AU2006202122A1 - Connection System for Panels - Google Patents
Connection System for Panels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2006202122A1 AU2006202122A1 AU2006202122A AU2006202122A AU2006202122A1 AU 2006202122 A1 AU2006202122 A1 AU 2006202122A1 AU 2006202122 A AU2006202122 A AU 2006202122A AU 2006202122 A AU2006202122 A AU 2006202122A AU 2006202122 A1 AU2006202122 A1 AU 2006202122A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- connection system
- panel
- panels
- faces
- face
- 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
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Description
P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2
AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990
ORIGINAL
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Michael Graham Worthington Michael Graham Worthington WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Connection System for Panels" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- "Connection System for Panels" Field of the Invention This invention relates to a connection system for interconnecting two elements in abutting relationship.
The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, for interconnecting panels, and more particularly partitioning panels used in the erection of partitioning walls.
Background Art It is common to partition an open space within a building into areas or rooms using partition walls. Typically, the partition walls comprise a frame structure onto each side of which sheeting is installed. Typically, the frame structure is constructed from metal framing and the sheeting comprises plasterboard sheeting. The erection of such partition walls can be both time consuming and somewhat messy, owing to the need for the sheeting to be cut to size, filled and sanded.
Once erected, such partition walls are not readily removable or relocatable.
It is against this background and the problems and deficiencies associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.
Disclosure of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system for interconnecting two elements in abutting relationship, the connection system comprising an abutting face on each element, attraction means for attracting the -3two faces into face-to-face abutting relationship, and restraint means for restraining lateral movement between the two faces in at least one direction.
The attraction means may provide an attractive force between the two faces in any appropriate way, such as for example by way of magnetic attraction, adhesive attraction or mechanical attraction (such as by way of a velcro hook and loop fastening system).
Magnetic attraction is particularly convenient and may be established by a magnetic means associated with the faces. The magnetic means may comprise a first magnetic member associated with one face and a second magnetic member associated with the other face, the two magnetic members being magnetically attractive. In one arrangement, the first magnetic member may comprise a magnet and the second magnetic member may comprise a magnetic material such as (iron attractive) to the magnet. In another arrangement, both the first and second magnetic members may comprise magnets, with the two magnets being oriented to establish an attractive force therebetween.
The first and second magnetic members may be accommodated in respective recesses adjacent the faces.
Conveniently the attraction means comprises a plurality of magnetic means spaced at intervals along the faces.
Typically, the lateral movement restrained by the restraint means is a sliding movement between the faces in a first direction.
The restraint means may allow relative movement between the two faces in a second direction transverse to said first direction. Such lateral movement between the faces in the second direction may facilitate separation of the elements.
Preferably, the restraint means comprises one or more locking mechanisms each comprising a locking portion provided on one face and a corresponding locking -4recess provided on the other face, the locking portion being moveable between a locking condition in which it can locate in the corresponding locking recess to restrain lateral movement between the elements in said first direction and a release condition in which the locking portion is retracted from the locking recess.
Preferably, the locking portion is biased into the locking condition.
The locking portion may comprise a spring clip.
Preferably, the locking portion is configured to be caused to undergo movement from the locking condition towards the release condition upon lateral movement between the two elements in said second direction.
In one application, the two elements may comprise panels. Where the panels are to be erected in an upstanding condition one adjacent another with vertical edges of the panels in abutting relationship, such vertical edges provide the faces of the connection system.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a panel having two opposed edges, each of the opposed edges being incorporated in a connection system according to a first aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provide a panel assembly comprising a plurality of panels each having two opposed edges and a panel face extending therebetween, the panels being assembled one adjacent another with respective opposed edges in abutting relationship, and a connection system interconnecting adjacent panels, the connection system between adjacent panels comprising the abutting edge on each of the two adjacent panels, attraction means for attracting the two edges into face-to-face abutting relationship, and restraint means for restraining lateral movement between the two edges in a direction transverse to the panel faces.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a panel having two opposed edges and a panel face extending therebetween, each edge having a magnetic member and an element of a restraint means, whereby when the panel is positioned adjacent another such panel, the magnetic member establishes an attractive force with respect to the corresponding magnetic member of said another such panel thereby to attract the edges together and whereby the restraint element cooperates with a corresponding restraint element on said another such panel to restrain lateral movement between the panels in a direction transverse to the panel faces.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from one side of a panel for a partition wall formed from an assembly of a plurality of panels interconnected by a connection system according to the embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the panel of Figure 1 viewed from the other side thereof; Figure 3 is an elevational view of the panel, with sections cut away to reveal components of the connection system according to the embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing one vertical side edge of the panel; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the exception that the opposed vertical side edge of the panel is shown; Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of two panels interconnected by the connection system according to the embodiment; -6- Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, with the exception that the panels are shown displaced vertically; Figure 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating a stile defining a vertical edge of the panel, the stile incorporating a magnet enclosed within it; Figure 9 is a fragmentary view of a stile defining a vertical edge of the panel, the stile incorporating a locking mechanism projecting from the vertical face; Figure 10 is a fragmentary view of two panels in abutting relation interconnected by a locking mechanism comprising a locking device on the stile of one panel received within a corresponding recess in the adjacent stile of the other panel; Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10, with the exception that the two panels are shown displaced vertically with respect to each other such that the locking portion of one panel is not in registration with the corresponding locking recess in the other panel; Figure 12 is also a fragmentary view of two panels positioned in abutting relationship, with the panels so positioned that there is magnetic attraction therebetween; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12, with the exception that the panels have been displaced vertically such that the magnets providing the magnetic attraction therebetween are separated in order to interrupt the magnetic attraction; Figure 14 is a schematic elevational view showing two panels depicted in a condition prior to being interconnected by the connection system according to the embodiment; -7- Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14, with the exception that the two panels are shown in abutting engagement such that they are interconnected by the connection system therebetween; Figure 16 is a schematic elevational view of a partition wall comprising an assembly of panels, with the panels being connected one to another by a connection system according to the embodiment; and Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16, with the exception that one panel is shown displaced vertically relative to the other panels in the partition wall.
Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to a connection system 10 for interconnecting panels 11 in edge-to-edge abutting relationship to provide a partition wall 13.
Each panel 11 comprises a peripheral frame 15 and sheeting 17 attached to opposed sides of the peripheral frame. The sheeting 17 defines a panel face 18 on each side of the panel. The peripheral frame 15 includes a top frame element 19, a bottom frame element 21, and two side frame elements in the form of stiles.
One stile 23 defines a first vertical edge face 25 of the panel 11 and the other stile 23 defines a second vertical edge face 27 of the panel. The two opposed panel faces 18 each extend between the vertical edge faces 25, 27.
The connection system 10 according to the embodiment interconnects adjacent panels, with the first vertical edge face 25 of one panel in abutting relationship with the second vertical edge 27 of the adjacent panel.
The stile 23 defining the first vertical edge 25 incorporates a plurality of recesses 31 at intervals along the length of the vertical edge face. The recesses 31 do not open onto the edge face 25 but rather open onto the opposed inner face 26 of the stile. Each recess 31 receives a magnet 33 in the form of a bar magnet having a longitudinal axis. The bar magnet 33 is inserted in to the recess 31 through the opening thereof on the inner face 26 of the stile, and a closure in the form of a cap 35 is fitted to the inner opening to close the recess 31 and thereby retain the magnet 33 within the confines of the recess. The recess 31 is of a size and configuration so that the magnet 33 can rotate about its longitudinal axis within the recess.
The stile 23 defining the second vertical edge face 27 also incorporates a plurality of recesses 32 at intervals along the length of the vertical edge face.
The position of the recesses 32 along edge face 27 corresponds to the positioning of recesses 31 along edge face 25, such that each recess 32 aligns with one of the recesses 31 when the edge faces 25, 27 are in abutting relation.
The recesses 32 do not open onto the edge face 27 but open onto the opposed inner face 28 of the stile. Each recess 32 receives a magnet 34 in the form of a bar magnet having a longitudinal axis. The bar magnet 34 is inserted in to the recess 32 through the opening thereof on the inner face 28 of the stile, and a closure in the form of a cap 36 is fitted to the inner opening to close the recess 32 and thereby retain the magnet within the confines of the recess. The recess 32 is of a size and configuration so that the magnet 34 can rotate about its longitudinal axis within the recess.
The connection system 10 also includes a restraint means 40 for restraining lateral movement between interconnected adjacent panels 11 in a direction transverse (normal) to the panel faces 18 thereof. In other words, the restraint means 40 resists horizontal displacement between the interconnected panels 11.
The restraint means comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms 41 each comprising a locking portion 43 provided on the first vertical edge face 25 and a corresponding locking recess 45 provided on the second vertical edge face 27.
Each locking portion 43 comprises a spring clip 47 accommodated within a housing 48 provided in the respective stile 23 and opening onto the edge face In this embodiment, the housing 48 simply comprises a recess 49 formed in the respective stile.
-9- The spring clip 47 comprises two end sections 51, 52 which locate against the innermost wall 50 of the recess 49, and a bridge section 53 extending between the end sections 51, 52. End section 51 is configured as a tab which is anchored to the stile by fixing 55. End section 52 provides a skid which can slide along the innermost wall 50 of the recess 49 upon resilient deflection of the bridge portion 53.
The spring clip 47 is configured to undergo movement from a locking condition in which it projects beyond the edge face 25 for location in the corresponding locking recess 45 of an adjacent panel to restrain lateral movement between the panels normal to the panel faces 18 thereof, and a release condition in which the spring clip 47 is retracted in to the confines of its housing 48. The spring clip 47 is biased into the locking condition. In the locking condition, the bridge section 53 of the spring clip 47 presents an arcuate configuration with an intermediate portion 56 thereof projecting beyond the edge face 25 to present two opposed ramp surfaces 57. In this way, when the spring clip 47 is engaged in its corresponding locking recess 45, it can be caused to move from the locking condition to the release condition upon relative movement between the abutting edge faces 25, 27 in a direction along the length thereof along one of the ramps surfaces 57). Upon such movement, one of the ramp surfaces 57 of the spring clip 47 is engaged by the edge face 27 of the adjacent panel as it slides over the spring clip 47, thereby urging the spring clip from the locking condition to the release condition within its housing 48. The spring clip 47 is caused to retract from the locking condition in to the release condition only upon relative movement between the edge faces 25, 27 along the length thereof. Transverse movement between the edge faces 25, 27 in a direction normal to the length of the edge faces is opposed by the engagement between the spring clip 47 and the corresponding recess 45; such movement does not cause the spring clip to retract from the locking condition to the release condition.
The connection system 10 provides a simple yet highly effective way of interconnecting the panels 11 together to provide the partition wall 13. To erect the wall, it is merely necessary to install the panels 11 one after another, with the
I
vertical edge face 27 of each panel in abutting relationship with the vertical edge face 25 of the adjacent panel.
When two panels are positioned in abutting relationship, the vertical edge face of one such panel abuts with the vertical edge face of the other panel. With this arrangement, the recesses 31 in the vertical edge face 25 align with the recesses 32 in the vertical edge face 27 of the other panel, thereby positioning the respective magnets 33, 34 adjacent each other to establish an attractive force which maintains the two panels in abutting relationship. Because the magnets 33, 34 can each rotate about its longitudinal axis within its respective housing, the magnets can orient themselves in order for there to be an attractive force established; that is, the magnets align so that the north pole of one magnet corresponds to the south pole of the other magnet. Additionally, when the edge faces 25, 27 are in abutting relationship as described, each spring clip 47 on edge face 25 aligns with, and locates within, its corresponding locking recess on the vertical edge face 27. With the spring clips 47 engaged within the locking recesses 45, the abutting panels 11 are restrained from lateral movement in a direction normal to their panel faces 18.
Typically, the partition wall 13 would include a bottom channel track (not shown) into which the various panels 11 are inserted. Each panel 11 would be lowered into the track and then moved along the track to bring it into abutting engagement with a previously installed panel. Consequently, the locking portions 43 on one panel locate in the recesses 45 of the other panel, and the magnetic attraction between the two panels is also established. Typically, two panels are aligned as shown in Figure 14 and then moved towards each other into abutting engagement as shown in Figure 15. Installation of the various panels 11 continues until the complete partition wall 13 has been erected.
Installation of the final panel may require the panel to be lowered into the track, with one vertical edge (say vertical edge 27) of the panel in abutting relationship with the adjacent vertical edge (say vertical edge 25) of the previously installed panel. As the panel being installed is lowered into the track, its second vertical edge 27 slides down the first vertical edge 25 of the previously installed panel 11 until such time as the locking recesses 45 in the second vertical edge 27 move into registration with the corresponding spring clips 47 in the first vertical edge of the previously installed panel. Once there is registration, the spring clips 47, which had previously been retracted through contact with the second vertical edge 27, move into the locking condition and engage in the locking recesses Further, the magnets 34 associated with the second vertical face 27 of the panel undergoing installation also move into registration with the corresponding magnets 33 associated with the first vertical edge face 25 of the previously installed panel, thereby providing a magnetic attraction between the two panels.
The magnetic attraction retains each two adjacent panels in edge-to-edge abutting relationship and the locking mechanisms 41 restrain lateral movement between the adjacent panels in a direction transverse (normal) to the faces 18 thereof, as previously described.
A top channel track can be positioned on the partition wall 13 to provide a bridge between the various panels 11 should that be considered necessary.
If at any stage it is necessary to remove any one of the panels, it is simply a matter of sliding the panel to be removed upwardly or downwardly relative to the two adjacent panels. This is illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 which illustrate a partition wall 13 comprising an assembly of panels 11. Removal of panel 11a involves movement of that panel upwardly, as shown in Figure 17. As panel 11a is moved upwardly, the various locking mechanisms 41 providing a connection between the panel and its adjacent panels are released. The locking mechanisms 41 are released because upward movement of panel 11 a causes its first vertical edge face 25 and its second vertical edge face 27 to slide vertically over the abutting edge faces of the adjacent panels, thereby causing the spring clips 47 to undergo retraction. Further, as panel 11a is moved upwardly, the magnetic attraction between the panel and the adjacent panels is interrupted through separation of the magnets 33, 34, thereby allowing the panel to be withdrawn from the partition wall. A replacement panel can then be inserted into the wall, should that be desired.
-12- Further, once one panel has been removed from the partition wall in the manner describe above, it is then possible to easily remove all of the other panels to disassemble the wall.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiment provides a connection system which allows panels to be readily erected one adjacent another to provide a partition wall.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described. For example, the invention may be applicable to partition screens and display panels. Further, a connection system according to the invention can be utilised in various other applications where elements are required to be connected one to another.
Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
Claims (19)
1. A connection system for interconnecting two elements in abutting relationship, the connection system comprising an abutting face on each element, attraction means for attracting the two faces into face-to-face abutting relationship, and restraint means for restraining lateral movement between the two faces in at least one direction.
2. A connection system according to claim 1 wherein the attraction means provides magnetic attraction between the two faces.
3. A connection system according to claim 2 wherein the magnetic attraction is established by a magnetic means associated with the faces.
4. A connection system according to claim 3 wherein the magnetic means comprises a first magnetic member associated with one face and a second magnetic member associated with the other face, the two magnetic members being magnetically attractive.
5. A connection system according to claim 4 wherein the first and second magnetic members comprise magnets and wherein the two magnets being oriented to establish an attractive force therebetween.
6. A connection system according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the first and second magnetic members are accommodated in respective recesses adjacent the faces.
7. A connection system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the attraction means comprises a plurality of magnetic means spaced at intervals along the faces.
8. A connection system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lateral movement restrained by the restraint means is a sliding movement between the faces in a first direction. -14-
9. A connection system according to claim 8 wherein the restraint means allows relative movement between the two faces in a second direction transverse to said first direction.
A connection system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the restraint means comprises one or more locking mechanisms each comprising a locking portion provided on one face and a corresponding locking recess provided on the other face, the locking portion being moveable between a locking condition in which it can locate in the corresponding locking recess to restrain lateral movement between the elements in said first direction and a release condition in which the locking portion is retracted from the locking recess.
11. A connection system according to claim 10 wherein the locking portion is biased into the locking condition.
12. A connection system according to claim 10 or 11 wherein locking portion comprises a spring clip.
13. A connection system according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the locking portion is configured to be caused to undergo movement from the locking condition towards the release condition upon lateral movement between the two elements in said second direction.
14. A connection system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two elements comprise panels and wherein the panels are to be erected in an upstanding condition one adjacent another with vertical edges of the panels in abutting relationship, such vertical edges provide the faces of the connection system.
15. A panel having two opposed edges, each of the opposed edges being incorporated in a connection system according to any one of the preceding claims.
16. A panel assembly comprising a plurality of panels each having two opposed edges and a panel face extending therebetween, the panels being assembled one adjacent another with respective opposed edges in abutting relationship, and a connection system interconnecting adjacent panels, the connection system between adjacent panels comprising the abutting edge on each of the two adjacent panels, attraction means for attracting the two edges into face-to-face abutting relationship, and restraint means for restraining lateral movement between the two edges in a direction transverse to the panel faces.
17. A panel having two opposed edges and a panel face extending therebetween, each edge having a magnetic member and an element of a restraint means, whereby when the panel is positioned adjacent another such panel, the magnetic member establishes an attractive force with respect to the corresponding magnetic member of said another such panel thereby to attract the edges together and whereby the restraint element cooperates with a corresponding restraint element on said another such panel to restrain lateral movement between the panels in a direction transverse to the panel faces.
18. A wall assembled from a plurality of panels according to claim 16.
19. A connection system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A panel substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this Nineteenth day of May 2006. Michael Graham Worthington Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2006202122A AU2006202122A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-05-19 | Connection System for Panels |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2005902559 | 2005-05-19 | ||
| AU2005902559A AU2005902559A0 (en) | 2005-05-19 | Connection System for Panels | |
| AU2006202122A AU2006202122A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-05-19 | Connection System for Panels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2006202122A1 true AU2006202122A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
Family
ID=37533396
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2006202122A Abandoned AU2006202122A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-05-19 | Connection System for Panels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2006202122A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011033148A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Ebanistería Agüera, S.A. | Panel-fastening device |
| GB2527072A (en) * | 2014-06-10 | 2015-12-16 | Flexiloo Llp | Magnetic wall panel assembly |
| FR3136798A1 (en) | 2022-06-20 | 2023-12-22 | Angimage | Screen type false wall panel with magnetic assembly |
-
2006
- 2006-05-19 AU AU2006202122A patent/AU2006202122A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011033148A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Ebanistería Agüera, S.A. | Panel-fastening device |
| CN102791935A (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2012-11-21 | 阿奎拉细木工有限公司 | Panel-fastening device |
| GB2527072A (en) * | 2014-06-10 | 2015-12-16 | Flexiloo Llp | Magnetic wall panel assembly |
| FR3136798A1 (en) | 2022-06-20 | 2023-12-22 | Angimage | Screen type false wall panel with magnetic assembly |
| EP4296446A1 (en) | 2022-06-20 | 2023-12-27 | Angimage | Magnetically assembled wind shield type false wall panel |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC1 | Assignment before grant (sect. 113) |
Owner name: O.P.R. PTY LTD Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): WORTHINGTON, MICHAEL |
|
| MK4 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application |