GB2212186A

GB2212186A - Demountable panelling

Info

Publication number: GB2212186A
Application number: GB8826201A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bryan Harry Thompson
Original assignee: Environmental Panelling Syst
Current assignee: Environmental Panelling Syst
Priority date: 1987-11-11
Filing date: 1988-11-09
Publication date: 1989-07-19
Also published as: GB8826201D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a demountable panelling system which includes a support framework made up of a plurality of individual framework sections 10, the framework sections 10 having framework elements 12 that are provided with attachment formations (46, 54 Fig 2). The attachment formations (46, 54) permit the attachment of accessories such as desk tops, electrical accessories, and the like, onto erected panelling. The attachment formations are so disposed that when panels 20, 22 are attached to a framework, the formations are not interfered with and the necessary accessories can also be conveniently attached to the framework. <IMAGE>

Description

A DEMOUNTABLE PANELLING SYSTEM TUNIS INVENTION relates tc wall panelling. In particular, the invention relates to a demountable panelling system ano to components for use in such a system.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a demountable panelling system, which includes a demoun:able support framework that can be erected in a reuired location within a compartment where panelling is required selected framework elements forming the framework aefining attachment formations that can permit the releasable attachment o accessories onto panelling erected; and panels for covering required regions of the support framework, releasably engageable onto the support framework.

The panelling system may particularly provide for the support framework tc be pre-manufactured in sections, each framework section including at least two opposing uprights ard two or more cross members for holding the uprights in a required spaced apart configuration.

Still further, the uprights forming separate framework sections may have at least one support rail secured between them to be horizontally disposed in the operative configuration of the framework sections, the panels of the panelling system being releasably engageable with the support rails for their engagement uriLU tne support rramewoIk.

As such, the panels may have engagement clips attached thereto that are formed and adapted to releasably engage the support rail in a manner that panels are effectively suspended in their operative configuration.

The attachment formations formed by the framework elements may be suitably positioned apertures formed within the uprights of individual framework sections.

The panelling system of the invention may accorcingly include support elements for supporting accessories to be attached to panelling, which support elements are adapted te engage the uprights of the framework sections via the attachment formations.

According tc one particular configuration of the invention, the support elements may be formed to simultaneously engage two adjacent uprights of two adjacent framework sections, so that a support formation defined by a particular support element can be disposed between adjacent panels, that are engageable onto the acjacent framework sections.

The support elements may include clipping elements that are adapted to clip into the attachment formations and thereby engage the support elements with the uprights of adjacent framework sections. The support elements may, in particular, be in the form of ladder sections that are adapted to support shelving, desk tops, and the like, specifically adapted tc co-operate with the support elements.

Still further, according to the invention, the panelling system may include support members having clipping forrations that are adapted to engage the attachment formations defined by the uprights of ramework sections forming a support. framework, the support members being formed to cover predetermined sections of a framework structure, in place of panels.

The support members may define support formations that are specifically adapted to support accessories such as racks, -shelving, and the like. Alternatively, or in addition, the support members may provide for trunking of wires and cables and for the location of electrical components, such as electrical sockets, switches, and the like.

The above configuration of the invention may provide for the panels of the panelling system to cover the framework structure above and below the support members secured to particular Still further, the framework sections may be height adjustable through adjustment at the top end of individual framework sections. As such, each framework section may include a slideably displaceable framework portion, that provides for the height adjustment, and locking means for locking this framework portion with respect to the remainder of the framework section.

The displaceable framework portion will clearly form the upper limit of a particular framework section. The mode of height adjustment o. the framework sections ensure that all the attachment formations will be disposed at a constant height above the ground andy as such, support elements and support members attached to the support framework of the panelling system of the invention will also be disposed at a constant height above ground level.

The framework elements forming framework: sections and a framework structure may be of any suitable material such as of aluminium, or the like, whereas the panels may typically be gypsum board panels that may be pre-painted or otherwise covered or upholstered to provide the operative outer surfaces thereof with a required outward finish. The engagement clips for the panels may be pre-secured to the panels and may again be of a suitable metal material, a synthetic plastics material, or the like.

It is anticipated that framework sections will be constructed by securing together required framework elems by means o; bolts ad nuts, screws, rivets, or the like, whereas framework sections may be securable together on site by means of screws or bolts and nuts, that can engage suitable formations provided for this purpose and which may be defined by the framework sections. The engagement clips may be secured to the panels by means of screws, rivets, an adhesive, or the like.

Clearly, the particular configuration of individual framework elements may be such as to accommodate all the above requirements, it being anticipated that these sections can be extruded sections having a constant cross-secticnal profile as far as possible.

The invention extends also te a support element for use with a panelling system, in accordance with the present invention, as well as to a support member for use with a panelling system, in accordance with the present invention Still further, the invention extends to accessories such as shelving, racks, desktops, and the like, that are specifically adapted and formed to co-operate with a panelling system, in accordance with the present invention.

Still further, the invention extends to demountable panelling which includes a demountable panelling system, in accordance with the present invention.

The invention is now described, by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded three-dinensional view of a framework section of panelling forming a part of a panelling system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional plan view of two adjacent framework elements, forming a part of the panelling system of the invention, having a support element secured thereto; Figure 3 shows a side view of a part of the framework section of Figure 1 having a first embodiment of a support member attached thereto; Figure 4 shows a side view of a part or the framework section of Figure 1 having a second embodiment of a support member attached thereto; Figure 5 shows a front elevation of the framework section of Figure 3; and Figure 6 shows a çront elevation of the framework section of Figure 4.

Referring initially to Figure 1 of the drawings, a panelling system, in accordance with the invention, generally includes a pre-manufacturd main support framework that cen be erected on site and onto which panels can be secured in the manner hereinafter described.

The main support framework is made up of separate pre-manufactured framework sections 10, each framework section including two spaced apart uprights 12, witch a top cross member 14 and a bottom cross member 16 holding the uprights in their desired spaced apart configuration. One or more. support rails 18 are secured in pre-determined locations between the uprights 12, the particular configuration shown illustrating three such support rails 18.

A complete main support framework can therefore be constructed in a desired location within a compartment by erecting the separate framework sections 10 adjacent to one another between the root and floor of the compartment. The framework sections provide for height adjustment insofar as the top cross members 14 are vertically displaceable with respect to the uprights 12 in the manner clearly illustrated. In this way any variation in spacing between roof and floor can be accommodated.

Figure 1 illustrates one framework section only and it will be understood that a plurality of such sections can be erected adjacent to one another to define a complete wall. The framework sections may also make provision for door openings, window openings, vents, and the like, the sections being made up at a remote location as required before being transported to the site where they are erected.

The particular framework section 10 as illustrated provides for two opposing panels, 20 and 22 respectively, to be attached to the framework section 10, each panel comprising a gypsum board sheet element. The panels may be attached to the framework section in their natural form, or may be painted or upholstered as is the panel 20 illustrated in the drawing. In particular, the panel 20 has a foam layer 24 applied to a sheet element 26, with an outer covering element 28 covering the foam layer to provide the outward surface appearance as illustrated.

Each panel, 20 and 22, is further associated with a panel mounting frame 30 which is to be disposed between the panel and the frame section 10 in the operative configuration of the panel.

The panels are attached to the framework section 10 by means of engagement claps 32 that can engage the support rails 18 by clipping onto these rails, it being typically anticipated that a panel, such as the panel 22, is engaged onto a framework section by means of six such engagement clips that are pre-secured to the -panel. It will be understood that by the proper location of the engagement clips, the panels can be attached onto the framework section 10 through vertical displacement thereof with respect to the section 10, whereby the engagement clips can clip onto the support rails 18.

Referring also to Figure 2 of the drawings, the configuration of two adjacent uprights 12 in the operative configuration of two adjacent framework sections is clearly illustrated therein, the specific cross-sectional profile of the upright 12 permitting abutment as illustrated. In this configuration, the uprights can be secured together by means of one or more bolts and nuts 40 that can pass though apertures defined within the walls 42 of the uprights 12. The bolts and nuts may be of a'conventional type, or may be especially designed for the purpose.

The opposing side walls 44 of the uprights 12 further define one or more apertures 46 therein, in the location as shown, it being anticipated that any number of apertures may be so defined within the said walls 44, operatively above one another.

These apertures 46 can serve as attachment formations that can facilitate the attachment of a support element L8 to a framework structure made up of framework sections 10, support elements 48 being so attachable by means of clipping studs 50 that can securely clip into the apertures 46 to provide for the secure location of the support elements 48 (only one support element 48 shown).

The support element 48 is in the form of a ladder formation which defines a support formation 52 that projects perpendicularly to the walls 44 of the uprights 12, the support formation 52 defining a flat planar configuration so that it can be disposed between opposing side edges of panels 20, that can be attached to framework sections 10 including uprights 12 in the manner hereinabove described.

In this configuration the formations 52 are accessible to act as supports for desk tops, shelving, and the like, such members being specifically adapted and formed to co-operate with the formations 52 for their location with respect of panelling of the type described. Clearly, the exact configuration of the support elements 48 is greatly variable in order to accommodate the support of different members with respect to panelling.

Still further7 the side walls 44 of the upright 12 may define a second set of apertures 54 therein that can act as attachment formations, the apertures 54 being disposcd nearer the free erlds of the walls 44. It is particularly anticipatea tnat a series of these apertures 54 can be provided above one another, within each side wall 44, between predetermined upper and lcwer limit positions, the lower position usually being above the position at which support elements 48 can be attached to the uprights 12, as hereinabove described.

Referring also to Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings, these apertures 54 are particularly provided to permit the attachment of support members 56 to the walls 44 of the uprights 12, the support members 56 being in the form of elongate members that can span the space between uprights 12 of particular framework sections 10, thus effectively covering the framework sections 10 in these regions, instead of being covered by conventional panels 20 as described above. The location of these support members 56 is clearly illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings.

For the two overall configurations shown, the support members 56.1 are specifically designed to act as supports for shelves, racks, and the like, each support member 56.1 having four clipping formations 58 that are formed and adapted to clip into the apertures 54 and provide for the effective location of the support members 56.1 with respect to the uprights 12.

For the particular configurations shown, specific support formations 60 are defined by and between the support members 56.1, which are specifically suited to support shelving, racks, and the like with respect to framework sections 10, with or without the use of specific engagement formations that can form a part of such shelving, racks, or the like. Provision is clearly made for two or more shelves or racks to be supported with respect to particular framework sections 10, the specific position of such shelving and/or racks being adjustable as may be required.

It is thus particularly anticipated that panelling, in accordance with the invention, can provide for desk tops to be attached thereto via support elements 52, with shelving and/or racks being provided above such desk tops, upon which required stationery, equipment, or the like can be supported.

The support member 56.2, as stlown in figures 3 and ), is provided to accommodate electrical wiring, trunking, and the like, this support member 56.2 being secured to opposing uprights 12 by means of screws 62 as shown. The screws 62 are particularly used to accommodate safety requirements, the panel portion 64 of the support member 56.2 carrying electrical sockets and switches as shown, which can be utilised to plug in required equipment as is commonly utilised in normal office environments.

It will be appreciated that providing suitable apertures within adjacent uprights 12 of panelling sections 10, it will be permitted to carry all wiring as may be required within an office snvironmcnts access Dvilly pruvlaeò ror working requirements via an aperture 66 within the wall of the support member 56.2, a flap formation 68 being pivotally located to control access to the intcrior defined between panels 2U, attached to framework sections 10, as may be required.

It will be understood that alternative support members can be provided to fulfil alternative functions while being attachable to uprights 12 and, as such, framework sections 10, in a similar manner to that described above. The requirements of many different office environments can thus be provided for.

The Applicant believes that the above mode of constructing panelling is extremely simple and will be very quick to carry out, which will render it very economical.

The panelling system of the invention clearly requires aesired panelling to be completely pre-designed, which w.i.ll permit pre-manufacture of the components and parts thereof, the mode of locating the actual panels permitting frameworks to be pre-erected, with the spaces defined within the frameworks being utilized for wivilly, and tne like, as described. Framework elements car clearly be secured together by means of pop rivets, an the like, whereas the clip formations 32 can be similarly secured to the sheet elements 26 of panels 20.

The actual location of the panels 20 will cleariy be the last step in the construction of the panelling, which will not require any additional finishing and any damage to the panels due to subsequent operations is thereby largely prevented It will be understood that various different attachment formations can also be provided for the attachment of support elements and support members, or any other accessories, onto panelling sections. Panels are clearly require to accommodate support members 56, separate panel sections being provided to be positioned above and/or below the support members 56.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A demountable panelling system which includes a demountable support framework that can be erected in a required location within a compartment where,panelling is required, selected framework elements forming the framework defining attachment formations that can permit the releasable attachment of accessories onto panelling erected; and panels for covering required regions of the support framework, releasably engageable onto the support framework.

2. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 1, in which the support framework can be pre-manufactured in sections, each framework section including at least two opposing uprights and two or more cross members for holding tne uprights in a required spaced apart configuration.

3. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 2, in which the uprights forming separate framework sections have at least one support rail secured between them to be horizontally disposed in the operative configuration of the framework sections, the panels of the Panelling system being releasasly engageable witn the support rails for their engagement onto the support framework.

4. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 3, in which the panels have engagement clips attached thereto that are formed and adapted to releasably engage the support rail in a manner that panels are effectively suspended in their operative configuration.

5. A panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4, in which the attachment formations defined Uy the framework elements are suitably positioned apertures formed within the uprights of the individual framework sections.

6. Panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 5, which includes support elements for supporting accessories to be attached to panelling, which support elements are adapted to engage the uprights of the framework sections via the attachment formations.

7. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 6, in which the support elements are formed to simultane.ously engage two adjacent uprights of two adjacent framework sections, so that a support formation defined by a particular support element can be disposed between adjacent panels, that are engageable onto the adjacent framework sections.

8. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 7, in which the support elements include clipping elements that are adapted to clip into the attachment formations and thereby engage the support elements with the uprights of adjacent framework sections.

9. A panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 8, in which the support elements are in the form of ladder sections that are adapted to support shelving, desktops, and the like, specifically adapted to co-operate with the support elements.

10. A panelling system as claimed in any ode of Claims 2 to 9, which includes support members having clipping formations that are adapted to engage the attachment formations defined by the uprights of framework sections forming a support framework, the support members being formed to cover predetermined sections of a framework structure, in place of panels.

11. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 10, in which the support members define support formations that are specifically auaptu to support accessories such as racks, shelving, and the like.

12. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 10, in which the support members provide for trunking of wires and cables and for the location of electrical components, such as electrical sockets, switches, and the like.

13. A panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 12, in which the panels of the panelling system are formed to cover the framework structure above and below the support members secured to particular framework sections.

14. A panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 13, in which the framework sections are height adjustable through adjustment at the top end of individual framework sections.

15. A panelling system as claimed in Claim 14, in which each framework section includes a slidably displaceable framework portion, that provides for the height adjustment, and locking means for locking this framework portion with respect to the remainder of the framework section.

16. A support element for use with a panelling system as claimed lr. any one of Claims 6 to 9.

17. A suppcrt member for use with a panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 13.

18. Accessories such as shelving, racks, desktops, and the like, that are specifically adapted and formed to co-o;erate with a panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16.

18. Demountable panellinc which includes a demountable panelling system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15.

19. A panelling system substantially as described in the specification with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.