GB2459544A

GB2459544A - Panel assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2459544A
Application number: GB0808525A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Mary Boardman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-30
Filing date: 2008-05-12
Publication date: 2009-11-04
Also published as: GB0807788D0; GB0808525D0

Abstract

A panel assembly, preferably for a glazing panel, comprising a frame member 102 and a retaining member 112, the frame and retaining members having complimentary engagement means (106 Fig 1) 108 120, the retaining member 112 comprising at least one panel retaining portion 116 and a panel 104 located between the frame member 102 and the panel retaining portion 112. A compression member 124 is placed between the panel and frame/retaining member and causes the panel to be retained under compression. The engagement means may be an elongate member 108 with a cap (110 Fig 1) which engages with a channel having a narrowed opening. Alternatively one or two hooks may be provided on the retaining member that engage with a respective channel on the frame member (Figs 4 and 5).

Description

A Panel Assembly The present invention relates to a panel assembly.

Particularly, although not exclusively, to a panel assembly for use in securing panels to frames, such as the securing of panels of glass to winidow frames. The invention therefore also extends to a glazing system and assembly.

Structures are often made from frames which are used to retain one or more panels. For example, conservatories often comprise a frame having glazing or other panels therein. Panels are held by numerous methods. For example, it is known to hold a panel in a frame by using a number of rubber sealing members. However, such sealing members are time consuming to install and require a high level of dexterity. Further, the manufacture and installation of such seals is very costly.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide a solution to the above or other problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel assembly comprising a frame member having engagement means suitable for engaging a retaining member; a retaining member engaged with the said engagement means of the frame member, the retaining member comprising at least one panel retaining portion; at least one panel arranged generally between the frame member and the at least one panel retaining portion; and a compression member arranged and operable to cause the panel to be retained generally between the frame member and the at least one panel retaining portion under compression.

Preferably, the at least one panel is a glazing panel.

Preferably, the panel assembly is a glazing assembly.

Preferably, the frame member comprises a retaining surface, upon which the panel is operable to be retained.

Preferably, the engagement means comprises a projection extending from the frame member. Preferably, the projection extends generally perpendicularly from the frame member, preferably from the retaining surface thereof. Preferably, the projection comprises a leg member, preferably having a cap portion distal to the frame member. The engagement means may be elongate and may extend substantially the length of the frame.

Alternatively, the frame may comprise a plurality of discreet engagement means along the length thereof.

Preferably, the engagement means extends parallel with the frame member. The engagement means may extend below the frame member.

Preferably, one of the engagement means of the frame member or the retaining member comprises a channel.

Preferably, the channel is operable to accommodate the other of the engagement means of the frame member or the retaining means. Preferably, the channel has an opening that is smaller than the internal width thereof. In other words, preferably the channel is partially enclosed.

Preferably, the channel comprises at least one retaining projection which projects into the channel. Preferably, the retaining member is in the form of an elongate strip, which is preferably operable to extend substantially the length of the panel.

When the channel is situated on the retaining member, the at least one retaining projection may be operable to abut the cap portion of the engagement means, in use.

Alternatively, when the channel is situated on the engagement means of the frame member, it may be operable to accommodate and engage with a hook member of the retaining member.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises one or more sealing members, preferably on the panel retaining portion thereof. The or each sealing member may comprise a strip of sealing material, such as rubber or the like. In a preferred embodiment, each panel retaining portion comprises at least two sealing portions.

Preferably, the compression member comprises a wedge shaped member. Preferably, the compression member is situated between the panel and the panel retaining portion, or between the panel and the frame.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel assembly kit comprising a frame member having engagement means suitable for engaging a retaining member; a retaining member comprising at least one panel retaining portion; and at least one compression member operable to cause a panel to be retained generally between the frame member and the at least one panel retaining portion under compression.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retaining a panel within a frame, the method comprising arranging a panel in a frame, the frame having engagement means suitable for engaging a retairiirag member; arraricjirig a retairdricj member about the engagement means, the retaining member comprising at least one panel retaining portion, the retaining member being so arranged such that the panel is situated generally between the retaining portion and the frame; adding a compression member either between the frame and the panel or between the panel and the retaining portion to cause the panel to be held between the frame and the retaining portion under compression.

All of the features disclosed herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a partial panel assembly in an unassembled configuration; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a partial panel assembly in a partially assembled configuration; Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a panel assembly in an assembled configuration; Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a panel assembly in a partially assembled configuration; and Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a panel assembly in an assembled configuration.

Referring firstly to figure 1, there is shown a cross sectional view of a panel assembly 101 in an unassembled configuration. The assembly 101 comprises a beam 102 having a panel 104 aligned generally perpendicularly to the beam 102 and resting on an end section 103 thereof.

Extending generally perpendicularly upward from a central region of the end section 103, is a fixing member 106 which is generally "T" shaped in cross section, having a leg member 108 extending upward from the end section 103 and a flat, cap member 110 sitting atop the upper extent of the leg member (at an end thereof distal to the end section 103) Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the panel assembly 101 in a partially assembled configuration. The assembly 101 is the same as the assembly shown in figure 1 except that it further comprises a retaining member 112.

The retaining member 112, in cross section comprises a central body region 114 having two outer wing regions 116 extending outwardly from opposite sides of the body region 114. The body region 114 comprises a channel 118 which is partially closed at an underside thereof and shaped to accommodate the cap member 110 of the fixing member 106.

In more detail, the channel 118 has arms 120 extending over an elongate opening thereof to partially close the channel. Furthermore, the ends of the arms 120 have fingers 122 directed back into the channel that, in use, point toward an underside of the cap member 110, as shown in figure 2.

The wing members 116 of the retaining member 114 extend outward therefrom and have sealing members 123 attached to the underside thereof toward the edges of the wings 116 distal to the body section 114. The sealing members 123 comprise two laterally spaced strips of rubber extending along the length of the retaining member 114.

Referring now to figure 3 there is shown a cross sectional view of the panel assembly 101 in an assembled configuration. The assembly 101 is the same as the assembly 101 shown in figure 2, except that it further comprises a compression member 124. The compression member 124, in this embodiment being in the form of a wedge gasket, is inserted between the panel 104 and the end section 103 and thereby lifts the panel 104 upwards. The lifting of the panel 104 causes the panel 104 to abut the sealing members 123 of the wings 116 of the retaining member 112, which in turn causes the retaining member 112 to be lifted and the fingers 122 to abut an underside of the cap portion 110, thus preventing further upward movement of the retaining member 112.. In this manner, the addition of the compression member 124 causes the panel to be rigidly held under compression between the compression member 124 and the retaining member 112.

As can be seen in the figures, the cap portion 110 and the retaining member 112 are designed so as to provide a panel assembly to support one or two panels. Thus, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) a panel may be situated (and held under compression) at either side of the fixing member 106 and retained under compression under the wings 116 of the retaining member 112, compression being provided by two compression members 124. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the invention to provide a retaining member, similar to retaining member 112, but having only one wing 116, thus the panel assembly could be designed to accommodate one panel at one side of the fixing member 106.

In the present embodiment, the panel 104 is a sealed double glazing panel, and as such the panel assembly can be used in the glazing industry to add and secure glazing panels to frames. In particular, it is envisaged that the panel assembly of the present invention may be used in the glazing of conservatories.

In use, a panel 104 may be offered into a frame 102, such that the panel lies adjacent the fixing member 106 (as shown in figure 1) . Ar' operator then attaches the retaining member 112 over the fixing member 106, such that the cap portion 110 is retained within the channel 118 of the retaining member (as shown in figure 2) . Finally, the operator inserts the compression member 124 between the panel 104 and the frame 102, thus causing the panel to be compressed between the compression member 124 and the wing 116 of the retaining member 112 and resulting in a water tight assembly.

Referring now to figure 4 there is shown a further embodiment of a panel assembly 201 of the present invention. The panel assembly comprises a frame member in the form of a beam 202 having two panels 204, 204' aligned generally perpendicularly to the beam 202 and resting on an end section 203 thereof. Extending generally perpendicularly upward from a central region of the end section 203, is a fixing member 206, having a leg member 208 extending upward from the end section 103 and having two upwardly opening channels 210 sitting atop the upper extent of the leg member 208 (at an end thereof distal to the end section 203) The openings of the channels 210 are partially closed and are shaped to accommodate fixing members of a retaining member as will be described hereunder. In more detail, the channels 210 have arms 211 extending over an elongate opening thereof to partially close the opening of the channels 210. Furthermore, the ends of the arms 211 have fingers 213 directed back into the channel that, in use, point toward and engage with fixing members of the retaining member as will be described hereunder.

Arranged above the beam 202 and panels 204 is a retaining member 212. The retaining member 212 comprises a pair of generally centrally located downwardly extending fixing members 214. At the end of the fixing members 214 distal to the retaining member 212, are hook sections 216. In use, the hook sections 216 of the retaining member 212 engages with the fingers 213 of the fixing members 211 as shown in figure 4.

The retaining member 212 comprises wing members 218 having sealing members 223 similar to the wing members 116 and sealing members 123 of the retaining member 112 described above in relation to figures 1 to 3.

Arranged between the panel 204 and the beam 202 is a compression member 224 in the form of a wedge gasket. This serves to retain the panel 204 under compression between the beam 202 and the wing member 218 of the retaining portion. Panel 204' does not have an associated compression member in figure 4, thus panel 204' is not held under compression in figure 4.

In use, the panel assembly 201 of figure 4 may be assembled by simply pushing the retaining member 212 onto the fixing member 206, rather than by sliding it in an elongate manner over the length thereof. In other words, the fixing members 214 may be pushed into the channels 210 until the hook sections 216 pass the end of the fingers 213. This is particularly advantageous where access to the longitudinal ends of the beam is restricted, for example by an adjacent wall.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that engaging members in figure 4 may only have a single hook and finger arrangement, rather than the two as shown in figure 4.

Referring now to figure 5 there is shown a further embodiment of a panel assembly 301 of the present invention. The panel assembly comprises a frame member in the form of a beam 302 having two panels 304, 304' aligned generally perpendicularly to the beam 302 and resting on an end section 303 thereof.

The beam 302 comprises a recessed channel 306 in the end section 303 thereof. The channel 306 comprises a lip 308 that extends parallel with the end section partially over the opening of the channel 306, which lip 308 has a downwardly flared end 310 distal to the channel wall. In this manner, the opening of the channel 306 is partially obstructed by the lip 308.

Arranged above the beam 302 and the panels 304, 304' is a retaining member 312. The retaining member 312 comprises a generally centrally located downwardly extending fixing member 314. The fixing member 314 is sufficiently long to extend between the panels 304, 304' and into the channel 306. At the end of the fixing member 314 distal to the retaining member 312 is a hook section 316. In use, the hook section 316 of the retaining member 312 engages with the flared end section 310 of the lip 308 as shown in figure 5 to thereby lock the retaining member with the engagement means (lip 308 and flared end 310) of the frame 302.

The retaining member 312 comprises wing members 318 having sealing members 323 similar to the wing members 116 and sealing members 123 of the retaining member 112 described above in relation to figures 1 to 3.

Arranged between the panels 304, 304' and the beam 302 are compression members 324 in the form of wedge gaskets. The compression members serve to retain the panels 304, 304' under compression between the beam 302 and the wing members 318 of the retaining portion.

In use, the panel assembly 301 of figure 5 may be assembled by simply inserting the fixing member 314 of the retaining member 312 between the panels 304, 304', such that the hook section 316 thereof engages with the flared end 310 of the lip 308.

The embodiment of a panel assembly shown in figure 5 is particularly advantageous because the beam 302 does not have any protruding features from the end section 303 thereof. Such protruding features can cause difficulty in storage and can suffer damage, such as being bent or snapped.

The panel assembly of the present invention is simple and easy to use. Further, it allows a panel to be quickly and securely assembled to a frame without the requirement of separate sealing members. The panel assembly of the present invention is not capable of disassembly from one side of the assembly, thus it is suited to the glazing industry where it is a requirement that glazing panels cannot be removed from outside the glazed building (for security purposes. Also, the panel assembly is suitable for curtain walling applications and is particularly advantageous in that application, again, because the panel cannot be removed from one side of the assembly, whereas known curtain walling solutions are often simply disassembled, thus causing a significant risk in terms of allowing access to restricted areas.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disc]osed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features arid/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 1*

Claims

Claims 1. A panel assembly comprising a frame member having engagement means suitable for engaging a retaining member; a retaining member engaged with the said engagement means of the frame member, the retaining member comprising at least one panel retaining portion; at least one panel arranged generally between the frame member and the at least one panel retaining portion; and a compression member arranged and operable to cause the panel to be retained generally between the frame member and the at least one panel retaining portion under compression.
2. A panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel is a glazing panel.
3. A panel assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the panel assembly is a glazing assembly. *..* * * * ** *
4. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame member * S. S comprises a retaining surface, upon which the panel is operable to be retained. S...S S...*
5. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement means S..

* comprises a projection extending from the frame member. I. * S
6. A panel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the projection extends generally * perpendicularly from the frame member.
7. A panel assembly according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the projection comprises a leg member, preferably having a cap portion distal to the frame member.
8. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement means is elongate and extends substantially the length of the frame.
9. A panel assembly according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of discreet engagement means along the length thereof.
10. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement means extends parallel with the frame member.
11. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the engagement means of the frame member or the retaining member comprises a channel.
12. A panel assembly according to claim 11, wherein the channel is operable to accommodate the other of the engagement means of the frame member or the retaining means.
13. A panel assembly according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the channel has an opening that is smaller than the internal width thereof.
14. A panel assembly according to claims 11 to 13, wherein the channel is partially enclosed.
15. A panel assembly according to claims 11 to 14, wherein the channel comprises at least one retaining projection which projects into the channel.
16. A panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retaining member is in the form of an elongate strip, which is operable to extend substantially the length of the panel. 0*** 20
17. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member comprises one or more sealing members. *S*SS *5*S18. A panel assembly according to claim 17, wherein the or each sealing member comprises a strip of sealing material, such as rubber or the like. 2519. A panel assembly according to claims 17 or 18, wherein each panel retaining portion comprises at least two sealing portions.20. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the compression member comprises a wedge shaped member.21. A panel assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the compression member is situated between the panel and the panel retaining portion, or between the panel and the frame.22. A panel assembly kit comprising a frame member having engagement means suitable for engaging a retaining member; a retaining member comprising at least one panel retaining portion; and at least one compression member operable to cause a panel to be retained 1.generally between the frame member and the at least one panel retaining portion under corn pression 23. A method of retaining a panel within a frame, the method comprising arranging a panel in a frame, the frame having engagement means suitable for engaging a retaining member; arranging a retaining member about the engagement means, the retaining member comprising at least one panel retaining portion, the retaining member being so arranged such that the panel is situated generally between the retaining portion and the frame; adding a compression member either between the frame and the panel or between the panel and the retaining portion to cause the panel to be held between the frame and the retaining portion under compression.24. A panel assembly substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.25. A panel assembly kit substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings. : 26. A method of retaining a panel within a frame substantially as described herein and with 20 reference to the accompanying drawings.S I...S S. * S * **.S * * S * .5