GB2405418A

GB2405418A - Panelling system

Info

Publication number: GB2405418A
Application number: GB0419213A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Jones; Martin Mchugh
Original assignee: MARTEC ENGINEERING GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: MARTEC ENGINEERING GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-28
Filing date: 2004-08-31
Publication date: 2005-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-31
Also published as: GB2405418B; GB2405418C; GB0320129D0; GB0419213D0

Abstract

A panelling system for use with recessed structural frames 14 comprises a panel member 18 having a peripheral recess 26 for aligning wit a recess 32 of the structural frame and a locking member including a resilient portion 36. In use the locking member is releasably locatable in the panel member recess 26 and in a frame recess 32 to lock the panel 18 to the frame 14. The recesses 26, 32 may be channels. The locking member may be elongate. The locking member and panel 18 may be separately formed. The locking member may further comprise a rigid portion 38 overlying the resilient portion 36, the rigid portion 38 may be U-shaped and receive the resilient portion 36. The rigid member 38 may extend between the panel member recess 26 and the frame recess 32 in use. The panel 18 may be a glazing panel.

Description

24054 1 8

PANELLING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a panelling system for installing and replacing panels; particularly, but not exclusively, for use with glazing panels. The invention is particularly suited for use with security doors and the like, but has broader applications.

Security doors are generally relatively heavy, robust doors intended to prevent unauthorized access to an area, and are generally also designed to deter or prevent vandalism, which may be determined and sustained, as well as making it more difficult for criminal damage to be performed on the door. Typical locations for such doors include hospitals, communal areas of housing, such as blocks of flats or sheltered accommodation, and particularly council or local authority owned housing. Since these locations are accessed by the public, it is often desirable to include glazing panels in the security doors to improve the appearance of the door and to provide additional visibility and light, despite the potential decrease in security this causes.

This is because glass or polycarbonate panels provide an obvious attack point for vandals.

This problem can be overcome to some extent by using toughened security glass in the door; this reduces the risk of the glass being smashed by vandalism. However, in order to avoid the risk of the glass simply being pushed out of the door, it is necessary to fit the glass panel into a channel, recess or groove formed around the opening of the frame, or to fit the glass between retaining beads. This ensures that the glazing panel is securely located within the door by means of the channel or the beads, and so presents an obstacle to unauthorized removal of the glass. Additional security measures may be present; for example, I protective metal covers over the interface between the glazing panel and the door.

This arrangement brings its own problems, however, in that access to the glass panel is generally achieved by partially dismantling the door to allow access to the recess (for example, by removing an end upright from the door) and sliding the glass panel into or out of the door, followed by reassembly of the door. On the occasions when a glass panel is broken, this method of replacing the panel can take some time, and is relatively labour-intensive, so making this a costly procedure. Further, the door must often be removed from its hinges to allow this procedure to take place, thereby compromising security and requiring further labour to bring about. Beads if used may also appear unsightly and present exposed fittings such as rivets, which may be targets for vandalism.

It is among the objects of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or alleviate these and other disadvantages of conventional glazing and other panelling systems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panelling system for use with structural frames having a recess, the system comprising: a panel member including a peripheral recess for aligning with a recess of a structural frames and a locking member including a resilient portion; wherein, in use, the locking member is releasably locatable in the panel member recess and the frame recess to lock the panel member to the structural frame.

Thus, the present invention allows the panel and frame members to be secured to one another by means of the locking member, which will in use be located in both recesses. The resilient portion of the locking member allows the locking member to be partially compressed into one of the recesses during assembly of the structure, to allow the panel member or frame to be moved so as to align the two recesses, whereupon the locking member expands to engage with the recesses. This arrangement allows a panel member to be located within the frame without needing to disassemble the frame to gain access to the recesses.

Embodiments of the present invention may thus be simpler and faster to assemble than conventional panelling systems, such as glazing systems.

Preferably either or both of the panel member recess and the frame member recess are in the form of channels) conveniently elongate channels.

Preferably the locking member is an elongate locking member. Particularly when the recesses are in the from of elongate channels, this allows the member to conform to the shape of channels and panels and to provide a more secure fitting.

Preferably the resilient portion comprises a foam. The resilient portion may comprise a polymeric material, for example, polyethylene or the like. The resilient portion may comprise elastomeric material; for example, neoprene, or the like.

Preferably also the resilient portion comprises a water-resistant material; this serves to act as a water and weather seal, to prevent or reduce moisture penetrating the panel. The locking member may in addition or instead comprise a further weather seal portion if desired.

The locking member may comprise a fire-proof portion, or an intumescent portion.

The locking member and the panel member may be separately formed. This arrangement provides that if either of these components get damaged, only the damaged component need be replaced.

Preferably the locking member further comprises a rigid portion overlying the resilient portion. Preferably the rigid portion extends in use between the panel member recess and the frame recess. This arrangement provides a more secure lock between the panel and the frame, in that the rigid portion provides a greater resistance to lateral force being applied to the panel which may otherwise distort the resilient portion and allow the panel to be removed. Further, the rigid portion may resist being cut or damaged with knives, blades, or the like more effectively than the resilient portion. Conveniently the rigid portion of the locking member is generally U-shaped, and the resilient portion is received therein, and extends beyond the rigid portion. The arms of the 'U' will then in use extend between the two recesses.

Alternatively, the locking member is generally U-shaped.

In a further alternative the locking member is a cantilever arm.

Preferably the panel member comprises a panel.

Preferably the panel is a glazing panel. The glazing panel may comprise toughened safety glass. Other panel members may of course be used, including but not limited to wood, wood-based derivatives, plastics, metal, and the like. The panels may be intended for wall, ceiling, or floor mounting, or for incorporation into a door or window frame.

Preferably the panel member comprises sealing means for sealing the interface between the locking member and the panel member. The sealing means may comprise one or more gaskets or the like. Conveniently the sealing means comprises one or more elastomeric members.

Preferably the panel member comprises a bead, which is shaped to provide the panel member recess. Preferably the bead comprises sealing means for sealing one or both of the interfaces between the bead and the locking member and between the bead and the panel.

Preferably the panelling system comprises at least one locking member access aperture. This allows force to be applied to the locking member through the aperture to deform the portion and at least partially release a portion of the panel member. This permits the locking member to be disengaged from the panel member channel and the panel member removed from the frame.

Preferably the aperture is provided in a wall of the panel member recess; conveniently this is formed by a bead.

Preferably the at least one aperture is defined by the bead.

The bead may comprise a panel receiving channel for receiving the edge of the panel. The panel receiving channel may be substantially complementary to the panel edge profile.

Preferably the at least one aperture is located within the panel receiving channel. Preferably the aperture is normally located beneath the panel) this is particularly convenient when the panel is a glazing panel, since it allows the panel member to be removed only when the glass has been removed for example for replacement of the glazing panel. In normal use removal of the panel will not be desirable or possible where the aperture is concealed. In certain embodiments of the invention, however, the aperture may be provided such that it is exposed during normal use of the invention; this allows the panel member to be removed without dismantling the panel.

Preferably a plurality of panel recesses, frame recesses, and locking members are provided. Preferably recesses are provided around substantially the whole perimeter of the panel member. This allows for a more secure locking of the panel to the frame.

Where a plurality of panel recesses are provided together with a plurality of beads, the beads may conveniently comprise connecting corner members to connect beads to one another. The beads are conveniently hollow, and the corner members may insert into the beads.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panelling system comprising: a structural frame member having a recess; a panel member including a peripheral recess for aligning with the frame recess; and a locking member including a resilient portion; wherein, in use, the locking member is releasably locatable in the panel member recess and the frame recess to lock the panel member to the structural frame.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security door comprising: a structural frame member having a recess; a glazing panel member including a peripheral recess for aligning with the frame recess; and a locking member including a resilient portion; wherein, in use, the locking member is releasably located in the panel member recess and the frame recess to lock the panel member to the structural frame.

Preferably the structural frame member is a unitary frame member; that is, the frame member is not readily dismantled.

Conveniently the frame member comprises sections which are welded to one another. The frame member may be of steel or other metal construction. The use of a unitary frame member is made possible by the present invention, since embodiments of the invention may not require disassembly of the frame to allow mounting or dismounting of the panel member in the frame.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a panel member having a peripheral recess in a frame member having a frame recess, the method comprising the steps of: releasably locating a locking member including a resilient portion in one of the recesses) deforming the resilient portion to at least partially retract the locking member into said one of the recesses; locating a panel member adjacent the frame member, so as to align the panel recess and the frame recess) and allowing the resilient portion of the locking member to recover, such that the locking member extends between the frame recess and the panel recess.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a panel member having a peripheral recess from a frame member having a frame recess, wherein the panel member is locked to the frame member by means of a locking member including a resilient portion, the method comprising the steps of: deforming the resilient portion of the locking member such that the locking member is retracted into one of the recesses and disengaged from the other of the recesses; and removing the panel member from the frame member.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and without limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective section view of a panelling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cutaway perspective view of a portion of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the system Of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a different portion of the system of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a series of sectional views of the system of Figure 1 illustrating the steps of assembly of the panelling system; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a glazing bead for use with the system of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a locking member for use with the system of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a sectional view of an alternative glazing bead for use with the system of Figure 1; Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a gasket for use with the system of Figure 1; and Figure 10 shows a sectional view of an alternative frame member element for use with the system of Figure 1.

Referring first of all to Figure 1, this shows a perspective section view of a panelling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the panelling system will be described with reference to a glazing system for security doors; however, it will be apparent that the system may be used for other purposes. - A security door 10 (only a portion shown in Figure 1) includes a steel frame 12 comprising a number of frame channel members 14; a glazing panel 16 including a toughened safety glass portion 18 and a number of beads 20 around the periphery of the glass 18; and locking members 22 located between the frame channel members 14 and the beads 20. The frame 12 will also include an upright channel member 14 on the side of the frame shown 'open' in the Figure, to close the frames however, for the purposes of clarity this is not shown in this Figure. The upright channel member will typically be securely welded to the remainder of the door frame to prevent removal, and to provide a more rigid structure. - The various components of the system are shown in more - detail in a cutaway view in Figure 2. It can be seen from this Figure that the illustrated bead 20 includes an upper 24 and lower channel 26. The glass portion 18 is located in the upper channel 24 together with an elastomeric weather seal U-shaped gasket 28. Located in the lower channel 26 of the bead 20 is a further elastomeric seal strip 30. The bead 20 also includes a series of apertures (not shown) along its length within the channel. The purpose of these apertures will be described below.

The frame member 14 also includes upper 32 and lower 34 channel portions, with the upper frame channel 32 being aligned with the lower panel channel 26. The lower channel 34 in use forms part of a separate panel structure. Located between the two channels 32, 26 is the locking member 22, which comprises a resilient, compressible polyethylene or neoprene foam portion 36, and a rigid steel or plastics cover portion 38. In the position shown in the Figure, the resilient portion 36 is only 15% compressed, to ensure a weather seal, and serves to locate the rigid U- shaped cover portion 38 such that the arms of the U extend between both channels 32, 26. It will be noted that in this position the locking member serves to retain the frame 14 and panel 16 in alignment. Locking members 22 are provided on each edge of the panel 16, and the rigid cover portion prevents lateral force to the panel 16 from compressing the resilient portion and so allowing the panel 16 to be pushed from the door.

In this way the glazing panels are securely located within the door frame. The rigid cover portion of the locking member also prevents cutting blades or the like from being inserted into the gap between the bead 20 and the frame member 14 to cut through the locking member 22 thereby releasing the glazing panel.

The various components of the system are also shown in exploded perspective view in Figure 3.

Where a number of separate beads 20 are provided on a single glazing panel 16, the beads 20 may be connected as shown in Figure 4. The beads 20 are formed from galvanised steel and include hollow portions 40 into which may be received GRP (glass reinforced plastic) corner inserts 42. Mitre seals 44 are provided at the angle of the inserts 42 to prevent water penetration.

Figure 5 illustrates, from bottom to top, the steps involved in assembling the panel system. To insert a panel 16, the first edge of the panel may be simply placed over the relevant locking member, with the panel inclined relative to the door; no compression of the locking member 22 is required. The remaining edges must be inserted as shown. As shown in Figure 5a, the locking member 22 is initially located in the channel of the frame member 14 in the uncompressed state. Next (Figure 5b), the panel member 16 is brought into location adjacent the locking member 22. The edge of the bead 20 is then moved across and over the locking member 22 (Figure 5c); in order to do so, the locking member 22 must be compressed so as to retract the member 22 into the channel of the frame member 14. This may be achieved by, for example, inserting wooden wedges, blocks, metal tongues, or the like into the door frame to compress the locking member. In an alternative embodiment, for a lower security application, the rigid cover 38 of the locking member could be provided with mitred or angled edges, such that the bead 20 will cause the locking member 22 to be compressed as it moves over the member.

With the relative location of elements shown in Figure 5c, the bead itself will maintain the locking member in compression, and the wedges or other means may be removed. Once the member 22 is fully compressed, the panel 16 may be further inserted (Figure 5d) until the panel channel aligns with the frame channel. The resilient compressible portion of the locking member 22 then causes the locking member to expand to engage with the panel channel of the bead, so locking the panel 16 to the frame member 14.

Figures 6 to 10 show components of the system in more detail. Figure 6 shows the bead 20i this is formed from galvanised steel. Figure 7 shows the locking member 22; the resilient portion 36 is formed from extruded polypropylene foam, while the rigid portion 38 is mild steel or extruded plastics material. On the lower surface of the resilient portion 36 is provided adhesive tape; this helps to locate and retain the locking member in the frame member channel. Figure 8 shows an alternative bead form. In particular, the bead 20a features a I wider upper channel 24a suitable for accepting the edge of a double-glazed window unit. Figure 9 shows a gasket seal 28 for location between the glass portion and the bead of the glazing panel 16. Figure 10 shows an alternative structural frame member.

The initial assembly of glazing panels to a door has already been described. However, a further advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is the relative simplicity of removing and replacing panels) for example, when a glazing panel has been smashed or otherwise damaged. This process will now be described.

Firstly, the damaged glass panel 18 is carefully removed and discarded; the sealing gasket 28 is also removed but may be reused. Toughened glass panels may be pushed from the panel member; laminated glass may be removed in one or a few pieces; polycarbonate panels may be drilled and cut to allow removal.

This exposes the upper channel 24 of the bead 20, along with the series of apertures formed therein. A tool shaped to conform with the apertures is inserted into one of the apertures to depress the locking member 22; a metal or nylon strap is then inserted between the bead 20 and the frame 14 to maintain the locking member 22 in a depressed position when the tool is removed. This process is repeated at several locations along two opposed edges of the panel, to ensure that the locking members are no longer engaged with the panel channels. The tool is then used on one of the remaining edges to depress the locking member along that edge. The panel member (that is, essentially the beads with the I glass panel removed) may then be gently tapped along that edge to force it forward and out of the frame. The remaining portions of the panel member may then be removed.

A new glass portion may then be fitted to the panel member, and the panel reassembled. To reinsert the panel into the door, a number of timber battens are used to depress opposed locking members along two edges of the frame. The repaired panel is then placed over one of the remaining locking members, such that the locking member is located in the channel of the panel, and the panel is moved into position. As the panel is moved, the timber battens will be pushed out of their locations by the panel, allowing the locking members to become located within the panel channels. The final locking member is depressed using a further metal or nylon strap to allow the panel to be placed in the final correct position; the strap is then removed such that the remaining locking member expands and securely locks the panel into place.

The described process is relatively straightforward and rapid to effect. Tests in a factory environment have demonstrated that a panel may be removed and replaced in around 10 minutes, using only basic equipment and without needing to dismantle the door.

Further, the present invention provides a 'clean' external appearance to the door, and does not provide visible conventional mechanical fixings which may be the points of attack by vandals.

To remove the panel, at least two edges must be attacked simultaneously, to depress the locking members, thereby providing greater security to doors using this system than traditional glazing systems. In addition, the locking member provides a weather seal effect as well as securing the panel in position.

The present invention also allows a fully welded door to be provided, since it is not necessary to allow for disassembly of the door to permit removal and replacement of the panel members.

This provides a cleaner appearance to the door, as well as improved rigidity allowing for use of lighter gauge metal, and reduced risk of water penetration at joints and the like.

Claims

1. A panelling system for use with structural frames having a recess, the system comprising: a panel member including a peripheral recess for aligning with a recess of a structural frame; and a locking member including a resilient portion; wherein, in use, the locking member is releasably locatable in the panel member recess and the frame recess to lock the panel member to the structural frame.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein either or both of the panel member recess and the frame member recess are in the form of channels.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member is an elongate locking member.

4. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the resilient portion comprises foam.

5. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient portion comprises a polymeric material.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient portion comprises elastomeric material.

7. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient portion comprises a water-resistant material.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member comprises a weather seal portion.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member comprises at least one of a fire-proof portion and an intumescent portion.

10. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member and the panel member are separately formed.

11. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member further comprises a rigid portion overlying the resilient portion.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the rigid portion extends in use between the panel member recess and the frame recess.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the rigid portion of the locking member is generally U-shaped, and the resilient portion is received therein, and extends beyond the rigid portion.

14. The system of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the locking member is generally U-shaped.

15. The system of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking member is a cantilever arm. e

16. The system of any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one locking member access aperture, through which force may be applied to the locking member through the aperture to deform the resilient portion and at least partially release a portion of the panel member.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one aperture is provided in a wall of the panel member recess.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the panel member comprises a panel.

19. The system of claim 18 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the at least one aperture is adapted to be normally located beneath an edge of the panel.

20. The system of claims 17 or claim 19, wherein the at least one aperture is located within the panel receiving recess.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the panel is a glazing panel.

22. The system of claims 18 or 21, wherein the panel member comprises sealing means for sealing the interface between the locking member and the panel member.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the sealing means comprises one or more gaskets or the like.

24. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the sealing means comprises one or more elastomeric members.

25. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the panel member comprises a bead shaped to provide the panel member recess.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the bead comprises sealing means for sealing one or both of the interfaces between the bead and the locking member and between the bead and the panel.

27. The system of claim 25 or 26 when dependent on claim 16, wherein the at least one aperture is defined by the bead.

28. The system of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the bead comprises a panel receiving channel for receiving the edge of the panel.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the panel receiving channel profile is substantially complementary to the panel edge profile.

30. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of panel recesses, frame recesses, and locking members are provided.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein recesses are provided! around substantially the whole perimeter of the panel member.

32. The system of claim 30 or 31, wherein the panel member comprises a plurality of beads each shaped to provide a panel member recess, and the beads comprise connecting corner members to connect beads to one another.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the beads hollow, and the corner members insert into the beads.

34. A panelling system comprising: a structural frame member having a recess; ! a panel member including a peripheral recess for aligning with the frame recess; and a locking member including a resilient portion; wherein, in use, the locking member is releasably locatable in the panel member recess and the frame recess to lock the panel member to the structural frame.

35. A security door comprising: a structural frame member having a recess; a glazing panel member including a peripheral recess for aligning with the frame recess) and a locking member including a resilient portion) wherein, in use, the locking member is releasably located in the panel member recess and the frame recess to lock the panel member to the structural frame.

36. The door of claim 35, wherein the structural frame member is a unitary frame member.

37. The door of claim 35 or 36, wherein the frame member comprises welded sections.

38. A method of installing a panel member having a peripheral recess in a frame member having a frame recess, the method comprising the steps of: releasably locating a locking member including a resilient portion in one of the recesses; deforming the resilient portion to at least partially retract the locking member into said one of the recesses; locating a panel member adjacent the frame member, so as to align the panel recess and the frame recess; and I allowing the resilient portion of the locking member to recover, such that the locking member extends between the frame recess and the panel recess.

39. A method of removing a panel member having a peripheral recess from a frame member having a frame recess, wherein the panel member is locked to the frame member by means of a locking member including a resilient portion, the method comprising the steps of: deforming the resilient portion of the locking member such that the locking member is retracted into one of the recesses and disengaged from the other recess) and removing the panel member from the frame member.

40. A panelling system substantially as described with reference to the drawings.

41. A security door substantially as described with reference to the drawings.