AU2015101202A4 - Panel mounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A panel mounting system is disclosed for removably connecting panel members (10) to a mounting substrate (12). The system includes a plurality of releasably connectable attachment bodies (14), with at least one attachment body being 5 fastenable to the mounting substrate (12). The system also includes a plurality of mounting plates (16) each fastenable to a surface of a panel member (10) and releasably connectable to respective attachment bodies (14). The attachment bodies (14) are connectable in series and the mounting plates (16) are each connectable to a side (20) of an attachment body (14).

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Panel mounting system The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Panel mounting system Field of the invention The present invention relates to a panel mounting system. Whilst the mounting system is particularly suitable for use with signage, it finds application in the mounting of 5 other suitable panels, such as sheeting, boards and facade panels. Background of the invention Signage is widely used in a number of different environments and situations. One type of signage is wayfinding signage. Wayfinding signage includes directions towards various departments, offices, or areas, and is used in hospitals, offices and universities, 10 for example. Wayfinding signage can be mounted to either lie parallel to a wall surface or project perpendicularly out from a wall surface. Wayfinding signage may also be suspended from the ceiling and freestanding. There are numerous different systems for mounting signage to wall surfaces. For 15 example, one or more horizontal extrusions can be mounted flat to a surface to create a rail system. Signs are slid into and out of the side of the horizontal extrusion. Signs of identical size can be readily interchanged between different horizontal extrusions of the same size. However, the system cannot be readily adapted to different sign sizes without complete removal of the horizontal extrusion and replacement with another 20 horizontal extrusion of a different size. Furthermore, to increase the number of signs displayed, additional extrusions need to be mounted to the surface. This may be time consuming and may also require significant skill on the part of the installer who needs to ensure correct positioning of the new extrusions with respect to the original extrusions to achieve reasonable aesthetics of the completed signs. Decreasing the number of 25 signs also necessitates removal of extrusions and possibly also repair of the underlying wall surfaces. Rail systems also have drawbacks in confined spaces. The primary drawback being that there needs to be a space equal to or greater than the length of the sign next to the horizontal extrusion to allow the sign to be slid in and out. A rail system therefore 2 cannot be used in relatively narrow locations where adequate space is not available at the side of the extrusion. Another type of mounting system uses magnets to mount signs to a metallic surface. These signs can be mounted from in front of the surface and therefore avoid 5 the space issue of rail systems. However, such signs can be easily removed. They are therefore a target for vandals. It is desirable to provide an alternative panel mounting system that is adaptable to mount various different types of panel members, and allows for reconfiguration and simple interchanging of panels. 10 Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art. 15 Summary of the invention According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a mounting system for removably connecting panel members to a mounting substrate, the system including a plurality attachment bodies releasably connectable in series, at least one attachment body being fastenable to a mounting substrate, and a plurality of mounting plates each 20 fastenable to a surface of a panel member and releasably connectable to a side of an attachment body. Advantageously, the attachment body includes connector means to connect the attachment body to another attachment body. The attachment body can have at least one male connector element, such as a tongue portion, projecting from a first side. The 25 attachment can have at least one female connector element, including a void accessible via an opening in a second side. The second side can be opposite the first side. The void is configured to receive the male connector element of another attachment body. Coupling means may be provided to allow the releasable coupling of the mounting plate to the attachment body. When coupled to the attachment body, the 3 mounting plate can lie against a third side of the attachment body. The third side is preferably perpendicular to the first and second sides. The mounting plate can be an elongate strip capable of resiliently flexing along its length. The elongate strip can have a relatively planar first surface for fastening to a 5 surface of a panel member. One or more protrusions may project from a surface of the strip opposite the first surface. In one embodiment, two or more protrusions are outwardly splayed from each other. The protrusions may form one part of the coupling means. The system may include at least one attachment body that does not include a 10 male connector element; this attachment body would typically be the first in the series. In use, the series of attachment bodies are preferably orientated such that the series is in vertical alignment. According to a second aspect, there is provided an attachment body for use in the removable connection of panel members to a mounting substrate, the attachment 15 body including: means to fasten the attachment body to a mounting substrate; at least one male connector element; at least one female connector element having a void accessible via an opening to receive a male connector element of another attachment body such that a plurality of 20 attachment bodies can be connected in series; and coupling means to releasably couple a mounting plate to the attachment body. According to a third aspect, there is provided a mounting plate for use in the removable connection of panel members to a mounting substrate, the mounting plate including: 25 an elongate strip capable of resiliently flexing along its length and having a relatively planar first surface to allow for the fastening to a surface of a panel member; and 4 at least two protrusions projecting from a surface of the strip opposite the first surface, the at least two protrusions being outwardly splayed from each other. The mounting plate of the third aspect can be releasably connected to the attachment body of the second aspect. 5 The attachment body preferably has main portion with a generally rectangular outer shape. The mounting plate is preferably generally rectangular and can have an outer shape that matches the outer shape of the main portion. The means to fasten the attachment body to a mounting substrate may include holes to receive screws. The screw holes are preferably countersunk. 10 The male connector element has a base and extends to a tip. The male connector element can be tongue-like in form. In some embodiments it has a width greater than its height. The width can be greater than half the width of the main portion. The male connector element is preferably centrally located on the first side of the main portion. 15 The male connector element preferably has a first face and a second face. In some embodiments the male connector element tapers toward its tip. One face of the male connector element can be straight, whilst the other one slopes towards it. The male connector element may have a plurality of gripping formations. The gripping formations may include a series of ridges and troughs extending across the width of the 20 male connector element. The gripping formations may be provided on both faces of the male connector element and may be aligned with each other. A channel may extend across one face of the male connector element. The channel is preferably located between the gripping formations and the base. The female connector element may include one or more tabs. The tabs can 25 clamp against the faces of the male connector element. The tabs preferably include gripping formations on their internal faces. The gripping formations may be a series of ridges and troughs extending across the width of the tabs. The ridges and troughs of the female connector element can engage with the ridges and troughs on the male 5 connector element when connected. There may be two tabs provided on one side of the void and a third tab provided on the other side of the void. The opening of the void can be defined by two spaced parallel strips joined together at their ends. A first strip is preferably inclined into the void, such that the void 5 narrows from the opening to the top of the first strip and then opens out again. When two attachment bodies are connected, the first strip acts like a pawl by locking into the channel of the male connector element being pushed into the female connector element. The coupling means of the attachment body preferably includes two slots. The 10 slots can be spaced apart across the width of the attachment body and located towards either end of it. The slots preferably include a ridge on one internal wall. The ridge can be inset from the slot opening. The slots may allow for the releasable connection of mounting plates by insertion of the protrusions of the mounting plate into the slots. The protrusions on the mounting plates are preferably substantially rigid. The 15 protrusions may include a channel for receiving the ridge of the slot wall when inserted into the slot of the attachment body. The channel and ridge could be swapped between the slot and protrusions to form an alternative configuration. The protrusion on the mounting plate can extend outwardly from their base to tip. In a preferred form they are outwardly splayed. They can be positioned on the mounting 20 plate so that their bases align with the slots in the coupling means of the attachment body. The angle of splay can be such that the distance between the outermost point of the two protrusions is greater than the distance between the narrowest part of the outside walls defining the slots. When connecting the mounting plate to the attachment body, a first protrusion is inserted into a first slot. The second protrusion can then only 25 be inserted into the second slot by bringing the second protrusion closer to the first protrusion so that their tips clear the ridges of the slot walls. This is accomplished by flexing the elongate strip. The planar surface of the elongate strip forms a mounting surface that lies parallel to the surface of the mounting plate. Attachment may be by use of a strip of 6 double-sided tape, adhesive or other connection means. The elongate strip may include screw holes for fastening to a panel member. The holes are preferably countersunk. In some embodiments, a single panel member may have multiple mounting plates connected to it. Mounting plates may be spaced apart horizontally and/or 5 vertically depending on the size of the panel member. In one embodiment, the system according to the first aspect may be used to create a double sided sign. In such an embodiment, mounting plates can be connected to both sides of a mounting substrate. The mounting substrate has at least two apertures through it. A first series of linked attachment bodies are arranged so that their 10 coupling means is accessible from a first side of the substrate to allow mounting of corresponding mounting plates thereto from the first side. A second series of linked attachment bodies are arranged so that their coupling means is accessible from a second side of the substrate to allow mounting of corresponding mounting plates thereto from the second side. The first and second series of linked attachment bodies 15 may be connected to each other through the apertures in the substrate. The mounting substrate can include two or more apertures sized to receive the main portion of an attachment body. Webs are defined between the apertures. In this case, the male connector elements capture the web between them. This arrangement allows panel members mounted on the two sides of the mounting substrate to align with 20 each other. Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings 25 The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of three attachment bodies before being connected in series; 7 Figure 3 is an isometric view of a mounting system connecting a plurality of panel members to a mounting substrate, with one of the panel members shown as transparent; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an attachment body; 5 Figure 5 is an isometric rear view of an assembly; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembly in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional top view of an attachment body; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional top view of a mounting plate being inserted into the attachment body of Figure 6; 10 Figure 9 is a cross-sectional top view of the mounting plate connected to the attachment body; Figure 10 is an isometric front view of an assembly of three attachment bodies with three connected mounting plates; and Figure 11 is an isometric view of a mounting system according to an alternative 15 embodiment. Detailed description of the embodiments Figure 1 shows a system for mounting a series of panel members, such as signs 10 to a mounting substrate, such as a wall surface 12. The system includes a series of attachment bodies 14 connected together in series that are fastened to the wall surface 20 12, or other mounting substrate. On the rear surface of the panel members 10 is one or more mounting plates 16. Each mounting plate 16 can be releasably connected to an attachment body 14, thus securing a panel member 10 to a wall surface 12. As the connection is releasable, the panel members can be readily removed and interchanged with other panel 25 members. As can be seen from Figure 1, multiple mounting plates 16 may be affixed to the rear of a panel member 10. Panel members 10 may be any shape or size and any 8 material. The weight and size of the panel member dictates how many mounting plates are required. For example, one panel member 10 may be a long sign that has a mounting plate 16 affixed at either end. For a square shaped panel member, a mounting plate may be affixed in each corner. Or, alternatively, a series of vertically spaced 5 mounting plates may be attached down the centre. Any combination and placement may be utilised. The mounting system according to the present invention can be utilised with a variety of different types of panel members. For example, in Figure 1 there is illustrated an existing rail extrusion 10a, whereby a standard extruded rail is affixed to a mounting 10 plate. A sign 10b can then be slid into the extrusion. If inadequate space is provided next to the extrusion to slide the sign out, the extruded rail and mounting plate can be pulled off from the front. The sign can be slid out and replaced. The extruded rail and mounting plate can then be reconnected to the attachment body. Another type of sign is shown, where a panel member 10c is affixed to the mounting plate 16. A sign 10d in the 15 form of an extruded rail slides over the panel member 10c. Figure 2 shows three attachment bodies. The attachment bodies all include a main portion 18 that has a generally rectangular outer shape. With reference to the orientation shown in Figure 2, the main portion 18 has a front side 20, a rear side 22, an upper side 24, a lower side 26 and end sides 28, 30. The front side 20 is marked with 20 the letter "A" and the rear side 22 is marked with the letter "B". This indicia allows quick recognition of the front and rear to ensure when inserting one body into another that the front sides are both facing the same direction. The two lowermost bodies are designated 14 and illustrate a primary configuration. The uppermost body is designated 14" and illustrates a secondary 25 configuration. In the primary configuration 14, a male connector element in the form of a tongue 32 projects from the upper side 24. In the secondary configuration 14" the tongue is omitted. The second configuration can be used as the end body when a plurality of bodies 14 are connected in series. For example, if the series is orientated vertically with the tongues projecting upwards, the body 14" would be the uppermost 30 body. The second configuration of body 14" is used to provide a neat upper surface that does not project above the uppermost sign or panel member 10, as can be seen in 9 Figure 3. In Figure 3, the lowermost panel member is not attached to an attachment body and is shown as transparent to enable viewing of the mounting plate in position. The lower side 26 of the main portion 18 has a female connector element, being an opening 35 leading into a being void 34. Void 34 is shaped to receive the tongue 32 5 of a lower positioned attachment body 14 to connect attachment bodies in series. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the void is partially defined on front side 20 by two tabs 36 extending down from the upper side 24. The rear side 22 of the main portion is best seen in Figure 5. The rear wall of the void is also partially defined by one tab 40 extending down from the upper side 24. When viewed from front side 20 or rear side 22, 10 rear tab 40 is centrally positioned between the spaced apart front tabs 36. The inside surface of the front and rear tabs 36, 40 include gripping formations 52, 62. The gripping formations illustrated are in the form of a plurality of ridges and troughs. In the embodiment illustrated there are five peaks and four troughs per tab. The open spaces in the mounting plate cut down unnecessary material and therefore 15 manufacturing costs, whilst still maintaining the required strength. It also allows for a two sided mould to be used with only one sliding insert, which is used to create the opening 35. The opening 35 is defined by an elongate strip 38 extending across the front side and an elongate strip 42 extending across the rear side. The strips 38, 42 are joined at 20 their ends. As seen in the cross-sectional view in Figure 4, the elongate strip 38 is inwardly inclined with an edge 45 extending furthermost into the void 34. This results in the void narrowing from the opening to the edge 45 and then widening back out again. The strip 38 includes a lip 41 across the upper edge with a shoulder 43 defined behind the lip 41. Shoulder 43 is downwardly angled. Strip 38 is hinged at hinge points 39 and 25 is inwardly biased to its inclined position. The strip 38 is able to rotate outwardly to thereby function like a pawl, and lock against a tongue inserted into the void. Tongue 32 has a rear face 54 that is generally vertical (when viewed in the orientation depicted in the drawings). The front face 56 is sloped from its base 57 at the front side 20 of the main portion towards the tip 58 of the tongue. This tapering provides 30 a greater thickness near the base of the tongue, which minimises the ability for the 10 tongue to bend. Adjacent the tip 58 are a series of gripping formations 64, 74 on both the front and rear face. In the embodiment illustrated there are four ridges and three troughs per face. On the front face 56 of the tongue there is a channel 60 that extends across the 5 width of the tongue. The channel 60 sits between the formations 64 and the base 57 of the tongue 32. Figure 6 shows a series of attachment bodies in cross-section connected together. When connecting bodies together, the tongue 32 is inserted into void 34 via opening 35. As the tongue is inserted, the edge 45 of the front strip 38 ratchets past the 10 series of front ridges 64, with the front strip flexing outwards as the peaks of the ridges push past it. As the tongue is inserted further, the edge 45 of strip 38 lands in the channel 60. In this connected position, an upper wall 61 of the channel 60 sits against shoulder 43 of the elongate strip 38. The front ridges and troughs 64 of the tongue engage with the front ridges and troughs 52 of the front tab. The rear ridges and troughs 15 74 of the tongue engage with the rear ridges and troughs 62 of the rear tab. The two bodies 14 are securely connected together. One of the attachment bodies can be affixed to a mounting substrate, with the connection allowing lower attachment bodies to securely suspend from that body. Depending on the weight of the signs uses, the attached body takes the weight of all of the bodies and signs suspended below it. 20 The use of the ridges and channel 60 results in an even and predefined spacing or pitch being provided between bodies and therefore subsequent panel members. There is no limit to the number of attachment bodies that can be connected together. Subsequent bodies can be inserted into the void 34 of the lowermost body to extend the series. Similarly, additional bodies could be added to the top of the series, if 25 the uppermost body is of the first configuration and includes a tongue 32. If a body of the second configuration is provided, as is shown in Figure 6, this body 14" can be removed and another body 14 can be added to the top. The body 14" can then be reattached to neatly complete the series. To remove a body from a series, two connected bodies need to be pulled apart 30 with enough force that the upper wall 61 of the channel 60 on the lower body slides 11 down shoulder 43 to disengage the edge 45 of the strip 38 of the upper body. Once the locking force provided by the strip 38 is overcome, the tongue of the lower body can then be removed with less force by pulling the edge 45 on the upper body back over the tongue ridges 64 of the lower body. 5 Typically, at least one attachment body in a series is fastened to the mounting substrate with a pair of screws (not shown). Each attachment body 14 may be fastened to the mounting substrate in this way. However, as the engagement between neighbouring attachment bodies is relatively secure, each body is not required to be fastened in all circumstances. Fastening requirements depend on the size and weight of 10 the panel members being mounted and whether multiple attachment bodies are being used for a single panel member. To aid screw fixing when needed, the main portion 18 has two bosses 44 creating screw holes 46. The screw holes have countersunk openings (see Figures 2 and 7). The main portion 18 also includes slots 48 spaced apart towards the end sides 15 28, 30. Slots 48 can take various forms. The depicted slots are most clearly seen in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 7. Slots 48 extend through the main portion 18 in the embodiment illustrated, however they could also be constructed as blind holes. Ridges 50 are provided on an internal wall of the slot and project into the slots 48. A mounting plate 16 is shown in cross-section in Figure 8. The mounting plate is 20 generally rectangular and has an outer shape that matches the outer shape of the main section 18 of the attachment body 14. The mounting plate 16 includes an elongate strip 80. One side of the strip is a planar surface 82 that lies against the planar rear surface of a panel member 10. Double sided tape (not shown) may be used to secure the mounting plate 16 to the panel member 10. However, it will be appreciated that other 25 attachment methods may be used, such as direct adhesive application or ultrasonic welding if the materials are compatible. Screw holes 84 are provide towards the ends of the strip 80. The screw holes 84 have a countersunk opening such that if screws are used to affix the mounting plate to the panel member, the screw heads sit flush with the rear surface 86. 30 Extending from the rear surface 86 are two protrusions 88 that run substantially the full height of the strip. The protrusions 88 are located towards the ends of the strip 12 80 and are outwardly splayed, such that they project at an angle to the planar rear surface 86. Protrusions 88 are preferably rigid, whilst the strip 80 is flexible and can bend along its length. It will be appreciated that depending on the material selection, the protrusions may be able to flex a marginal amount, but will generally be rigid. The 5 attachment body and mounting plate can be made from injection moulded Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate provides adequate rigidity whilst allowing elements to have a degree of flexibility. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used, for example ABS. The protrusions 88 have a base 89 and extend to tips 91. The inward faces 90 of 10 protrusions 88 are generally flat. The outward faces 92 include a valley 94 between two ridges 96. The distance between the bases of the protrusions is generally equal to the distance between the slots 48, and the distance between the tips 97 of the protrusions is greater than the distance between the slots 48. When connecting the mounting plate 16 to an attachment body 14, one 15 protrusion 88a is inserted into a slot 48a, as shown in Figure 8 so that valley 94a sits over ridge 50a. To insert the second protrusion 88b into the second slot 48b, the second protrusion 88b is brought closer to the first protrusion 88a by bending the elongate strip 80. When the strip 80 is bent the tip 97b can be pushed into slot 48b past the ridge 50b. The strip 80 then returns to its natural state with the valley 94b sitting over ridge 50b. 20 The connected position is shown in Figure 9. As can be seen in Figure 9, if screws (not shown) were used to attach the mounting plate to the panel member, the countersunk screw heads would neatly abut against the countersunk screw heads (not shown) holding the attachment body 14, as the countersunk openings of the respective screw holes align. 25 Due to the outwardly splayed rigid protrusions, the panel members cannot be pulled straight off and must be levered off. To remove the mounting plate 16 from the attachment body 14, a couple of methods can be used. Mounting plates are typically inset from the edge of a panel member when attached. The panel member 10 can therefore provide enough leverage to pull one side of the panel member forward and 30 disengage one of the protrusions 88. Alternatively, recesses 98 (see Figure 10) are provided in the end walls 28, 30 that are sized to receive the head of a flat-head screw 13 driver to prise the mounting plate away from the attachment body. If access is available to the top or bottom of the mounting plate 16, finger tips can be inserted between the rear surface 86 and the front side 20. The flexibility of the elongate strip 80 allows finger tips to pull the centre of the strip 80 outwards, which disengages the protrusions 88. 5 Figure 11 illustrates a way of using the mounting system to produce a double sided sign. A mounting substrate 12 is held in a bracket 97. The bracket 97 can be affixed to a wall such that the mounting substrate extends perpendicular to the wall surface. The mounting substrate 12 includes a column of four cut-outs 99 that are of a size and shape that corresponds to the main portion 18 of an attachment body 14. 10 Between the cut-outs 99 are webs 95. On one side of the substrate a series of four connected attachment bodies 14 is provided. A second series of four connected attachment bodies 14 is provided on the other side of the substrate. The two series of bodies are positioned back to back through the cut-outs 99. Pop rivets (not shown) are then inserted through the aligned screw holes 46 to secure the two series of bodies 15 together. The attachment bodies are held to the substrate by the tongues capturing the web 95 between them. Four mounting plates 16 are attached to a panel member 10 and connected to the series of attachment bodies. Another panel member may be provided on the front side attached to the series of four mounting plates. Additional cut-outs 99 can be provided next to the first column of cut-outs 99 to create a matrix for even 20 spacing of bodies. The advantage of the present invention is that the panel members are easily removed and attached. The system can accommodate various different types of panel members and be easily reconfigured. If additional panel members are required, more attachment bodies can be added. If a panel member needs to be removed, the 25 attachment body can be readily removed. If that particular attachment body was not fastened to the mounting substrate, when it is removed there are no visible signs that the body had been there, leaving a clean mounting substrate. The panel mounting system according to the present invention provides an easy to install system that is readily reconfigurable and adaptable for a variety of different 30 uses. 14 It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. 5 15

Claims (5)

1. A mounting system for removably connecting panel members to a mounting substrate, the system including a plurality attachment bodies releasably connectable in series, at least one attachment body being fastenable to a mounting substrate, 5 and a plurality of mounting plates each fastenable to a surface of a panel member and releasably connectable to a side of an attachment body.

2. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment body includes a male connector element and a female connector element, the female connector element being configured to receive a male connector element of another 10 attachment body such that a plurality of attachment bodies can be connected in series, wherein the male connector element and the female connector element include corresponding gripping formations.

3. A mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting plate includes an elongate strip and at least two protrusions projecting from a surface of the strip, 15 the at least two protrusions being outwardly splayed from each other, wherein the attachment body includes corresponding slots for receiving the protrusions to connect the mounting plate to the side of an attachment body.

4. An attachment body for use in the removable connection of panel members to a mounting substrate, the attachment body including: 20 means to fasten the attachment body to a mounting substrate; at least one male connector element; at least one female connector element having a void accessible via an opening to receive a male connector element of another attachment body such that a plurality of attachment bodies can be connected in series; and 25 coupling means to releasably couple a mounting plate to the attachment body.

5. A mounting plate for use in the removable connection of panel members to a mounting substrate, the mounting plate including: 16 an elongate strip capable of resiliently flexing along its length and having a relatively planar first surface to allow for the fastening to a surface of a panel member; and at least two protrusions projecting from a surface of the strip opposite the first 5 surface, the at least two protrusions being outwardly splayed from each other. 17