GB2421963A

GB2421963A - A arrangement to link two or more office screens

Info

Publication number: GB2421963A
Application number: GB0500473A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Payn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-11
Filing date: 2005-01-11
Publication date: 2006-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-11
Also published as: GB0500473D0; GB2421963B

Abstract

A screen system comprising at least two screen panels 1, panel linking members 6 attached to adjacent corners of the respective panels, and on each panel 1, a trim member 4 which conceals a connection to the linking member 6. The trim 4 may serve a second function of providing an anchor point 4F for the linking member 6. The two trim members 4 may act as a hinge.

Description

A SCREEN SYSTEM

This invention relates to a screen system formed from individual panels connected together by linking members. The invention was particularly devised for use in connection with screens intended for use in office environment.

A problem associated with the marketing of office screens is that it is necessary to offer the end user a range of perhaps 120 or more different pane! designs with a choice of four or more colours. However, it is impracticable for wholesaler to stock 120 x 4 = 480 different styles of screen. This invention arose from a theory that it would be an advantage for wholesalers to be able to stock individual screen components which they could assemble (or have assembled by a subcontractor) after receipt of an order and either during or shortly before installation. However, installation by a non-specialist is not straightforward and special difficulties arise when installation is required on a floor which is not perfectly flat.

This invention was developed with a view to providing a screen which performs the same function as traditional screens; which can be stocked in individual components; and which can be installation by a non- specialist even on an uneven floor to create a screen system having a design and colour individually selected for the end user.

According to the invention there is provided a screen system comprising: at least two screen panels; panel linking members attached to adjacent corners of respective panels; and, on each panel, a trim member which conceals a connection to the linking member.

It will readily be apparent that, by employing the invention, it is possible to stock the screen panels and the trim members in the various different styles that may be required by the customer. During installation it is merely necessary to fit the trim members onto the panels and to use the linking members to connect panels together.

Each trim member preferably serves the dual function of providing a corner trim for the associated panel and an anchoring point for the linking member. It is preferably formed into two parts: a base part which is secured to the panel, e.g. by a single screw; and a cover which fits over the base part, these two parts being designed to hold a linking member between them. The two parts can be formed as a single moulded synthetic plastics component with a hinge between base and cover.

It is desirable to be able to connect panels at different angles and to make connections between three or more panels at a single point. For this purpose, adjacent edges of the panels are preferably rounded to accommodate a hinging adjustment. The trim member preferably also has a rounded edge to correspond with the curvature of the associated panel edge. The connection between the trim member and the linking member is preferably designed to allow different angles one relative to the other.

Where three or more panels are connected together, two identical linking members can be fitted onto each trim member.

In one construction, the trim member defines a lug which fits into a hole in the connecting member, the latter being a simple flat metal plate.

One way in which the invention may be performed will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. I illustrates a connection between two panels of a screen system constructed in accordance with the invention before final assembly; Fig.2 is similar to Fig.! but at a later stage of assembly; and Fig.3 is similar to Fig.I but shows a connection between four panels of a screen system.

Referring firstly to Fig. I the illustrated screen system comprises a number of panels 1 having various different dimensions and shapes and having a surface texture and colour selected from a range of possibilities. The upright edges of the panels carry trim strips 2 of semicircular cross-section. These are pushed over the upright edges of the panels and secured into position with adhesive during installation. Likewise trim strips 3 are fitted, with the assistance of adhesive, to the upper and lower edges of the panels. In the drawings only the tops of the panels are shown but it will be understood that an identical construction is used at the bottom. Adjustable feet (not shown) are fitted with screws to the bottom edge.

At the top and bottom corners of each panel a trim cap 4 fits over the exposed edges of trim strips 2 and 3. This cap 4 is secured into position by a screw 5.

Each cap 4 is moulded as a single piece of synthetic plastics material and has a base 4A hinged at 4B to a cover 4C. The base is formed with a recess 4D defined by edges 4E set a right angles to each other. Extending upwardly from the lower surface of this recess is a hollow trunnion 4F.

The panels I are connected together by metal linking plates 6 having holes 6A.

During installation, it is easy to connect panels together. This is done at top and bottom corners by fitting a metal linking plate 6 onto the trunnions 4F. Each cover 4C is then hinged downwardly onto its base 4A. A screw 7 is passed through a hole 4G in the lid 4C and is secured into the trunnion 4F as shown on Fig.2.

The edges 4E of the recesses 4D are twice the thickness of the linking plate 6.

This allows two linking plates 6 to be fitted in each cap to form a connection between three or more panels. Fig 3 shows four panels connected together in this way to form a star configuration.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment has been described only by way of example and that many possibilities can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying Claims. However, trials have shown that a system like that illustrated is particularly simple and easy to assemble to an end user's specification from individual components which can be stocked in an unassembled state by wholesalers. Top and bottom connections between an adjoining pair or group of panels can easily be made even on a non-level floor surface, following which any appropriate adjustment for the floor unevenness can be made using the

adjustable feet.

Claims

A screen system comprising: at least two screen panels; panel linking members attached to adjacent corners of respective panels; and, on each panel, a trim member which conceals a connection to the linking member.
2. A screen system according to Claim I in which the trim member serves a dual function of providing a corner trim for the associated panel and an anchoring point for the linking member.
3. A screen system according to Claim 2 in which the trim member is formed in two parts: a base part which is secured to the panel; and a cover that fits over the base part, these two parts being designed to hold a linking member between them.
4. A screen system according to Claim 3 in which the two parts of the trim member are hinged together.
5. A screen system according to any preceding Claim in which adjacent edges of the panels are rounded to allow hinged adjustment of their relative attitudes.
6. A screen system according to Claim 5 in which the screen member has a rounded edge corresponding with the rounded edge of its associated panel.
7. A screen system according to any preceding Claim in which the connection between the trim and the linking member is designed to allow swivelling of one relative to the other.
8. A screen system according to any preceding Claim and comprising at least three panels connected at a common point, the said trim member on a fixed panel concealing a connection with two linking members associate with respective second and third panels.

JO
9. A screen system according to any preceding claim in which the trim member defines a lug which fits into a hole in the linking member or vice versa.
10. A screen system according to any preceding Claim in which the trim member engages and forms a corner between trim strips along a top or bottom edge of the panel and an upright edge of the panel.
11. A trim member for use in a screen system according to any preceding Claim.