AU774540B2 - Wall lining system - Google Patents

Description

F:m JT P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Details of Associated Provisional Application(s) No(s): GUIDO BLOCH Guido Bloch

INTELLPRO

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 7, Reserve Bank Building 102 Adelaide Street BRISBANE, QLD, 4000 (GPO Box 1339, BRISBANE, 4001) WALL LINING SYSTEM Australian Patent Application No.

PQ0400 filed 17.05.99.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: r~a7~i Mni7~ilni~"- '7 N W- I R- M I 2 WALL LINING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to a wall lining system and in particular but not limited to a system of wall panelling where a regular pattern is repeated along a length of wall employing abutting panels and more particularly to a wall lining system suited to the DIY ("do it yourself") practitioners that is simple to install, effective and provides a professional finish.

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention resides in a wall panelling system comprising opposite end panels and at least one intermediate panel different from the opposite end panels, the intermediate panel having a pattern element spaced from the peripheral edge of the intermediate panel, each end panel having a pattern element spaced from an edge of the end panel by a margin, upon construction of the wall panelling pattern elements of adjacent panels being separated by the sum of the margins, each end panel having a margin opposite the first said margin thereof, the margin opposite being wider to enable 0 Its reduction of the margin by part removal thereof to fit multiple panels within a *horizontal dimension defined by opposed limits. Preferably, panels also include upper and lower margins that enable removal for vertical fitting of panels around windows or the like.

Preferably, at least two adjacent intermediate panels have respective identical repeated pattern elements spaced from each opposite peripheral edges thereof by a half margin and each end panel having a peripheral edge and the o* 5* -W -W WA same pattern element spaced from one edge of the end panel by the same half margin, upon construction of the wall panelling, pattern elements of adjacent panels being separated by a full margin equal to two times the half margin, each end panel having a margin opposite the half margin thereof and defining opposite ends of the panelling, the margin opposite the half margin being wider than the half margin.

Preferably the system employs end panels and intermediate panels with one, two or more pattern elements separated by a full margin.

The pattern elements need not be identical. It is preferable that they be related. For example where low windows are present a half pattern element may be employed.

The system preferably also includes an installation guide having the following elements to assist planning of the installation of the wall panels: A layout grid for drawing a general plan of the wall outline of a wall to be lined; and (ii) A wall elevation grid for planning wall linings for a section of wall 0% 0 whereby a window extends below the upper edge of the wall linings.

o The wall made from the panels is usually centred so as to be symmetrical so the same amount is trimmed from the end panels to fit. Thus by trimming 20 equal sections off each end the panels and the patterns may be centred symmetrically along the wall. Alternatively if there is a particular visual feature in a wall such as a large window, the panels may be centred relative to the centre of the feature rather the centre of the wall.

o i r 11 1-1 -1 11 I l" I 114 1-44- 4 In the case of low or high windows the distance between the top of the floor skirting and the bottom of the window sill determines the choice of module or panel. For example if the distance is: 400mm or less then a blank panel with no patten is visually preferable; or greater than 400mm but less than 700mm a window module with a small version of the main pattern is preferred; or greater than 700mm use a module or panel with a normal feature pattern.

Where the smaller pattern is chosen it may typically be aligned with the lower edge of the larger pattern of adjacent panels or positioned at any position desired, for example axially centred on the larger panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and be put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a panelling system in this case employing :0 eight panels; 0 Figure 2 shows the panels of Figure 1 in their various combinations to .o 20 give wall coverage where the end panels are cut to provide a range of panel 0 lengths where each resultant length of panelling can be adjusted within a few oo o o hundred millimetres depending on requirements by removing a marginal section 000o 00* from one or both end panels; mn~ra~~w~i~u~.liiiiaii Figures 3A and 3B illustrate positioning of panels relative to windows based on a "centre of wall" or "centre of feature window" alternatives; and Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a similar situation showing application of the invention to low window sills.

Figures 5 to 8 illustrate various alternatives for positioning panels to slightly differing visual effects.

Figure 9 illustrates application of the system to a staircase.

Figure 10 is a layout used to plan the configuration of panels in an actual installation.

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE The following description shows a typical example of panels used in the system, how an installation has been completed showing a typical planning program and also identification of panels required for certain sections of wall.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is illustrated eight panels 10 to 17, each of the panels has a related pattern element 18 so that the panels can be arranged in side by side relationship and cut as indicated by the saw-cut symbol 19 to provide various panel combinations such as those illustrated in Figures 2 and 3A to 4B. Other edges have grooves and a tongue connector strip is used to join these edges of adjacent panels. This is shown by 20 the groove symbol Application of panels to a section of wall is straightforward with the measured length of wall dictating the selection of panels. In Figure 2 the top left pair of panels covers a range of 900mm 1350mm. Thus by trimming equal o -Ln ri~ i~m 1,4. i; r a 6 sections off each end the panels and the patterns may be centred symmetrically along the wall. If there is a particular visual feature in a wall such as a large window, the panels may be centred relative to the centre of the feature ratherthe centre of the wall.

Special requirements apply to windows and staircases since not only is there a requirement to fit the pattern horizontally but vertically as well depending on the type of windows. Figures 3A and 3B are alternatives for normal height windows. Figures 4A and 4B are two alternatives for low windows. In Figure 3A the panels are installed on the basis of horizontal symmetry about the centre of the wall with even spaces at the ends of wall as in a windowless wall. In Figure 3B the window to the right is the visual feature that is centred relative to the pattern. While this results in uneven ends the pattern is symmetrical in relation to the window in this option. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the same configuration but with low windows.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the minimum spacing between the pattern and skirting 21 and window sill 22. If the window sill is too low it is recommended °that the panels be reversed and the pattern not used. The smaller pattern in the example is 310mm x 310mm. The distance between the top of the floor skirting o* 21 and the bottom of the window sill 22 determines the choice of module or I* 20 panel. If the distance is: S* 400mm or less then use the window module reversed, that is, with the blank side facing into the room; or o eo S. o S ~ryi~i m n~nr~ nm ~nlr~m~u~ nr~ 7 greater than 400mm but less than 700mm use a window module with the small feature pattern facing into the room; or greater than 700mm use a module or panel with a normal feature pattern.

Where the smaller pattern is chosen it may typically be aligned with the lower edge of the larger pattern of adjacent panels or positioned at any position desired, for example axially centred on the larger panel. Typical alternatives are shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Application to a staircase 23 is shown in Figure 9. A panel for this purpose is 350mm high and 600mm wide it may be cut to suit most stairs. It is usual to commence at the topof the stairs covering the top two steps as shown with panel 24 and with the lower edge of the pattern set at 375mm from the lower of the two steps. To establish the rake (angel) of the stairs one measures the width A and height B of the two stairs.

The following description is typical of an installation process using the ~present invention.

PLANNING

Planning a job is as easy as drawing a layout and making a list of modules and panels required. An example layout is shown in Figure 10 and as 20 can be seen includes doors, windows, architraves and walls 25 to 33. Walls 27 •••and 29 have windows. The window 34 is a low window at 600mm above skirting 0:40 066.

.0.0 while window 35 is a high window at 850mm. All the modules and panels needed fe..

for the job are listed in the following material schedule.

55 5 I- -1 .1-111 -1 r l 8 Wall Length Panelling (Figure 1) 780 1 x panel 12 26 1450 1 x panel 13 and a pair of end panels 27 3040 4 x panel 16 and a pair of end panels 28 180 use off cut 29 5150 3 x panel 15 and a pair of end panels 4070 2 x panel 14, 1 x panel 15 and a pair of end panels 31 2180 1 x panel 14 and a pair of end panels 32 420 1 x panel 17.

Modules are designed for sheeting below windows. The correct choice is determined by the distance between the top of the skirting and bottom of the window sill as described above.

Step One: Draw Layout Draw a sketch of job. Use graph paper. As the layout is sketched mark the location of all doors, windows and architraves. Number each wall section.

(For example wall 27 and 28 are separate wall sections because of the door.) 5* Step Two: Check for Low Windows 20 A low window is the where the distance between the top of the skirting and the bottom of the window sill is less than 700mm. Check this measurement for each window. If there are any low windows mark these on the layout.

~"1v rumm~x~~irrr~ ml~ Irllll rulWY lil rm'W WYn 9 Step Three: Walls without Windows or High Windows (above 700mm) Measure the wall excluding architraves. For example, corner to corner or the outside edge of an architrave or proposed architrave. Record each wall measurement on the layout.

If there are no low windows the process is finished. Use the wall length table of Figure 2 to record how many of each module or panel is required for each wall length. Enter the number of modules or panels onto a material schedule as shown above.

Step Four: Walls with Low Windows (above 400mm but below 700mm) Measure the width of the windows including the architrave. Then measure from the outside edge of the window architrave to a corner or architrave or proposed architrave of the next window or doorway (for example wall 27 in the example layout of Figure 10). The dimensions of this wall are 780mm, 1340mm and 920mm as shown.

Step Five: Number of Modules required under Low Windows Use the formula below to calculate the number of window modules required under windows. This formula will ensure that your window modules sit a minimum of 50mm outside of the architraves.

Width of the Window(includinq architraves) 100mm Number of window modules Window Module Width (450mm) 0. This number rounded up is the number of window modules required.

Length of Wall 100mm Number of Feature Patterns Window Module Width (450mm) irr~~r Ru~R~I i-iimJ n Y*mnninm~~ml Calculate wall lengths each side of the window separately.

There are 2 low windows in a wall, the wall section between the window does not require to be calculated less 100mm.

Step Six: Calculating the spaces either end of the wall and overhang either side of the Window.

Now work out the space either end of the wall.

(Total number of feature patternsx450mm-total length of the wall Space either side of the wall 2 Now work out the overhang for each side of the window.

(Length of Left Wall (Number of Feature Patterns x 450mm)) space at the end of the wall overhang Calculate the overhang for each side separately.

These calculations are for the spaces either end of the wall and either side of the window, having these measurements will help one determine if one wishes to move panels to achieve a more symmetrical look.

Knowing the number of feature patterns leads one to decide what Modules or Panels one will use.

Step Seven: Positioning Feature Patterns along Wall with Low Window/s The idea of positioning feature patterns along the wall is to as best as possible ensure that the space at either end of the wall and the overhang of the window modules is symmetrical. For example take wall 27 from the example *li ^layout. Correctly positioning or shifting Modules or Panels to the left or right may help to fill an unwanted space or better balance the feature pattern along the 00 0 *0.

*000.

_____r~n~nllnn~nnR~r* V ff YI~' j I~ ~lAiW! Z Y 11 wall before trimming the end panels thus giving the effect of either Figure 4A of Figure 4B. The calculations are as follows: Calculation 1 Window 1340 100/450 3.2 Rounded up 4 Window Modules Calculation 2 Left Wall 780 100/450 1.51 Rounded down 1 Feature Pattern Calculation 3 Space either end of wall (6 x 450) 3040 340/2 170 Calculation 4 Left Overhang 780 450 -170 160 Calculation 4 Right Overhang 920 450 170 300 Space to fill 1 FP x 450 450 space to fill Hints One should not have more than 300mm or less than 70mm from the end of the wall to the feature pattern. The basic unit of measure is 450mm which is equal to one feature pattern. For example a panel 14 is 2 feature patterns or 900mm and a panel 15 is 3 feature patterns of 1350mm.

Step Eight: Material Schedule and Installation Record how many of each module or panel required for each wall by entering the number of modules or panels onto a material schedule.

Skirtings and Architraves Remember to allow a space for skirtings and proposed architraves where there are no existing wall linings. Modules and panels will go behind skirting and 20 architraves.

If retaining the existing skirting and wall linings it is recommended that panels be installed above the existing skirting by mitring or rounding the bottom .edge of a modules and panels.

F ~WAUM WU~ 12 Likewise when installing a dado rail bevel the dado rail to the thickness of the architrave.

Power Points When installing it is important to consider where power points will be positioned in relation to the feature pattern. Ideally power points are best relocated to be either below or dead centre of the feature pattern. Identify the location of power points on the installation plan.

External Corners External corners can be finished with a butt join using PVA glue or an external moulding. For durability an aluminium angle mould is ideal.

Fixing Panels can be fixed using a combination of flexible adhesive and 40 of bullethead nails. Nails should penetrate wall studs 30 to especially when installing over an existing wall lining. Always locate wall studs and clearly mark before fixing. Stud adhesive should be used when fixing directly to wall studs. Liquid nails should be used when fixing directly to an existing wall lining. Joins should be filled with a flexible filler not to hid the join but to allow for movement. When installing directly onto wall studs the lining above should be the same thickness or use a rebated dado rail to suit.

20 Dado Rail Height Always consider the dado rail height before installing the system. The rail height should be the same in all rooms.

sLN liY illV 13 The height of the dado rail depends on the height of the window sill. In some use one may need to trim the bottom of modules and panels to achieve a chosen dado rail height. Generally, the best look is achieved with the dado rail meeting the architrave of the window just above the sill.

If the dado rail is running just below the window sill one may want to raise modules of panels or use a wider skirting.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention can be embodied by any number of panels and patterns.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the present invention many variations and modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit: and scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

a a a o ~u E~~Y :ir~~r~ulun~uri~ ;r rriru r1I IIIW Ow"WRj~

Claims (9)

1. A wall panelling system comprising opposite end panels and at least one intermediate panel, the panels being adapted to be arranged in edge-to-edge relationship, the intermediate panel having a peripheral edge and a pattern element spaced from the peripheral edge of the intermediate panel, each end panel having a peripheral edge and a pattern element spaced from the peripheral edge of the end panel by a margin, upon construction of the wall pattern elements of adjacent panels being separated by the sum of the respective margins so the pattern elements are evenly spaced, each end panel having asymmetrical margin widths on opposite sides to enable reduction of a wider one of the margins by part removal thereof to fit the panels edge-to-edge within a dimension defined by opposed limits.

2. A wall panelling system according to claim 1 wherein at least two adjacent intermediate panels have respective identical repeated pattern elements spaced from each opposite peripheral edges thereof by a half margin and each end •:-.panel having a peripheral edge and the same pattern element spaced from one too: edge of the end panel by the same half margin, upon construction of the wall 4 panelling, pattern elements of adjacent panels being separated by a full margin equal to two times the half margin, each end panel having a margin opposite the half margin thereof and defining opposite ends of the panelling, the margin .too opposite the half margin being wider than the half margin. o o 4* to to4 a n

3. A wall panelling system according to claim 1 including an installation guide having the following elements to assist planning of the installation of the wall panels: A layout grid for drawing a general plan of the wall outline of a wall to be lined; and (ii) A wall elevation grid for planning wall linings for a section of wall whereby a window extends below an upper edge of the wall linings.

4. A wall panelling system according to claim 1 wherein the wall made from the panels is centred so as to be symmetrical so the same amount is trimmed from the end panels to fit.

A wall panelling system according to claim 1 wherein there is a particular visual feature in a wall and, the panels are centred relative to the centre of the feature rather the centre of the wall and end panels have different amounts trimmed to fit.

6. A wall panelling system according to claim 1 wherein the wall includes window having a window sill and floor skirting below the window sill, the panelling below the window being selected according to the following criteria in the case of low or high windows, the distance between the top of the floor skirting and the bottom of the window sill determines the choice of panel, if the 20 distance is: 400mm or less then a blank panel with no patten element is used; or e mRul~~~ mi~~r~' 16 greater than 400mm but less than 700mm a panel with a small version of the pattern element is used; or greater than 700mm a panel with the pattern element used.

7. A wall panelling system according to claim 1 wherein the wall includes a window having a window sill and floor skirting below the window sill, the panelling below the window being selected according to the following criteria in the case of low or high windows, the distance between the top of the floor skirting and the bottom of the window sill dictates that a small version of the patten element be used and that small version aligned with a lower edge of pattern elements of adjacent panels.

8. A wall panelling system according to claim 1 employing the steps 1 to 6 substantially as herein described.

9. A wall panelling system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings DATED this TWENTY-EIGHTH day of APRIL 2004 GUIDO BLOCH i: By his Patent Attorneys INTELLEPRO *o a.o°° oo. o A iM-W-