EP4155475A1

EP4155475A1 - System and method for mounting a wall

Info

Publication number: EP4155475A1
Application number: EP22197454.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nadia JANSEN; Marcel DE GRAAF
Original assignee: Jansen Building Products NV
Current assignee: JANSEN PREFAB NV
Priority date: 2021-09-23
Filing date: 2022-09-23
Publication date: 2023-03-29
Also published as: BE1029782A1; BE1029782B1

Abstract

The current invention relates to a system for erecting walls, the system comprising: one or more panels, a plurality of profile elements comprising a longitudinal groove and configured to be mounted on each side of the panels and along its perimeter, and a plurality of clips each comprising two bendable flanges lining a channel and wherein said flanges are configured to slidably engage the groves of said profile elements.

Description

Fl ELD OF THE I NVENTI ON

The present invention relates to systems for erecting walls in particular, the present invention relates to systems for erecting glass walls.

BACKGROUND

Fast and robust systems for erecting walls are highly desirable for their effectiveness and low cost.
Space compartmentation in workplaces and office buildings has to be done fast and with cost effective material. Fixed wall systems are disadvantageous because their installation is quite lengthy and requires specialized labor which is expensive. Alternatively, compartmentation can be achieved by erecting walling systems that make use of prefabricated panel based systems, such as glass panels ( EP 1 710 363 ).
However, the panel wall systems existent are based on components that are over-engineered (e.g. too heavy) and different and specialized tooling is required for assembling such wall systems. Moreover, they comprise various components which are not readily interchangeable. They often include complex systems that make use of metal profiles, rubber bands, silicones and other sealing material and their assembly is time consuming, costly and provides a result aesthetically unpleasant.
GB1251452 describes a system for the erection of panels using elastic bands. WO2011121039 discloses a profile for fixing glass panels and involves the use of gaskets, glazing beads or gluing operations, for fixing the panel. In FR2070024 profiles for erecting removable partition walls are described that make use of gaskets or glazing beads.
The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. The aim of the invention is to provide a method which eliminates those disadvantages. The present invention targets at solving at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.
There remains a need in the art for an improved system of erecting walls in a fast and cost effective manner, that provides a professionally looking result. The invention thereto aims to provide a system for erecting walls that is easy to use, fast to install and involves a limited number of components. The system is especially suited for the use of glass panels and wood frames resulting in a compartmentation that has practical and aesthetic appeal to it.

SUMMARY OF THE I NVENTI ON

The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to a system for erecting walls comprising one or more panels, a plurality of profile elements and a plurality of clips according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the system are shown in any of the claims 2 to 8.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a wall according to claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the system are shown in any of the claims 10 and 12.
In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of erecting walls according to claim 13. More particular, the method as described herein provides that a panel is positioned between a plurality of clips and is enfolded by at least one profile element. Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 14 to 17.
The invention provides for a cost effective, safe and efficient manner of erecting a wall in a building, especially a glass wall. The method allows for less tooling and allows for compartmentation that has aesthetic appeal.

DESCRI PTI ON OF Fl GURES

Figure 1 schematically presents a perspective view of a clip for supporting panels used for erecting walls, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 schematically presents a perspective view of a profile element used to fix the clips and panels, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 schematically presents a cross cut of the system for erecting walls comprising a clip, a panel and a profile element, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 schematically presents a front section of the erected wall comprising a door opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 schematically represents a cross cut of the section of an assembly for erecting double walls according to an embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a system and a method for erecting walls as well as the resulting wall. The invention is particularly useful for glass walls, including those walls that comprise a door or window.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.
As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.
"About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.
"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.
Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a system for erecting walls, the system comprising:

one or more panels;
a plurality of profile elements comprising a longitudinal groove and configured to be mounted on each side of the panels and along its perimeter; and
a plurality of clips each comprising two bendable flanges lining a channel and wherein said flanges are configured to slidably engage the groves of said profile elements.

By preference, the clips are substantially "U" or "V" -shaped and have a substantially flat bottom, which shape advantageously avoids any rocking of the clip after assembly. In this way, the overall stability of the assembled wall is also improved as the shape of the clips offer greater resistance to any bending of the panel.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flanges of the clips are bendable between 15° and -30°, preferably between 10° and -25°, even more preferably between 5° and -20°. This bending amplitude not only permits the clip to better recover from impacts to the wall but more importantly still, it advantageously permits temporary deformation of the clips such that insertion of the profile elements is made easier. To this end, the clips of the system are made of a bendable material, preferably spring steel. In the context of the current invention, bendable or flexible materials are materials that are able to be bent out of shape or compressed without breaking, and can easily be returned to their original shape. In an even more preferred embodiment, the clips are made of low-alloy manganese steel, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a very high yield strength. This allows the clips to return to their original shape despite significant deflection or bending. In a further embodiment, the clips have a thickness ranging from 35 to 65 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm.
In an embodiment, the section of each bendable flange of each clip includes a protrusion near its edge, the protrusion being directed towards the opposing flange.
In a further embodiment, the bottom section of the groove of each profile element is substantially wider than the section preceding it. In this way the protrusion at the end of each flange and the bottom section of the groove of each profile element are complimentary. This advantageously permits a better retention of the profile elements onto the clip and is particularly relevant considering that many cleaning operations usually carried out in most buildings make use of mechanical means which may exert considerable force upon the profile elements supporting the sheet material. It was observed that the increased resistance to disassembly provided by the complementary geometry of the flanges of the clip and the bottom of the groves of the profile elements, prevents any unintended disassembly.
According to a further and preferred embodiment, one side of the groove of each profile is shorter than the opposing side. This advantageously permits easier placement of the profile against the clip as the longer side of the grove forms a fence which advantageously permits is to register against the outer surface of the flange of the clip. In this way the operator is assured that the flange of the clip is properly aligned with the groove in the profile, thus also assuring the operator that the profile element can be safely pressed into its final position without risk of damage to the edges of the groove.
In a further embodiment, the inside edge of the shorter side of the groove is beveled. In this way, the connection of the profile element and the clips can be carried out by pushing the profile element against the clip. The beveled side of the profile element is thus sliding in the inner space of the clip; the flange of the clip interacts with the profile element and allows the beveled side of the profile to pass into its final position into the inner space of the clip and to fix in this way the panel.
In a further embodiment, the profile elements are made of wood, plywood, metal, steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or laminate wood. In a preferred embodiment, the profile elements are made of wood or board material.
In an embodiment the panels of the system are made of a material such as glass, plexiglass, mirror, dry wall, pressed fiberboard, board material, plastic polycarbonate, PVC, metal, steel, expanded polyurethane, wood, plywood. In a preferred embodiment, the panels of the system are made of a plate material, preferably glass or plexiglass.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a wall erected by means of a system as described in the previous embodiments. Said wall is comprised of one or more panels, said panels are positioned between the flanges of clips positioned to at least two opposing surfaces adjacent to the perimeter of the wall and that, each of clip flanges are covered by a profile element.
In an embodiment, the wall erected by means of the system described above, comprises a panel positioned in between the channel formed by the flanges of the clips attached to all four surfaces adjacent to the perimeter of the wall, and eight profile elements enfolding the clips on each edge of both panel's sides. In a preferred embodiment, the wall erected by means of the system described above, comprises multiple panels, wherein at least one panel forms a door within said wall. Said panels are of various sizes and positioned in between the flanges of the clips, arrange in such a way that allow an opening where a door can be fitted.
In an embodiment the wall erected by means of the system described above comprises a door, wherein the circumference of said door is at least partially covered by a door frame. The door frame assembly is fitted in the opening generated by using the above described system. Said frame assembly includes a first door jamb and a second door jamb coupled to the frame assembly, and disposed parallelly to each other. Each door jamb is adapted to be supported in a generally upright configuration relative to a floor surface. A header, is connected to upper portions of the first and second door jamb to define a door opening. The door frame assembly is preferably made of wood, plywood, metal, steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or laminate wood. In a preferred embodiment, the door frame assembly is made of wood or board material.
In a further embodiment said wall comprises a door. Said door is pivotally supported on the door frame assembly by hinges and operable between open and closed positions. In a preferred embodiment the door is supported by to or more hinges. In a further preferred embodiment the door is supported by three hinges, even more preferably four or more hinges. The hinges can be any type of hinges, including butt, ball bearing, barrel, concealed, pivot, overlay, or offset hinges.
In an embodiment, the door is equipped with a door spring that closes said door in a controlled manner. In a further embodiment, the door can have any type of doorknob, doorhandle or deadbolt system. Said door can be made of glass, plexiglass, mirror, dry wall, pressed fiberboard, board material, plastic polycarbonate, PVC, metal, steel, expanded polyurethane, wood or plywood. In a preferred embodiment, the door is made of glass or plexiglass.
Walls erected by means of a system as described above are modular and thus customizable and adaptable for any kind of place. The material choice for the panels and profile elements contributes to the aesthetic of the place where the wall may be erected. The use of multiple panels of various size for constructing a modular wall with a door, overcomes the need of use of "U" or "L"- shaped big, fragile and difficult to transport panels, especially when the material of choice is glass. Moreover, due to overcoming the need of using rubber systems for filling in the groove formed between the profile elements and the panel, as it is done in practice, the walls of the present invention can be erected in front of architectural fixed walls, and thus serve as a finish layer.
In another embodiment, the wall erected according to the present invention comprises at least 2 panels positioned parallel to each other thereby forming a double-walled wall, said each panel is held between the flanges of clips, and wherein an inner profile element is present between the parallel panels, said inner profile element being positioned over those clip flanges that face each other. The inner profile element, positioned between the two panels, is thus adapted to engage with clips on both its sides while the outer profile elements have a shorter side and a longer side, with the shorter side beveled, as describes in previous embodiments. The air trapped between the two panels functions as an insulation layer and provides both acoustic and thermal insulation and so, the walls of the invention can be used for proper compartmentation of a space providing functionality similar to architectural fixed walls.
In a final aspect, the present invention relates to a method of erecting a wall including the steps of:

a. positioning clips to at least two opposing surfaces adjacent to the perimeter of the wall that is to be erected;
b. placing a panel in the channel lined by the flanges of the clips;
c. placing at least one profile element onto the clip flanges on each side of the panel.

In an embodiment, the clips of the system for erecting the walls, are attached to the surfaces adjacent to the wall by means of fasteners. In a further embodiment, the surface adjacent to the wall, to which the clips are fasten can be made out of concrete, bricks, cement composites, timber or wood. In a further embodiment, the fastening of the clips can be done, via direct screws, plug screws, rivets or via chemical bonds. In a preferred embodiment, the clips are attached to the surfaces adjacent to the wall by means of screws.
In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a method of erecting a wall wherein after placing the panels, the profile elements are positioned onto the flanges of said clips with the shorter side of the groove closest to the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method as described above, wherein a door is provided in said wall.
The inventors observed that using the system described above provides a novel method for erecting modular wall panels in a simplified manner, which saves time and is cost effective. The use of said system obviates the need for using components that create a permanent structure and are labour intensive. Moreover, the system and the method of the invention uses a minimum amount of fasteners and does not involve the use of rubber, silicone or other sealing materials for filling in the groove formed between the profile elements and the panel, as it is done in practice. Further, the panels when combined with the clips, and the profile elements allow for creation of a modular and mobile structure which may not only be erected in a short span of time, but may also be moved from one place to other with ease.
However, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this application. The method according to the invention can be applied in erecting all sorts of compartmentation modules and walls.
The invention is further described by the following non-limiting figures, which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

DESCRI PTI ON OF Fl GURES

With reference to FIG. 1, a clip, according to an embodiment of the current invention, is shown. Said clip is provided with two bendable flanges (1) that have protrusions near their edges (2), the protrusion (2) being directed towards the opposing flange (1). Said flanges (1) are configured to slidably engage the groves of the profile elements. Moreover, flanges are lining a channel (3) wherein a panel is positioned. The clip has an opening (4) on the bottom, for insertion of a screw and assurance of fixation of the clip to a surface adjacent to the erected wall. The clip can be made of any kind of bendable material but preferably spring steel.
With reference to FIG. 2, profile elements according to an embodiment of the current invention are shown. Said profile elements have a longitudinal groove (5) that has a narrow section (6) and a wide section at the bottom (7); this delineates a short side of the profile (8) and long side of the profile (9). The flanges of the clips are configurated to be complementary to the narrow groove section (6). The profile element can be made of any kind of material, including PVC or plywood, but is preferably made of wood.
With reference to FIG. 3, a cross-section of a clip provided with a panel and profiles according to an embodiment of the current invention is shown. Said clip (10) is fixed on a surface and a panel (11) is positioned between the flanges (12) in the channel (13) of the clip (10). Two profile elements (14, 15) are mounted on each side of the panel (11) which provide the frame around the panel. The flanges (12) of the clip (10) are configurated to complementary engage the narrow section of the grooves (16, 17). The panel can be any kind of material, including board material, but is preferably a glass or plexiglass.
With regard to FIG. 4, a modular wall with a door opening (18) according to an embodiment of the current invention is shown. The wall is attached to a surface adjacent to it (19) by means of clips and comprises 2 panels (20, 21) and 4 profile elements (22-25). The door opening (18) is framed by a door frame assembly comprising two jambs (26-27) and a header (28).
With regard to FIG. 5, a cross section of an assembly for erecting double-walled walls according to an embodiment of the current invention is shown. The double-walled wall is erected by placing a first panel (29) and a second panel (30) inside the channels of a first clip (31) and a second clip (32). An inner profile element (33) is engaging with the first (31) and second (32) clips facing each other, via its beveled sides (34, 35). A first (36) and a second (37) outer profile elements are engaging with the first (31) and the second (32) clips on the exterior of the first (29) and the second (30) panel.

List of indicated elements

1: flanges
2: protrusion of flanges
3: channel
4: opening of a clip
5: groove
6: narrow section of a groove
7: wide section of a groove
8: short side of a profile
9: long side of a profile
10: clip
11: panel
12: flanges
13: channel
14,15: profile elements
16,17: narrow section of grooves
18: door opening
19: surface adjacent to a wall
20,21: panels
22-25: profile elements
26-27: jambs
28: header
29: first panel
30: second panel
31: first clip
32: second clip
33: inner profile element
34,35: sides of the profile element
36: first outer profile element
37: second outer profile element

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and/or shown in the figures. On the contrary, methods according to the present invention may be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

A system for erecting walls, the system comprising
- one or more panels;

- a plurality of profile elements comprising a longitudinal groove and configured to be mounted on each side of the panels and along its perimeter; and

- a plurality of clips each comprising two bendable flanges lining a channel and wherein said flanges are configured to slidably engage the groves of said profile elements.
The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the clips are substantially "U" or "V"-shaped.
The system according to any of the claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, a section of each bendable flange of each clip includes a protrusion near its edge, the protrusion being directed towards the opposing flange.
The system according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the bottom section of the groove of each profile element is substantially wider than the section preceding it.
The system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, one side of the groove of each profile is shorter than the opposing side.
The system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, the inside edge of the shorter side of the groove is beveled.
The system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, the clips are made of a bendable material, preferably spring steel.
The system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, the panels are made of a plate material, preferably glass or plexiglass.
A wall erected by means of a system according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, the wall is comprised of one or more panels, said panels are positioned between the flanges of clips positioned to at least two opposing surfaces adjacent to the perimeter of the wall and that, each of clip flanges are covered by a profile element.
Wall according to claim 9, wherein said wall is comprised of multiple panels, wherein at least one panel forms a door within said wall.
Wall according to according to any of the previous claims 9 to 10, wherein the circumference of said door is at least partially covered by a door frame.
Wall according to any of the previous claims 9 to 11, wherein said wall comprises at least 2 panels positioned parallel to each other thereby forming a double-walled wall, said each panel is held between the flanges of clips, and wherein an inner profile element is present between the parallel panels, said inner profile element being positioned over those clip flanges that face each other.
A method of erecting a wall by means of a system according to any of the claims 1 to 12, including the steps of:
a. positioning clips to at least two opposing surfaces adjacent to the perimeter of the wall that is to be erected;

b. placing a panel in the channel lined by the flanges of the clips;

c. placing at least one profile element onto the clip flanges on each side of the panel.
The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, the clips are attached to the surfaces adjacent to the wall by means of fasteners.
The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, the clips are attached to the surfaces adjacent to the wall by means of screws.
The method according to claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, after placing the panels, the profile elements are positioned onto the flanges of said clips with the shorter side of the groove closest to the panel.
The method according to claim 16, wherein a door is provided in said wall.