AU2018201790A1 - Panel - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to panels for defining building structures and fence structures. The panels 12 are adapted to be joined together to define wall sections 10 to erect, for example, a building structure. The wall section 10 may also be used for defining partitions within the inside of building structures. In other arrangements, the panels 12 may be used for defining sections other than wall section used for defining a building structure; for example, the panels 12 may be used for assembling floor section or roof sections. Furthermore, the panels 12 may be used for defining fences; in particular, the panels 12 may be used for defining a fence structure as well as a plinth assembly of a fence structure. Fig 4 23s ss~a

Description

The invention relates to panels for defining building structures and fence structures. The panels 12 are adapted to be joined together to define wall sections 10 to erect, for example, a building structure. The wall section 10 may also be used for defining partitions within the inside of building structures. In other arrangements, the panels 12 may be used for defining sections other than wall section used for defining a building structure; for example, the panels 12 may be used for assembling floor section or roof sections. Furthermore, the panels 12 may be used for defining fences; in particular, the panels 12 may be used for defining a fence structure as well as a plinth assembly of a fence structure.

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2018201790 13 Mar 2018

PANEL

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to structures such as wall structures, roof structures and floor structures as well as fence structures.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to panels for assembling the structures such as wall structures, roof structures and floor structures as well as fence structures.

BACKGROUND ART [0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Building structure may be erected using individual panels that are joined together for defining the wall, roof and floor structures; similarly fence structures may be defined by assembling together sections of sheet material.

[0005] Assembling the panels together for defining these structures can be cumbersome and a time consuming task. This is particaurly when assembling the fence structures using the sheet material.

[0006] As an example, fences should follow the contour of the terrain onto which the fences are mounted. This is because by having the lower ends of the fences to follow the contour of the terrain; noise, winds, and pests among others are impeded from passing under the fence.

[0007] For the lower ends of the fences to follow the contour of the terrain, it is necessary that the lower ends of the fences are at least partially embedded into the ground. In undulating terrain the lower end of the fences need to adjust to the particular undulating contour of the terrain. For example, for the lower end of a fence to follow the contour of the particular undulation in the terrain, the individual panels that define the

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 fence need to be located at different locations with respect to each other; a first panel located at the lowest positon of the undulation may need to be located at a distance lower than a second panel that is located, for example, at the highest position of the particular undulation.

[0008] Conventional fences are defined using individual sections of sheet material defining the individual panels that define the fence. The sections of sheet material are joined together by abutting the ends of the sections of the sheet material. The process of joining together the sections of sheet material to follow the contour of the terrain below the fence is particularly cumbersome and time consuming.

[0009] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a panel for defining a building structure, the panel comprising a body having a first face and a second face, and a first side and a second side joining the first and second face, wherein the first side is adapted to slideably receive a side of another first panel and the second side is adapted to slideably receive a side of another second panel.

[0011] Preferably, the first side comprises a first fastening element of a first fastening means, the first fastening element is adapted to be received by a second fastening element of the first fastening means, the another first panel comprising the second fastening element.

[0012] Preferably, the first fastening element comprises a projection adapted to be received by the second fastening element.

[0013] Preferably,the projection is configured to have a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0014] Preferably,the first fastening means comprises a dovetail joint.

[0015] Preferably,the first fastening element of the first fastening means comprises the male pin of a dovetail joint.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 [0016] Preferably,the second side of the panel comprises a second fastening element of a second fastening means, the second fastening element being adapted to be received by a third fastening element of the second fastening means, the another second panel comprising the third fastening element.

[0017] Preferably,the second fastening element of the second fastening means comprises an indentation adapted to receive the third fastening element.

[0018] Preferably,the indentation is configured to have a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0019] Preferably,the second fastening means comprises a dovetail joint.

[0020] Preferably, the second fastening element comprises the female tail of a dovetail joint.

[0021] Preferably,the body of the panel comprises a first end and a second end, the second fastening element comprising at least one open end for receiving a male pin of the third fastening element to define the dovetail joint.

[0022] Preferably,the body comprises an inner volume.

[0023] Preferably, the body of the panel comprises openings for accesing the inner volume from the exterior of the body.

[0024] Preferably, the openings are located at ends of the body of the panel.

[0025] Preferably,the inner volume comprises a hollow inner volume.

[0026] Preferably, the inner volume extends along the longitude of the panel.

[0027] Preferably, the inner volume is adapted to permit passage of services such as electrical, optical and plumbing services.

[0028] Preferably, the inner volume comprises insualting material such as sound insulating material or thermal insualting material.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 [0029] Preferably, the body of the panel comprises reinforcement means to impede bending of the first and second faces of the body of the panel.

[0030] Preferably, the reinforcement means comprises at least one partition extending along the longitudinal axis of the panel.

[0031] Preferably, the partition defines within the inner volume of the panel a plurality of compartments extending longitudinally along the panel.

[0032] Preferably, each of the first and second faces of the panel comprises a plurality of grooves arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other and extending longitudinally along the panel.

[0033] Preferably, the grooves are located at the location where the partition at least one joins the inner surface of the first and second faces.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a structure comprising a plurality of panels as defined in the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] Preferably, the structure comprises any one of a wall structure, roof structure, a floor structure as well as a fence structure.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided fencing system for mounting on a terrain, the fencing system comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are slideably attached to each other to permit the lower portion of the fencing system to contour the terrain.

[0037] Preferably, the panels comprise the panels as defined in the first aspect of the invention [0038] Preferably, the panels are oriented in a substantial vertical condition.

[0039] According to a frouth aspect of the invention there is provided plinth assembly for a fencing system for mounting on a terrain, the plinth assembly comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are slideably attached to each other to permit the lower portion of the plinth assembly to contour the terrain.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 [0040] Preferably, the panels comprise the panels as defined in the first aspect of the invention [0041] Preferably, the panels are oriented in a substantial vertical condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0042] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 is a front view of a wall section assembled using a plurality of panels in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of the of the wall section shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the wall section shown in figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the panel in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 is a side view of a particular arrangement of the panel in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) [0043] Figures 1 and 2 depict a wall section 10. The wall section 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12. The panels 12 are adapted to be joined together to define the wall section 10.

[0044] In the particular arrangement shown in figure 1, the wall section 10 comprises four panels 12. In accordance to alternative arrangements the wall section 10 may comprise any number of panels 12 for defining a particular wall structure to erect, for

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 example, a building structure. The wall section 10 may also be used for defining partitions within the inside of building structures.

[0045] In other arrangements, the panels 12 may be used for defining sections other than wall section used for defining a building structure. For example, the panels 12 may be used for assembling floor section or roof sections.

[0046] Furthermore, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the panels 12 may be used for defining fences. In this second embodiment, the panels 12 may be used for defining a fence structure as well as a plinth assembly of a fence structure.

[0047] Referring now to figure 3.

[0048] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the particular arrangement of the wall section 10 shown in figure 1. As shown in figure 3, the wall section 10 comprises four panels 12a to 12d. Each panel has a front face 14 and a rear face 16 and ends 18 and 20.

[0049] Each panel 12 also comprises sides 22 and 24. As will be described below, the sides 22 and 24 are adapted to attach adjacent panels together to define the wall panel 10.

[0050] Referring now to figure 4. Figure 4 is an end view of the panel 12a of the panels 12 shown in figure 4.

[0051] The sides 22a and 24a are adapted to attach the adjacent panel 12b thereto. For this, the sides 22 and 24 of each panel 12 comprises fastening means. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 4, the fastening means comprises a sliding dovetail joint.

[0052] As shown in 4, the dovetail joint for joining together adjacent panels 12 comprises a male pin 26 and female groove 28. The pin 26 extends along the length of the side 24 of panel 12; the groove 28 extends along the length of the side 22a of the panel 12.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 [0053] The pin 26 has a trapezoidal shape; the groove 28 has a trapezoidal outline adapted for receiving the pin 26. Each groove 28 has an open end at each side 22 and 24 of each panel. The opens ends permit inserting the pin 26 into the groove 28 for joining together adjacent panels 12.

[0054] Each of the panels 12a to 12d comprises on each of its side 22 a pin 26 and on its other side 24 a groove 28. This allows attaching the panels 12 together to define the wall section 10.

[0055] The panels 12a and 12b are attached together to define a portion of the wall section 10 by initially locating the panels 12a and 12b in an offset relationship so that the pin 26b of the panel 12b is inserted within the open end of the groove 28a of the panel 12a; attachment of the panels 12a and 12b is completed by sliding side 22a of panel 12a against the side 24b of the panel 26 such that the pin 26b of the panel 12b slides within the groove 28a of the panel 12a.

[0056] The wall section 10 is defined by attaching further panels to the portion of wall section 12 following the same assembly process described above for attaching together panels 12a and 12b.

[0057] Furthermore, each panel 12 comprises a body 30. The body 30 comprises an inner volume 32 defined by the sides 22 and 24, and the faces 14 and 16.

[0058] The inner volume 32 comprises a plurality of partitions 34a and 36a extending along the longitudinal axis of the panel 12 from one end 18 to the other end 18 of the panel 12. The partitions 34 and 36 define a plurality of compartments 36a, 36b and 36c extending longitudinally along the panel 12. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, there are two partitions 34 defining three compartments 36.

[0059] The presence of the partitions 34 is particularly advantageous because it provides reinforcement to the faces 14 and 16 of the panel 12. For example, the partitions 34 and 36 impede bending of the side walls 14 and 16. This is particularly useful if the panels 12 are subject to loads when used for, for example, defining roof and floor structures.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 [0060] The fact that the panel 12 comprises a body 30 an inner volume is particularly advantageous because it reduces passage of sound waves through the panel 12. In this manner, the structures erected suing the panels 12 are adapted to act as noise barriers. Sound insulating material may be inserted in the inner volume 32 of the panel 12 to enhance the sound isolation properties of the panel 12. Also, thermal insulating material may be inserted in the inner volume 32 of the panel 12 to enhance the thermal isolation properties of the panel 12.

[0061] Another advantage of the inner volume is that conductors and pluming of the building structure to be erected using the panels 12 can be passed through the panels

12. It is particularly advantageous that the panel 12 comprises a plurality of compartments 36 isolated with respect to each other; this allows to pass though one compartment 36, for example, electric conductors and through another compartment 36 pluming for transfer of liquids or gases.

[0062] Moreover, the exterior surface of each face 14 and 16 of the panel 12 comprises a plurality of grooves 38 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other and extending longitudinally along the panel 12. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, there are two grooves 38 on each face 14 and 16 and the grooves 38 are located at the outer surface of the panel 12 adjacent the location where the partitions 36 join the inner surface of the faces 14 and 16. This can be best appreciated in figure 4.

[0063] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, one of the possible applications of the panels 12 may be used for defining wall, roof and floor structures.

[0064] An advantage of the panels 12 of the present embodiments of the invention is the easiness with which the panels 12 may be joined together. This is particularly advantageous when using the panels 12 for defining barrier elements offences.

[0065]As mentioned in the Background Section of the present specification, conventional fences are defined using sheet material that are joined together by abutting the ends of individual sheet material; in particular, plinth assemblies of fences are defined using sheet material. As indicated before, the process of joining together the sheets of material to follow the contour of the terrain below the fence is particularly cumbersome and time consuming.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 [0066] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the panels 12 may be joined together to define barrier elements of fencing system or to define the plinth assemblies offences.

[0067] For example, the fencing system may comprise end posts between which a barrier element may be located and supported to the ground.

[0068] In a first arrangement of this second embodiment of the invention, the panels 12 may be joined together to define the barrier panel to be located between the posts. In this particular arrangement the barrier panel (defined by panels 12) may located between the posts such that the longitudinal axis of the panels 12 are in a horizontal condition.

[0069] Alternatively, the panels may be located such the longitudinal axis of the panels 12 are in a vertical condition. This alternative arrangement is particular advantageous because, as will be described it permits omitting the plinth assembly used for ensuring that the lower end of the fence follows the contour of the ground.

[0070] In the arrangement where the panels 12 are located in the vertical condition, the barrier panel (defined by panels 12) may be supported to the ground by embedding the panels 12 partially in the ground. As will be described in the next paragraph, the fact that the panels 12 are slideably attached to each other is particularly advantageous for defining this particular arrangement of fencing system.

[0071] As mentioned in the Background Section of the present specification, the fences should follow the contour of the ground onto which the fences are mounted. This is because by having the lower ends of the fences to follow the contour of the ground noise, winds, and pests among others are impeeded from passing under the fence.

[0072] For the lower ends of the fences (having the barrier element defined by panels 12) to follow the contour of the ground it is necessary that the lower end of each individual panel 12 is at least partially embedded into the ground. In undulating terrain the lower end of the barrier element needs to adjust to the particular undulating contour of the ground. For example, for the barrier element to follow the contour of a irregularity in the ground, the individual panels need to be located at different locations with respect to each other; a first panel 12a located at the lowest positon of the irregularity may need

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 to be located at a distance lower than a second panel 12b that is located, for example, at the highest position of the particular irregularity.

[0073] The fact that the panels 12 are slideably attached to each other facilitates following the contour of the ground. This is because it allows the lower ends of the individual panels 12 to follow the particular contour of the ground as was described in the previous paragraph. The panels 12 may slide with respect to each other for embedding the lower ends of each panel 12 at the corresponding depth with respect the upper surface of the ground.

[0074] The process for supporting the lower end of the barrier element (defined by panels 12) to the ground include the steps of assembly the barrier element by joining together the panels 12, mounting barrier element onto the ground and adjusting the position of each panel 12 with respect to its adjacent panels 12 to make the barrier element follow the contour of the ground. To ensure that the upper end of the barrier element follows a straight profile, the panels 12 may be cut to size prior or after assembly of the barrier element; alternatively, each individual panel 12 may be embedded into the ground a particular depth for the upper end of the barrier element to have straight profile.

[0075] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0076] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. By way of example, the panels 12 may also be used to define a plinth assembly for a fencing system. In this particular case the process used for defining the barrier elements of the fence would be substantially identical to the process for defining the plinth assembly, one of the difference being that it is expected that the length of the panels 12 used for defining the plinth assembly is smaller than the length of the panels 12 used for defining the barrier elements.

[0077] Throughout this 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.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018

Claims (32)

1. A panel for defining a building structure, the panel comprising a body having a first face and a second face, and a first side and a second side joining the first and second face, wherein the first side is adapted to slideably receive a side of another first panel and the second side is adapted to slideably receive a side of another second panel.

2. A panel according to claim 1 wherein the first side comprises a first fastening element of a first fastening means, the first fastening element is adapted to be received by a second fastening element of the first fastening means, the another first panel comprising the second fastening element.

3. A panel according to claim 2 wherein the first fastening element comprises a projection adapted to be received by the second fastening element.

4. A panel according to claim 3 wherein the projection is configured to have a trapezoidal cross-section.

5. A panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the first fastening means comprises a dovetail joint.

6. A panel according to claim 5 wherein the first fastening element of the first fastening means comprises the male pin of a dovetail joint.

7. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second side of the panel comprises a second fastening element of a second fastening means, the second fastening element being adapted to be received by a third fastening element of the second fastening means, the another second panel comprising the third fastening element.

8. A panel according to claim 7 wherein the second fastening element of the second fastening means comprises an indentation adapted to receive the third fastening element.

2018201790 13 Mar 2018

9. A panel according to claim 7 wherein the indentation is configured to have a trapezoidal cross-section.

10. A panel according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the second fastening means comprises a dovetail joint.

11. A panel according to claim 10 wherein the second fastening element comprises the female tail of a dovetail joint.

12. A panel according to any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein the body of the panel comprises a first end and a second end, the second fastening element comprising at least one open end for receiving a male pin of the third fastening element to define the dovetail joint.

13. A panel according to claim any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises an inner volume.

14. A panel according to claim 13 wherein the body of te panel comprises openings for accesing the inner volume from the exterior of the body.

15. A panel according to claim 14 wherein the openings are located at ends of the body of the panel.

16. A panel according to claims 13 or 14 wherein the inner volume comprises a hollow inner volume.

17. A panel according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the inner volume extends along the longitude of the panel.

18. A panel according to any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the inner volume is adapted to permit passage of services such as electrical, optical and plumbing services.

19. A panel according to 13 to 18 wherein the inner volume comprises insualting material such as sound insulating material or thermal insualting material.

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20. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body of the panel comprises reinforcement means to impede bending of the first and second faces of the body of the panel.

21. A panel according to claim 19 wherein the reinforcement means comprises at least one partition extending along the longitudinal axis of the panel.

22. A panel according to claim 20 wherein the partition defines within the inner volume of the panel a plurality of compartments extending longitudinally along the panel.

23. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the first and second faces of the panel comprises a plurality of grooves arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other and extending longitudinally along the panel.

24. A panel according to claim 22 wherein the grooves are located at the location where the partition at least one joins the inner surface of the first and second faces.

25. A structure comprising a plurality of panels as defiend in any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A structure according to claim 24 wherein the structure comprises any one of a wall structure, roof structure, a floor structure as well as a fence structure.

27. A fencing system for mounting on a terrain, the fencing system comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are slideably attached to each other to permit the lower portion of the fencing system to contour the terrain.

28. A fencing system according to claim 26 wherein the panels comprise the panels as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23.

29. A structure according to claim 27 wherein the panels are oriented in a substantial vertical condition.

30. A plinth assembly for a fencing system for mounting on a terrain, the plinth assembly comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are slideably attached

2018201790 13 Mar 2018 to each other to permit the lower portion of the plinth assembly to contour the terrain.

31. A plinth assembly according to claim 29 wherein the panels comprise the panels as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23.

32. A plinth assembly according to claims 29 or 30 wherein the panels are oriented in a substantial vertical condition.

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