GB2595287A

GB2595287A - A partition assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2595287A
Application number: GB2007575.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Baker Joseph
Original assignee: Perforated and Stamped Products Ltd
Current assignee: Perforated and Stamped Products Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-21
Filing date: 2020-05-21
Publication date: 2021-11-24
Also published as: GB202007575D0

Abstract

The system comprises a plurality of elongate, substantially hollow support members 152 each comprising four rows of apertures 106, the rows spaced apart (e.g. equally) along the member to provide sets of four adjacent apertures, each set comprising at least one pair of aligned and opposed apertures; a plurality of elongate brackets (e.g. planar fish plates 200) for coupling a panel to a spaced-apart pair of the support members; and at least one panel 110,112 for attaching (e.g. bolting) to each bracket. First and second end portions of each bracket are configured to extend from respective first and second apertures of one of the sets of apertures. Each set may comprise two pairs of opposed apertures, e.g. with apertures at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees around the member. Different brackets may be adapted for attaching panels in line, at an angle (optionally at least 90, more preferably 135 degrees) and/or at an end of a partition.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII2007575.0 RTM Date:13 October 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Perspex Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

A PARTITION ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a partition assembly and in particular, but not exclusively, to a system for efficiently assembling a partition.

Partitions are typically used in an open plan office environment for creating specific areas for people to work in and which provide a degree of privacy and sound proofing. The partitions are in the form of panels which extend from the floor and towards the ceiling. The panels typically include a timber inner board or frame enclosed in a fabric outer material, and a pair of spaced apart feet for stability.

Conventional freestanding panels are typically connected together by nuts and bolts which is both time consuming and fiddly to assemble and disassemble, and also requires more than one person to do so safely. The joint between adjacent panels is also relatively weak if the panels are knocked in use which can result in bending or failure of the bolts, or at least damage to the panels themselves. Furthermore, each panel is configured to be used in a single orientation which limits the configuration of the assembled panel system.

Other forms of partitioning are available, such as partition or fence systems including panels which are each fixed by bolts or the like between spaced apart square section posts. However, the orientation of each panel with respect to each respective post, and in turn the different arrangements of the assembled system, is particularly limited by the cross section of the posts.

In view of the recent outbreak of Covid-19, social distancing, such as in the workplace, retail locations, airport terminals, hospitals and schools, and the like, has become particularly important and the need for partitioning to encourage social distancing and create a safe environment in terms of minimising/mitigating the spread of a virus between people is vital.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for quickly and efficiently assembling and disassembling a partition assembly in one of a plurality of many different arrangements.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for assembling a partition, comprising: a plurality of elongate and substantially hollow support members each comprising four rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures, wherein the rows of apertures are spaced apart with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support member to provide sets of four adjacent apertures at a plurality of locations along the support member, wherein each set comprises at least one pair of aligned and opposed apertures; a plurality of brackets for coupling a panel to a spaced apart pair of said support members, wherein each bracket is substantially elongate and comprises a first end portion configured to extend from a first aperture of a set of said apertures and a second end portion configured to extend from a second aperture of the set of said apertures; and at least one panel for attaching to each bracket.

Optionally, each set of four adjacent apertures comprises two pairs of aligned and opposed apertures.

Optionally, the four apertures of each set are disposed at substantially 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective support member.

Optionally, the sets of apertures are equally spaced along the respective support member.

Optionally, the first end portion of each bracket comprises a through hole for receiving a bolt to attaching the panel to the bracket.

Optionally, the plurality of brackets comprises a set of first brackets for coupling a pair of panels to one of said support members wherein each first bracket is configured such that in use the second aperture of the support member is opposed to the first aperture to thereby orient the panels substantially in-line with respect to each other.

Optionally, each first bracket comprises a through hole in each end portion for attaching a respective panel to each end of the bracket.

Optionally, each first bracket comprises a substantially planar plate.

Optionally, the plurality of brackets comprises a set of second brackets for coupling at least one panel to one of the support members wherein each second bracket is configured such that in use the second aperture of the support member is adjacent to the first aperture to thereby orient the panel substantially at a predetermined angle with respect to an adjacent panel.

Optionally, the predetermined angle is at least 90 degrees.

Optionally, each second bracket comprises a central portion from which the first end portion extends to define a first angle therebetween.

Optionally, the first angle is substantially 135 degrees.

Optionally, the second end portion defines a second angle with respect to the central 20 portion.

Optionally, the second angle is substantially 135 degrees.

Optionally, the second end portion is substantially parallel with the central portion.

Optionally, the second end portion is coupled to the central portion by an intermediate portion defining a third angle with respect to the central portion.

Optionally, the third angle is substantially 135 degrees.

Optionally, the plurality of brackets comprises a set of third brackets for coupling a panel to an end one of the support members wherein each third bracket is configured such that in use the second aperture of the end support member is adjacent to the first aperture.

Optionally, the second end portion of each third bracket is substantially parallel to the first end portion.

Optionally, the first end portion extends from a central portion and the second end portion is coupled to the central portion by an intermediate portion.

Optionally, the first end portion and the intermediate portion each define an angle of substantially 135 degrees with respect to the central portion.

Optionally, each aperture comprises an elongate and longitudinally oriented slot.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a partition, comprising: locating a plurality of elongate and substantially hollow support members substantially vertically on a support surface and spaced apart from each other, wherein each support member comprises four rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures, wherein the rows of apertures are spaced apart with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support member to provide sets of four adjacent apertures at a plurality of locations along the support member, wherein each set comprises at least one pair of aligned and opposed apertures; inserting a first elongate bracket into a first aperture of a first set of said apertures of a first one of said support members and through a second aperture of the first set of apertures of the first support member, wherein the end portions of the first bracket extend outwardly from the first support member; inserting a second elongate bracket into a first aperture of a first set of said apertures of a second one of said support members and through a second aperture of the first set of apertures of the second support member, wherein the end portions of the second bracket extend outwardly from the second support member; locating a panel between the first and second support members; and attaching the panel to the first end portions of the first and second brackets to thereby couple the panel to the support members.

Optionally, the first aperture of each support member is located opposite the second aperture to thereby orient two adjacent panels of the partition substantially in-line with respect to each other.

Optionally, the first aperture of each support member is located adjacent the second aperture to thereby orient two adjacent panels of the partition substantially at a predetermined angle with respect to each other.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a partition assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2a illustrates an upper region of one of the posts of the partition assembly of Figure 1 including a straight bracket for coupling adjacent panels to the post, wherein the panels are oriented in-line with respect to each other; Figure 2b illustrates an upper region of one of the posts of the partition assembly of Figure 1 including a 90-degree bracket for coupling adjacent panels to the post, wherein the panels are oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other; Figure 2c illustrates an upper region of one of the posts of the partition assembly of Figure 1 including a 135-degree bracket for coupling adjacent panels to the post, wherein the panels are oriented at 135 degrees with respect to each other; and Figure 2d illustrates an upper region of one of the end posts of the partition assembly of Figure 1 including a bracket for coupling an end panel to the end post.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figure 1, a partition assembly 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of spaced apart and elongate upright support members 102, i.e. posts, and a panel member 104 located between each pair of adjacent posts and coupled thereto. Each panel is substantially sheet-like and may be any suitable material, such as a plastic, metal or glass, or the like. One or more of the panels may be transparent or opaque, e.g. one or more panels may be made from an acrylic or polycarbonate, such as PerspexTM, or the like to allow a person to see through the panel/s. One or more of the panels may be a composite panel comprising a number of sheet layers, such as a perforated metal layer sandwiched between transparent plastic layers, for example. Desirably, the plastic and metal layers can be relatively thin and lightweight whilst the metal layer provides stiffness and strength to the composite construction.

The partition assembly 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be used as a barrier screen, such as counter-top screening on a pharmacy counter or in a hospital reception, for example. Alternatively, transparent panels may be desirable for guiding people through customs in an airport terminal where visibility through the panels is required for security purposes. The panels and posts may be relatively short for counter-top applications, or the like, or may be taller for applications wherein the posts extend from the floor towards a ceiling, such as in an office environment, for example.

Each post 102 is elongate, substantially hollow and square in cross section to define four longitudinal sides. Each post may be a suitable material for its intended application, such as steel, aluminium or a hardened plastic. Each side of the post 102 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 106 extending through the respective side wall and into the interior space of the post section. Each aperture is a longitudinally oriented elongate slot. Aptly, each side wall of the post includes at least two longitudinally spaced apart slots for respectively coupling an upper region and a lower region of a panel to the post, as described further below. Each side wall of the illustrated posts includes ten slotted apertures equally spaced apart along their length. However, each side wall may include more or less than ten spaced apart slots. Aptly, each side wall comprises at least two spaced apart slots for coupling an upper region and a lower region of a panel to the post. Each row of apertures is disposed substantially centrally in its respective side wall. Alternatively, each post may be substantially circular in cross section and the four longitudinal rows of spaced apart apertures may be disposed equally around the circular wall of the post at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees respectively to provide the aligned and opposed pairs of apertures at different locations along the post in accordance with the present invention. Aptly, each set of four apertures may include at least one pair of substantially aligned and opposed apertures, or preferably two pairs of aligned and opposed apertures such that all four apertures in each set are disposed on the same plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post.

The open top of the post section is closed with a suitable closure 107, such as a square plastic cap. A pair of flanges 108 extend in opposed directions from the lower end region of each post 102 to provide means to fix each post to a suitable foundation, such as a concrete floor, floorboards, or the like. Each flange 108 includes a through hole to receive a bolt for securing the post to the floor. Alternatively, each post may be located in a spiked housing for securing the posts in relatively soft ground, such as soil. Further alternatively, the lower end region of each post may be include a relatively large foot to provide sufficient stability for each post to be freestanding on a support surface, such as a counter, or the lower end region of each post may include a clip or clamp, of the like, for securely attaching the post to a countertop edge.

As best illustrated in Figures 2a to 2d, the slotted apertures 106 disposed along each side wall of each post are substantially the same size and shape and are aligned with each other such that each set of four apertures along the post are at substantially the same height when the post is vertically oriented in situ. Each set of four horizontally aligned apertures thereby includes two pairs of substantially aligned and opposed apertures.

The partition assembly 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 includes four panels coupled to five posts each secured to the ground by bolts. The panels include first and second panels 110,112 arranged substantially in line with each other, a third panel 114 arranged substantially perpendicularly to the second panel 112, and a fourth panel 116 arranged at around 135 degrees to the third panel 114.

Figure 2a illustrates the region referenced A in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 2a, an elongate and substantially straight bracket 200 is inserted through opposed apertures of an uppermost set of apertures of the second post 152 such that the straight bracket 200 extends across the interior of the post and its end portions extend from each respective aperture. Each end portion of the straight bracket 200 includes a through hole 202 for attaching the first and second panels 110,112 thereto by way of a nut and bolt or the like and in turn coupling the panels to the second post 152. In a similar manner, further straight brackets are located in opposed slots proximal the lower end region of the post and also at two intermediate locations along the post. Alternatively, the first and second panels may be coupled to the second post by straight brackets at upper and lower end regions only. The straight brackets and opposed slot arrangements allow the first and second panels to be efficiently secured to the second post and oriented in line with respect to each other.

Figure 2b illustrates the region referenced B in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 2b, an elongate and substantially right-angled bracket 210 is inserted through adjacent apertures of an uppermost set of apertures of the third post 154 such that the right-angled bracket 210 extends across the interior of the post and its end portions extend from each respective aperture. Each end portion of the right-angled bracket 210 includes a through hole 202 for attaching the second and third panels 112,114 thereto by way of a nut and bolt or the like and in turn coupling the panels to the third post 154. In a similar manner, further right-angled brackets are located in opposed slots proximal the lower end region of the post and also at two intermediate locations along the post. Alternatively, the second and third panels may be coupled to the third post by right-angled brackets at upper and lower end regions only. Each right-angled bracket 210 includes a substantially flat central portion 212 and opposed end portions 214,216 each angled inwardly to define an angle of around 135 degrees with respect to the central portion 212 to thereby define an angle of substantially 90 degrees between the inner surfaces of each end portion. This three-portion arrangement allows either end portion of the right-angled bracket 210 to be inserted through a first aperture of the post, rotated about a longitudinal axis of the post, and through a second aperture of the post adjacent to the first aperture. Alternatively, depending on the size of the post cross section, the right-angled bracket may only include two end portions oriented at 90 degrees with respect to each other and not include the central portion. The right-angled brackets and opposed slot arrangements allow the second and third panels to be efficiently secured to the third post and oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to each other.

Figure 2c illustrates the region referenced C in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 2c, an elongate and substantially obtuse-angled bracket 220 is inserted through adjacent apertures of an uppermost set of apertures of the fourth post 156 such that the obtuse-angled bracket 220 extends across the interior of the post and its end portions extend from each respective aperture. Each end portion of the obtuse-angled bracket 220 includes a through hole 202 for attaching the third and fourth panels 114,116 thereto by way of a nut and bolt or the like and in turn coupling the panels to the fourth post 156. In a similar manner, further obtuse-angled brackets are located in opposed slots proximal the lower end region of the post and also at two intermediate locations along the post. Alternatively, the third and fourth panels may be coupled to the fourth post by obtuse-angled brackets at upper and lower end regions only. Each obtuse-angled bracket 220 includes a substantially flat central portion 222 and opposed end portions 224,226. A first one of the end portions 224 is angled inwardly to define an angle of around 135 degrees with respect to the central portion 222 whilst the other end portion 226 is substantially parallel to the central portion 222 and coupled thereto by an intermediate portion 225 which is angled inwardly to also define an angle of around 135 degrees with respect to the central portion 222 to thereby define an angle of around 135 degrees between the inner surfaces of each end portion 224,226. This four-portion arrangement allows either end portion of the obtuse-angled bracket 220 to be inserted through a first aperture of the post, rotated about a longitudinal axis of the post, and through a second aperture of the post adjacent to the first aperture. Alternatively, depending on the size of the post cross section, the obtuse-angled bracket may only include two end portions oriented at 135 degrees with respect to each other and not include the central portion, or two portions extending from the central portion. The obtuse-angled brackets and opposed slot arrangements allow the third and fourth panels to be efficiently secured to the fourth post and oriented at substantially 135 degrees with respect to each other. The obtuse-angled brackets may define other angles to allow further configurations of panel assembly. Furthermore, acute-angled brackets may also be provided to allow panels to be oriented by less than 90 degrees with respect to each other.

Figure 2d illustrates the region referenced D in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 2d, an end bracket 230 is inserted into an uppermost aperture of the first post 150 and the fifth post 158 to thereby couple the first panel 110 and fourth panel 116 thereto. The first and fifth posts are end posts of the partition assembly. Further end brackets are located in opposed slots proximal the lower end region of each end post and also at two intermediate locations along the posts. Alternatively, the first and fourth end panels may be coupled to the first and fifth posts respectively by end brackets at upper and lower end regions only. Each end bracket comprises a central portion 232 and a first end portion 234 having a through hole for receiving a bolt to attach the end panel to the bracket. The first end portion 234 is angled inwardly with respect to the central portion 232 by around 135 degrees. A second end portion 236 is coupled to the central portion 232 by an intermediate portion 235 which is angled by around 135 degrees with respect to the central portion 232. The second end portion 236 is angled substantially perpendicularly to the intermediate portion 235.

This four-portion arrangement allows either end portion of the end brackets 230 to be inserted through a first aperture of an end post, rotated about a longitudinal axis of the end post, and through a second aperture of the end post adjacent to the first aperture. When each end bracket is in situ, the second end portion 236 of the bracket is aptly spaced away from the outer surface of the post side wall in which the second aperture is disposed to thereby allow a user to grip the second end portion and rotate the bracket and remove the bracket from the post during disassembly of the partition. Alternatively, the end bracket may be sized such that the second end portion abuts the respective outer surface of the post when in situ such that the second end portion acts as a rotational stop to provide a secure attachment of the end panel to the end post. Aptly, the end brackets may be used to couple an intermediate panel to an intermediate post of the partition.

Aptly, each panel abuts the inner surface of each respective post to further secure the panels with respect to the posts. Aptly, each bracket is a suitable material for its intended application, such as steel, aluminium or a hardened plastic. Preferably, the posts are powder-coated mild steel and the brackets are stainless steel. The slotted apertures in each post may be formed by punching, machining, laser cutting, or the like. Aptly, any of the brackets may be configured to act as a hinge to allow a panel to open and close and provide an access point through the partition. Likewise, one or more of the brackets opposite the hinge brackets may be configured to act as a stop and/or a latch/lock.

To disassemble the partition, the nuts and bolts are loosened and removed and each panel is removed from its respective brackets. Each bracket is then removed from the slotted apertures of the posts. The in-line straight brackets are moved axially from the opposed slots, whilst the angled brackets are rotatably urged out of the adjacent slots. The posts are then detached from the support surface, e.g. a floor. The system may be conveniently packaged in a suitable container, such as a box or bag, for storage and transit.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a system for efficiently assembling a partition, such as a freestanding or fixed protective screen. Desirably, the posts of the system are identical and configured to be used as intermediate or end posts allowing a significant array of different arrangements of partition to be constructed. The posts can be used with differently conformed brackets to orient the panels are different angles with respect to each other in accordance with a desired layout and/or location limits. This universal post and bracket system reduces manufacturing time, energy and cost, and also material cost and waste, whilst allowing a single person to efficiently assemble a partition with minimum tools and technical knowledge/skill.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for assembling a partition, comprising: a plurality of elongate and substantially hollow support members each comprising four rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures, wherein the rows of apertures are spaced apart with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support member to provide sets of four adjacent apertures at a plurality of locations along the support member, wherein each set comprises at least one pair of aligned and opposed apertures; a plurality of brackets for coupling a panel to a spaced apart pair of said support members, wherein each bracket is substantially elongate and comprises a first end portion configured to extend from a first aperture of a set of said apertures and a second end portion configured to extend from a second aperture of the set of said apertures; and at least one panel for attaching to each bracket.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each set of four adjacent apertures comprises two pairs of aligned and opposed apertures.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the four apertures of each set are disposed at substantially 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective support member.
4. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the sets of apertures are equally spaced along the respective support member.
5. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end portion of each bracket comprises a through hole for receiving a bolt to attaching the panel to the bracket.
6. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of brackets comprises a set of first brackets for coupling a pair of panels to one of said support members wherein each first bracket is configured such that in use the second aperture of the support member is opposed to the first aperture to thereby orient the panels substantially in-line with respect to each other.
7. The system according to claim 7, wherein each first bracket comprises a through hole in each end portion for attaching a respective panel to each end of the bracket.
8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each first bracket comprises a substantially planar plate.
9. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of brackets comprises a set of second brackets for coupling at least one panel to one of the support members wherein each second bracket is configured such that in use the second aperture of the support member is adjacent to the first aperture to thereby orient the panel substantially at a predetermined angle with respect to an adjacent panel.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined angle is at least 90 degrees.
11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each second bracket comprises a central portion from which the first end portion extends to define a first angle therebetween.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first angle is substantially 135 degrees.
13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second end portion defines a second angle with respect to the central portion.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the second angle is substantially degrees.
15. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second end portion is substantially parallel with the central portion.
16. The system according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second end portion is coupled to the central portion by an intermediate portion defining a third angle with respect to the central portion.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the third angle is substantially 135 degrees.
18. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of brackets comprises a set of third brackets for coupling a panel to an end one of the support members wherein each third bracket is configured such that in use the second aperture of the end support member is adjacent to the first aperture.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the second end portion of each third bracket is substantially parallel to the first end portion.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the first end portion extends from a central portion and the second end portion is coupled to the central portion by an intermediate portion.
21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the first end portion and the intermediate portion each define an angle of substantially 135 degrees with respect to the central portion.
22. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein each aperture comprises an elongate and longitudinally oriented slot.
23. A method of assembling a partition, comprising: locating a plurality of elongate and substantially hollow support members substantially vertically on a support surface and spaced apart from each other, wherein each support member comprises four rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures, wherein the rows of apertures are spaced apart with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support member to provide sets of four adjacent apertures at a plurality of locations along the support member, wherein each set comprises at least one pair of aligned and opposed apertures; inserting a first elongate bracket into a first aperture of a first set of said apertures of a first one of said support members and through a second aperture of the first set of apertures of the first support member, wherein the end portions of the first bracket extend outwardly from the first support member; inserting a second elongate bracket into a first aperture of a first set of said apertures of a second one of said support members and through a second aperture of the first set of apertures of the second support member, wherein the end portions of the second bracket extend outwardly from the second support member; locating a panel between the first and second support members; and attaching the panel to the first end portions of the first and second brackets to thereby couple the panel to the support members.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first aperture of each support member is located opposite the second aperture to thereby orient two adjacent panels of the partition substantially in-line with respect to each other.
25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first aperture of each support member is located adjacent the second aperture to thereby orient two adjacent panels of the partition substantially at a predetermined angle with respect to each other.