ES2354797B1 - LINEAR PANEL SYSTEM WITH HORIZONTALLY AVAILABLE PANELS, AND INVOLVED PROFILE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Linear panel system comprising an upper profile set (1), a lower profile set (2) and at least two horizontally arranged panels (3), for which the system comprises a horizontal H-profile (6a) arranged between panels ( 3) adjacent and at least one vertical profile (6b) arranged as termination of a panel (3) or between adjacent panels (3). The horizontal profile in H (6a) allows the correct assembly of panels (3) superimposed vertically, while the vertical profiles (6b) provide strength and robustness to the system. The invention allows up to now unusual assemblies in linear panel systems: horizontal panels (3), shelving connection (14), etc.

Description

Ticals comprising at least one housing area

Linear panel system with horizontally arranged panels and would be involved. Technical sector

The invention relates to a system of linear panels for the delimitation of spaces within a room, where the panels are arranged horizontally. The invention also refers to the profile involved in said system. State of the art

Panel systems are systems that allow closing or delimiting spaces within a room. Such systems generally comprise a ceiling perimeter and a floor perimeter, and a series of panels (glass or opaque) arranged between both profiles. Such systems may also include other elements such as swing doors, sliding doors, cabinets, etc. to provide the system with auxiliary elements that meet all the functional needs of a given space.

In the state of the art, multiple panel systems are known, which are usually divided into two main groups: modular systems and linear systems. Modular systems are those systems in which the panels have a standard measurement and in which a vertical profile is arranged between panel and panel, to support them. For example, document ES2234343 describes an example of vertical periphery for connecting panels in a modular system. The vertical periphery used in modular systems is very versatile and allows multiple variations in the design of spaces; for example, it allows to place the panels arranged horizontally. On the other hand, the linear systems are those systems in which the panels have a customized measure, that is, depending on the concrete assembly, and are mounted one after the other without intermediate vertical perforation. These systems have a more elegant and refined aesthetic finish, with hardly any vertical elements and, consequently, more modern.

The present invention aims at a system of linear panels where the panels can be arranged horizontally, similar to what is currently done with modular systems, while preserving the elegant aesthetics, refined and characterized by the practical absence of vertical elements notorious that. It characterizes the linear panel systems, and at the same time that the structural resistance of the system is guaranteed. Brief Description of the Invention

The object of the invention is a panel system, for the delimitation of spaces within a room, comprising an upper profile set, a lower profile set and at least two panels located between both sets. The upper profile assembly can be fixed to the ceiling, to a handrail profile, to a reinforcement profile or in general to any other upper structure. Similarly, the lower profile assembly may or may not be fixed directly to the floor of the room. The system according to the invention is characterized in that the panels are arranged in horizontal rows. For this, the system comprises a horizontal profile in H arranged between a panel and another immediately superior or inferior, where said horizontal profile in H comprises two housing areas to accommodate the respective sides of the adoring panels to accommodate the side of a panel. A vertical profile can serve as a termination of a panel (if it comprises a single housing area)

or intermediate piece between at least two panels (if two or more housing areas are included).

Thanks to the new profiles, the panel system according to the invention allows to achieve so far unusual assemblies in linear panel systems. On the one hand, the horizontal H-profile located between horizontally arranged panels allows a horizontal panel assembly that to date was difficult to perform in linear systems. On the other hand, the vertical profile can comprise two connection zones and be positioned vertically between adjacent vertical panels, reinforcing the system and preventing possible buckling of the panels. The vertical profile can comprise three connection zones and be installed vertically, allowing an intersection between adjacent “T” type panels, providing reinforcement as in the previous case. It can also have a single connection zone and connect vertically to the side of a final panel, serving as termination of the same and providing the aforementioned reinforcement.

In addition, the vertical profile according to the invention, arranged between adjacent panels, can serve as a connection area for external elements that in conventional linear systems could not be fixed. For example, shelves, etc. can be fixed to the vertical profile. This allows linear systems to be provided with a functional versatility so far reserved only for modular systems, which would be more complex than linear systems. Brief description of the fi gures

The details of the invention can be seen in the accompanying figures, not intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention:

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Figure 1 shows an example of construction using the linear panel system according to the invention.

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Figure 2 shows a section of the previous panel system, according to section plane A-A of Figure 1.

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Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the previous figure, in accordance with section plane B-

B. -Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the vertical profile of the invention. -Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the vertical profile of the invention. -Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the vertical profile of the invention. -Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the vertical profile of the invention. -Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the vertical profile of the invention.

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Figures 9, 10 and 11 show an elevation, sectional side view and sectional plan view of another example of a panel system according to the invention, in which a sixth embodiment of the vertical profile is seen. Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows an example of construction made with the linear panel system of the invention. Said system allows delimiting spaces (15) within a room. The system comprises a series of upper profile assemblies (1) and joint

3 EN 2354797A1 4

the lower profile (2) and a series of panels (3) located between them. The upper profile assemblies (1) are fixed to a roof (4) or other upper structure and the lower profile assemblies (2) are fixed to a floor

(5) or other lower structure, not being relevant to the invention. The system is characterized in that the panels (3) are arranged in columns and / or in horizontal rows, that is, horizontally superimposed on one another. The system comprises horizontal profiles in H (6a) and vertical profiles (6b) arranged between adjacent panels (3). The horizontal profiles in H (6a) allow the assembly of horizontal panels, while the vertical profiles (6b), in addition to also allowing the assembly of horizontal panels, allow the system to provide greater structural safety since they allow the panels (3), generally made of glass, are fixed to them and not only to the two conventional points (floor and ceiling or other upper or lower structures). As can be seen in the figure, the construction, in spite of understanding vertical and horizontal profiles (6a, 6b), preserves the refined aesthetics of conventional linear systems.

Figure 2 shows a section of the previous panel system, according to the sectional plane AA of Figure 1. As can be seen, the system comprises an upper profile set (1) and a lower profile set (2), connected in this case respectively to the ceiling (4) and the floor (5) - although they could be connected to other elements, this detail being irrelevant to the invention. Several panels (3) are arranged between the upper profile set (1) and the lower profile set (2). In the limit of two adjacent panels (3) and between them the horizontal profile is located in H (6a), which is characterized by having a cross section comprising two housing areas (7a) to accommodate the respective sides of the panels (3). That is, the horizontal profile in H (6a) has a substantially H-shaped cross section, for connecting two panels (3) in line. On the other hand, the horizontal profile in H (6a) also includes a connection area (8a) for connecting a square (not visible) for the optional clamping of the horizontal profile in H (6a) at its ends, as will be explained later. .

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the previous figure, in accordance with section plane B-

B. The sectional plane is crossing a vertical profile (6b) not visible in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the vertical profile (6b) arranged vertically between two adjacent panels (3). The ends (10b) of the vertical profile (6b) are close to the ceiling (4) and the floor (5); in the connection zone (8b) and at said ends (10b) of the vertical profile (6b), two brackets (9) that fix the vertical profile (6b) are connected so that it can support the panels (3). The square (9) of the upper end may be fixed to the upper profile assembly (1), to the ceiling (4) or to any other applicable structural element, not being relevant. Similarly, the square (9) of the lower end may be fixed to the lower profile assembly (2), to the floor (5) or to any other applicable structural element.

Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the vertical profile (6b) of the invention, represented in section according to a plane of horizontal section, that is, parallel to the ground (5). In this case, the vertical profile (6b) comprises three housing areas (7b) and has a substantially T-shaped cross section, for the connection of three T-panels (3). The brackets (9) fix the upper ends and lower of the vertical profile (6b) to the applicable elements in question by means of a respective screw (12).

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the vertical profile (6b) of the invention, represented in section according to a plane of horizontal section, that is, parallel to the ground (5). In this case, the vertical profile (6b) comprises four housing areas (7b) and has a substantially cross-shaped cross section, for the connection of four cross panels (3). Again, the brackets (9) connect the upper and lower ends of the vertical profile (6b) to the applicable elements in question by means of a respective screw (12).

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the vertical profile (6b) of the invention, represented in section according to a plane of horizontal section, that is, parallel to the ground (5). In this case, the vertical profile (6b) comprises a single housing area (7b) and has a substantially U-shaped cross section, for the final closing of a panel (3). In this case, the brackets (9) connect the upper and lower ends of the vertical profile (6b) to the applicable elements in question by respective pairs of screws (12).

The invention contemplates that, in case the vertical profile (6b) comprises at least two housing areas (7b) for the connection of at least two panels (3), said housing areas (7b) can be arranged together forming any angle different from those previously represented. For example, Figure 7 shows a new embodiment in which the vertical profile (6b) comprises two housing areas (7b) that form an angle of 135 °. In this figure, the screw (13) connecting the square (9) to the vertical profile (6b) has been shown as an illustration. Another example can be seen in Figure 8, where an additional embodiment is shown in which the vertical profile (6b) comprises two housing areas (7b) that form an angle of 90 °, for mounting two corner panels. Obviously, these and other angles will also be applicable to vertical profiles (6b) provided with more than two housing areas (7b).

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show an elevation, sectional side view and sectional plan view of an example of a panel system comprising two vertical profiles (6b) arranged between three panels (3). In this case, the vertical profiles (6b) comprise two housing areas (7b), for connecting two panels (3) in line. In addition, as shown in the fi gures, the vertical profiles (6b) serve as a connection area for commercial shelf supports (13) (14). In this way, the invention makes it possible to provide a system of linear panels of auxiliary elements of great utility such as the aforementioned shelves (14).

As regards the setting of the horizontal profile in H (6a), the invention presents various embodiments. The horizontal profile in H (6a) can simply be placed between panels, without fixation. It can also be fixed by screws or other means to the lateral vertical profiles (6b).

5 EN 2354797A1 6

Claims (12)

1. Panel system, for the delimitation of spaces within a room, comprising an upper profile set (1) and a lower profile set (2) and at least two panels (3) located between them, where the upper profile assembly (1) is connected to a ceiling (4) or other upper structure and the lower profile assembly (2) is connected to a floor (5 ) or another lower structure, wherein said system is characterized in that the panels (3) are arranged in horizontal rows and that the system comprises a horizontal H-profile (6a) comprising two housing areas (7a) to accommodate the respective sides of the panels (3), and vertical profiles (6b) comprising at least one housing area (7b) to accommodate the side of a panel (3).

2.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal profile in H (6a) is not connected to any element, but is perched between adjacent panels (3).

3.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal profile in H (6a) is fixed to the vertical profiles (6b) at its ends.

Four.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical profile (6b) is connected at its upper end to the upper profile assembly (1), to the ceiling (4) or to another structural element applicable by means of a square (9) located in a connection zone (8b) at the upper end (10) of

said vertical profile (6b).

5.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical profile (6b) is connected at its lower end to the lower profile assembly (2), to the floor (5) or to another structural element applicable by means of a square (9) located in a connection zone (8b) at the lower end (10) of said vertical profile (6b).

6.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical profile (6b) comprises a single housing area (7b) and has a substantially U-shaped cross section for the final closing of a panel (3) .

7.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical profile (6b) comprises two housing areas (7b), for connecting two panels (3) in line.

8.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical profile (6b) comprises three housing areas (7b), for the connection of three T panels (3).

9.

Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical profile (6b) comprises four housing areas (7b), for the connection of four cross panels (3).

10.

Horizontal profile in H (6a), for a panel system according to any of the preceding claims.

eleven.

Vertical profile (6b), for a panel system according to any of the preceding claims.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200901165 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 10.12.2008 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: E04B2 / 74 (01.01.2006) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

Y

US 4896473 A (LIEBETRAU) 30.10.1990, column 1, line 58 - column 3, line 12; claims; figures. 1-3,10.11

Y

FR 2544009 A3 (VEILIGHEIDSGLAS) 12.10.1984, the whole document. 1-3,10.11

TO

US 5233803 A (BOCKMILLLER) 10.08.1993, column 2, line 10 - column 4, line 58; claims; figures. 1-3,10.11

TO

DE 29805815 U1 (BUSCHBECK J) 02.07.1998 & Summary of the WPI database. Recovered from EPOQUE; AN 1998-364313.

TO

GB 1214455 A (AIRSCREW) 02.12.1970, the whole document.

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 07.03.2011

Examiner M. Hernández Agusti Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 200901165 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) E04B Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC, HORIZONTAL, PROFIL, H, U, LINE, GLAS, GLAZ, State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200901165 Date of Written Opinion: 07.03.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-11 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims 4-9 Claims 1-3,10,11 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200901165 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 4896473 A (LIEBETRAU) 10/30/1990

D02

FR 2544009 A3 (VEILIGHEIDSGLAS) 12/10/1984

D03

US 5233803 A (BOCKMILLLER) 10.08.1993

D04

DE 29805815 U1 (BUSCHBECK J) 02.07.1998 & Summary of the WPI database. Recovered from EPOQUE; AN 1998-364313

D05

GB 1214455 A (AIRSCREW) 02.12.1970

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Panel system for delimitation of spaces within a room, comprising a set of upper profile and a set of lower profile and at least two panels located between them, the first is connected to the ceiling or to some upper structure and the second is connected to the floor or other lower structure. The panels are arranged in horizontal rows and there is a horizontal profile between them in the form of H with two housing areas to accommodate the respective sides of the panels. It also incorporates vertical profiles comprising at least one housing area to accommodate a side of a panel. The horizontal H profile rests between adjacent panels and is fixed to the vertical profiles at its ends. The vertical profile is connected to the upper profile assembly, to the ceiling or to any other structural element by means of a square located in an internal hollow area of the profile. The same happens in its connection with the lower zone. The vertical profile can have only one accommodation or have two zones, three zones and even four accommodation zones. It aims to achieve a system of linear panels where the panels can be arranged horizontally as in a modular system, preserving the aesthetics characterized by the practical absence of notorious vertical elements and guaranteeing the structural strength of the assembly. Document D01 describes an enclosure of spaces that has an upper profile connected to the ceiling and a lower profile connected to the floor and at least two panels located between them arranged in horizontal rows. It has horizontal and vertical profiles. It does not specify the shape of the horizontal profiles and we see how the vertical profiles have at least one housing area to accommodate the side of the glass panel. It is designed to support a glass panel of a considerable thickness and to be able to transition between glass panels of different thicknesses. Document D02 refers to a security door made of glass panels connected horizontally through an H profile. Document D03 describes a structural system based on panels for compartmentalizing an enclosure formed by a top profile assembly connected to the ceiling, a lower profile set connected to the ground and at least two panels located between them in horizontal rows. The vertical and horizontal profiles and the form of connection do not reflect the technical aspects claimed in the patent application, so it is considered that this document reflects the state of the art and does not imply any priority. The rest of the documents provided reflect isolated technical aspects. No profiles have been found in any of the previous documents that contain a hole for the accommodation of a square that can help fix said profiles to the floor and ceiling or to structures that support the fixing of said profiles. It is considered that the patent application is new for all claims and has no inventive activity for claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, according to Art. 6.1 and 8.1 of Patent Law 11/86. State of the Art Report Page 4/4