GB2170749A

GB2170749A - Box in which partitioning panels are stacked

Info

Publication number: GB2170749A
Application number: GB08607897A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Guy Gilbert Chenel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-12-28
Filing date: 1986-04-01
Publication date: 1986-08-13
Also published as: GB2151969A; GB8423959D0; DE3430707A1; GB8607897D0; GB8607896D0; GB2170748A

Abstract

The box 43 is pivotally supported on a chassis 46 to enable the panels 24 to be removed laterally of the box. <IMAGE>

Description

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SPECIFICATION

Device for handling and fitting partitioning panels

5 The invention relates to a device for handling and fitting partitioning panels.

During temporary displays, more particularly exhibitions, partitions are used to divide the space allocated to the exhibitors and thus define the 10 boundaries of exhibition stands.

The partitions comprises a rigid frame to which the partition element proper is secured. The partition element can be constructed in various ways, e.g. by using a draped cloth or rigid composite panels or 15 thin panels which may or may not have adhesive surfacing, e.g. in paper or cloth, which covers the stand partition.

The last-mentioned kind of panel is very advantageous, inter alia in that before assembly it bears 20 the cloth, paper or other surfacing for decorating the stand and also because these thin panels are light and can be stacked in a small space for transport.

However, these panels are disadvantageously difficult to handle since they are fragile because thin 25 and may therefore bend or break.

During handling also, the workmen frequently dirty the cloth covering the panel, which then has to be cleaned or scrapped.

The main aim of the invention is to obviate these 30 disadvantages. To this end the invention relates to a device for handling and fitting partitioning panels, the device being characterised in that it comprises a rigid frame, one surface of which bears means for securing the frame to one surface of the panel, the 35 frame also having movable means adapted to move between two end positions at which their ends are on the hither or further side of the free ends of the frame securing means.

According to another feature of the invention, the 40 frame is a first frame and the moving means comprises a second frame amovible relative to the first.

According to another feature, the securing means are disposed at the ends of projections secured to 45 one surface of the frame perpendicular to its plane.

According to another feature, the second frame is connected to the first frame by rings secured to the projections from one of the frames and sliding on the projections from the other frame.

50 According to another feature, the panel is fitted by means of a sectional member characterised in that it comprises a base, one surface of which bears means for securing it to a component of a partition frame whereas its other surface bears two lips which 55 together define a groove for fitting the panel, one lip being connected to the base by a flexible tongue for pivoting it.

The invention is shown by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings in which: 60 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a section along A-A of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view in cross-section of a sectional member for fitting a panel on to a stand frame; 65 Figure 4 is a partial view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device, having means for positioning it relative to the panel to be handled;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention during handling of a panel;

Figure 7 is a section along A-A of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a cross-section of a panel positioned on assembly sectional members;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic section of another embodiment of the device, and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a pivoting box receiving panels for handling.

The object of the invention is to construct a device for easy rapid attachment and detaching of the various panels to be handled so as to avoid any damage thereto such damage being due mainly to deformation during handling, owing to their large area.

The device also prevents the workers fitting the panels from putting theirfingers on the panel surfacing and making them dirty.

The device according to the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises two frames 1,2 preferably made of light metal tubes and having projections 3,4 respectively at their corners and halfway up, the projections extending perpendicular to the plane of frames 1 and 2.

Frames 1,2 are disposed parallel at a short distance from one another. In the example shown, the outer dimensions of frame 2 correspond to the inner dimensions of frame 1.

Frame 2 is movable perpendicularto its plane relative to frame 1 and projections 4, which are level with the corners if frame 1, and cross-member 1i guide the motion of frame 2 on frame 1.

Each projection 4 of frame 2 has rings 5 which surround the adjacent projection 3 of frame 1 so as to guide frame 2 when it slides relative to frame 1.

In the example shown, the free end of each projection 3 bears a known cloth 6, the outer surface of which bears a number of plastics loops in the form of semi-rigid open hooks. The hooks are adapted to engage in the woven or knitted cloth 7, covering the surfaces of a panel 7.

Projections 3 can also bear adhesive pads, of the permanently adhesive type, for sticking to the panels, either bare or covered with decorated paper.

The core of panel 7 is a plate of metal such as aluminium or plywood or plastics, and cloth 7i is preferably stuck to the plate.

Projections 4 of frame 2 have a length such that they can move by sliding between two end positions, at one of which (see Figure 2) ends 5t of rings 5 are retracted relative to the hook-bearing cloth 6, whereas at the other end position the ring ends 5-| extend beyond cloths 6 so as to exert pressure on partition 7 and separate cloth 7-| covering partition 7 from the hooks in cloth 6.

In order therefore to handle a panel 7 so as to fit it inside the border 8t of a stand frame 8, the free ends of projections 3 must be pressed against cloth 7-\ so that the loops of the hooks in cloth 6 engage in cloth 7t and thus position panel 7 on frame 1.

The same result is obtained if adhesive pads are

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used instead of hooks.

The workmen can thus handle the frame and panel assembly so as to position it inside border 8v When panel 7 is secured inside the border, the operator 5 presses frames 1 and 2 together until ends 5, press against partition 7 and separate it from the ends of projections 3, which can be done without modifying the position of the partition relative to border 8^

One or more springs 21 (see Figure 2) can if 10 required hold frame 2 apart from frame 1 when panel 7 is handled by pressing the two frames together. The spring will be compressed and enable panel 7 to be detached from frame 1.

In another embodiment, the rings 5 can be re-15 tracted relative to the free ends of projections 4, in which case panels 7 will be directly separated from the ends of projections 3 by the ends of projections 4.

The device according to the invention, therefore, 20 can be used for handling panels, for mounting them on a frame or for dismantling them, without the operator having to put his hands on the actual panel, i.e. without the risk of making it dirty. During handling also, the panel is firmly held at the ends of 25 projections 6 without risk of bending or even breaking. The number of projections 3 and 4 will of course depend on the area of the panels to be handled.

The frames of stand 8 are made of usually metal 30 section members as shown at 9 in Figure 3. In order to position a panel 7 on member 9, use is made according to the invention of a plastics strip 10 which in itself constitutes an assembly section member. The strip comprises a flat base 11 on the back of 35 which there are two flanges 111 adapted to engage in one of the grooves 9-, in member 9. The other surface of base 11 bears a first lip 12 extending perpendicularto base 11 and a second lip 13 connected to base 11 by a thin tongue 13V 40 Tongue 13t forms a joint for lip 13. Lip 13 can thus move to 13, which is its natural moulding position, so as to co-operate with lip 12 in bounding a groove 14 sufficiently rigid for panel 7 to fit inside.

The outer surface of lip 13 bears a section member 45 1 33 adapted to engage a correspondingly-shaped rib on base 11 so as to hold lip 13 in its bent-back position 134 against the base when panel 7 is being fitted.

The inner surface of lip 12 can also have means 15 50 for securing it to panel 7, the means having e.g. a cloth having semi-rigid plastics open loops or hooks.

When panel 7 is handled in order to position it in a rigid groove such as 16 (Figure 4), panel 7 must be placed in the plane of the groove before being 55 inserted.

To this end, according to the invention, flanges 17 are secured to projections 3 and extend towards the interior of frame 1 and are adapted to press against the cross-section of groove 16 in order to determine 60 a reference plane for positioning partition 7 in the central plane of groove 16. In that case, rings 5 will be split to provide room for flanges 17.

Partitions 7 are easily stored and transported to the place of use in boxes 18 (see Figure 5). The 65 operator then has to take successive partitions 7

from the stack in the box, using a device 19 according to the invention. However, it is important for the operator to be able rapidly and accurately to position device 19 on panels 7 in order properly to adjust the device on the panel and prevent the device from getting in the way when the panel is fitted on to a frame.

To this end, device 19 has external lateral abutments 20 on two sides on frame 1 (Figure 1).

Thus, after placing the stack of partitions 7 between two adjacent side walls of box 18, the operator presses device 19 against the vertical walls of the boxwhile holding thefree ends of abutments 20 against these two adjacent walls. The abutments thus co-operate with the walls to bound reference surfaces perpendicularto the plane of device 19, so that projections 3 are disposed at an exact distance from the edge of partition 7.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the device comprises a frame 21 having two longitudinal members connected by pairs of cross-members 22 comprising two handles 48. The frame is made of section members of light metal such as aluminium.

One surface of the frame bears a number of pads 23 for securing the frame to panel 24, the pads being convered with a permanent adhesive or small opening synthetic-fibre hooks adapted to catch the cloth surfacing 25 of panel 24.

The core of panel 24 is a sheet of plywood or light metal, a cloth being stuck to and covering the surface thereof.

A panel therefore can be handled simply by pressing the frame on to one pane surface so that pads 23 stick to it. When the panel has been positioned, it is released from frame 21 by movable cams 26.

Cams 26 are secured to rods 27 pivotably mounted on frame 21 between pairs of cross-members 22. Cams 23 are each disposed near a pad 23. Each rod 27 has two end cams and a pair of central cams 26V

The pairs of central cams of the set of rods 27 are connected by shaft portions 28 to a rod 29 disposed parallel to and at a short distance from frame 21 opposite pads 23. Springs 30 are secured to rod 29 by collars 31 and also to cross-members 22. The springs are disposed so that they constantly tend to move cams 26, 261 on to the hither side of pads 23 (see continuous lines in Figure 2) so that the panel secured to the frame can be handled without risk of interference from the releasing cams 26 and 26^

On the other hand when the panel is fitted on to frame 32, rod 29 is moved in the direction of arrow F, thus pivoting rods 27 and cams 26,261 so thattheir end surfaces 262 extend beyond pads 23. During this operation, the panel is released by separating it from frame 21.

The panel can for example be placed on a frame made up of section members 33 having longitudinal dovetail grooves 34, one or more of which can receive plastics section members 35 comprising a base 36 having two ratchet tongues 37 and two parallel edges 38,39 co-operating to form a groove for receiving panel 24.

To this end one flange 39 is connected to base 36 by a thin joint 39t enabling flange 39 to pivot when

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fitting the panel.

When panel 24 is adapted to be fitted into the groove of a rigid section member 40 (see Figure 9) which in turn is secured to an upright section 5 member 41, panel 24 has to be guided parallel to its plane.

To this end, frame 21 along all or part of its edges has abutment surfaces 42 parallel to the plane of frame 21 and consequently to the panel 24 and 10 positioned so as to guide the panel in groove 40 when the surface of abutment 42 bears against section member 41.

According to the invention, panels for fitting to form e.g. the partitions in an exhibition hall, are 15 brought to the site stacked in boxes 43.

The operator then has to take successive panels 24 from the stack in boxes 43 and move them, using frame 21. To this end, boxes 43 have two opposite external shaft portions 44 which are pivotably re-20 ceived in trestles 45 secured to the body 46 of a wheeled carriage 47.

Shaft portions 44, which are received in V-bearings 44-i in trestles 45, are used to tilt the box so that panels 24 are taken out laterally in an almost-25 vertical position. A bar (not shown) stops the box from tilting when it reaches its operating position (Figure 10) and thus prevents it from swaying.

Panels 24 are taken out using frame 21, the operator holding the frame and panel asembly by handles 48 30 provided on the longitudinal sides of the frame.

Since the panels are disposed vertically (in the width direction) when taken out, they easily come apart without suction.

Inside box 43, the stack of panels 24 is laterally 35 held by batterns 49 disposed perpendicular to the plane of the box opening. In order to take a panel from a box 43, the operator must carefully place frame 21 so that abutments 42 touch the inner surface of the box, which serves as a reference for 40 positioning the frame. Abutments 42 can then form bearing surfaces for guiding panel 24 in the assembly section member (see Figure 9).

Claims

CLAIMS 45

1. A device for handling and fitting partitioning panels (7), the device being characterised in that it comprises a rigid frame (1), one surface of which bears means (6) for securing the frame (1) to one 50 surface of the panel (7), the frame also having movable means (2,4) adapted to move between two end positions at which their ends (5-i) are on the hither or further side of the free ends of the frame securing means (3).

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2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame (1) is a first frame and the moving means comprises a second frame (2) movable relative to the first.

3. A device according to claim 3, characterised in 60 that the securing means are disposed at the ends of projections (4) secured to one surface of the frame (1) perpendicularto its plane.

4. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the second frame (2) is connected to the first

65 frame by rings (5) secured to the projections from one of the frames and sliding on the projections from the other frame.

5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the rings (5) are secured to the projections (4) on the second frame (2) and the ends of the ringsform the ends (5-|) of the projections.

6. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for securing the frame to the panel comprises a cloth (6) having a number of open, flexible loops of synthetic material, the panel itself being covered with cloth or the like.

7. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for securing the frame is an adhesive.

8. A section member for fitting a partitioning panel using the device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a base (11), one surface ofwhich bears means (111) for securing it to a component of a partition frame whereas its other surface bears two lips (12,13)

which together define a groove for fitting the panel (7), one lip being conected to the base (11) by a flexible tongue (13-i) for pivoting it.

9. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first frame (1) has lateral bearing abutments (17) defining a reference surface parallel to the plane of the frame for positioning the panel relative to its assembly plane.

10. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that one frame (1) has lateral bearing abutments (20) bounding reference surface parallel to the plane of the frame for positioning the frame relative to the panel to be handled.

11. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the moving means comprise privotably mounted cams (26,26!).

12. A device according to claim 12, characterised in that the cams (26,26i) are interconnected by a linkage (27,28) so that they can be simultaneously pivoted.

13. A device according to claim 12, characterised in that the linkage comprises a control rod (29) movable longitudinally against the action of at least one spring (30), the spring tending to place the ends of the cams (26,26n) on the hither side of the securing means (23).

14. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame (21) has two handles (48) secured on its two opposite longitudinal sides.

15. A box (43) for stacking panels, the box having two external opposing shaft portions (44) for pivot-ably mounting the box one a frame.

16. A device for handling and fitting partitioning panels substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

17. A section member for fitting a partitioning panel substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

18. A box for stacking panels substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect-

Claims 1-18 above have been deleted

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4. A box-type structure substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.

Printed in the UK for HMSO, D8818935,6/86,7102.

Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London,

WC2A1AY, from which copies may be obtained.

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New ortextually amended claims have been filed as follows:-

1. A box-type structure for stacking panels, the

5 structure being provided with two external opposed shaft portions arranged on respective opposite faces of the structure, said shaft portions being pivotably mounted in the bearings of a chassis.

2. A box-type structure according to claim 1, in 10 which the shaft portions are pivotably mounted in

V-supports provided on trestles of a chassis provided with wheels.

3. A box-type structure according to claim 1, in which the structure is internally provided with

15 brackets or battens, which are orientated perpendi-cularto an opening plane of the structure.