AU698658B2 - Panelling structure - Google Patents

Description

i

AUSTRALIA

Patent Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: RA4/

SEC

-1 113 T 09 Priority: Related Art: 0*

C

C.

ec C CC C cc C c C: ec, Name(s) of Applicant(s): -FURNITURE-AUSTRAl A-PTY. L-TD.

(ACN 003 026 382) Actual Inventor(s): Barry CRONE Stephen BEALE Barry RUSSENBERG Our Address for service is: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Paterit and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia 3000 SODFC P t- Complete Specification for the invention entitled: PANELLING STRUCTURE The folloWing statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performig it known to applicant(s): C y~ ~-l-~nu~x~iua 2 PANELLING STRUCTURE Technical Field The present invention relates to panelling or partitioning systems and is particularly concerned with a refurbished panel module for use in such a system and a method of refurbishing original structures in such systems. The invention also relates to a connector for use in a refurbished panelling or partitioning system., Background Panelling or partitioning systems are commonly used for screening or subdividing open areas to create workplace or office arrangements which typically include work stations. Such systems include standard structural and other components that are capable of being assembled togetiler to provide various configured workplace, office or work station designs. These components include modular wall panels (hereinafter referred to as panel modules) and posts, wherein panel modules may be assembled together by direct connection of one to another or by way of connection to irntermediate posts. The panel modules comprise a frame having opposed panel facing L<,o 20 sheets attached thereto, wherein the frames include vertically extending side oo members, usually formed from an extruded metal section, having channels in which the side edges of the facing sheets are received, such that the outer C, t t facing surface of each facing sheet lies substantially flush with an outer facing Csurface of each vertically extending side member.

<C 25 Various means may be provided for connecting a panel module to a C C panel module or a panel module to a post and these may include the use of a connector or linkage in the form of a longitudinally extending section having S" opposed head sections adapted to be housed within oppositely facing channels of the modules, or a module and post, as described in, for example, United Kingdom patent application No.

c, rr

I

i

A

3 GB 2128707-A. Another known form of connection involves interengagement between a tongue on a side member of a panel module and a tongue on another panel module or post,, as disclosed in, for example, Australian Patent No. 646502. The frame (particularly the vertically extendIng side members thereof) of a panel module are usually formed from powder coated extruded aluminium and the facing sheets are generally fabric covered.

The "life-span" of these panelling systems is determined by factors such as wear and tear and the need to redecorate the workplace environment.

Clearly one option for updating the system is to replace the whole system and dispose of 1're old one. As this option is often taken, there is a considerable supply of obsolete panel modules. An alternative lower cost option is to refurbish the modules of the original panelling structure. Usually the frame structure of these original systems is sound, and suitable for reuse. Also, the original panel frame members may have cabling arrangements to accommodate and hide computer and electrical cabling and there is clearly a cost saving in not having to rebuild these in a new structure.

A significant restraint on the ability to refurbish an original panelling system is that usually part of the outer surfaces of the panel support members, for example the side members of a panel module and posts, are visible and 20 this limits the possible colour options for the replacement panel' facing, particularly where the support members are coloured.

t I I I I

I.,

I I I ftc I I 1.1.

C I 1Disclosure of the Invention t C The present invention seeks to provide for the refurbishing of a panelling It V C 25 system as a viable alternative to replacement of the whole system.

Accordingly the present invention provides a refurbished panel module for use in a panelling or partitioning system, the module including a frame structure havipg two spaced vertically extending side members for mounting facing sheets of the panel module thereb etween, wherein a refurbishing facing sheet is detachably attached to the module and- each said side member includes at least one covering member extending along its length, whereby the

IC

F

1

C)

4 refurbishing Fcing sheet and at least two covering members are positioned to provide a facing surface for the module that does not expose the said two side members.

The invention, in another aspect, also provides a method of refurbishing a panel module, the module being for use in a panelling or partitioning system and including a frame structure having two spaced vertically extending side members for mounting facing sheets of the panel module therebetween, the method including detachably attaching a refurbishing facing sheet to the module and attaching a covering member to each said side member such that the refurbishing facing sheet and two covering members cooperatively provide a facing surface that does not expose the said side members.

The re, rbishing facing sheet may be attached to the original facing sheets by any convenient means such as, for example, a Velcro pad or pads.

Alternatively the original facing sheets may be removed Ond replaced with one or two opposed refurbishing facing sheets, which may be attached to the frame sidei members by means of clips associated with the facing sheet(s).

The clips may clip into channels in the side members (previously used to locate .het Snpac.i *e and support the replaced panel facing sheets) to hold the refurbishing facing -sheet(s) in place.

Preferably a refurbishing facing sheet extends over and covers a vertically extending portion of each side member. Preferably the outer facing surface of a refurbishing facing sheet and an outer facing surface of an adjacent covering member are substantially flush with each other. Preferably the covering member adjacent a refurbishing facing sheet includes a surface 25 that abuts an edge face of the refurbishing facing sheet.

In a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a panelling system, wherein the system includes a refurbished panel module as described above attached to another member. The other member may be a conventional panel module, another refurbished panel module, or a vertical post. The post may be such as to provide an in-line support for the panelling system or a corner structure.. L The frame structure of a panel module according to or for use in performing the present invention may be fabricated from a metal such as aluminium, although other suitable materials, such as a plastic, may be used.

Each covering member may be integral with the associated frame structure side member, or it may be a separate member attached to the side member in the form of, for example, an elongated aluminium extrusion having a means such as a rib for attachment to the frame structure. In use, the rib is located in a channel in the frame structure and kept in place by a pin or other fastening means. Most pre-existing frame structures have a channel which is 10 used to locate brackets for shelving and the rib can be located in that channel.

eh The covering members may each have a vertically extending outwardly Oc opening channel for locating a support bracket or the like. Also the surface of each covering member may be coloured, for example by powder coating, so as to co-ordinate with the colour of the refurbishing facing sheet.

At corners, a problem arises because the refurbished panel modules are -thicker than the unrefurbished modules and at angles less than 1800, interference between adjacent panel modules may occur. The spacing between the modules must therefore be increased. Conveniently, this may be 0 a done by joining the modules to the vertical posts by means of an extended *oo connector. To avoid a different dimensioned extended connector for each angle, it is convenient to use a single extended connector that allows the minimum angle between adjacent modules to be achieved without interference between the refurbished facings. Thus the invention also provides a panelling Ssystem wherein the connector between a refurbished panel module and a post is dimensioned such that the refurbished panel module is fixed to the post such

I

that its edge face is spaced away from the post whereby another refurbished panel module is fixable to the post at an angle of betweer about 900 and less than 1800 to the 'first said panel without interference between the two said panels.

Also, in a still further aspect, the invention provides a connector ;iin a panelling system, the connector comprising a longitudinally -'dtendir ng 6 section that includes oppositely located head sections that are adapted for engagement within channels or the like associated with panel modules, or a panel module and post, that are to be interconnected, such engagement providing the interconnection, wherein the connector also includes opposed laterally extending means adapted for contacting a side member of the panel module and the said post to stablilise the attachment of the panel to the post.

The opposed laterally extending means may comprise a pair of arms with each arm having a flange at an end thereof adapted to abut a side member of the frame of a panel module.

By using refurbished panel modules and connectors with unmodified vertical posts allows an improved appearance of the panelling system to be obtained, however the appearance may be marred to some extent by exposed face portions Or edges of the vertical posts and the connectors etc. The appearance may be improved by using additional covering means, for example in the form of one or more fins. Each fin may be either integral with a covering member or attached or held in place by the interaction of the covering member and the frame structure. In a preferred embodiment the fin of one additional '.;covering member may be adapted to slide over a fin of another additional covering member of an adjacent panel module so that a facing surface is 20 formed for a junction between adjacent panels at all angles of 1800 or less, I such facing surface concealing the post and connector. The top of the refurbished panel modules, tops of the support posts and/or the face of any support posts not covered by the fins may be finished off by means of conventional cappings, facia plates and extrusions.

Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be prescribed, by way of I example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific form and arrangement of the various features shown in the drawings is not to be understod:aE limiting on the invention. Also, features of the invention that are common in the various embodiments have been indicated by the same reference numeral in the various figures.

I' P r, ii 7

C

In the drawings: FIGURE 1 is a cross sectional plan view of part of a conventional panelling system; FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional plan view of part of a panelling system in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a modified side member of the frame of a panel module suitable for use in the present invention; FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a further embodiment in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a still further embodiment in accordance with the invention, Detailed Description of Embodiments Including Best Mode of Performing the Invention Figure 1 illustrates part of a conventional panelling system comprising three panel modules 8 connected to a vertical post 10 by means of linkages or connectors 12. Each connector 12 is a longitudinally extending section that has opposed ends or head sections 14 located within opposed channels 16 associated with the post 10 and panel modules 8.

Each panel module 8 is made up of a frame structure that includes vertically extending side members 18 (only one side member of each panel module 8 is shown in Figure The side members each include'iwo side channels 20 within which the vertically extending edges of a pair of opposed facing sheets 22 of the panel module 8 are located. Usually the external surfaces of the frame side members 18 and post 10 are coloured so as to coordinate With the colouring of the facing sheets 22. The frame side members are usually formed from powder coated extruded aluminium.

Each side member 18includes outwardly opening channels 24, usually for receipt of shelving brackets or the like. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, each side member 18 is comprised of two longitudinally extending sections, namely a first section that includes the channels 20 and 24 and which includes a portion for bearing on the surface of post 10 (as indicated at26), and a cc .c 5*

S.

*sc ccc *r S *r

S

co' vc t f I- r :jj ~:i second section 28 that includes the channel 16 for receiving a head "i4 of connector 12. The base of the first section includes grooves for receipt of the edges of the base of the second section 28 for assembly of the second section with the first section to form a side member 18. It is to be understood that means other than a second section 28, channel 16 and connector 12 may be used for interconnecting a panel module according to the invention to another panel module or a post such as 10 in a panelling system.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment the invention as applied to a panelling system similar to that shown in Figure 1. Features of the structure shown in Figure 1 that are also features of the Figure 2 embodiment are indicated by the same reference numeral. Thus, in Figure 2, side members 18 are those of the original panel modules, ut the original facing sheets 22 have been removed.

Figure 2 shows three refurbished panel modules 30 connected to a vertical post 10 by means of modified connectors 32. Each module includes original side members 18 between which refurbishing (replacement) facing sheets 34 extend. Facing sheets 34 are demountably affixed to side members 18 by means of clips 36.. Clips 36 are attached to the rear (inwards) facing face of the refurbishing facing sheets 34 and each clip includes an end 20 portion 37 that snap fits over the outer wall of channels 20 to engage within channels 20. Clips 36 may be of a deformable membrane-type fabrication from a resilient plastics such as nylon.

As seen in Figure 2, the refurbishing facing sheets 34 extend over and thus partially cover the outer facing surfaces of side members 18. In order to cover the remaining outer facing surfaces of the side members, the invention includes provision of one or more covering members 38. Each covering member 38 as shown in Figure 2 is of a channel section, from the base of which extends a rib 40 for location within a channel 24 of side member 18.

Covering members 38 may be held in position by means of pins 42 passing through appropriately positioned holes in the base of channels 20 and ribs Each covering member 38 abuts the edge face of an adjacent facing sheet 34 1 0o t 0 1 I tt vttt coo Vt I I I

I

UC C C Itr O '6 aet t'iS 1 (v -t i7 ?t L-

-I

O

n- I 1- ic S9 and includes a facing surface that lies substantially flush with the outer facing surface of sheet 34.

It is to be understood that the covering members 38 need not be channelled and that the width and depth of each member 38 is such that together with the facing sheet 34, a substantially flush facing surface is provided for the module 30 that does not expose, or allows for non exposure of, the side members 18. The provision of channelled covering members 38 provides a means for support of shelving brackets or the like in a known manner, for example by including a slotted support bar within the channel wherein the slots receive tongues of a bracket.

The modified connectors 32 shown in Figure 2 are each preferably an extruded aluminium section that includes oppositely located head sections 44 (similar to head sections 14 of connectors 12 shown in Figure 1) for sliding receipt within channels 16, which channels include lips 46 whereby the head sections 44 are housed within the channels 16 so as to connect each refurbished panel module 30 to the post 10. The connectors 32 may include arcuate surfaces which together with arcuate surfaces in channels 16, form Cbores 48 into which self tapping screws may be screwed to tighten up the t i connection Each connector 32 also includes opposed arms 50 extending i 20 transversely of the section, which arms terminate with a right angled flange structure 52 adapted to co-operate with post 10 and frame side members 18 to stabilise the connection of a panel module 30 to post i C As is evident in Figure 2, each flange structure 52 includes a first lateral C C portion (lateral with respect to arm 50) having a recess in each end for 25 contacting a portion of post 10 and: portion of side member 18, and a second portion (extending fromni the end of the first portion in the same direction as an arm 50) which also contacts side member 18. Each second portion extends beyond an edge of side member 18, as shown by reference 54, for a purpose.

r to be described below.

A refurbished panel module 30 according to the invention is thicker in cross section than a conventional panel module 8. This could result in ii= 111199 I 99 99 9 99

S

999< 9 9S9* 9(50 (999 9(000L 9 C C (9 (9 9 999 U (9(9 99 9* 6 *9 99 99 5

S

I

999, 99(5CC 9 C interference between two refurbished panel modules 30 when they are connected to a post 10 to form a corner. To avoid such interference each refurbished panel module 30 is positioned such that its end face is spaced further from the post 10 than in a conventional system. The further spacing is achieved by appropriately spacing apart the opposed head sections 44 in modified connector 32 (that is, heads 44 in connector 32 are spaced apart further than are heads 14 in connector 12 of Figure 1).

However this further spacing of the end face of a refurbished panel module 30 from a post 10 is such as to leave surfaces of the post 10 and side members 18 exposed, that is, the cover members 38 will not sufficiently "hide" the old panellir .1 structure. To overcome this problem, additional covering means may be provided for concealing these exposed surfaces. Such additional covering means, as shown in Figure 2, include vertically extending extruded sections that provide fins 56,58 which are adapted so as to cooperate 15 with each other to hide the visible surfaces of post 10, side member 18 and connector 32.

The fin sections 56 and 58 may be vertically slid into position for frictional retention between a side surface of a covering member 38 and adjacent portion 54 of a flange structure 52 of a connector 32. Fin section 56 would be first i-1nstalled in that fin section 58 is adapted to slide over it such that a "refurbished" facing surface is provided for the corner junction (qwhich may form an angle other than a bout 900) between adjacent panels.

An additional covering means in the form of a facia plate 60 is also attached to post 10 by means of a clip arrangement 62. Plate 60 co-operates with fin sections 58 to hide what would otherwise be exposed surfaces of the post 10 and connector 32.

Figure 3 shows a modified section 64 for the side members of a refurbished panel module. Section 64 is -adapted to accommodate a section 28 (not shown) the same as in Figures, 1 and 2 for provision of a channel 16 to receive aconnector 32. Section 6hoerincludes integral 'covering mnembers 68 (simila ,r to covering members 38 of Figure Furthermore, the t ie.

9 9 II 9 1 *it 9I '9 9 covering members 68 include two grooves 66 in, a side surface against which an end face of a refurbishing facing sheet may abut and a groove 70 in an opposite side surface. Grooves 66 and 70 are for attachment of additional covering means.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment wherein a refurbished panel module is attached in line with a conventional panel module 8 via a standard connector 12. Figure 4 shows an additional covering member 72 (on each facing side of the panelling system) retained in grooves 66 of a covering member 38 which hides otherwise exposed surfaces of frame side member 18 and provides a transition surface between cowvring member 38 and the facing sheet 22 of panel module 8. Facings 22 may be glass panels, that is, this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with a glazed panel module 8. An additional covering member 74, between covering members 38 of the adjacent panel modules 8 and 30, is retained in groove 70 of members 38 to provide a 15 "refurbished" facing surface at the junction. Covering members 72 and 74 may be extruded sections, for example of a plastics material, which is suitably coloured.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention applied to a panelling system wherein adjacent panel modules are interconnected by co-operating resilient tongues 127. Tongue 127 of each panel module 100 is an integral part of the side member 114 of the frame of the module.. This embodiment also illustrates that original facing sheets 122 may be retained and refurbishing facing sheets 124 attached thereto by means of Velcro pads 126 or the like.

Covering members 138 include a rib 140 for retention in channels 116 of side member 114 (similar to the Figue 2 embodiment), however thi. embodiment shows that the covering members 138 need not be channelled.

Preferably; all items used to refurbish the panel modules and which are -visible are readily demountable so that it is easy to subsequently again refurbish the panelling system or change the colour scheme. The panelling structure may also include other fixtures normally used such as cappings, facias, cable ducting etc.

S I IttC I r

I

4., 12 The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

4* 8t Ir I

II

I 4 *84 '4c 444

II,

I 4* .4 *4 *L 4 4 k Ic;:l UC^* -r

Claims (23)

1. A refurbished panel module for use in a panelling or partitioning system, the module including a frame structure having two spaced vertically extending side members for mounting facing sheets of the panel module therebetween, wherein a refurbishing facing sheet is detachably attached to the module and each said side member includes a covering member extending along its length, whereby the refurbishing facing sheet and two covering members are positioned to provide a facing surface for the module that does not expose the two said side members. 2 A module as claimed in claim I wherein the said two side members include vertically extending channels for receiving the edges of said facing sheets for mounting the sheets between the side members.

3. A module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the said refurbishing *I Cfacing sheet includes clips for engaging in said channels to detachably attach 15 said refurbishing facing sheet. 11CC

4. A module as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, the module including facing sheets, wherein the said refurbishing facing sheet is detachably attached to a facing sheet. A module as claimed in claim 4 wherein the detachable ISIS atttachment is by means of one or more Velcro pads or the like. A module as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said refurbishing facing sheet extends over and covers a vertically extending portion of each side member.

7. A module as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer facing surface of said refurbishing facing sheet and an outer facing surface of each said covering member are substantially flush with each other.

8. A module as claimed in claim 7 wherein each covering member includes a surface that abuts an edge face of said refurbishing facing sheet.

9. A module as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein each covering member includes a vertically extending outwardly opening channel. ii (7 rT: SS S V S t VS S V CI C' Vr St Vt S 5I 55 St 5 55*5P~ 5555i V V CC A module as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each said covering member is a separately formed member associated with each, respective, side member.

11. A module as claimed in claim 10 wherein each covering member includes a longitudinally extending rib located within a channel of each respective side member.

12. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each respective covering member and associated side member is integrally formed.

13. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each said side member and each said covering member is an extruded section.

14. A module as ciimed in claim 12 wherein each integral covering member and side member is an extruded section. A method of refurbishing a panel module, the module being for use in a panelling or partitioning system and including a frame structure having 15 two spaced vertically extending side members for mounting facing sheets of the panel module therebetween, the method including detachably attaching a refurbishing facing sheet to the module and attaching a covering member to each said side member such that the refurbishing facing sheet and two covering members co-operatively provide a facing surface that does not expose the said side members.

16. A panelling system, wherein the system includes a refurbished panel module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to '14 attached to another member.

17. A panelling system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the said another member is a conventional panel module, or a refurbished panel module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to '14

18. A system as claimed in cl!im 16 wherein the said another member is a vertical post.

19. A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein a said side member of a 30 refurbished panel module and the post includes means which co-operate to fix the module to the post. I- i 1~ 1i" ti 'S I i (1. The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- ITA I r* t( C~ C C it C 4C 4b S1 I 4 C A system as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein a said side member of a refurbished panel module and the said post each include a vertically extending channel, the channels being positioned in an opposing relationship, and wherein a connector extends between the channels for fixing the module to the post.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connector is a longitudinally extending section that includes oppositely located longitudinally extending head portions for slidingly seating within the said channels for retention therein.

22. A system as claimed in claim 20, or claim 21 wherein the connector is dimensioned such that the refurbished panel module is fixed to the post such that its edge face is spaced away from the post whereby another refurbished panel module is fixable to the post at an angle of between about 900 and less than 1800 to the first said panel without interference between the two said panels.

23. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the connector includes laterally extending means adapted for contacting said side member and said post to stabilise the attachment of the panel to the post.

24. A system as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 wherein said covering member includes additional covering means extending along the length of the said covering member for concealing further surfaces of said post that would otherwise be exposed. A system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the covering means is a fin extending laterally from said covering member.

26. A system as claimed in claim 25 wherein two refurbished panel modules are attached to said post to form an angle of between approximately 900 and less than 1800 with respect to each other, and wherein the additional covering means of each covering member co-operatively engage to provide a facing surface for the junction that conceals the post surface. 30 27. A system as claimed in claim 24, 25 or 26 as appended to claim 23, wherein the (or each) additional covering means is a separately formed *sS2~, I I (1) i( longitudinally extending strip of material that is held in position by frictional engagement between said covering member and a laterally extending means of said connector.

28. A system as defined in any one of claims 16 to 27 including a connector, the connector comprising a longitudinally extending section that includes oppositely located head sections that are adapted for engagement within channels or the like associated with panel modules, or a panel module J and a post, that are to be interconnected, such engagement providing the interconnection, wherein the connector also includes opposed laterally 10 extending means adapted for contacting side members of said panel modules and said post to stabilise the attachment of the panel to the post.

29. A system as claimed in claim 28 wherein said opposed laterally S i. extending means comprise a pair of arms with each arm having a flange at an end thereof adapted to abut a side member of the frame of a panel module.

30. A refurbished panel module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2, 3, 4 or

31. A panelling system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2, 3, 4 or DATED:25 June, 1998 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: FURNITURE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD R4- SDI 0CAWNWORDDEULAHTONODELE14753.DOC s~~l sheet is detachably attached to the module and each said side member includes at least one covering member extending along its length, whereby the or NIg~__. i: ;di a ABSTRACT 44 4* S 4 45 *P S #44 5 .4 S 9 5 S S 9*5t 9*r *9 5 54 55 4 Ct r~~t C LC( 4 tC b 4 4 The refurbishing of a panelling system involves use of original structures such as vertical posts 10 and side frame members 18 of panel modules 30. Refurbishing facing sheets 34 are fitted to original side members 18 by clips 36 engaging in channels 20 of members 18. A refurbished panel module 30 is connected to a post 10 by a modified connector 32 which includes side arms 50 having end flanges 52 for contacting a portion of post 10 and a side member 18 to stabilise the connection. Covering members 38 are attached to side member 18 in channels 24 to give a flush, finished appearance, and to hide surfaces of the original structure. Additional covering members 56,58 may be used at corners. H I1.