WO2012053971A1

WO2012053971A1 - An assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure and a method for putting together the aforementioned assembly (u beam)

Info

Publication number: WO2012053971A1
Application number: PCT/SG2010/000401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mui Huan Seah
Original assignee: Innoplan Technology Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-19
Filing date: 2010-10-19
Publication date: 2012-04-26

Abstract

There is provided an assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure. The assembly includes a structural block for providing contact with the panel structure; at least one slot located in the structural block, the at least one slot being in a length-wise orientation of the structural block; and at least one support plate locatable within the at least one slot, the at least one support plate being for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects. A method to put together the aforementioned assembly is also provided.

Description

AN ASSEMBLY FOR DISTRIBUTING LOADING FORCES ONTO A PANEL STRUCTURE AND A METHOD FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE AFOREMENTIONED ASSEMBLY (U BEAM)

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of furniture, primarily in relation to knock-down panel structures.

BACKGROUND

Knock-down panel structures are a common sight in most commercial buildings. The use of such structures provide users with flexibility in configuring a room at a relatively low cost for the users (both financially and time-wise during set-up). Such advantages ensure the continued popularity of such structures for the foreseeable future.

However, while the aforementioned advantages are provided to the users from the use of such structures, there are also limitations arising from the use of such structures. One of the main limitations stemming from the use of such structures involves the load bearing capabilities of such structures, primarily the limitations on the loading limit of shelves/working platforms mounted onto such structures.

The limitations on the loading limit of shelves/working platforms result from a manner which the shelves/working platforms are mounted onto the panel structures. In most instances, the shelves/working platforms are supported by a plurality of brace structures which are either mounted (with the use of screws) or hung onto fixtures incorporated in the panel structures. In those instances, the plurality of brace structures experience large forces concentrated at the positions where they are mounted/hung in the panel structures. Consequently, these forces may lead to eventual flexure, permanent deformation or even fracture of the brace structures at the positions where the large forces are concentrated. This is undesirable and may give rise to both damage to property and hazardous situations to users. The damage to property may be due to, for example, objects falling from the shelves/working platforms, items which the fallen objects from the shelves/working platforms land upon, and so forth. In addition, the hazardous situations may be due to users being either hit or crushed by the fallen objects.

In this regard, it would be desirable if the aforementioned issues pertaining to the limitations on the loading limit of shelves/working platforms were addressed so as to minimize the incidence of both hazardous situations to the users who use the panel structures and damage to property.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is provided an assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure. The assembly includes a structural block for providing contact with the panel structure; at least one slot located in the structural block, the at least one slot being in a length-wise orientation of the structural block; and at least one support plate locatable within the at least one slot, the at least one support plate being for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects. It is advantageous that forces exerted on the at least one support plate when objects are placed onto the platform are initially transmitted to the structural block and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure in contact with the structural block. It is preferable that parts of the assembly are made from either metals or composites.

The structural block may be located within a receptacle in the panel structure, where the receptacle is able to accommodate the structural block in a partial manner. Vertical movement of the structural block located within the receptacle is preferably either restricted by the panel structure or by anchoring the structural block within the receptacle. The structural block is preferably concealed within the panel structure and the structural block may be either a solid object or a hollow object. It is also preferable that the structural block is rigid. It is advantageous that the structural block is strengthened when the at least one support plate is located within the at least one slot. The assembly may further include at least one positioning slot on the at least one support plate, the at least one positioning slot being for securely locating the at least one support plate within the at least one slot. In addition, the assembly may also include a first fin and a second fin, the first fin located at a first edge of the at least one slot, the second fin located at a second edge of the at least one slot. It is advantageous that the first fin and the second fin are for minimizing twisting forces on the structural block. The at least one support plate may be securely beatable within the at least one slot using securing mechanisms such as, for example, welding, adhesives, friction fit and so forth. It is preferable that the at least one support plate is rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate. The at least one support plate may affect an appearance of the panel structure.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method for putting together an assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure. The method includes locating a _^structural block within a receptacle located in the panel structure, the structural block being for providing contact with the panel structure; positioning at least one support plate in at least one slot located in the structural block, the at least one slot being in a length-wise orientation of the structural block and the at least one support plate being for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects; locating the at least one support plate within the at least one slot in a secure manner; and restricting vertical movement of the structural block within the panel structure. It is advantageous that forces exerted on the at least one support plate when objects are placed onto the platform are initially transmitted to the structural block and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure in contact with the structural block.

The receptacle may be able to accommodate the structural block in a partial manner. Vertical movement of the structural block located within the receptacle is preferably either restricted by the panel structure or by anchoring the structural block within the receptacle. The structural block is rigid and is advantageously concealed within the panel structure and the structural block may be either a solid object or a hollow object. It is advantageous tha the structural block is strengthened when the at least one support plate is located in the at least one slot of the structural block.

It is preferable that the positioning of at least one support plate is carried out using at least one positioning slot on the at least one support plate, the at least one positioning slot being for securely locating the at least one support plate within the at least one slot. The at least one support plate may be securely locatable within the at least one slot using securing mechanisms such as, for example, welding, adhesives, friction fit and so forth. It is preferable that the at least one support plate is rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect, there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 when placed in a receptacle in a panel structure.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 3 when placed in a receptacle in a panel structure.

Figure 5 shows a process flow for a method of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 6 when placed in a receptacle in a panel structure.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown various views of a first embodiment of an assembly 20 for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure 40. The assembly 20 allows loading forces to be distributed onto the panel structure 40 and this enables larger loads to be supported by the assembly 20. It should be appreciated that the assembly 20 may be used in any panel structure which is able to include a receptacle to place the assembly 20 within the panel structure. Detailed descriptions will be provided in subsequent paragraphs to show how the assembly 20 is concealed within the panel structure during use of the assembly 20.

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of the assembly 20 in a dis-assembled state while Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of the assembly 20 in an assembled state. In addition, Figure 2 shows a side view of the assembly 20 when placed in a receptacle 42 of the panel structure 40. It is appreciated that the aforementioned Figures provide a clear explanation to aid in understanding features of the assembly 20. Reference will be made repeatedly to Figures 1 and 2 when describing the assembly 20.

The assembly 20 for distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 40 includes a structural block 32 for providing contact with the panel structure 40. Specifically, the structural block 32 is located within the receptacle 42 in the panel structure 40 and the contact of the structural block 32 and the panel structure 40 is through contact with the receptacle 42. The structural block 32 is either a solid object or a hollow object. The structural block 32 should be rigid. In the first embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the structural block 32 is a solid object.

Referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the receptacle 42 is able to accommodate the structural block 32 only in a partial manner such that the assembly 20 is not completely placed within the receptacle 42. It should be noted that movement of the structural block 32 located within the receptacle 42 is restricted by the panel structure 40. For example, the panel structure 40 may include at least one stopper 41 to minimise vertical movement of the structural block 32. Alternatively, the vertical movement of the structural block 32 may be restricted by anchoring the structural block 32 within the receptacle 42. A first way of anchoring the structural block 32 involves securing the structural block 32 to a base 43 of the receptacle 42 using either adhesives or fastening mechanisms. Another way of anchoring the structural block 32 involves relying on a load applied on the assembly 20 to anchor the structural block 32 to the base 43 of the receptacle 42. It should be appreciated that anchoring the structural block 32 to the base 43 of the receptacle 42 allows constant contact of the structural block 32 with the panel structure 40.

There is also at least one slot 38 located in the structural block 32. The at least one slot 38 is in a length-wise orientation of the structural block 32. The at least one slot 38 allows at least one support plate 22 to be eatable within the at least one slot 38. The at least one support plate 22 may be for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects. The platform may be a shelf. It should be appreciated that the platform may be secured to the at least one support plate 22 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, rivets, nut-and-bolt, adhesives, and so forth.

The at least one support plate 22 may include a positioning slot 30. The positioning slot 30 may be for securely locating the at least one support plate 22 within the at least one slot 38 at an appropriate position. It should be noted that the at least one support plate 22 with the positioning slot 30 may be placed in the at least one slot 38 with an inwardly-then-perpendicular direction 24 as shown in Figures 1A and 2. When the at least one support plate 22 is placed as per direction 24, the assembly 20 is in an assembled state as shown in Figure 1 B. However, even without the positioning slot 30, the at least one support plate 22 may be securely locatable within the at least one slot 38 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, welding, adhesives, friction fit and so forth. It should be appreciated that the positioning slot 30 ensures that the secure positioning of the at least one support plate 22 in the at least one slot 38 is more convenient for the user.

The assembly 20 may further include a first fin 26 and a second fin 28. The first fin 26 is located at a first edge 36 of the at least one slot 38, and the second fin 28 is located at a second edge 34 of the at least one slot 38. It should be appreciated that the first fin 26 and the second fin 28 are for minimizing twisting forces on the structural block 32. It should be noted that all parts of the assembly 20 are made from either metals or composites. It is preferable that the parts of the assembly 20 are rigid.

It is advantageous that forces exerted on the at least one support plate 22 when objects are placed onto the platform are initially transmitted to the structural block 32 and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure 40 in contact with the structural block 32. The at least one support plate 22 should be rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate 22 so that the forces are transmitted more effectively to the panel structure 40. It should be appreciated that distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 40 allows greater loads to be placed onto the platform compared to instances where loading forces are concentrated on supporting braces which the platform is mounted upon. While the assembly 20 is shown with the at least one support plate 22 on one side of the structural block 32, it should be appreciated that at least one other support plate 22 may be located on another side of the structural block 32. In such an instance, it should be appreciated that both sides of the panel structure 40 (for example, in a form of a partition wall) are able to support a platform for the placement of objects.

Referring back to Figure 2, there is shown a panel flap 45 which is used to conceal the assembly 20. The panel flap 45 is able to flip from position A to position B, and when the panel flap 45 is in position A, the assembly 20 is nearly completely concealed in the panel structure 40, except for the at least one support plate 22 which is visible. It should be appreciated that an appearance of the at least one support plate 22 may affect an overall appearance of the panel structure 40. It should be appreciated that while the flipping of the panel flap 45 would indicate that the panel flap 45 is hinged, this is not mandatory and the panel flap 45 may be a standalone panel affixed and positioned on the panel structure 40 using mounts.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown various views of a second embodiment of an assembly 80 for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure 100. The assembly 80 allows loading forces to be distributed onto the panel structure 100 and this enables larger loads to be supported by the assembly 80. It should be appreciated that the assembly 80 may be used in any panel structure which is able to include a receptacle to place the assembly 80 within the panel structure. Detailed descriptions will be provided in subsequent paragraphs to show how the assembly 80 is concealed within the panel structure during use of the assembly 80.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the assembly 80 in a dis-assembled state. In addition, Figure 4 shows a side view of the assembly 80 when placed in a receptacle 102 of the panel structure 100. It is appreciated that the aforementioned Figures 3 and 4 provide a clear explanation to aid in understanding features of the assembly 80. Reference will be made repeatedly to Figures 3 and 4 when describing the assembly 80.

The assembly 80 for distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 100 includes a structural block 92 for providing contact with the panel structure 100. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described in the preceding paragraphs as the structural block 92 is a hollow object and not a solid object. Other aspects of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment. When the structural block 92 is a hollow object, it should be rigid and should not flex. The structural block 92 is located within the receptacle 102 in the panel structure 100 and the contact of the structural block 92 and the panel structure 100 is through contact with the receptacle 102. Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the receptacle 102 is able to accommodate the structural block 92 only in a partial manner such that the assembly 80 is not completely placed within the receptacle 102. It should be noted that movement of the structural block 92 located within the receptacle 102 is restricted by the panel structure 100. For example, the panel structure 100 may include at least one stopper 101 to minimise vertical movement of the structural block 92. Alternatively, the vertical movement of the structural block 92 may be restricted by anchoring the structural block 92 within the receptacle 102. A first way of anchoring the structural block 92 involves securing the structural block 92 to a base 103 of the receptacle 102 using either adhesives or fastening mechanisms. Another way of anchoring the structural block 92 involves relying on a load applied on the assembly 80 to anchor the structural block 92 to the base 103 of the receptacle 102. It should be appreciated that anchoring the structural block 92 to the base 103 of the receptacle 102 allows constant contact of the structural block 92 with the panel structure 100.

There is also at least one slot 98 located in the structural block 92. The at least one slot 98 is in a length-wise orientation of the structural block 92. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, while the at least one slot 98 is shown to be located at a first edge 91 of the structural block 92, the at least one slot 98 may also be located at a first face 88 of the structural block 92 in close proximity to the first edge 91 of the structural block 92. The at least one slot 98 allows at least one support plate 82 to be locatable within the at least one slot 98. The at least one support plate 82 may be for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects. The platform may be a shelf. It should be appreciated that the platform may be secured to the at least one support plate 82 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, rivets, nut- and-bolt, adhesives, and so forth.

The at least one support plate 82 may include a positioning slot 90. The positioning slot 90 may be for securely locating the at least one support plate 82 within the at least one slot 98 at an appropriate position. It should be noted that the at least one support plate 82 with the positioning slot 90 may be placed in the at least one slot 98 with an inwardly-then-perpendicular direction 84 as shown in Figure 3. When the at least one support plate 82 is placed as per direction 84, the assembly 80 is in an assembled state as shown in a side view in Figure 4. However, even without the positioning slot 90, the at least one support plate 82 may be securely locatable within the at least one slot 98 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, welding, adhesives, friction fit and so forth. It should be appreciated that the positioning slot 90 ensures that the secure positioning of the at least one support plate 82 in the at least one slot 98 is more convenient for the user.

A top side 94 of the structural block 92 may provide a counter-balancing force to the at least one support plate 82 when a load is applied to the at least one support plate 82. As such, a position of the at least one slot 98 should be at a location which enables the top side 94 of the structural block 92 to provide the counter-balancing force to the at least one support plate 82. Such an instance occurs when an inner edge 81 of the at least one support plate 82 contacts the top side 94 of the structural block 92. It should be noted that all parts of the assembly 80 are made from either metals or composites. It is preferable that the parts of the assembly 80 are rigid.

It is advantageous that forces exerted on the at least one support plate 82 when objects are placed onto the platform are initially transmitted to the structural block 92 and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure 100 in contact with the structural block 92. The at least one support plate 82 should be rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate 82 so that the forces are transmitted more effectively to the panel structure 100. It should be appreciated that distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 100 allows greater loads to be placed onto the platform compared to instances where loading forces are concentrated on supporting braces which the platform is mounted upon. While the assembly 80 is shown with the at least one support plate 82 on one side of the structural block 92, it should be appreciated that at least one other support plate 82 may be located on another side of the structural block 82. In such an instance, it should be appreciated that both sides of the panel structure 100 (for example, in a form of a partition wall) are able to support a platform for the placement of objects.

Referring back to Figure 4, there is shown a panel flap 105 which is used to conceal the assembly 80. The panel flap 105 is able to flip from position C to position D, and when the panel flap 105 is in position C, the assembly 80 is nearly completely concealed in the panel structure 100, except for the at least one support plate 82 which is visible. It should be appreciated that an appearance of the at least one support plate 82 may affect an overall appearance of the panel structure 100. It should be appreciated that while the flipping of the panel flap 105 would indicate that the panel flap 105 is hinged, this is not mandatory and the panel flap 105 may be a standalone panel affixed and positioned on the panel structure 100 using mounts.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown various views of a third embodiment of an assembly 200 for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure 300. The assembly 200 allows loading forces to be distributed onto the panel structure 300 and this enables larger loads to be supported by the assembly 300. It should be appreciated that the assembly 200 may be used in any panel structure which is able to include a receptacle to place the assembly 200 within the panel structure. Detailed descriptions will be provided in subsequent paragraphs to show how the assembly 200 is concealed within the panel structure during use of the assembly 200.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the assembly 200 in a dis-assembled state. In addition, Figure 7 shows a side view of the assembly 200 when placed in a receptacle 302 of the panel structure 300. It is appreciated that the aforementioned Figures 6 and 7 provide a clear explanation to aid in understanding features of the assembly 200: Reference will be made repeatedly to Figures 6 and 7 when describing the assembly 200. The assembly 200 for distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 300 includes a structural block 202 for providing contact with the panel structure 300. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment described in the preceding paragraphs as the structural block 202 is a hollow object. However, the structural block 202 has a cross-sectional profile of a hollow I- beam. There are other differences between the second and third embodiments which will became evident in the subsequent paragraphs. When the structural block 202 is a hollow I-beam, it should be rigid and should not flex. The structural block 202 is located within the receptacle 302 in the panel structure 300 and the contact of the structural block 202 and the panel structure 300 is through contact with the receptacle 302. Referring to Figure 7, it can be seen that the receptacle 302 is able to accommodate the structural block 202 only in a partial manner such that the assembly 200 is not completely placed within the receptacle 302. It should be noted that movement of the structural block 202 located within the receptacle 302 is restricted by the panel structure 300. For example, the panel structure 300 may include at least one stopper 301 to minimise vertical movement of the structural block 202. Alternatively, the vertical movement of the structural block 202 may be restricted by anchoring the structural block 202 within the receptacle 302. A first way of anchoring the structural block 202 involves securing the structural block 202 to a base 303 of the receptacle 302 using either adhesives or fastening mechanisms. Another way of anchoring the structural block 202 involves relying on a load applied on the assembly 200 to anchor the structural block 202 to the base 303 of the receptacle 302. It should be appreciated that anchoring the structural block 202 to the base 303 of the receptacle 302 allows constant contact of the structural block 202 with the panel structure 300.

There are two slots 210, 212 located in the structural block 202, specifically at a first wall 214 and a second wall 216 of a central portion 218 of the structural block 202 with a cross-sectional profile of a hollow I-beam. The two slots 210, 212 are in a length-wise orientation of the structural block 202. The two slots 210, 212 should be substantially aligned such that at least one support plate 220 is able to be locatable within the two slots 210, 212. The at least one support plate 220 may be for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects. The platform may be a shelf. It should be appreciated that the platform may be secured to the at least one support plate 220 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, rivets, nut-and-bolt, adhesives, and so forth. The at least one support plate 220 may include two positioning slots 222, 224. The two positioning slots 222, 224 may be for securely locating the at least one support plate 220 within the two slots 210, 212 at an appropriate position. It should be noted that the at least one support plate 220 with the two positioning slots 222, 224 may be placed in the two slots 210, 212 with an inwardly-then-perpendicular direction 226 as shown in Figure 6. When the at least one support plate 220 is placed as per the direction 226, the assembly 200 is in an assembled state as shown in a side view in Figure 7. However, even without the two positioning slots 222, 224, the at least one support plate 220 may be securely locatable within the two slots 210, 212 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, welding, adhesives, friction fit and so forth. It should be appreciated that the two positioning slots 222, 224 ensure that the secure positioning of the at least one support plate 220 within the two slots 210, 212 is more convenient for the user. It should be appreciated that securing the at least one support plate 220 to the structural block 202 strengthens the structural block 202 as the at least one support plate 220 prevents the first wall 214 and the second wall 216 of the central portion 218 of the structural block 202 from flexing/bending. As such, it should be noted that securing the at least one support plate 220 to the structural block 202 reinforces the structural block 202.

It should be noted that all parts of the assembly 200 are made from either metals or composites. It is preferable that the parts of the assembly 200 are rigid. It is advantageous that forces exerted on the at least one support plate 220 when objects are placed onto the platform are initially transmitted to the structural block 202 and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure 300 in contact with the structural block 202. The at least one support plate 220 should be rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate 220 so that the forces are transmitted more effectively to the panel structure 300. It should be appreciated that distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 300 allows greater loads to be placed onto the platform compared to instances where loading forces are concentrated on supporting braces which the platform is mounted upon.

While the assembly 200 is shown with the at least one support plate 220 on one side of the structural block 202, it should be appreciated that at least one other support plate 220 may be located on another side of the structural block 202. In such an instance, it should be appreciated that both sides of the panel structure 300 (for example, in a form of a partition wall) are able to support a platform for the placement of objects.

Referring back to Figure 7, there is shown a panel flap 205 which is used to conceal the assembly 200. The panel flap 205 is able to flip from position E to position F, and when the panel flap 205 is in position E, the assembly 200 is nearly completely concealed in the panel structure 300, except for the at least one support plate 220 which is visible. It should be appreciated that an appearance of the at least one support plate 220 may affect an overall appearance of the panel structure 300. It should be appreciated that while the flipping of the panel flap 205 would indicate that the panel flap 205 is hinged, this is not mandatory and the panel flap 205 may be a standalone panel affixed and positioned on the panel structure 300 using mounts. Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a process flow for a method 118 for putting together an assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure. The assembly may be in a physical form as described in the preceding paragraphs. The method 118 will be described in the subsequent paragraphs with references to features found in the assembly 20/80 as described in the preceding paragraphs. In addition, references will be made to assembly 200 where necessary.

The method 118 includes locating a structural block 32/92 within a receptacle 42/102 located in the panel structure 40/100 (120). The structural block 32/92 is for providing contact with the panel structure 40/100. Specifically, the structural block 32/92 is located within the receptacle 42/102 in the panel structure 40/100 and the contact of the structural block 32/92 and the panel structure 40/100 is through contact with the receptacle 42/102. It should be noted that the structural block 32/92 is either a solid object or a hollow object. The structural block 32/92 should be rigid. Figure 2 shows a side view of the structural block 32 being located within the receptacle 42 while Figure 3 shows a side view of the structural block 92 being located within the receptacle 102.

In the method 118, there is also the positioning of at least one support plate 22/82 in at least one slot 38/98 located in the structural block 32/92 (122). The at least one slot 38/98 is in a length-wise orientation of the structural block 32/92 while the at least one support plate 22/82 is for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects. The platform may be a shelf. It should be appreciated that the platform may be secured to the at least one support plate 22/82 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, rivets, nut-and-bolt, adhesives, and so forth. The method 118 also includes locating the at least one support plate 22/82 within the at least one slot 38/98 in a secure manner (124). The at least one support plate 22/82 may include a positioning slot 30/90. The positioning slot 30/90 may be for securely locating the at least one support plate 22/82 within the at least one slot 38/98 at an appropriate position. It should be noted that the at least one support plate 22/82 with the positioning slot 30/90 may be placed in the at least one slot 38/98 with an inwardly-then-perpendicular direction 24/84 as shown in Figures 1A and 3. When the at least one support plate 22/82 is placed as per direction 24/84, the assembly 20/80 is in an assembled state. However, even without the positioning slot 30/90, the at least one support plate 22/82 may be securely locatable within the at least one slot 38/98 using securing mechanisms such as, for example, welding, adhesives, friction fit and so forth. It should be appreciated that the positioning slot 30/90 ensures that the secure positioning of the at least one support plate 22/82 in the at least one slot 38/98 is more convenient for the user. In the instance of the assembly 200, locating the at least one support plate 220 within the two slots 210, 212 in a secure manner also enables the structural block 202 to be strengthened as the at least one support plate 220 prevents the first wall 214 and the second wall 216 of the central portion 218 of the structural block 202 from flexing/bending. As such, it should be noted that securing the at least one support plate 220 to the structural block 202 reinforces the structural block 202.

Furthermore, the method 118 also includes restricting vertical movement of the structural block 32/92 within the panel structure 40/100 (126). As shown in Figures 2 and 4, it can be seen that the receptacle 42/102 is able to accommodate the structural block 32/92 only in a partial manner such that the assembly 20/80 is not completely placed within the receptacle 42/102. The panel structure 40/100 may include at least one stopper 41/101 to minimise vertical movement of the structural block 32/92. Alternatively, the vertical movement of the structural block 32/92 may be restricted by anchoring the structural block 32/92 within the receptacle 42/102. A first way of anchoring the structural block 32/92 involves securing the structural block 32/92 to a base 43/103 of the receptacle 42/102 using either adhesives or fastening mechanisms. Another way of anchoring the structural block 32/92 involves relying on a load applied on the assembly 20/80 to anchor the structural block 32/92 to the base 43/103 of the receptacle 42/102. It should be appreciated that anchoring the structural block 32/92 to the base 43/103 of the receptacle 42/102 allows constant contact of the structural block 32/92 with the panel structure 40/100.

Subsequently, the method 118 also includes transmitting forces exerted on the at least one support plate 22/82 when objects are placed onto the platform which are initially transmitted to the structural block 32/92 and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure 40/100 in contact with the structural block 32/92 (128).

The at least one support plate 22/82 should be rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate 22/82 so that the forces are transmitted more effectively to the panel structure 40/100. It should be appreciated that distributing loading forces onto the panel structure 40/100 allows greater loads to be placed onto the platform compared to instances where loading forces are concentrated on supporting braces which the platform is mounted upon.

It should be appreciated that the method 118 may also be applicable if the assembly 20/80 was in a two-sided configuration rather than a single sided configuration as per the preceding description.

The panel flaps 45/105 of Figures 2 and 4 respectively may be used with the method 118 to conceal the assembly 20/80 in the panel structure 40/100. However, the at least one support plate 22/82 is visible, which may affect an overall appearance of the panel structure 40/100.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design or construction may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. An assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure, the assembly including:

a structural block for providing contact with the panel structure;

at least one slot located in the structural block, the at least one slot being in a length-wise orientation of the structural block; and

at least one support plate beatable within the at least one slot, the at least one support plate being for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects;

wherein forces exerted on the at least one support plate when objects are placed onto the platform are initially transmitted to the structural block and subsequently transmitted to the panel structure in contact with the structural block.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural block is located within a receptacle in the panel structure, the receptacle being able to accommodate the structural block in a partial manner.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein vertical movement of the structural block located within the receptacle is either restricted by the panel structure or by anchoring the structural block within the receptacle.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , further including at least one positioning slot on the at least one support plate, the at least one positioning slot being for securely locating the at least one support plate within the at least one slot.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , further including a first fin and a second fin, the first fin located at a first edge of the at least one slot, the second fin located at a second edge of the at least one slot, wherein the first fin and the second fin are for minimizing twisting forces on the structural block.

6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one support plate is securely locatable within the at least one slot using securing mechanisms selected from a group comprising: welding, adhesives, and friction fit.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one support plate is rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural block is concealed within the panel structure.

9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural block is either a solid object or a hollow object.

10. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural block is rigid.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein parts of the assembly are made from either metals or composites.

12. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one support plate affects an appearance of the panel structure.

13. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the structural block is strengthened when the at least one support plate is located within the at least one slot.

14. A method for putting together an assembly for distributing loading forces onto a panel structure, the method including:

locating a structural block within a receptacle located in the panel structure, the structural block being for providing contact with the panel structure;

positioning at least one support plate in at least one slot located in the structural block, the at least one slot being in a length-wise orientation of the structural block and the at least one support plate being for providing a structure to rest a platform for the placement of objects;

locating the at least one support plate within the at least one slot in a secure manner; and

restricting vertical movement of the structural block within the panel structure,

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the receptacle is able to accommodate the structural block in a partial manner.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein vertical movement of the structural block located within the receptacle is either restricted by the panel structure or by anchoring the structural block within the receptacle.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the positioning of at least one support plate is carried out using at least one positioning slot on the at least one support plate, the at least one positioning slot being for securely locating the at least one support plate within the at least one slot.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one support plate is securely locatable within the at least one slot using securing mechanisms selected from a group comprising: welding, adhesives, and friction fit.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one support plate is rigid when the forces are exerted on the at least one support plate.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the structural block is concealed within the panel structure.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the structural block is either a solid object or a hollow object.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein the structural block is rigid.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein the structural block is strengthened; when the at least one support plate is located in the at least one slot of the structural block.