Technical field
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This application relates to a fixation system for a panel and a panel comprising the fixation system.
Background art
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Fixing panels to surfaces, such as walls or ceilings, can currently be done using various systems, each tailored to different panel types and materials. Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, nails, and bolts, are straightforward and provide strong, reliable attachment. They are ideal for heavy panels like wood or metal but can be visible and may require drilling into the wall. Adhesive systems, like construction glue or double-sided tape, offer a clean, invisible attachment. These are best for lighter panels such as foam or plastic. Adhesives are easy to apply but may not be suitable for heavy loads or high-moisture environments. Magnetic systems use magnets for lightweight panels, providing a quick and easy way to attach and detach panels. This is particularly useful for temporary displays or panels that need to be frequently moved. Velcro strips offer a flexible and reusable option for attaching lightweight panels. They are easy to apply and remove, making them suitable for temporary installations or areas where panels need to be frequently adjusted. Each system has its advantages and is chosen based on the specific requirements of the installation, including the type of panel, wall material, and the need for removability or adjustability.
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At the moment, most panels are fixed to surfaces using either synthetic glues or heavy metallic structures, which are complex to install and are heavy weighted. Additionally, in some cases these systems cannot be used due to surface resistance, for example on drywall.
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Some type of panels, such as acoustic or thermal insulation panels, are applied via metallic structures that require more than one fixation point, which require complex measuring, are time consuming and are not adjustable after installing.
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There are fixation systems currently on the market for acoustic panels which use a metallic structure with two fixation points. However, this system doesn't allow adjustment after installing the panel and is harder and time consuming to install due to the two fixation points.
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Most panel solutions on the market currently are foam based and use synthetic glues applied on the surface where the panel is mounted. In case they need to be removed or adjusted, this solution can damage the surface or the panels.
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Additionally, most of the solutions available at the moment do not allow for the position or orientation of the panel to be adjusted once it is fixed to the surface, thus limiting corrections it the panel orientation if installed incorrectly, unaligned, or if changes in the horizontal orientation is required.
Summary
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The present invention relates to a fixation system (1) for a panel (2) comprising:
- A structural beam (1.1) comprising an orifice (1.1.1) suitable to fix the structural beam (1.1) to a surface via fixation means (1.1.2);
- At least two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3), each comprising a first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) and a second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2):
- each first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) is mounted on the structural beam (1.1), and
- each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) is suitable to be mounted on a panel (2);
- Fixation means (1.4) suitable to fix the z-clips (1.2) (1.3) to the structural beam (1.1) and a panel (2).
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In one embodiment, the panel (2) is selected from an acoustic panel, a structural panel, an insulating panel, a thermal insulation panel, a decorative panel, a protective panel, a fire-resistant panel, or a water-resistant panel.
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In one embodiment, the surface is a wall, a ceiling, or a floor.
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In one embodiment, the orifice (1.1.1) is centrally arranged in the structural beam (1.1).
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In one embodiment, the length of the structural beam (1.1) is equal to, or less than, the length of the panel (2).
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In one embodiment, the length of the structural beam (1.1) is equal to, or less than the width of the panel (2).
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In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is suitable to be mounted along the length of the panel (2).
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In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is suitable to be mounted along the width of the panel (2).
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In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is made of a lignocellulosic material.
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In one embodiment, each first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) is mounted on an extremity of the structural beam (1.1) on the surface of the structural beam (1.1) that faces the panel (2), and each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) is suitable to be mounted on an extremity of the panel (2) coinciding with the first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1), and suitable to be mounted on the surface of the panel (2) that faces the structural beam (1.1).
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In one embodiment, each first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) and each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) comprise a pair of orifices which are suitable to mount the Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) to the structural beam (1.1) and panel (2) via the fixation means (1.4).
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In one embodiment, each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) of the correspondent Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) comprises a stopper (1.2.3) (1.3.3).
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In one embodiment, the system further comprises at least one stopper (1.2.3) (1.3.3) suitable to be arranged in the panel (2) adjacent to at least one of the second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2).
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In one embodiment, the fixation means (1.1.2) and (1.4) are selected from mechanical means such as screws, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, nails, or anchors.
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The invention also relates to a panel (2) comprising the fixation system (1) described in any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the panel (2) comprises:
- at least two second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) of at least two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) mounted on the panel (2) via fixation means (1.4);
- the at least two second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) being complementary to at least two first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) of the at least two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) mounted on a structural beam (1.1);
- the structural beam (1.1) having an orifice (1.1.1) suitable to mount the structural beam (1.1) on a surface via fixation means (1.1.2).
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In one embodiment, the panel (2) is selected from an acoustic panel, a structural panel, an insulating panel, a thermal insulation panel, a decorative panel, a protective panel, a fire-resistant panel, or a water-resistant panel.
General description
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To overcome the problems seen in the prior art, the present application discloses a fixation system for a panel which is suitable to fix a panel to a surface.
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In general terms, the fixation system comprises a structural beam and at least two z-clips mounted on the structural beam by fixation means.
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The fixation system herein disclosed comprises only one fixation point to the surface and allows for rotation or adjustment to the panel's horizontal orientation once it is installed. The system allows for an easy installation of the panel and to remove said panel if needed, without damaging the surface or the panel.
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Additionally, the fixation system is a sustainable solution since it uses natural materials and a reduced number of metallic structures.
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Even though the fixation system herein disclosed is suitable to fix a panel to a wall, a ceiling, or a floor, it is particularly suitable to fix a panel to a ceiling. Ceiling installations are more complex due to the angle at which the panel must be installed and the consequent increased difficulty and time they take. The presently disclosed fixation system can be adjusted to any type of ceiling, such as but not limited to, plasterboard, stucco, concrete, wood, metal ceilings, just by changing the type of fixation means (e.g., screw and dowel).
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The fixation system is very resistant and reliable, once installed it has the advantage that it can be easily removed. The ease and speed of installation, as well as the flexibility of adjustment after installation are also important advantages.
Brief description of drawings
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For easier understanding of this application, figures are attached in the annex that represent the preferred forms of implementation which nevertheless are not intended to limit the technique disclosed herein.
- Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the fixation system (1), showing the structural beam (1.1) and the panel (2) comprising the first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1).
- Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the fixation system (1) and Figure 2B a zoomed view of the fixation system (1).
- Figure 3A shows a exploded view of the z-clips (1.2) (1.3) and their engagement.
- Figure 3B shows a top view and a lateral view of the z-clips (1.2) (1.3).
- Figure 4 shows the structural beam (1.1) comprising the first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) of the z-clips (1.2) (1.3).
- Figure 5 shows the panel (2) comprising the second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) of the z-clips (1.2) (1.3).
- Figure 6 shows the fixation system (1) and the stoppers (1.2.3) (1.3.3).
Detailed description of embodiments
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Now, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings. However, they are not intended to limit the scope of this application.
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The present application discloses a fixation system (1) for fixing a panel (2) to a surface (3). Figures 1 and 2 show the fixation system (1).
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The fixation system (1) for a panel (2) comprises:
- A structural beam (1.1) comprising an orifice (1.1.1) suitable to fix the structural beam (1.1) to a surface via fixation means (1.1.2);
- At least two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3), each comprising a first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) and a second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2):
- each first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) is mounted on the structural beam (1.1), and
- each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) is suitable to be mounted on a panel (2);
- Fixation means (1.4) suitable to fix the z-clips (1.2) (1.3) to the structural beam (1.1) and a panel (2).
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In one embodiment, the panel (2) is selected from, but not limited to, an acoustic panel, a structural panel, an insulating panel, a thermal insulation panel, a decorative panel, a protective panel, a fire-resistant panel, or a water-resistant panel.
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In one embodiment, the surface is selected from, but not limited to, a wall, a ceiling, or a floor.
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In one embodiment, orifice (1.1.1) is centrally arranged in the structural beam (1.1), as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This single fixation point to the surface allows the horizontal orientation of the structural beam (1.1), and consequently the mounted panel (2), to be adjusted if needed.
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In one embodiment, the length of the structural beam (1.1) is equal to, or less than, the length or width of the panel (2). In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is suitable to be mounted along the length or along the width of the panel (2). In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is suitable to be preferably mounted along the width of the panel (2), as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
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In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is made of a lignocellulosic material.
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In one embodiment, the lignocellulosic material of the structural beam (1.1) is selected from, but not limited to, pine wood, oak wood, maple wood, cherry wood, walnut wood, cedar wood, spruce wood, fir wood, plywood, Medium-Density Fiberboard, particleboard, forest residues, or mixture thereof.
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In one embodiment, the structural beam (1.1) is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or aluminum.
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The use of these materials allows to make the entire fixation system (1) lighter, sustainable, resistant and ecological.
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Z-clips, also known as French cleats, are hardware devices suitable to secure the structural beam (1.1) to a panel (2).
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In one embodiment the fixation system (1) comprises at two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3). In another embodiment, the fixation system (1) comprises a plurality of Z-clips. Regardless of the number of Z-clips in the fixation system (1), each Z-clip comprises a first part and a second part mounted as described in this application.
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The Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) comprise two interlocking parts as shown in Figures 2 and 3:
- a first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) mounted on the structural beam (1.1), and
- a second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) which is suitable to be mounted on a panel (2).
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The first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) of the Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) comprises a profile that resembles the letter "Z", with an angled edge that hooks into the corresponding part on the clip's second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2).
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The first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) are complementary to, and engage with, the second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2). Thus, the first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) and second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) fit together to create a strong, stable connection.
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In one embodiment, each first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) is mounted on an extremity of the structural beam (1.1) on the surface of the structural beam (1.1) that faces the panel (2), as shown in Figures 2 and 4, and each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) is suitable to be mounted on an extremity of the panel (2) coinciding with the first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1), and suitable to be mounted on the surface of the panel (2) that faces the structural beam (1.1), as shown in Figures 1 and 5.
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Each first part (1.2.1) (1.3.1) and each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) comprise a pair of orifices which are suitable to mount the Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) to the structural beam (1.1) and panel (2) via the fixation means (1.4).
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Figure 3A and 3B show a view of the Z-clips (1.2) (1.3).
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Figure 4 shows the structural beam (1.1) comprising the first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) of the z-clips (1.2) (1.3).
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To install the fixation system (1), the structural beam (1.1) is mounted on the surface via the orifice (1.1.1) and fixation means (1.1.2). The panel (2) comprising the second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) of the Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) is then aligned with the structural bam (1.1) comprising the first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1). Then, the panel (2) slides along the structural beam (1.1). This movement allows the two parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) and (1.2.1) (1.3.1) to lock together, holding the panel (2) in place against the structural beam (1.1).
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In one embodiment, each second part (1.2.2) (1.3.2) of the correspondent Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) comprises a stopper (1.2.3) (1.3.3).
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In one embodiment, fixation system (1) further comprises at least one stopper (1.2.3) (1.3.3) suitable to be arranged in the panel (2) adjacent to at least one of the second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) (Figure 6).
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Stoppers (1.2.3) (1.3.3) are suitable to stop the sliding of the second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) against the first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1), allowing the Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) to be aligned and fitted together.
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In one embodiment, the stoppers (1.2.3) (1.3.3) are fixation means, such as but not limited to, screws, nails, or pins.
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Additionally, Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) are available in various sizes and strengths to accommodate different weights and types of panels (2). The Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) offer a versatile and reliable solution for securely mounting a panel (2) on a surface while maintaining a sleek and unobtrusive look.
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In one embodiment, the fixation means (1.1.2) and (1.4) are selected from, but not limited to, mechanical means such as screws, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, nails, or anchors.
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Figure 5 shows the panel (2) comprising some features of the fixation system (1).
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In another aspect of the invention, it is described a panel (2) comprising the fixation system (1), wherein the panel (2) comprises:
- At least two second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) of at least two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) mounted on the panel (2) via fixation means (1.4); the at least two second parts (1.2.2) (1.3.2) being complementary to at least two first parts (1.2.1) (1.3.1) of the at least two Z-clips (1.2) (1.3) mounted a structural beam (1.1); the structural beam (1.1) having an orifice (1.1.1) suitable to mount the structural beam (1.1) on a surface via fixation means (1.1.2).
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In one embodiment, the panel (2) is selected from, but not limited to, an acoustic panel, a structural panel, an insulating panel, a thermal insulation panel, a decorative panel, a protective panel, a fire-resistant panel, or a water-resistant panel.
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In one embodiment, the surface is selected from, but not limited to, a wall, a ceiling, or a floor.
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In one embodiment, the fixation means (1.1.2) and (1.4) are selected from, but not limited to, mechanical means such as screws, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, nails, or anchors.
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This type of fixation system (1) allows for easy installation and removal, making it ideal for applications where the panel needs to be frequently changed, removed or adjusted.
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This description is of course not in any way restricted to the forms of implementation presented herein and any person with an average knowledge of the area can provide many possibilities for modification thereof without departing from the general idea as defined by the claims. The preferred forms of implementation described above can obviously be combined with each other. The following claims further define the preferred forms of implementation.