GB2334976A

GB2334976A - Partition assembly connector

Info

Publication number: GB2334976A
Application number: GB9804741A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Clasby; Neil Christopher Clasby; John Michael Barnes
Original assignee: KOMFORT SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: KOMFORT SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 1998-03-06
Filing date: 1998-03-06
Publication date: 1999-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-06
Also published as: GB9804741D0; GB2334976B

Abstract

A connector (35) for connecting a sideframe (1, fig 6a) of an interior partition wall to a panel junction post or another sideframe is constructed with a generally J-shaped cross-section. On one side of the connector, a lip (36) is provided to engage a first panel sideframe. The other side of the connector is provided with a wing (40) which includes means (such as screws, buttons or legs 37 - fig 4b) which engage grooves in a panel junction post or a second panel sideframe (see fig 6a). The two sides of the connected are joined by a bridge section which is provided with an aperture (38) to facilitate the fixture of the connector to the top of the side frame, for example via means of a self-tapping screw which may engage in the groove (14a, fig 1) of the sideframe.

Description

2334976 1 PANEL ASSEMBLY APPARATUS The present invention relates to

apparatus for use in assembling an office screen or partition arrangement. In particular, the invention relates to assembly apparatus for facilitating the fixing, installation and disassembly of screening and partitioning panelslelements.

1 Large offices and exhibition halls commonly use a system of partitions, screens or barriers to define workstations, personnel office space or exhibition stands and displays.

Partitioning systems usually extend from the floor to the ceiling and define a demountable, relocatable and flexible alternative to structural, loadbearing wall partitioning. Conversely, screening may be provided in a variety of heights and space planning arrangements, e.g. to provide low level barriers for workstations, call centres or pads. For ease of reference, partitions, screens and barriers are hereinafter referred to collectively as lipaneis".

Panel assembly systems must be flexible enough to allow panel arrangements and space planning layouts to be customised to particular requirements. Ideally, they should obviate the need for special modifications or adjustments to the existing standard assembly connectors.

Many currently available panel assembly systems suffer from a 2 number of disadvantages. These systems can be difficult and cumbersome to assemble and disassemble. One such panel assembly arrangement involves individual panels being lifted, lowered into place and locked alongside an adjoining panel connector or panel-junction post. This assembly method is known as "engagement lifting" in the trade. Once panels are in place and locked into position, it is impossible to remove an individual panel of the arrangement without sequentially disassembling the system from one end to the panel to be removed or replaced. In some cases, panels may be removed by vertically lifting the panel out from the arrangement. As a panel may reach up to two metres or more in height, this is impractical and undesirable.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a panel assemblysystem which enjoys non-sequentialpanel-by-panel installation and release. It is also an object of the present invention to provide connecting elements which enable a strong, stable and durable arrangement to be assembled and/or which can be adjusted to overcome material and/or building tolerance and other variations. It is another object of the present invention to provide a panel assembly system which can accommodate all variations of panel head connections such as, in-line straight, splayed, wavy edge, stacking or stepped connections, as well as allowing panels to be connected at one of a selected number of angles or junctions, using for example, a wall start 3 or 4 multi-way, 900 corner- post, Y-section, or an 135 0 elbow panel-junction post.

Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides a panel sideframe for use in the assembly of a panel arrangement, comprising:

(a) a first lengthwise extending face for abutting a panel edge, the face including means of attachment to a panel edge; (b) a continuous racking channel extending generally parallel and normal 1. ' 11 1' 3 to the first face; and, (c) a second lengthwise extending face substantially opposed to the first face, for abutting a like panel sideframe or a panel-junction post.

Preferably, the attachment means comprises a recess to retain a panelhead bracket and/or at least one groove to receive a panel retaining element.

The second face may include one or more recessed channels for optionally coupling to other panel assembly sections such as a head plate.

The panel sideframe may further comprise a tapping slot, optionally including a screw groove, extending rearwardly from the first face towards the second face, and extending longitudinally along the length of the sideframe.

In a preferred embodiment, the continuous racking channel comprises a plurality of vertically spaced, elongate slots. It is preferred that the panel sideframe contains two racking channels, one on each side. The, or each, racking channel may extend only partially along the length of the sideframe. Preferably, the, or each, racking channel extends along the entire length of the sideframe.

The racking channel(s) may be integral with, or applied to the side frame.

in another embodiment, the panel sideframe may further comprise means to level the sideframe with respect to the surface on which it rests. The means to level the sideframe may comprise adjustable levelling or stabilising pedestal feet. In this way, it is ensured that the elongate slots in the racking channel may be horizontally aligned with the same on other 4 panel sideframes. The slots therefore provide a facility for level mounting of shelves, desk worktops, screen hung fitments and furniture (e. g. cabinets) or the like, on the panel sideframes.

In another aspect, the invention provides a coupler channel bracket for connecting two panel assembly sections together, the bracket being generally of U-shape in cross section and including a bridge bordered by side arms, each side arm including at least one downwardly extending lug projecting from its edge.

The coupler channel bracket may be fitted anywhere along the height of a panel assembly by engaging aligned vertical slots on both faces of abutting panel assembly sections with the downwardly extending lugs.

Preferably, the bracket comprises at least three lugs positioned to engage at least one slot in each section. The lugs may be arranged in pairs, wherein each member of each pair is capable of engaging a corresponding slot in one panel assembly section.

In another embodiment, the bracket further comprises means to lock the bracket in place across the panel assembly sections. The locking means may comprise at least one locking screw positioned in an aperture on the bridge of the bracket.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a junction channel plate for connecting a panel sideframe to a panel-junction post, the plate being generally of Ushape in cross section and including a bridge bordered by side arms, the bridge including at least one aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded screw retainable in a tapping slot or screw groove in the sideframe, and means which are retainable in grooves in the panel-junction post.

In one embodiment, the bridge includes at least one pair of apertures to receive means which are retainable in grooves in the panel-junction post.

Typically, the retainable means includes, for example, a button, a headed screw, or cranked legs.

Preferably, the junction channel plate is used at the base of a panel sideframe to engage a panel-junction post. In this way, the panel arrangement may be assembled or disassembled by engagement or removal of the panel-junction post from the junction channel plate, thereby avoiding engagement lifting of heavy panels.

In another embodiment, the junction channel plate may comprise a foot plate at its base for alignment with a panel-junction post.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a head plate for stably connecting the top parts of two panel assembly sections together, the head plate including a lip to engage a panel sideframe on a first face and an aperture to receive a seif-tapping or threaded screw retainable in a tapping slot or screw groove in the panel sideframe.

The head plate for connecting the top part of a panel sideframe to the top part of another panel assembly section may further comprise a side wing which includes means for connecting to the panel sideframe and means for connecting to the panel assembly section.

Preferably, the head plate includes means for adjustable fixing to overcome material tolerance variations.

Preferably, the means for connecting to one panel sideframe may comprise at least one aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded -screw, the screw being retainable in a central tapping slot or screw groove in the sideframe.

6 Typically, the head plate comprises at least one pair of apertures to receive means which are retainable in grooves in a panel-junction post or panel sideframe. The retainable means may include, for example, a button, or a headed screw.

In an alternative embodiment, the retainable means may comprise, alternatively, or in addition, a pair of cranked legs protruding from each side of the side wing which can engage the grooves in the panel- junction post or sideframe.

1 1 In still another aspect, the invention provides a head plate for stably connecting the top part of two panel assembly sections together, the plate being of generally J-cross section, including a bridge bordered on one side by a side wing, the side wing including means which are retainable in grooves in a panel-junction post or sideframe, the bridge including on the other side a lip to engage a panel sideframe on a first face, the lip optionally including means for connecting to a panel sideframe.

In one embodiment, the side wing contains at least one pair of apertures to receive means which are retainable in grooves in a paneljunction post or sideframe. Preferably, the retainable means includes, for example, a button, or a headed screw.

The retainable means may comprise, alternatively, or in addition, a pair of cranked arms protruding from each side of the side wing which can engage the grooves in the panel-junction post or sideframe.

In one embodiment, the side wing may include an aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded screw retainable in a tapping slot or screw groove in a panel sideframe.

Preferably, the head plate engages and secures a sideframe to another 7 sideframe or panel-junction post, in the absence of any mechanical fixing to the sideframe.

However, the connecting means on the lip may include an aperture to receive a pressure locking screw.

The bridge of the head plate prevents the head plate from accidentally dropping down between panel assembly sections. Moreover, the head plate configuration also facilitates staged installation and disassembly of panel assembly components.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a panel assembly or panel assembly system comprising:

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the panel sideframe and the coupler channel plate as described herein; or, the panel sideframe and the junction channel plate as described herein; or, the panel sideframe, the coupler channel plate and the junction channel plate as described herein; or, the panel sideframe, the coupler channel plate and the head plate as described herein; or, the panel sideframe, the coupler channel plate, the junction channel plate and the head plate as described herein; or, the panel sideframe, the junction channel plate and the head plate as described herein.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling a panel arrangement comprising the steps of:(a) providing a panel connected to a panel sideframe as defined herein; (b) reversibly engaging panel sideframes together or a sideframe to a panel-junction post with a coupler channel bracket as defined herein; 8 and optionally, (c) stabilising the sideframe-sideframe, or sideframe-junction post interaction using a head plate as defined herein.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling a panel aerangement comprising the steps of:- (a) providing a panel connected to a panel sideframe as defined herein; (b) further attaching a junction channel plate as defined herein; (c) reversibly engaging the junction channel plate with a panel-junction post; and optionally, (d) stabilising the sideframe-junction post interaction using a head plate as defined herein.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following diagrammatic drawings in which:- Figure 1 shows a plan view of a panel sideframe; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a coupler channel bracket in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a junction channel plate in accordance with the invention; Figure 3A shows a plan view of conventional panel-junction posts: (i) Y-junction, (ii) 3- or 4-sided junction, (iii) 1350 elbow junction, (iv) 900 corner junction; Figure 4A shows an isometric view of a head plate in accordance with the invention for connecting a sideframe to a panel-junction post or panel sideframe; 9 Figure 413 shows an isometric view of an alternative head plate in accordance with the invention for connecting a sideframe to a panel- junction post or panel sideframe; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a head plate in accordance with the invention for connecting a sideframe to a sideframe; and, Figure 6A and 613 show an isometric view of two panel sideframes abutting each other and connected by a coupler channel bracket, and alternative embodiments of a head plate in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a panel sideframe 1; the sideframe has a panel abutting face 2 which comprises a recess 4 to retain a panel head bracket and two grooves 6, 8 which are suitable for receiving a panel retaining element such as a screw or clip. The sideframe further comprises continuous racking channels 10, 12, positioned one along each side of the sideframe and extending generally parallel but perpendicular to the panel abutting face 2. Each continuous racking channel 10, 12 comprises a plurality of vertically spaced elongate slots (not shown in figure 1) to engage with other panel assembly and working wall apparatus. The racking channels 10, 12 extend along the entire length of the panel sideframe. The sideframe further comprises a central tapping slot 14, which also extends the length of the sideframe. The tapping slot comprises a screw groove 14a for accepting a threaded screw. Opposite to the panel abutting face 2 is a face 16 for abutting a like panel sideframe or a panel-junction post (Figure 3A). The sideframe also comprises two recessed channels, 3a and 3b for optionally coupling to a head plate and for vertical panel element stacking provisions (see Figure 413 and Figure 6).

Figure 2 shows a coupler channel bracket 19 according to the invention. The bracket may be used for connecting two panel sideframes together or for connecting a panel sideframe to a panel-junction post. The bracket is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes a bridge 20 bordered by arms 21. The arms 21 include integral "hook-on" attachment lugs 22 that interconnect with aligned and levelled slots in the racking channels (as described above) of either a panel sideframe or a panel- junction post. An aperture 24 in the bridge 20 of the bracket retains a locking screw to lock the bracket into place at its point of connection and prevent accidental disengagement or rattle.

1 1 Figure 3A show plan views of conventional panel-junction posts for use with this invention. Figure 3AM shows a Y-junction post, Figure 3A(ii) shows a 4-sided junction post, Figure 3A(iii) shows an 135 0 elbow junction post and Figure 3Miv) shows a 901 corner junction post. One side of the panel-junction post comprises at least two longitudinal grooves 26 for accepting and retaining in position a headed screw, cranked leg or button presented by a junction channel plate or head plate as defined herein. In an alternative arrangement, the panel-junction post comprises racking channels (not shown, but analogous to the racking channels 10, 12 seen in the panel sideframe illustrated in Figure 1). The racking channel comprises a plurality of elongate slots to accept interlocking lugs 22 from a coupler channel bracket as described in Figure 2.

Figure 3 illustrates a junction channel plate 29 for use in connecting a panel sideframe to a panel-junction post as shown in Figure 3A. The plate contains a series of apertures 30 for receiving, for example, selftapping screws, for connecting the plate to a panel sideframe; the screws are retained in the panel sideframe in the tapping siot 14 which extends outwardly from the panel abutting face 2 towards the opposite face 16. In addition, the plate includes means to connect the plate to a paneljunction post; a series of screws, cranked legs or buttons 32 in apertures 34, are positioned to correspond to the two longitudinal grooves 26 in the paneljunction post. If the plate is positioned at the base of a panel sideframe, the panel-junction post can be slotted down so that the grooves 26 retain the screws 32 and hold the sideframe in place. The junction channel plate also includes a lower platform 33 for positioning the junction plate level with the base of a sideframe and also for levelling and supporting the panel-junction post. Positioning the junction channel plate at the base of the arrangement allows the panel-junction post to be easily lifted and removed to facilitate panel section removal.

A head plate 35 for connecting a sideframe to a panel-junction post or another sideframe is illustrated in Figure 4A and 4B. The head plate contains a lip 36, including a pressure locking screw (not shown), which engages a panel sideframe on the panel abutting face 4 illustrated in Figure 1. An aperture 38 receives, for example, a self-tapping screw, which secures the head plate in place and is retained in the groove 14a on the panel sideframe 1. A side wing 40 includes apertures to receive screws or buttons (or alternatively cranked legs 37 as in Figure 413) which are positioned to correspond to the two longitudinal grooves 26 in the paneljunction post or grooves 3 in a panel sideframe, and therefore can be slotted into the grooves and retained at the top end of the paneljunction post or sideframe. Apertures 44 are for receiving, for example, a self-tapping screw or threaded screw for connecting the plate to a panel sideframe 11; the screws are retained in the panel sidef rame in the tapping slot 14 extending outwardly from the panel abutting section 2 towards the face 16.

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a alternative head plate 45 for connecting an in-line sideframe to a sideframe; the head plate contains two lips 36 for abutting the panel abutting face 4 of the panel sideframe as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of two panel sideframes 1 abutting each other and connected by a coupler channel bracket 19, and a head plate 35 connected to a sideframe 1. The head plate is shown in alternative embodiments in Figure 6A and 6B.

12 It is preferable that all plates and brackets are manufactured using mild steel of gauge greater than 1.5mm. The fasteners may be manufactured from press-braked mild steel sheet or extruded orpressurediecast aluminium.

The screen assembly system of the current invention is particularly suitable for use in linking a screen system that embodies multifunctional flexibility of "add-on" panels in stepped height and stackingunit arrangements and/or permutations.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of one embodiment of the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

13

Claims

Claims

A head plate for. stably connecting the top part of two panel assembly sections together, the plate being of generally J-cross section, including a bridge bordered on one side by a side wing, the side wing including means which are retainable in grooves in a paneljunction post or sideframe, the bridge including on the other side a lip to engage a panel sideframe on a first face, the lip optionally including means for connecting to a panel sideframe.

2. A head plate as claimed in claim 1 wherein the side wing includes at least one pair of apertures to receive means which are retainable in grooves in a panel-junction post or sideframe.

3. A head plate as claimed in claim 2 wherein the retainable means includes a button, a headed screw or a pair of cranked legs.

4. A head plate as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the side wing includes an aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded screw retainable in a tapping slot or screw groove in a panel sideframe.

5. A head plate as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the connecting means on the lip includes an aperture to receive a pressure locking screw. A head plate substantially as herein described in any one of claims 1 to 5 and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A head plate for stably connecting the top part of two panel assembly sections together, the head plate including a lip to engage a panel sideframe on a first face and an aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded screw retainable in a tapping slot or screw groove in the 14 panel sideframe.

8. A head plate as claimed in claim 7 for connecting the top part of a panel sideframe to the top part of another panel assembly section further comprising a side wing which includes means for connecting to the panel sideframe and means for connecting to the panel assembly section.

i 1 9. A head plate as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 including means for adjustable fixing to overcome material tolerance variations.

10. A head plate as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein the means for connecting to one panel sideframe comprises at least one aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded screw, the screw being retainable in a central tapping slot or screw groove in the sideframe.

A head plate as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 comprising at least one pair of apertures to receive means which are retainable in grooves in a panel-junction post or panel sideframe.

12.

A head plate as claimed in claim 11 wherein the retainable means includes for example, a button or a headed screw and/or a pair of cranked legs.

13. A head plate substantially as herein described in any one of claims 7 to 12 and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A panel sideframe for use in the assembly of a panel arrangement, comprising:

(a) a first lengthwise extending face for abutting a Panel edge, the face including means of attachment to a panel edge; (b) a continuous racking channel generally parallel and normal to the first face. and, (c) a second lengthwise extending face substantially opposed to the first face for abutting a like panel sideframe or a panel junction post.

15. A panel sideframe as claimed in claim 14 wherein the attachment means comprises a recess to retain a panel head bracket and/or at least one groove to receive a panel retaining element.

16. A panel sideframe as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the second face includes one or more recessed channels for optionally coupling to other panel assembly sections such as a head plate.

17. A panel sideframe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a tapping slot, optionally including a screw groove, extending rearwardly from the first face to the second face, and extending longitudinally along the length of the sideframe.

18. A pane,] sideframe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the continuous racking channel comprises a plurality of vertically spaced elongate slots.

A panel sideframe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising two racking channels, one on each side of the sideframe.

A panel sideframe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each continuous racking channel extends only partially along the length of the sideframe.

A panel sideframe as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 6 wherein 16 the or each continuous racking channel extends along the entire length of the sideframe.

22. A panel sideframe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each racking channel is integral with, or applied to the side frame.

23. A panel sideframe as claimed any one of the preceding claims further comprising means to level the sideframe with respect to the surface on which it rests.

24. A panel sideframe as claimed in claim 23 wherein the means to level the sideframe comprises levelling or stabilising pedestal feet.

A panel sideframe substantially as herein defined in any one of claims 1424 and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A coupler channel bracket for connecting two panel assembly sections together, the bracket being generally of U-shape in cross section and including a bridge bordered by side arms, each side arm including at least one downwardly extending lug projecting from its edge.

27. A bracket as claimed in claim 26 comprising at least three lugs projecting from its edge.

28. A bracket as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the lugs are arranged in pairs.

A bracket as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 further comprising means to lock the bracket in place across the panel assembly sections.

17 30. A bracket as claimed in claim 29 wherein the locking means comprises at least one locking screw positioned in an aperture on the bridge of the bracket.

31. A coupler channel bracket substantially as herein described in any one of claims 26 to 30 and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. A junction channel plate for connecting a panel sideframe to a paneljunction post, the plate being generally of U-shape in cross section and including a bridge bordered by side arms, the bridge including at least one aperture to receive a self-tapping or threaded screw retainable in a tapping slot or screw groove in the sideframe, and means which are retainable in grooves in the panel-junction post.

33. A junction channel plate as claimed in claim 32 wherein the bridge includes at least one pair of apertures to receive means which are retainable in grooves in the panel-junction post.

34. A junction channel plate as claimed in claim 33 wherein the retainable means includes, for example, a button, a headed screw or cranked legs.

35. A junction channel plate as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34 which is positioned at the base of a panel sideframe to engage a paneljunction post.

36. A junction channel plate as claimed in any one of the claims 32 to 35 further comprising a foot plate at its base for alignment with a paneljunction post.

37. A junction channel plate substantially as herein described in any one of the claims 32 to 36 and with reference to the accompanying 18 drawings.

38. A panel assembly or panel assembly system comprising:

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) 1 II (f) 39.

a panel sideframe of claim 25 and a coupler channel plate of claim 31; or, the panel sideframe of claim 25 and the junction channel plate of claim 37; or, the panel sideframe of claim 25, the coupler channel plate of claim 31 and the junction channel plate of claim 37; or, the panel sideframe of claim 25, the coupler channel plate of claim 31 and the head plate of claim 6 or claim 13; or, the panel sideframe of claim 25, the coupler channel plate of claim 31, the junction channel plate of claim 37 and the head plate of claim 6 or claim 13; or, the panel sideframe of claim 25, the junction channel plate of claim 37 and the head plate of claim 6 or claim 13.

A panel assembly or panel assembly system substantially as defined herein in claim 38 and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40. A method for assembling a panel arrangement comprising the steps of:(a) providing a panel connected to a panel sideframe as defined in claim 25; (b) reversibly engaging panel sideframes together or a sideframe to a panel-junction post with a coupler channel bracket as defined in claim 31; and optionally, 19 (c) stabilising the sideframe-sideframe, or sideframe-junction post interaction using a head plate as defined in claim 6 or claim 13.

41. A method for assembling a panel arrangement comprising the steps of:(a) providing a panel connected to a panel sideframe as defined in claim 25; (b) further attaching a junction channel plate as defined in claim 37; (c) reversibly engaging the junction channel plate with a panel- junction post; and optionally, (d) stabilising the sideframe-junction post interaction using a head plate as defined in claim 6 or claim 13.

42. A method substantially as defined in claims 40 or 41 and with reference to the accompanying drawings.