base and a perpendicularly extending tongue with an enlarged head.
- a number of hangers are affixed on the wall using an adhesive.
- the slit on the frame of the fabric wall panel is aligned with the tongue of hanger on the wall, and the fabric wall panel is fabricated and then is affixed to the wall by pressing the slit over the tongue on the hanger.
- the fabric wall panels can be prefabricated in standard sizes or custom fabricated on site. The fabric wall panels can also be independently replaced or removed entirely by unsnapping the fabric wall panel from the supporting hangers.
- the present invention satisfies the above-described needs with a fabric wall panel system and method for installing fabric wall panels on a wall.
- the fabric wall panels comprise a frame, a flat filler, and a fabric stretched over the flat filler and held by a clamp around the edges of the frame.
- the fabric wall panels are removably mounted on the wall by means of a hanger. Because of the fabric is held on the frame by the clamp, the fabric wall panel may be assembled either on the wall or separately from the wall.
- the frame of the fabric panel comprises a plurality of linear frame members.
- Each linear frame member has a flat spine, a hanger engaging channel, and a fabric clamp.
- the fabric clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw.
- the fixed jaw includes a back web connected to the spine of the linear frame member, an extending the web connected to the back web, and a fixed jaw lip connected to the extending web.
- the movable jaw includes a flexible joint connected to the spine of the frame member, a movable web connected to the flexible joint, a return web connected to the movable web, and a movable jaw hook connected to the return web. The movable web pivots about the flexible joint allowing the movable jaw hook to engage and disengaged the fixed jaw lip.
- the hanger comprises a flat base with two forked tongues extend outwardly from the wall.
- the base of the hanger is affixed to the wall with an adhesive or other suitable fastening means, and the forked tongues project outward from the wall.
- Each forked tongue has two forks that diverge from each other as they extend away from the flat base.
- Each fork has a cam surface and a latch surface.
- the material of the hanger is resilient so that the forks can be pressed together at their outward ends.
- the latch surfaces of the forks engage the protrusions within the hollow hanger engaging channel to hold the linear frame member securely to the hanger and thus to the wall.
- the fabric wall panels can be removed from the hangers by prying the linear frame away from the hanger to disengage the latch surfaces of the forks from the protrusions within the hanger engaging channel of the linear frame member.
- the fabric wall panel of the present invention can be assembled either on the wall or assembled separately.
- the completed fabric wall panel can be attached to the wall by engaging the hanger engaging channel on the linear frame member with the forked tongue on the hanger.
- the fabric can be replaced with the frame of the fabric wall panel still attached to the wall or the fabric wall panel can be removed from wall, and the new fabric installed separately on the fabric wall panel.
- the fabric wall panels variously have a straight profile, a beveled profile, or a chamfered profile.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a room having walls covered with a fabric wall panel system in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a linear frame member and hanger in which the linear frame member includes a fabric clamp with jaws in an open position in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a linear frame member and hanger in which the linear frame member includes a fabric clamp with jaws in a closed position in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a corner joint (separated to illustrate internal detail) between two linear frame members at a corner of a fabric wall panel in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a fabric wall panel mounted on a wall by means of a hanger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as seen along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a fabric wall panel, similar to FIG. 5 , in the process of being mounted on a wall by means of a hanger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of a linear frame member for creating a beveled profile for a fabric wall panel in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of a linear frame member for creating a chamfered profile for a fabric wall panel in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention is a fabric wall panel system and method for installing and replacing or recovering fabric wall panels on a wall.
- the fabric wall panel system comprises a fabric wall panel and a hanger.
- the hanger is attached to wall and releasably engages the fabric wall panel for easy installation and removal of the fabric wall panel.
- the hanger and fabric wall panels are configured so that when the fabric wall panels are mounted on the wall, the hanger assures that adjacent fabric wall panels are properly aligned and that seams between adjacent wall panels are uniform and tight.
- a wall includes existing or permanent walls, moveable walls, partitions, and the like.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a room with a back wall 2 and a side wall 4 covered with fabric wall panels 10 , including fabric wall panels 10 a and 10 b , in accordance with the present invention.
- the room also has a ceiling 6 and a floor 7 .
- the back wall 2 and the side wall 4 converge at a corner 8 .
- Each fabric wall panel 10 is connected to the walls 2 and 4 by means of a series of hangers 50 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- Each of the fabric wall panels 10 in FIG. 1 is similarly constructed.
- the fabric wall panel 10 comprises a rectangular frame 12 , a fabric 21 , and a flat filler insert 22 .
- Each frame 12 is made up of four linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 .
- the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 are extrusions made of high impact premium unplasticized polyvinyldloride #lox, such as PLC27766 sold by Georgia Gulf Corporation of Plaquemine, La. Metal extrusions, including aluminum extrusions, may also be used for the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 .
- the linear frame member 18 is shown in perspective and comprises a flat spine 27 , an inside web 32 , a front web 30 , and an intermediate web 31 .
- the inside web 32 is connected to and extends perpendicularly from the spine 27 .
- the front web 30 interconnects the inside web 32 and the intermediate web 31 .
- the inside web 32 , the front web 30 , and the intermediate web 31 form a hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 .
- the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 has a hanger engaging opening 40 opposite the front web 30 .
- Protrusion 25 and 42 extend from inside web 32 into the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 .
- protrusion 26 and 43 extend from intermediate web 31 into the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 .
- the protrusions 25 , 26 , 42 , and 43 form a slot 24 that accommodates an L-shaped reinforcement bracket 29 at each corner 28 of the frame 12 ( FIG. 4 ). Also, between the corners of the frame 12 where the hangar engaging opening 40 is not obstructed by the L-shaped reinforcement bracket 29 , the protrusions 42 and 43 form part of a hanger locking mechanisms, which hanger locking mechanism holds the fabric wall panel 10 onto the wall 2 .
- the linear frame member 18 further includes a clamp 33 for clamping the edges of the fabric 21 to the linear frame member 18 (as well as to the linear frame members 14 , 16 , and 20 ).
- the clamp 33 comprises a fixed jaw 34 and a movable jaw 46 .
- the fixed jaw 34 comprises a back web 35 , an extending web 36 , and a jaw lip 37 , all integrally formed.
- the back web 35 is attached to the spine 27 via the intermediate web 31 , the front web 30 , and the inside web 32 of the linear frame member 18 .
- the back web 35 extends essentially parallel to the back wall 2 .
- the extending web 36 is attached to the back web 35 and extends perpendicularly away from the back wall 2 .
- the jaw lip 37 forms one end of the extending web 36 .
- the movable jaw 46 comprises a flexible joint 45 , a movable web 47 , a return web 48 , and a jaw hook 49 , all integrally formed.
- the movable web 47 is attached by means of the flexible joint 45 to spine 27 via the front web 30 and the inside web 32 of the linear frame member 18 .
- the movable web 47 extends essentially parallel to the back wall 2 .
- the return web 48 is attached to the movable web 47 and extends toward the back wall 2 .
- the jaw hook 49 forms one end of the return web 48 .
- the flexible joint 45 is formed from premium plasticized polyvinyldloride #75a lox, such as PLC20675 sold by Georgia Gulf Corporation of Plaquemine, La.
- That material allows the movable web 47 to pivot with respect to the front web 30 of the linear frame member 18 .
- the intermediate web 31 , the back web 35 , the extending web 36 , the movable web 47 , and the return web 48 define a fabric housing 38 .
- a piece of double backed tape or other contact adhesive 44 is installed on the outside surface of the return web 48 to secure the fabric 21 during the fabrication process of the fabric wall panel 10 .
- FIG. 2 the clamp 33 is open.
- the movable web 47 of the movable jaw 46 is pivoted about the flexible joint 45 and away from the wall 2 . Consequently, an opening 39 exists between the fixed jaw lip 37 of the fixed jaw 34 and the movable jaw hook 49 of the movable jaw 46 .
- the fabric 21 is threaded through the opening 39 , and any excess is stored in the fabric housing 38 .
- FIG. 3 shows the clamp 33 in the closed position with the fabric 21 captured between the fixed jaw lip 37 of the fixed jaw 34 and the movable jaw hook 49 of the movable jaw 46 .
- the linear frame member 18 is positioned to be connected to the back wall 2 by means of the hanger 50 .
- the hanger 50 includes a base 52 that is attached to the back wall 2 by means of a suitable adhesive or by mechanical means such as cross nailing or stapling.
- the base 52 may be flat or slightly concave to assure that the base 52 lies flat against wall 2 once the hanger 50 has been attached to the wall 2 .
- the hanger 50 includes forked tongues 54 and 55 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ).
- the forked tongue 54 comprises outwardly extending forks 56 and 58 .
- the forks 56 and 58 have cam surfaces 60 and 62 and latching surfaces 64 and 66 .
- the forks 56 and 58 are flexible so that they can deflect toward each other.
- the flat base 52 has an index mark 70 in the shape of a V to indicate the midpoint between the forked tongues 54 and 55 .
- the hanger 50 is an extrusion made of high impact premium unplasticized polyvinylcloride #lox, such as PLC27766 sold by Georgia Gulf Corporation of Plaquemine, La.
- the insert 22 may consist of any number of materials to provide sound or heat insulation.
- the insert may be an acoustical insert in the nature of a rigid board such as Owens/Corning 705 Fiberglas insulation board sold by Owens/Corning Fiberglas Corp. of Toledo, Ohio.
- the insert may be a mineral fiber board insert such as Micore board sold by USG Acoustical Products Company of Chicago, Ill.
- the thickness of the insert 22 is such that the insert 22 serves as a backing for the fabric 21 as shown in FIGS. 5 and FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 4 shows details of the corner 28 formed between the linear frame members 18 and 20 .
- the corner 28 is open to show the internal detail.
- An L-shaped reinforcement bracket 29 engages the slot 24 formed by protrusions 25 , 26 , 42 , and 43 .
- the L-shaped reinforcement bracket 29 and the linear frame members 18 and 20 are joined in conventional fashion, such as by gluing, by fasteners, or by welding.
- the L-shaped reinforcement bracket 29 serves to stabilize the corner 28 after the frame 12 has been assembled off of the wall 2 and during subsequent handling and attachment of the completed frame 12 to the back wall 2 .
- the filler insert 22 is seated against the spine 27 of the linear frame members 14 and 18 of the frame 12 .
- the insert 22 not only provides sound or heat insulation, but it also provides rigidity to the frame 12 .
- the prefabricated fabric wall panel 10 is completed by stretching fabric 21 over the insert 22 and frame 12 , around the movable web 47 , over the double backed tape 44 on the return web 48 , through the opening 39 between the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 , and into the fabric housing 38 .
- the fabric is then clamped to the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 by closing the clamped 33 so that the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 engaged each other and securely clamped the fabric 21 .
- the double backed tape 44 is used to temporarily hold the fabric 21 in place until the fixed jaw 34 and the movable jaw 46 can be closed to secure the fabric 21 between the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 .
- the hanger 50 which is one of a several hangers, is mounted to the back wall 2 by means of gluing, cross nailing, or stapling.
- a separate contact adhesive on the back of the hanger 50 may be used to secure the hanger 50 to the back wall 2 until the separately applied adhesive has fully cured.
- each hanger 50 is positioned on the wall 2 so that the forked tongue 54 aligns with the hanger engaging opening 40 of the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 of the linear frame member 18 of the fabric wall panel 10 a .
- the forked tongue 55 aligns with the hanger engaging opening 40 of the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 of the linear frame member 14 of fabric wall panel 10 b . Because the forked tongues 54 and 55 are mounted to a single hanger base 52 , their spacing is fixed. Once the hanger engaging openings 40 of the fabric wall panels 10 a and 10 b are aligned with the forked tongues 54 and 55 , the fabric wall panels 10 a and 10 b are moved toward the wall 2 .
- the cam surfaces 60 and 62 engage the protrusions 42 and 43 inside the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 .
- the forks 56 and 58 are forced toward each other.
- the cam surfaces 60 and 62 pass by the protrusions 42 and 43 so that the forks 56 and 58 spring back and the latching surfaces 64 and 66 engage the protrusions 42 and 43 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the latching surfaces 64 and 66 engage the protrusions 42 and 43 to hold the linear frame members 14 and 18 and thus the frame 12 and the fabric wall panel 10 in place.
- the resilient forks 58 and 56 adjacent the marker index 70 urge the fabric wall panels 10 a and 10 b toward each other so that any spacing, at seam 87 between the fabric panels 10 a and 10 b , is minimized.
- the return webs 48 FIG. 5
- the flexibility of the forks 58 and 59 allow the fabric wall panel system to accommodate fabrics of different thickness and still assure that the seam 87 remains closed.
- the index mark 70 on the hanger 50 indicates a point at which the hanger can be cut into two parts for installation of the fabric wall panel 10 next to a corner, such as corner 8 .
- the flexible fork 58 urges the fabric panel 10 a toward the index mark 70 and thus toward and adjacent wall.
- the fabric wall panels 10 can be fabricated directly on the wall 2 .
- the on-the-wall installation process begins by first attaching the hangars 50 to the wall 2 in a predetermined arrangement for the fabric wall panels 10 that are to be installed. Once the hangers 50 are attached to the wall 2 , the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 are attached to the hangers 50 by means of the fork tongues 54 and 55 engaging the hanger engaging openings 40 of the hollow, hanger engaging channel 41 . The attachment of the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 forms frames 12 on the wall 2 . Next, the flat filler insert 22 is placed within each frame 12 and temporarily secured in place either by friction or a suitable adhesive.
- the fabric 21 is then applied to each of the frames 12 of the fabric wall panels 10 .
- the fabric wall panel 10 is completed by stretching the fabric 21 over the insert 22 and the frame 12 , around the movable web 47 , over the double backed tape 44 on the return web 48 , through the opening 39 between the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 , and into the fabric housing 38 .
- the fabric 21 is then clamped to the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 by closing the clamped 33 so that the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 engage each other and securely clamp the fabric 21 .
- the double backed tape 44 is used to temporarily hold the fabric 21 in place until the fixed jaw 34 and the movable jaw 46 can be closed to secure the fabric 21 . Once the fabric 21 has been secured within the clamp 33 , the installation of the fabric wall panels 10 is complete.
- the fabric wall panels 10 of the present invention offered two options. First, the fabric 21 can be replaced with the fabric wall panels 10 in place on the wall 2 . Alternatively, the fabric wall panels 10 can be removed from the wall 2 , and the fabric 21 can be replaced off of the wall 2 . In order to replace the fabric 21 while the fabric wall panels 10 are in place on a wall 2 , the movable jaw hook 49 of the movable jaw 46 is manually disengaged from the fixed jaw lip 37 of the fixed jaw 34 to thereby release of the fabric 21 from the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 . The new fabric 21 is then reinstalled on the frame 12 in place on the wall 2 as previously described.
- the fabric 21 can be replaced by a removing of the entire fabric wall panel 10 from the wall 2 .
- Each fabric wall panel 10 is pulled off of the underlying hanger 50 .
- the exertion of the outward force on the fabric wall panels 10 causes the latching surfaces 64 and 66 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to disengage the protrusions 42 and 43 thereby releasing the fabric wall panels 10 from the wall 2 .
- the old fabric 21 is removed from the fabric wall panel 10 by opening the clamp 33 and pulling the fabric 21 from the fabric housing 38 and through the opening 39 .
- the old fabric 21 then is replaced on the fabric wall panel 10 by stretching the new fabric 21 over the insert 22 and frame 12 , around the movable web 47 , over the double backed tape 44 on the return web 48 , through the opening 39 between the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 , and into the fabric housing 38 .
- the fabric 21 is then clamped to the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 by closing the clamp 33 so that the fixed jaw lip 37 and the movable jaw hook 49 engaged each other and securely clamp the fabric 21 .
- the double backed tape 44 is used to temporarily hold the fabric 21 in place until the fixed jaw 34 and the movable jaw 46 can be closed to secure the fabric 21 .
- the hanging process is repeated using the same hangers that were previously installed.
- the system allows for the replacement of a thin fabric with a thick fabric and vice versa because of the flexible forks 58 and 59 urge the fabric panels 10 a and 10 b together at seam 87 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose additional profiles for the linear frame members 14 , 16 , 18 , and 20 .
- FIG. 7 shows a profile in which the extending web 36 is shortened so that the movable web 47 , in the closed position, is angled toward the wall 2 as compared to the orientation of the movable 47 in FIG. 5 where, in the closed position, the movable web is angled away from the wall 2 .
- the orientation of the movable web 47 in FIG. 7 produces a fabric wall panel with beveled edges as compared to the square profile for the fabric wall panels shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 8 shows a movable web 47 with straight segments 102 and 106 connected by an angled segment 104 .
- the movable web 47 produces a fabric wall panel with a chamfered profile.
- the forked tongues 54 and 55 serve the same function to assure that the seams remain substantially closed, Consequently, the fabric wall panels 10 can accommodate fabrics of differing thicknesses.
- the present invention provides an improved fabric wall panel system for installing fabric wall panels employing a snap hanger and clamping jaw to hold the fabric.
- the removal and replacement process is less complicated. Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for easy installation and removal of fabric wall panels.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Abstract
A fabric wall panel system includes wall panels mounted on a wall by means of a releasable hanger. Each fabric wall panel comprises a frame and a flat filler insert covered by a fabric. Each frame member has hanger engaging channel and a fabric clamp. The hanger has a flat base affixed to the wall with two forked tongues extend perpendicularly therefrom. The forked tongues engage the hanger engaging channels to hold the fabric wall panel to the wall. The fabric clamp allows the fabric to be installed or removed with the frame mounted on the wall.
Description
- This invention relates to a fabric wall panel system for use in decorating, and more particularly, relates to a fabric wall panel system and track system wherein fabric wall panels can be assembled and then mounted on a wall as a completed panel or the fabric wall panels can be assembled in place on the wall.
- Fabric wall panels are used to decorate the interior space in many buildings. Fabric coverings for the panels are available in numerous textures and patterns that can be coordinated with the furnishings and carpets in a room. These fabric wall panels can be customized to meet the decorating needs of various locations and decorating tastes.
- Besides decorating versatility, fabric wall panels provide other desirable features. Such features include sound and heat insulation. Particularly, in large rooms such as auditoriums and theaters, fabric wall panels may include a layer of acoustical material hidden behind the fabrics, which modifies the acoustical character of the room. In addition, heat-insulating material may be mounted behind the fabrics to enhance heat transfer properties of a wall.
- A substantial cost involved in fabric panels is the cost of installation. Moreover, if the fabric becomes worn or the decorating scheme changes, the need may arise to change the fabric panels. Consequently, the method of mounting and/or changing the fabric wall panels becomes an important consideration when fabric wall panels are selected for a building project.
- Another consideration in the selection and use of fabric wall panels is assuring a quality installation. Particularly, the wall panels should line up uniformly with each other, and the seams between adjacent wall panels should be tight and uniform. With most fabric wall panel systems, quality of installation including alignment and uniformity of seams depends on the skill of the installer.
- Some prior fabric wall panels are installed in situ. For example, as disclosed in Baslow U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,260, border pieces of a panel are permanently attached to the wall to form a framework for mounting a fabric sheet. The fabric sheet completely covers the wall without being adhered to the wall itself. The linear border pieces include a key way into which the fabric is forced by means of a compressible spline. The linear border pieces also include a storage channel, which allows the border pieces to create a finished look at the edges. The Baslow patent does not disclose a method of fabric wall panel off wall prefabrication or removable attachment. The uniformity of installation depends on the skill of the installer in terms of aligning the framework and forcing the fabric into the key way so that the fabric is uniformly stretched on the framework.
- In addition, fabric wall panels can be prefabricated off of the wall. One method for installing prefabricated fabric wall panels employs a cross-nailing system as disclosed by the patent to Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,972. The fabric wall panels disclosed in the Anderson patent are prefabricated and then installed by driving two headless pin nails at an angle in a crossed fashion through the frame pieces of the prefabricated panels. The crossed nails penetrate completely through the fabric, partially penetrate the frame, and securely fasten the panel to the wall. A fabric wall panel attached using this cross-nailing method cannot be easily removed from the wall if one should desire to replace the fabric, replace the panels, or remove the panels entirely.
- One successful removable wall panel system is disclosed in Anderson U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,638. In that patent, the fabric wall panels are mounted on the wall by means of hangers. Each frame member of each wall panel has a spine with an elongated slit, a side edge, and a front edge that together define a groove. A flat filler insert is fitted within the groove of each frame member. Fabric is stretched over the frame and flat filler insert and is bonded to the back of the spine of each frame member to complete the finished fabric wall panel. The hanger has a flat base and a perpendicularly extending tongue with an enlarged head. A number of hangers are affixed on the wall using an adhesive. The slit on the frame of the fabric wall panel is aligned with the tongue of hanger on the wall, and the fabric wall panel is fabricated and then is affixed to the wall by pressing the slit over the tongue on the hanger. The fabric wall panels can be prefabricated in standard sizes or custom fabricated on site. The fabric wall panels can also be independently replaced or removed entirely by unsnapping the fabric wall panel from the supporting hangers.
- Another successful removable wall panel system is disclosed in Anderson U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,936. That patent discloses fabric wall panels comprising a frame constructed of frame members. Wall hangars are affixed to the walls. The fabric wall panels are separately constructed. The frame members engage the wall hangers to allow easy attachment and removal of the completed fabric wall panels from the walls.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,676,016; 4,805,330; and 6,431,251 all disclose a wall panel system in which the frame members are connected directly to the wall, and the frame members engage the fabric by a hook and snap arrangement. Consequently, the panels are assembled on the wall.
- The prior art has thus failed to disclose a fabric wall panel system in which the installer has the option of assembling the fabric wall panels separately or assembling the fabric wall panels on the walls.
- The present invention satisfies the above-described needs with a fabric wall panel system and method for installing fabric wall panels on a wall. The fabric wall panels comprise a frame, a flat filler, and a fabric stretched over the flat filler and held by a clamp around the edges of the frame. The fabric wall panels are removably mounted on the wall by means of a hanger. Because of the fabric is held on the frame by the clamp, the fabric wall panel may be assembled either on the wall or separately from the wall.
- The frame of the fabric panel comprises a plurality of linear frame members. Each linear frame member has a flat spine, a hanger engaging channel, and a fabric clamp. The fabric clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The fixed jaw includes a back web connected to the spine of the linear frame member, an extending the web connected to the back web, and a fixed jaw lip connected to the extending web. The movable jaw includes a flexible joint connected to the spine of the frame member, a movable web connected to the flexible joint, a return web connected to the movable web, and a movable jaw hook connected to the return web. The movable web pivots about the flexible joint allowing the movable jaw hook to engage and disengaged the fixed jaw lip.
- The hanger comprises a flat base with two forked tongues extend outwardly from the wall. The base of the hanger is affixed to the wall with an adhesive or other suitable fastening means, and the forked tongues project outward from the wall. Each forked tongue has two forks that diverge from each other as they extend away from the flat base. Each fork has a cam surface and a latch surface. The material of the hanger is resilient so that the forks can be pressed together at their outward ends. When the fabric wall panel is mounted to the wall, the forked tongues of the hanger are aligned with and forced into the opening of the hollow, hanger engaging channel of the linear frame member. The cam surfaces of the forks engage the protrusions within the hanger engaging channel of the frame members. When the linear frame member is fully seated onto the flat base of the hanger, the latch surfaces of the forks engage the protrusions within the hollow hanger engaging channel to hold the linear frame member securely to the hanger and thus to the wall. The fabric wall panels can be removed from the hangers by prying the linear frame away from the hanger to disengage the latch surfaces of the forks from the protrusions within the hanger engaging channel of the linear frame member.
- Because the linear frame member has the fabric clamp, the fabric wall panel of the present invention can be assembled either on the wall or assembled separately. When assembled separately, the completed fabric wall panel can be attached to the wall by engaging the hanger engaging channel on the linear frame member with the forked tongue on the hanger. Similarly, when the fabric needs replacing, the fabric can be replaced with the frame of the fabric wall panel still attached to the wall or the fabric wall panel can be removed from wall, and the new fabric installed separately on the fabric wall panel.
- In the several embodiments of present invention, the fabric wall panels variously have a straight profile, a beveled profile, or a chamfered profile.
- Further objects, features and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a room having walls covered with a fabric wall panel system in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a linear frame member and hanger in which the linear frame member includes a fabric clamp with jaws in an open position in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a linear frame member and hanger in which the linear frame member includes a fabric clamp with jaws in a closed position in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a corner joint (separated to illustrate internal detail) between two linear frame members at a corner of a fabric wall panel in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a fabric wall panel mounted on a wall by means of a hanger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as seen along line 5-5 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a fabric wall panel, similar toFIG. 5 , in the process of being mounted on a wall by means of a hanger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of a linear frame member for creating a beveled profile for a fabric wall panel in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of a linear frame member for creating a chamfered profile for a fabric wall panel in accordance with the present invention. - The present invention is a fabric wall panel system and method for installing and replacing or recovering fabric wall panels on a wall. The fabric wall panel system comprises a fabric wall panel and a hanger. The hanger is attached to wall and releasably engages the fabric wall panel for easy installation and removal of the fabric wall panel. The hanger and fabric wall panels are configured so that when the fabric wall panels are mounted on the wall, the hanger assures that adjacent fabric wall panels are properly aligned and that seams between adjacent wall panels are uniform and tight.
- For the purposes of the present invention, a wall includes existing or permanent walls, moveable walls, partitions, and the like. Although the present invention will be generally described in the context of a room with walls of sheet rock, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to that environment. Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, the present invention will be described.
- Turning to the figures,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a room with aback wall 2 and aside wall 4 covered withfabric wall panels 10, includingfabric wall panels ceiling 6 and afloor 7. Theback wall 2 and theside wall 4 converge at acorner 8. Eachfabric wall panel 10 is connected to thewalls FIGS. 2 and 3 ). - Each of the
fabric wall panels 10 inFIG. 1 is similarly constructed. Thefabric wall panel 10 comprises arectangular frame 12, afabric 21, and aflat filler insert 22. Eachframe 12 is made up of fourlinear frame members linear frame members linear frame members - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thelinear frame member 18 is shown in perspective and comprises aflat spine 27, aninside web 32, afront web 30, and anintermediate web 31. Theinside web 32 is connected to and extends perpendicularly from thespine 27. Thefront web 30 interconnects theinside web 32 and theintermediate web 31. Theinside web 32, thefront web 30, and theintermediate web 31 form a hollow,hanger engaging channel 41. The hollow,hanger engaging channel 41 has ahanger engaging opening 40 opposite thefront web 30.Protrusion inside web 32 into the hollow,hanger engaging channel 41. Likewise,protrusion intermediate web 31 into the hollow,hanger engaging channel 41. As will be described in greater detail, theprotrusions slot 24 that accommodates an L-shapedreinforcement bracket 29 at each corner 28 of the frame 12 (FIG. 4 ). Also, between the corners of theframe 12 where thehangar engaging opening 40 is not obstructed by the L-shapedreinforcement bracket 29, theprotrusions fabric wall panel 10 onto thewall 2. - With continuing reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thelinear frame member 18 further includes aclamp 33 for clamping the edges of thefabric 21 to the linear frame member 18 (as well as to thelinear frame members clamp 33 comprises a fixedjaw 34 and amovable jaw 46. The fixedjaw 34 comprises aback web 35, an extendingweb 36, and ajaw lip 37, all integrally formed. Theback web 35 is attached to thespine 27 via theintermediate web 31, thefront web 30, and theinside web 32 of thelinear frame member 18. Theback web 35 extends essentially parallel to theback wall 2. The extendingweb 36 is attached to theback web 35 and extends perpendicularly away from theback wall 2. Thejaw lip 37 forms one end of the extendingweb 36. - The
movable jaw 46 comprises a flexible joint 45, amovable web 47, areturn web 48, and ajaw hook 49, all integrally formed. Themovable web 47 is attached by means of the flexible joint 45 tospine 27 via thefront web 30 and theinside web 32 of thelinear frame member 18. Themovable web 47 extends essentially parallel to theback wall 2. Thereturn web 48 is attached to themovable web 47 and extends toward theback wall 2. Thejaw hook 49 forms one end of thereturn web 48. The flexible joint 45 is formed from premium plasticized polyvinyldloride #75a lox, such as PLC20675 sold by Georgia Gulf Corporation of Plaquemine, La. That material allows themovable web 47 to pivot with respect to thefront web 30 of thelinear frame member 18. Theintermediate web 31, theback web 35, the extendingweb 36, themovable web 47, and thereturn web 48 define afabric housing 38. A piece of double backed tape or other contact adhesive 44 is installed on the outside surface of thereturn web 48 to secure thefabric 21 during the fabrication process of thefabric wall panel 10. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theclamp 33 is open. Themovable web 47 of themovable jaw 46 is pivoted about the flexible joint 45 and away from thewall 2. Consequently, anopening 39 exists between the fixedjaw lip 37 of the fixedjaw 34 and themovable jaw hook 49 of themovable jaw 46. Thefabric 21 is threaded through theopening 39, and any excess is stored in thefabric housing 38.FIG. 3 shows theclamp 33 in the closed position with thefabric 21 captured between the fixedjaw lip 37 of the fixedjaw 34 and themovable jaw hook 49 of themovable jaw 46. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thelinear frame member 18 is positioned to be connected to theback wall 2 by means of thehanger 50. Thehanger 50 includes a base 52 that is attached to theback wall 2 by means of a suitable adhesive or by mechanical means such as cross nailing or stapling. The base 52 may be flat or slightly concave to assure that the base 52 lies flat againstwall 2 once thehanger 50 has been attached to thewall 2. Thehanger 50 includes forkedtongues 54 and 55 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ). As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 the forkedtongue 54 comprises outwardly extendingforks forks cam surfaces surfaces forks FIGS. 5 and 6 , theflat base 52 has anindex mark 70 in the shape of a V to indicate the midpoint between the forkedtongues hanger 50 is an extrusion made of high impact premium unplasticized polyvinylcloride #lox, such as PLC27766 sold by Georgia Gulf Corporation of Plaquemine, La. - The
insert 22 may consist of any number of materials to provide sound or heat insulation. The insert may be an acoustical insert in the nature of a rigid board such as Owens/Corning 705 Fiberglas insulation board sold by Owens/Corning Fiberglas Corp. of Toledo, Ohio. Alternatively, the insert may be a mineral fiber board insert such as Micore board sold by USG Acoustical Products Company of Chicago, Ill. The thickness of theinsert 22 is such that theinsert 22 serves as a backing for thefabric 21 as shown inFIGS. 5 andFIG. 6 . - When the
fabric wall panel 10 is prefabricated off the wall, for example, thelinear frame members FIG. 4 shows details of the corner 28 formed between thelinear frame members reinforcement bracket 29 engages theslot 24 formed byprotrusions reinforcement bracket 29 and thelinear frame members 18 and 20 (FIG. 4 ) are joined in conventional fashion, such as by gluing, by fasteners, or by welding. The L-shapedreinforcement bracket 29 serves to stabilize the corner 28 after theframe 12 has been assembled off of thewall 2 and during subsequent handling and attachment of the completedframe 12 to theback wall 2. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , thefiller insert 22 is seated against thespine 27 of thelinear frame members frame 12. As previously stated, theinsert 22 not only provides sound or heat insulation, but it also provides rigidity to theframe 12. The prefabricatedfabric wall panel 10 is completed by stretchingfabric 21 over theinsert 22 andframe 12, around themovable web 47, over the double backedtape 44 on thereturn web 48, through theopening 39 between the fixedjaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49, and into thefabric housing 38. The fabric is then clamped to thelinear frame members jaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49 engaged each other and securely clamped thefabric 21. The double backedtape 44 is used to temporarily hold thefabric 21 in place until the fixedjaw 34 and themovable jaw 46 can be closed to secure thefabric 21 between the fixedjaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49. Once thefabric wall panel 10 has been prefabricated off of thewall 2, the completedfabric wall panel 10 is attached to thewall using hangers 50. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the installation of the completedfabric wall panels back wall 2 is illustrated. Thehanger 50, which is one of a several hangers, is mounted to theback wall 2 by means of gluing, cross nailing, or stapling. A separate contact adhesive on the back of thehanger 50 may be used to secure thehanger 50 to theback wall 2 until the separately applied adhesive has fully cured. - With continuing reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , eachhanger 50 is positioned on thewall 2 so that the forkedtongue 54 aligns with thehanger engaging opening 40 of the hollow,hanger engaging channel 41 of thelinear frame member 18 of thefabric wall panel 10 a. Similarly, the forkedtongue 55 aligns with thehanger engaging opening 40 of the hollow,hanger engaging channel 41 of thelinear frame member 14 offabric wall panel 10 b. Because the forkedtongues single hanger base 52, their spacing is fixed. Once thehanger engaging openings 40 of thefabric wall panels tongues fabric wall panels wall 2. As the forkedtongue 54 enters into thehanger engaging opening 40 of thelinear frame member 18, the cam surfaces 60 and 62 engage theprotrusions hanger engaging channel 41. As result of the engagement of the cam surfaces 60 and 62 and theprotrusions forks linear frame members base 52 of thehanger 50, the cam surfaces 60 and 62 pass by theprotrusions forks protrusions FIG. 5 . With theframe members base 52 of thehanger 50, the latching surfaces 64 and 66 engage theprotrusions linear frame members frame 12 and thefabric wall panel 10 in place. - Once both
fabric wall panels FIG. 5 , theresilient forks marker index 70 urge thefabric wall panels seam 87 between thefabric panels FIG. 5 ) are angled toward each other in order to keep theseam 87 closed. The flexibility of theforks 58 and 59 allow the fabric wall panel system to accommodate fabrics of different thickness and still assure that theseam 87 remains closed. - The
index mark 70 on thehanger 50 indicates a point at which the hanger can be cut into two parts for installation of thefabric wall panel 10 next to a corner, such ascorner 8. Again, theflexible fork 58 urges thefabric panel 10 a toward theindex mark 70 and thus toward and adjacent wall. - Alternatively, the
fabric wall panels 10 can be fabricated directly on thewall 2. The on-the-wall installation process begins by first attaching thehangars 50 to thewall 2 in a predetermined arrangement for thefabric wall panels 10 that are to be installed. Once thehangers 50 are attached to thewall 2, thelinear frame members hangers 50 by means of thefork tongues hanger engaging openings 40 of the hollow,hanger engaging channel 41. The attachment of thelinear frame members wall 2. Next, theflat filler insert 22 is placed within eachframe 12 and temporarily secured in place either by friction or a suitable adhesive. Thefabric 21 is then applied to each of theframes 12 of thefabric wall panels 10. Thefabric wall panel 10 is completed by stretching thefabric 21 over theinsert 22 and theframe 12, around themovable web 47, over the double backedtape 44 on thereturn web 48, through theopening 39 between the fixedjaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49, and into thefabric housing 38. Thefabric 21 is then clamped to thelinear frame members jaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49 engage each other and securely clamp thefabric 21. The double backedtape 44 is used to temporarily hold thefabric 21 in place until the fixedjaw 34 and themovable jaw 46 can be closed to secure thefabric 21. Once thefabric 21 has been secured within theclamp 33, the installation of thefabric wall panels 10 is complete. - When the
fabric 21 of thefabric wall panels 10 needs replacement, thefabric wall panels 10 of the present invention offered two options. First, thefabric 21 can be replaced with thefabric wall panels 10 in place on thewall 2. Alternatively, thefabric wall panels 10 can be removed from thewall 2, and thefabric 21 can be replaced off of thewall 2. In order to replace thefabric 21 while thefabric wall panels 10 are in place on awall 2, themovable jaw hook 49 of themovable jaw 46 is manually disengaged from the fixedjaw lip 37 of the fixedjaw 34 to thereby release of thefabric 21 from thelinear frame members new fabric 21 is then reinstalled on theframe 12 in place on thewall 2 as previously described. - Alternatively, the
fabric 21 can be replaced by a removing of the entirefabric wall panel 10 from thewall 2. Eachfabric wall panel 10 is pulled off of theunderlying hanger 50. The exertion of the outward force on thefabric wall panels 10 causes the latching surfaces 64 and 66 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to disengage theprotrusions fabric wall panels 10 from thewall 2. Theold fabric 21 is removed from thefabric wall panel 10 by opening theclamp 33 and pulling thefabric 21 from thefabric housing 38 and through theopening 39. Theold fabric 21 then is replaced on thefabric wall panel 10 by stretching thenew fabric 21 over theinsert 22 andframe 12, around themovable web 47, over the double backedtape 44 on thereturn web 48, through theopening 39 between the fixedjaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49, and into thefabric housing 38. Thefabric 21 is then clamped to thelinear frame members clamp 33 so that the fixedjaw lip 37 and themovable jaw hook 49 engaged each other and securely clamp thefabric 21. The double backedtape 44 is used to temporarily hold thefabric 21 in place until the fixedjaw 34 and themovable jaw 46 can be closed to secure thefabric 21. Once thenew fabric 21 has been secured thefabric wall panel 10, the hanging process is repeated using the same hangers that were previously installed. Particularly, the system allows for the replacement of a thin fabric with a thick fabric and vice versa because of theflexible forks 58 and 59 urge thefabric panels seam 87. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose additional profiles for thelinear frame members FIG. 7 shows a profile in which the extendingweb 36 is shortened so that themovable web 47, in the closed position, is angled toward thewall 2 as compared to the orientation of the movable 47 inFIG. 5 where, in the closed position, the movable web is angled away from thewall 2. The orientation of themovable web 47 inFIG. 7 produces a fabric wall panel with beveled edges as compared to the square profile for the fabric wall panels shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 8 shows amovable web 47 withstraight segments angled segment 104. Themovable web 47 produces a fabric wall panel with a chamfered profile. In each of the alternative profiles, the forkedtongues fabric wall panels 10 can accommodate fabrics of differing thicknesses. - In summary, the present invention provides an improved fabric wall panel system for installing fabric wall panels employing a snap hanger and clamping jaw to hold the fabric. By utilizing the disclosed method for installing fabric wall panels, the removal and replacement process is less complicated. Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for easy installation and removal of fabric wall panels.
- While this invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that variations and modifications can be affected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and as described in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A fabric wall panel system for a wall comprising:
a. a fabric wall panel comprising:
i. a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together to form the frame, each frame member comprising:
(a) a flat spine;
(b) a hanger engaging channel; and
(c) a fabric clamp,
ii. a fabric stretched over and around the frame and secured to each of the frame members by the fabric clamp; and
b. a hanger comprising:
i. a base for attachment to the wall; and
ii. an elongated flexible tongue extending from the base and for insertion into the hanger engaging channel for releaseably engaging the frame members.
2. The fabric wall panel system of claim 1 , wherein the fabric clamp comprises a fixed jaw including a fixed jaw lip and a movable jaw including a movable jaw hook and wherein the movable jaw is movable from an open position in which the fabric can be inserted between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook to a closed position in which the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook engage each other and the fabric is secured to the frame member between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook.
3. The fabric wall panel system of claim 2 , wherein the movable jaw further includes a flexible joint that connects the movable jaw to the frame member and allows the movable jaw to pivot between the open position and the closed position.
4. The fabric wall panel system of claim 2 , wherein the movable jaw further includes an adhesive located on the movable jaw.
5. The fabric wall panel system of claim 2 , wherein the movable jaw further includes a flexible joint connected to the frame member, a return web connected to the movable jaw hook, and a movable web between the flexible joint and the return web, and wherein the fixed jaw further includes a back web connected to the frame member and an extending the web connected between the back web and the fixed jaw lip, wherein the back web, the extending web, the movable web, and the return web, defined a fabric housing in which any excess of the fabric is contained.
6. The fabric wall panel system of claim 2 , wherein the movable jaw further includes a flexible joint connected to the frame member, a return web connected to the movable jaw hook, and a movable web between the flexible joint and the return web, and wherein the fixed jaw further includes a back web connected to the frame member and an extending the web connected between the back web and the fixed jaw lip, and wherein the extending web is dimensioned so that the movable web angles away from the wall from the flexible joint to the return web when the clamp is in the closed position.
7. The fabric wall panel system of claim 2 , wherein the movable jaw further includes a flexible joint connected to the frame member, a return web connected to the movable jaw hook, and a movable web between the flexible joint and the return web, and wherein the fixed jaw further includes a back web connected to the frame member and an extending the web connected between the back web and the fixed jaw lip, and wherein the extending web is dimensioned so that the movable web angles toward the wall from the flexible joint to the return web when the clamp is in the closed position.
8. The fabric wall panel system of claim 2 , wherein the movable jaw further includes a flexible joint connected to the frame member, a return web connected to the movable jaw hook, and a movable web between the flexible joint and the return web, and wherein the fixed jaw further includes a back web connected to the frame member and an extending the web connected between the back web and the fixed jaw lip, and wherein the movable web has a chamfered portion.
9. The fabric wall panel system of claim 1 , wherein the hanger engaging channel has internal protrusions and wherein the flexible tongue of the hanger includes two forks each with a cam surface and a latching surface to engage the protrusions in the hanger engaging channel.
10. The fabric wall panel system of claim 9 , wherein the base of the hanger has two flexible tongues positioned side by side to engage two frames.
11. An in place method for installing a fabric wall panel in place on a wall, comprising the steps of:
a. affixing a plurality of hangers to the wall in a predetermined relationship, each hanger comprising:
i. a base for attachment to the wall; and
ii. an elongated flexible tongue extending from the base;
b. attaching a plurality of frame members to the plurality of hangers to form one or more frames on the wall, each frame member comprising:
i. a flat spine;
ii. a hanger engaging channel and for receiving the elongated tongue for releaseably engaging the hanger; and
iii. a fabric clamp attached to the frame member;
c. stretching a fabric over and around the frame and securing the fabric to each frame member of each frame by the fabric clamp.
12. The in place method of claim 11 , wherein securing the fabric to the frame member includes opening the fabric clamp to an open position, which fabric clamp comprises a fixed jaw including a fixed jaw lip and a movable jaw including a movable jaw hook, threading the fabric into the fabric clamp between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook, and closing the clamp by moving the movable jaw from the open position in which the fabric can be inserted between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook to a closed position in which the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook engage each other and the fabric is secured to the frame member between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook.
13. The in place method of claim 12 , wherein closing the clamp causes the movable jaw to pivot about a flexible joint that connects the movable jaw to the frame member so that the movable jaw pivots between the open position and the closed position.
14. The in place method of claim 12 , wherein the stretching step further includes temporarily attaching the fabric to the movable jaw by means of an adhesive located on the movable jaw.
15. The in place method of claim 12 , wherein the stretching step further includes inserting any excess of the fabric into a fabric housing of the frame member.
16. A method for separately fabricating and installing a completed fabric wall panel on a wall, comprising the steps of:
a. Separately assembling a fabric wall panel by:
i. assembling a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together to form the frame, each frame member comprising:
(a) a flat spine;
(b) a hanger engaging channel; and
(c) a fabric clamp attached to the frame member,
ii. stretching a fabric over and around the frame and securing the fabric to each of the frame members by the fabric clamp to complete the fabric wall panel;
b. affixing a hanger to the wall, the hanger comprising:
i. a base for attachment to the wall; and
ii. an elongated flexible tongue extending from the base and for insertion into the hanger engaging channel for releaseably engaging the frame members; and
c. mounting the completed fabric wall panel on the wall by engaging the elongated flexible tongue of the hanger with the hanger engaging channel of the frame members.
17. The method for separately fabricating and installing a completed fabric wall panel on a wall of claim 16 , wherein securing the fabric to the frame member includes opening the fabric clamp to an open position, which fabric clamp comprises a fixed jaw including a fixed jaw lip and a movable jaw including a movable jaw hook, threading the fabric into the fabric clamp between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook, and closing the clamp by moving the movable jaw from the open position in which the fabric can be inserted between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook to a closed position in which the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook engage each other and the fabric is secured to the frame member between the fixed jaw lip and the movable jaw hook.
18. The method for separately fabricating and installing a completed fabric wall panel on a wall of claim 17 , wherein closing the clamp causes the movable jaw to pivot about a flexible joint that connects the movable jaw to the frame member so that the movable jaw pivots between the open position and the closed position.
19. The method for separately fabricating and installing a completed fabric wall panel on a wall of claim 17 , wherein the stretching step further includes temporarily attaching the fabric to the movable jaw by means of an adhesive located on the movable jaw.
20. The method for separately fabricating and installing a completed fabric wall panel on a wall of claim 17 , wherein the stretching step further includes inserting any excess of the fabric into a fabric housing of the frame member but.
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US11/423,543 US20070283656A1 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2006-06-12 | Fabric Wall Panel System and Track |
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US11/423,543 US20070283656A1 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2006-06-12 | Fabric Wall Panel System and Track |
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US11/423,543 Abandoned US20070283656A1 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2006-06-12 | Fabric Wall Panel System and Track |
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US11105101B2 (en) | 2019-08-19 | 2021-08-31 | RAYVA International LLC | Customizable inner frame and lighting for a modular wall overlay system |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |