GB2152439A - Matrix element in modular form - Google Patents

Abstract

The mosaic tile system consists of a support frame built up from a single modular component referred to as a matrix element. By interlocking one element to another, support frames can be built to desired size not requiring the use of additional mechanical attachments or components or additional back-frame support to create strength and rigidity. Completed assemblies may have surface mounted tiles affixed to either side. The assembly is self-supporting.

Description

SPECIFICATION Matrix element Technical field This invention relates to a Mosaic Tile System Support Frame for mimic/graphic diagrams.

Background Mosaic Tile Systems for mimic/graphic display are well known. Essentially they comprise some form of base, supporting clipped in, or on, plastic or metal tiles which may vary in modular size. Alternatively they may consist of plastic blocks clipped together and not requiring a separate surface tile. The purpose of these systems (or type of assembly) is to allowed stylized pictorial display to be achieved, and subsequently changed or altered by removal or replacement of tiles or blocks.

Generally these systems are insufficiently rigid and not self-supporting, and mounted tiles are easily dislodged. These problems of constuction and application have been resolved by our invention.

Essential technical features The design features of this invention allow a strong, self-supporting matrix element base for carrying surface mounted display plastic tiles, to operate from one single modular element. Each matrix element has two centrally located male tapers locating into the end sections of each adjacent element. By interlocking one element to another, support frames can be built to any desired size.

Surface mounted tiles are positioned on deep draw slides.

Example A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 in front elevation illustrates a matrix element.

Figure 2 in plan elevation illustrates the central tapers and end locators of a matrix element.

Figure 3 gives an end elevation of a matrix element.

Figure 4 shows section detail illustrating the deep draw slides for plastic surface tile location.

Figure 5 is part section showing achieved interlock of one matrix element to another.

Referring to the drawing, the front and plan elevations of the matrix element show the holes 4 for stud insertion and electrical component wiring through the central core. They also show central tapers 1 and end locators 2, also deep draw slides 3 for surface display tile retention.

By interlocking one element to another, using central tapers 1 and end locators 2, full scale progressive build-up of a matrix support frame may be made to desired size. The interlocking of matrix elements is shown in Figure 5, part section.

1. The matrix elements have been designed to operate from one single module, incorporating central male tapers No.1 and female end sections No.2. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure2.

2. The interlocking design Nos.1 and 2; Figure 5, dispenses with the need for any other mechanical attachment, e.g. bolts, screws, nuts, plastic clips, etc., to achieve assembly.

3. The design, No.3 on Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 ensures plastic mounted surface tiles cannot be accidentally dislodged.

4. The design, Figure 1 allows for fixing tiles to be mounted in slides No.3 on both sides of finishedmatrix assembly. It is claimed this cannot be achieved on any other construction.

5. The design, Figure 1 allows for studding lengths up to 9 mm diameter to be inserted through the holes No.4 and central to the matrix core. Studding can be inserted on a 45 or 90 degree over the plane. It is claimed this cannot be achieved by any other construction.

6. Hole No.4, Figure 1 also allows for electrical component wiring to be made internally through completed matrix assembly, and heat dissipation.

It is claimed this cannot be achieved by any other known construction.

1. For the building of a rigid self-supporting frame to carry mosaic surface tiles for stylized pictorial display in mimic/graphic form, a single modular matrix element has been designed, intended to achieve frame build-up by interlocking one element to another.

2. The matrix element claimed in Claim 1 is of interlocking design and no other mechanical attachment such as bolts, screws, nuts, plastic clips and suchforth are required to achieve assembly.

3. The matrix element as claimed in Claim 2 ensures mounted surface tiles, when fitted to complete mosaic tile assembly cannot be accidentally dislodged, or otherwise removed without intent.

4. The matrix element as claimed in Claim 2 and Claim 3 allows for studding of any length up to 9 mm diameter in size to be inserted through holes central to the matrix element, studding can be inserted on a 45 or 90 degree angle over the plane. The holes further allow for electrical component wiring looms to be carried through the central core of a completed frame assembly, thus leaving no outside projections.

5. The matrix element, as claimed in proceeding claims, when made into a completed assembly can support surface mosaic tiles to either side of the assembly, therefore there is no preferred usage side due to symmetrical design.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Matrix element Technical field This invention relates to a Mosaic Tile System Support Frame for mimic/graphic diagrams. Background Mosaic Tile Systems for mimic/graphic display are well known. Essentially they comprise some form of base, supporting clipped in, or on, plastic or metal tiles which may vary in modular size. Alternatively they may consist of plastic blocks clipped together and not requiring a separate surface tile. The purpose of these systems (or type of assembly) is to allowed stylized pictorial display to be achieved, and subsequently changed or altered by removal or replacement of tiles or blocks. Generally these systems are insufficiently rigid and not self-supporting, and mounted tiles are easily dislodged. These problems of constuction and application have been resolved by our invention. Essential technical features The design features of this invention allow a strong, self-supporting matrix element base for carrying surface mounted display plastic tiles, to operate from one single modular element. Each matrix element has two centrally located male tapers locating into the end sections of each adjacent element. By interlocking one element to another, support frames can be built to any desired size. Surface mounted tiles are positioned on deep draw slides. Example A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 in front elevation illustrates a matrix element. Figure 2 in plan elevation illustrates the central tapers and end locators of a matrix element. Figure 3 gives an end elevation of a matrix element. Figure 4 shows section detail illustrating the deep draw slides for plastic surface tile location. Figure 5 is part section showing achieved interlock of one matrix element to another. Referring to the drawing, the front and plan elevations of the matrix element show the holes 4 for stud insertion and electrical component wiring through the central core. They also show central tapers 1 and end locators 2, also deep draw slides 3 for surface display tile retention. By interlocking one element to another, using central tapers 1 and end locators 2, full scale progressive build-up of a matrix support frame may be made to desired size. The interlocking of matrix elements is shown in Figure 5, part section.

1. The matrix elements have been designed to operate from one single module, incorporating central male tapers No.1 and female end sections No.2. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure2.

2. The interlocking design Nos.1 and 2; Figure 5, dispenses with the need for any other mechanical attachment, e.g. bolts, screws, nuts, plastic clips, etc., to achieve assembly.

3. The design, No.3 on Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 ensures plastic mounted surface tiles cannot be accidentally dislodged.

4. The design, Figure 1 allows for fixing tiles to be mounted in slides No.3 on both sides of finishedmatrix assembly. It is claimed this cannot be achieved on any other construction.

5. The matrix element, as claimed in proceeding claims, when made into a completed assembly can support surface mosaic tiles to either side of the assembly, therefore there is no preferred usage side due to symmetrical design.

5. The design, Figure 1 allows for studding lengths up to 9 mm diameter to be inserted through the holes No.4 and central to the matrix core. Studding can be inserted on a 45 or 90 degree over the plane. It is claimed this cannot be achieved by any other construction.

6. Hole No.4, Figure 1 also allows for electrical component wiring to be made internally through completed matrix assembly, and heat dissipation.

It is claimed this cannot be achieved by any other known construction.

1. For the building of a rigid self-supporting frame to carry mosaic surface tiles for stylized pictorial display in mimic/graphic form, a single modular matrix element has been designed, intended to achieve frame build-up by interlocking one element to another.

2. The matrix element claimed in Claim 1 is of interlocking design and no other mechanical attachment such as bolts, screws, nuts, plastic clips and suchforth are required to achieve assembly.

3. The matrix element as claimed in Claim 2 ensures mounted surface tiles, when fitted to complete mosaic tile assembly cannot be accidentally dislodged, or otherwise removed without intent.

4. The matrix element as claimed in Claim 2 and Claim 3 allows for studding of any length up to 9 mm diameter in size to be inserted through holes central to the matrix element, studding can be inserted on a 45 or 90 degree angle over the plane. The holes further allow for electrical component wiring looms to be carried through the central core of a completed frame assembly, thus leaving no outside projections.