WO2016059224A1

WO2016059224A1 - Releasable panel mounting system

Info

Publication number: WO2016059224A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/074040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard John Peace; Christopher Daniel GRIFFITHS; Peter John DAULBY
Original assignee: Altro Limited
Priority date: 2014-10-16
Filing date: 2015-10-16
Publication date: 2016-04-21
Also published as: EP3207191B1; EP3207191A1; GB201418353D0

Abstract

The invention provides a protective panel having a panel surface which comprises one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a surface having corresponding portions of the reusable mounting system wherein the reusable mounting system has a sliding layer which is shaped to shield the reusable mounting system such that the panel can be slid into position without the reusable mounting system engaging; a surface preparation sheet having one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a protective panel according to the invention which has one or more corresponding portions of a reusable mounting system; and a protective panel system comprising one or more protective panels and a surface preparation sheet.

Description

IMPROVED WALL PANEL POSITIONING AND MOUNTING SYSTEM

[001] The invention relates to a removable protective panel, a prepared wall for engaging such a protective panel and a protective panel system comprising a removable protective panel and a prepared wall.

[002] The rapid evolution of modern building design and technologies for use in modern buildings to make them interactive or intelligent buildings means that components for modern buildings become obsolete more quickly. At the same time, there is a need to satisfy environmental concerns about minimising waste and making buildings carbon neutral by installing systems which generate energy whilst the building is being used which compensates for the energy expended in making the components of the building.

[003] Plastic sheets are currently used as protective panels in a number of applications such as:

• Hygienic cladding, providing a waterproof, easy to clean, impact resistant surface;

• Wall protection, preventing damage to the wall caused by impact e.g. in hospital corridors; and

• Decorative effect

[004] Such plastic sheets are generally bonded to the wall or ceiling using an adhesive. These include polyurethane adhesives, water based acrylics, silicones, contact adhesives. While these provide a secure bond to the wall, they present issues at the end of the life of the surface preparation sheet as the wall is likely to be damaged when the sheet is removed.

[005] A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.

[006] According to the invention there is provided protective panel having a panel surface which comprises one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a surface in need of protection which surface has one or more corresponding portions of the reusable mounting system wherein the reusable mounting system has a sliding layer which is shaped to shield the reusable mounting system such that the panel can be slid into position without the reusable mounting system engaging.

[007] According to the invention there is further provided a surface preparation sheet having one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a protective panel having corresponding portions of the reusable mounting system.

[008] According to the invention there is also provided a protective panel system comprising one or more protective panels according to the invention and a surface preparation sheet.

[009] According to the invention there is further provided a component frame comprising a frame for receiving a component wherein the frame has an outward facing surface on which one or more surface preparation sheets are provided.

[0010] According to the invention there is also provided a protective panel having a panel surface which comprises one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a surface in need of protection which surface has one or more corresponding portions of the reusable mounting system; and a release sheet which is shaped to shield the reusable mounting system of the protective panel wherein the release sheet has one or more portions of reusable mounting system at one end. [0011] The advantages of the present invention include that it has surprisingly been found that a reusable mounting system is strong enough to securely fix a protective panel to a wall and that the protective panels are removable without causing substantial damage to the wall which allows replacement of damaged protective panels, recycling of protective panels as they can be easily reused in a different location, change of colour or design of the protective panels, change of use of a room, upgrade of a room (for example by the addition of or changing the location of power points, switches, display panels and/or network points) and/or easier access to the area behind the protective panel, enabling maintenance of equipment and/or services such as plumbing, electrics and/or electronics; the inclusion of a sliding layer allows the protective panel to be positioned on a surface without the reusable mounting systems of the surface and of the protective panel engaging which is particularly useful where the protective panel is relatively large and needs careful alignment.

[0012] In some embodiments, the reusable mounting system is a two-part reusable mounting system wherein one part is provided on a protective panel and the other part is provided on a surface preparation sheet wherein a secure bond is provided when the one part engages with the other part. Generally, the reusable mounting system is a non-chemical reusable mounting system. In some embodiments, the reusable mounting system is a physical reusable mounting system composed of two or more parts. Generally, the mounting system is reusable because the one part can be removed from the other part to release the bond and then the two parts can be re-engaged to form a secure bond. In some embodiments, the reusable mounting system is a mechanical reusable mounting system. In some embodiments, the reusable mounting system comprises one or more magnets and a magnetisable metal; a hook material and a loop material (known as Velcro (registered trademark)); or one or more male plastic parts and one or more female plastic parts (such as a press fit fitting).

[0013] A further issue with known protective panels is that a mechanism is required for holding the sheet in place while the adhesives cures. This is particularly problematic in the case of ceilings. The reusable mounting system according to the invention has the advantage that as the bond between the parts of the system is non-chemical, the two parts engage quickly such that the protective panel is mounted on the surface preparation sheet without the need for a mechanism to hold the protective panel in place whilst a bond forms.

[0014] In some embodiments, the panel may have a sliding layer which is a removable release sheet and the reusable mounting system comprises a hook material and a loop material. In some embodiments, the panel may have a sliding layer which is an insulating removable release sheet and the reusable mounting system comprises one or more magnets and a magnetisable metal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the panel may have a reusable mounting system which is a slideable reusable mounting system. In some embodiments, a slideable reusable mounting system may comprise one or more male plastic parts and one or more female plastic parts wherein the sliding layer is provided on the male and/or female parts. In some embodiments, the one or more male plastic parts may comprise a support and a cross-member which extends to at least one side of the support wherein the cross-member provides the reusable mounting system with the sliding layer. In some embodiments, the cross-member may have a flat or rounded upper surface. [0016] In some embodiments, the protective panel may have a thickness of from 0.5mm to 10mm. In some embodiments, the protective panel is formed from a plastics material. Examples of suitable plastics materials include PVC, PETG, PP, PC, ABS. In some embodiments, the plastics material used to form the protective panel is a fire resistant plastics material. In some embodiments, the protective panel is an elongate protective panel such that its length is greater than its width. For example, the protective panel may have a width of from 0.5m to 1.5m and a length of from 2 to 3.5m. In some embodiments, the protective panel may have a thickness of from 1 to 10mm. In some embodiments, where the protective panel is a thin protective panel, for example having a thickness of from 1 to 3mm, the protective panel may be provided in the form of a roll, for example from 0.5 to 2m wide and from 10 to 20 m long.

[0017] In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may have a thickness of from 1 to 10 cm. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may have a width of from 1cm to 1.5m. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may be in the form of a sheet, for example the surface preparation sheet may have a length of from 0.5m to 3.5m. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may provide a surface with insulation. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may be formed from a plastics, cardboard or wood material. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may be attachable to a surface using an adhesive or a fixing such as a screw or a nail fixing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet is formed from a thin resilient material such as paper or a plastics film. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may be in the form of a roll, for example the surface preparation sheet may have a length of from lm to 100m. In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may have a layer of adhesive material on its wall facing or back surface. The adhesive material may be suitable for adhering to brickwork, blockwork, plasterboard, painted surface and/or ceramic tile.

[0019] In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet is provided on a component frame which is attachable to a surface using a fixing such as a screw fixing wherein the component frame forms a compartment for receiving one or more components such as an electronic component such as a lighting, battery, processing, alarm and/or Wi-Fi component or a ventilation component such as ducting or a heating, cooling and/or air conditioning unit. Alternatively, the compartment provides ducting for air conditioning, heating or cabling.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protective panel comprises a release sheet which is shaped to shield the reusable mounting system of the protective panel wherein the release sheet has one or more portions of reusable mounting system at one end. The release sheet allows the protective panel to be positioned on the surface preparation sheet without the reusable mounting systems of the protective panel and the surface preparation sheet engaging. When the protective panel is correctly positioned, the release sheet can be removed such that the reusable mounting systems engage to form a secure bond. Where the reusable mounting system comprises a magnet, the release sheet may comprise an insulating layer. In some embodiments, the one or more portions of reusable mounting system is sufficiently large to secure the release sheet to a protective panel but so large that it is difficult to remove. A skilled person would be able to determine suitable dimensions for the one or more portions of reusable mounting system. In some embodiments, the release sheet may comprise a tab to aid removal. According to the invention there is also provided a release sheet which is shaped to shield a reusable mounting system of a protective panel wherein the release sheet has a portion of reusable mounting system at one end.

[0021] In some embodiments, the full surface of the protective panel and surface preparation sheet may be covered with the reusable mounting system. In some embodiments, the protective panel and surface preparation sheet may comprise portions of the reusable mounting system. The advantages of partial covering with the reusable mounting system using portions of the system include:

• The force required to remove the sheet is reduced;

• Partial coverage makes the sheet easier to position without the hooks engaging;

• Voids between the reusable mounting system can be used for other components, such as embedded electronics;

[0022] In some embodiments, a portion of the reusable mounting system is applied to an edge of the protective panel or surface preparation sheet, optionally with additional portions in-between if required to hold the protective panel or surface preparation sheet securely. In some embodiments, a portion of the reusable mounting system may be applied to the protective panel and/or surface preparation sheet using a self-adhesive backing. In some embodiments, an adhesive backing layer may be formed from a thermally activated adhesive, e.g. an "iron on" adhesive.

[0023] In some embodiments, a surface to which the surface preparation sheet is to be applied may be primed with a suitable paint primer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the adhesive used to bond the reusable mounting system to the back of the protective panel may be chosen to be removable cleanly to facilitate recycling.

[0025] In some embodiments, an exposed edge of the protective panel is covered with a suitable trim or bead of sealant to prevent unwanted materials getting behind the sheet, and to prevent malicious removal. In some embodiments, the protective panel system comprises a trim for joining two or more protective panels so as to provide a continuous surface. In some embodiments, the trim may be secured to a surface using a lockable fixing to prevent malicious removal of a protective panel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the surface preparation sheet may be perforated at intervals to allow tearing to required length. In some embodiments, the preparation sheet may be perforated to allow ventilation for example to help ventilate a damp wall.

[0027] In some embodiments, the protective panel may be porous for ventilation. In some embodiments, the protective panel may have one or more touch sensitive portions for control of embedded electronics such as a light switch. In some embodiments, a protective panel may have one or more translucent portions for use with a lighting and/or display panel. In some embodiments, the protective panel may have a decorative layer printed on its front surface, or the protective panel may have a decorative layer printed on its rear surface and be sufficiently transparent that the decorative layer is visible from the front of the panel. In some embodiments, the protective panel may have a white polymeric coating (for example a polyester or acrylic coating) such that the panel can be used as a whiteboard. In some embodiments, the protective panel may be shaped by heating for example such that the panel may be thermoformed such that it can be shaped to form around a corner. [0028] In some embodiments, the reusable mounting system may have the following characteristics:

• Suitable temperature resistance to enable hot welding, and to prevent release of the sheet during a fire, optionally the temperature resistance is limited to a pre-defined temperature to allow release of the protective panel during a fire;

· Sufficiently thin so as to prevent an excessive void behind the sheet and to prevent gaps at the edge of the sheet;

• Selected such that its bond has good shear strength, but only moderate peel strength to allow easy removal from a vertical surface when required;

• Selected such that its bond has good peel strength but moderate shear strength to allow easy removal from a horizontal surface when required;

• Optionally conductive.

[0029] The invention is illustrated with reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed:

Figures 1A and IB show a schematic rear plan view and schematic cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a protective panel according to the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B show a schematic plan view and schematic cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a protective panel according to the invention;

Figures 3A and 3B show a schematic cross sectional view and a schematic projection of a first embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention;

Figures 4A and 4B show a schematic cross sectional view and a schematic projection of a second embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 7A shows a schematic cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 7B shows a schematic plan view of a prepared surface for use in the third embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 7C shows a schematic plan view of a protective panel according to a third embodiment of the invention for use in the third embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention; Figure 10 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows a schematic plan view of a component frame according to the invention;

Figure 12 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention;

Figure 13 shows a schematic plan view of a release sheet according to the invention;

Figure 14 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention;

Figure 15 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a slideable reusable mounting system for use in the invention; and

Figure 16 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a slideable reusable mounting system for use in the invention.

[0030] A protective panel according to a first embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 100 on Figures 1A and IB. Protective panel 100 has an elongate rectangular sheet 110 of plastics material and a ladder shaped arrangement of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material 120. Sheet 110 has a front side and a rear side where the rear side is wall facing in use. On the rear side of sheet 110, the ladder shaped arrangement of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material 120 is applied at each elongate edge of sheet 110. In an alternative embodiment, the layer 120 is of a second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material.

[0031] A protective panel according to a second embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 200 on Figures 2A and 2B. Protective panel 200 has an elongate rectangular sheet 210 of plastics material, a layer of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material 220, a decorative panel 215 and a touch sensitive panel 217. Sheet 210 has a front side and a rear side where the rear side is wall facing in use. The layer of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material 220 is applied as for the first embodiment of a protective panel 100 to the rear side of sheet 210. Decorative panel 215 and touch sensitive panel 217 are arranged on the front side of sheet 210. Decorative panel 215 comprises a backlight (not shown) and an outer decorative layer (not shown). Touch sensitive panel 217 comprises a capacitive touch sensor for operating the backlight and, optionally other lighting circuits in the location in which the protective panel 200 is used. In an alternative embodiment, the layer 220 is of a second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material.

[0032] A first embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention is indicated generally at 300 on Figures 3A and 3B. Surface preparation sheet 300 has a sheet body 330 which has a front facing sheet surface 335 and a back facing sheet surface on which an adhesive layer 336 is applied. Sheet surface 335 has thin (approximately 1mm thick) layers of a second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material 340A,340B,340C applied vertically in a ladder arrangement. Each layer 340A,340B,340C is spaced apart horizontally from its neighbour by a gap 345. In an alternative embodiment, layer 340A,340B,340C is of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material. [0033] A second embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention is indicated generally at 400 on Figures 4A and 4B. Surface preparation sheet 400 has a sheet body 430 which has a front facing sheet surface 435 and a back facing sheet surface on which an adhesive layer 436 is applied. Wall surface 435 has an electrical component 460A,460B and thick (approximately 10mm thick) continuous layers of a second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material 440 applied vertically in a ladder shaped arrangement. The electrical component 460A is arranged in the gaps between the reusable mounting system. In an alternative embodiment, the layer 440 is of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material. The electrical components 660A,660B may be electrical storage components such as one or more capacitors and/or batteries.

[0034] A first embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention is indicated generally at 500 on Figure 5. Protective panel system 500 has a plurality of protective panels according to the first embodiment of the invention indicated generally at 512 and a surface preparation sheet according to the first embodiment of the invention which is indicated generally at 532. Protective panel system 500 is mounted on wall 537. Protective panel 512 has an elongate rectangular sheet 510 of plastics material and a layer of a ladder shaped arrangement of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material 520A,520B. Sheet 510 has a front side and a rear side where the rear side faces prepared wall 512. On the rear side of sheet 510, the layer of a ladder shaped arrangement of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material 520A,520B is applied at so as to extend along each elongate edge of sheet 510. Surface preparation sheet 532 has a sheet 530 which has a front facing sheet surface (not shown) and a back facing sheet surface on which an adhesive layer 536 is applied. Surface preparation sheet 532 is adhered to a wall 537 by means of adhesive layer 536. Front facing sheet surface (not shown) has a layer of a ladder shaped arrangement of a second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material 540. Within each ladder shaped arrangement 540A,540B, there is a space 565 for ventilation or receiving one or more electronics components such as a battery. Each protective panel 512 is arranged on the surface preparation sheet 532 by engaging the first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material (not shown) of each protective panel 512 with the corresponding second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material 540A,540B of the prepared wall 532. The gap 545 between pairs of protective panels 512 is sealed with a weld 550A or by a plug 550B. The seals 550A,550B used to plug gaps 545 are arranged to be easily removable such that it is easy to dismantle the protective panel system 500. In an alternative embodiment, the weld may be replaced by mastic or a silicone seal. In an alternative embodiment, the plug may be in the form of a continuous trim which is cut to length and is a friction fit in gap 545. In an alternative embodiment, the plug may be held in place by a locking screw. In an alternative embodiment, the trim may incorporate one or more LED lights to be powered by a battery supported by the system.

[0035] A second embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention is indicated generally at 600 on Figure 6. Protective panel system 600 has a plurality of protective panels according to the second embodiment of the invention indicated generally at 612 and a surface preparation sheet according to the second embodiment of the invention which is indicated generally at 632. Protective panel system is mounted on wall 637. Protective panel 612 has an elongate rectangular sheet 610 of plastics material, a layer of a ladder shaped arrangement of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material (not shown), a decorative panel 615 and a touch sensitive panel 617. Sheet 610 has a front side and a rear side where the rear side is wall facing in use. The layer of a ladder shaped arrangement of a first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material (not shown) is applied as to the rear side of sheet 610. Decorative panel 615 and touch sensitive panel 617 are arranged on the front side of sheet 610. Decorative panel 615 comprises a backlight (not shown) and an outer decorative layer (not shown). Touch sensitive panel 617 comprises a capacitive touch sensor for operating the backlight and, optionally other lighting circuits in the location in which the protective panel system 600 is used. Surface preparation sheet 632 has a sheet 630 which has a front facing sheet surface (not shown) and a back facing sheet surface on which an adhesive layer 636 is applied. Surface preparation sheet 632 is adhered to a wall 637 by means of adhesive layer 636. Front facing sheet surface (not shown) has an electrical component 660A,660B, thick layers of a ladder shaped arrangement of a second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material 640A,640B applied vertically. The electrical component 660 is arranged in the spaces between the layer of a ladder shaped arrangement 640A,640B. The layers of a ladder shaped arrangement 640A,640B are spaced apart by a gap 645. Each protective panel 612 is arranged on the prepared wall 632 by engaging the first part of a reusable mounting system in the form of hook material (not shown) of each protective panel 612 with the thick second part of a reusable mounting system in the form of loop material 640A,640B of the surface preparation sheet 632. The gaps 645 between pairs of protective panels 612 are sealed with a weld 650A or by plug 650B. The seals 650A,650B used to plug gaps 645 are arranged to be easily removable such that it is easy to dismantle the protective panel system 600. The gaps 645 are used for ducting (not shown) to allow connection of electrical components 660 to the decorative panels 615 and touch sensitive panels 617. The ducting (not shown) may be used to connect the protective panel system 600 to an energy recovery flooring system which generates electrical power from piezoelectric elements. The electrical components 660A,660B may be electrical storage components such as one or more capacitors and/or batteries. In an alternative embodiment, a weld 650A may be replaced by mastic or a silicone seal. In an alternative embodiment, the plug 650B may be in the form of a continuous trim which is cut to length and is a friction fit in gap 645. In an alternative embodiment, the plug 650B may be held in place by a locking screw. In an alternative embodiment, the plug 650B may incorporate one or more LED lights to be powered by a battery in the electrical components 660.

[0036] A third embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention is indicated generally at 700A on Figure 7A. Protective panel system 700A has a protective panel indicated generally at 700B according to a third embodiment of the invention and a surface preparation sheet indicated generally at 700C according to a third embodiment of the invention. The surface preparation sheet 700C is illustrated in more in Figure 9 and the protective panel 700B is illustrated in more detail in Figure 7C. Protective panel system 700A is applied to a horizontal surface 737 which has a suspended grid system indicated generally at 700D mounted on it. The suspended grid system 700D has a grid 770 mounted on vertical grid supports 772. The grid supports 772 are mounted on the horizontal surface 737. Surface preparation sheet 700C is in the form of elongate strips arranged on grid 770 and has a sheet 730 and a reusable mounting system 740 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system. The grid 770 and grid supports 772 form voids 775 which receive lighting fittings 777A,777B. The surface preparation sheet 700C is applied to the grid 770 as shown in Figure 7B. In an alternative embodiment, the voids 775 may receive other fittings such as ventilation fittings such as ducting, air conditioning units, electronic fittings such as alarm system components, Wi-Fi routers as would be well known to a person of skill in the art.

[0037] A third embodiment of a protective panel according to the invention is indicated generally at 700B on Figure 7C. Protective panel 700B has a sheet 710 onto which is applied a grid-shaped reusable mounting system 720 in the form of a layer of a hook part of a hook and loop system. Sheet 710 has translucent panels 712A,712B which are positioned such that when applied to surface preparation sheet 700C on suspended grid system 700D, their positions correspond to those of light fittings 777A,777B, such that the translucent panels 712A,712B allow the light fittings 777A,777B to illuminate the room in which the protective panel system 700A is used.

[0038] A fourth embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention is indicated generally at 800A on Figure 8. Protective panel system 800A is applied to a vertical surface 837. Protective panel system 800A has a thermoformed protective panel indicated generally at 800B according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and a surface preparation sheet indicated generally at 800C according to a third embodiment of the invention. The surface preparation sheet 800C is illustrated in more in Figure 9. The thermoformed protective panel 800B has a sheet 810, a layer of a reusable mounting system in the form of the hook part of a hook and loop system (not shown) and a concave thermoformed corner 811A shaped to form the protective panel 800B around an inwardly-facing corner and a convex thermoformed corner 811B shaped to form the protective panel 800B around an outwardly-facing corner.

[0039] A third embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention is indicated generally at 900 on Figure 9. Surface preparation sheet 900 is in the form of an elongate strip and has a sheet 930 and a reusable mounting system 940 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system. In an alternative embodiment, the reusable mounting system 940 may be in the form of a layer of a hook part of a hook and loop system.

[0040] A fourth embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention is indicated generally at 1000 on Figure 10. Surface preparation sheet 1000 is in the form of a roll and has a rolled sheet 1030 and a reusable mounting system 1040 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system. In an alternative embodiment, the reusable mounting system 1040 may be in the form of a layer of a hook part of a hook and loop system.

[0041] A component frame according to the invention is indicated generally at 1100 on Figure 11. Component frame 1100 has a plurality of screw fixings 1185 and a rigid frame 1180 forming a compartment (not shown) for receiving one or more components such as an electronic component such as a lighting, battery, processing, alarm and/or wifi component or a ventilation component such as ducting or a heating, cooling and/or air conditioning unit. Rigid frame 1180 has an inner surface (not shown) and an outer surface on which is applied a surface preparation sheet (not shown) according to the third embodiment of the invention having a reusable mounting system 1140 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system. In use, component frame 1100 is attached to a surface (not shown) by the plurality of screw fixings 1185 such that the inner surface of rigid frame 1180 faces the surface and the reusable mounting system is outwardly facing. [0042] A fifth embodiment of a protective panel system according to the invention is indicated generally at 1200A on Figure 12. Protective panel system 1200A is applied to a vertical surface 1237. Protective panel system 1200A has component frames according to the invention indicated generally at 1200B, protective panels according to the first embodiment of the invention indicated generally at 1200C and a plug 1250. Component frame 1200A has a plurality of screw fixings 1285 and a rigid frame 1280 which forms a compartment 1286 for receiving one or more components. Rigid frame 1280 has an inner surface (not shown) and an outer surface on which is applied a surface preparation sheet (not shown) according to the third embodiment of the invention having a reusable mounting system 1240 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system. Protective panel 1200C has a sheet 1210 and a reusable mounting system (not shown) in the form of a layer of a hook part of a hook and loop system. Plug 1250 is inserted at a join between two protective panels 1200C to seal the join.

[0043] A release sheet according to the invention is indicated generally at 1300 on Figure 13. Release sheet 1300 has an elongate sheet 1390 which has similar dimensions to a protective panel 100,200,700B according to the invention. At one end 1391 of elongate sheet 1390, a short strip of reusable mounting system 1392 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system is provided. At end 1391 of elongate sheet 1390, a tab 1394 is provided to ease manipulation of the release sheet 1300. In use, release sheet 1300 can be attached to the reusable mounting system of a protective panel 100,200,700B, allowing the protective panel 100,200,700B to be positioned on a surface preparation sheet 300,400,900,1000 without the respective parts of the reusable mounting system forming a bond. The release sheet 1300 provides a sliding layer for a protective panel 100,200,700B.

[0044] A fourth embodiment of a surface preparation sheet according to the invention is indicated generally at 1400 on Figure 14. Surface preparation sheet 1400 has a sheet body 1430, portions of a reusable mounting system 1440A,1440B and an adhesive layer 1436. Sheet body 1430 forms a clip 1434 which extends over one portion of the reusable mounting system 1440A such that clip 1434 is shaped to receive a protective panel 100,200,700B. Thus clip 1434 protects an edge of the protective panel 100,200,700B. Sheet body 1430 also forms a lip 1433 which is shaped to protect an edge of the adhesive layer 1436 in the form of a layer of a loop part of a hook and loop system. In an alternative embodiment, the reusable mounting system 1040 may be in the form of a layer of a hook part of a hook and loop system.

[0045] A slideable reusable mounting sheet is indicated generally at 1520 on Figure 15. Slideable reusable mounting sheet 1520 may be used to provide a protective panel 100,200,700B with a reusable mounting system having a sliding layer. Slideable reusable mounting sheet 1520 is mounted on a sheet 1510 and is formed from one or more male plastic parts 1522,1524 and one or female plastic parts 1528. Each male part 1522,1524 is formed from a resilient plastics material and comprises a support 1524 which is topped by a cross-bar 1522 having a flat upper surface which extends to one side of the support 1524 and provides each male part 1522,1524 with a slideable upper surface such that each male part 1522,1524 has an inverted L-shape. In this way, the cross-bars 1522 provide the reusable mounting system 1520 with a sliding layer which shields the interlocking parts 1524,1528. A plurality of male parts 1522,1524 is provided on a surface of sheet 1510 in close proximity to each other. Each female part 1528 is formed by the gap below cross-bar 1522 between adjacent members 1524. In use, a pair of slideable reusable mounting system sheets 1520 may be used in place of the hook and loop mounting system 120,220,520,520A,520B,720 as described above. In use one sheet 1520A will slide over another sheet 1520B allowing it to be carefully placed. Once a panel 512,612,712 is correctly positioned, the slideable reusable mounting sheet 1520 can be fixed into position by applying sufficient pressure to the panel such that the male plastic parts 1522A,1524A on one sheet 1520A are forced into the female plastic parts 1528B on another sheet and that the male plastic parts 1522B,1524B on the other sheet 1520B are forced into the female plastic parts 1528A of the former sheet 1520A such that the two sheets 1520A,1520B interengage such that the panel is fixed in position.

[0046] A slideable reusable mounting sheet is indicated generally at 1620 on Figure 16. Slideable reusable mounting sheet 1620 may be used to provide a protective panel 100,200,700B with a reusable mounting system having a sliding layer. Slideable reusable mounting sheet 1620 is mounted on a sheet 1610 and is formed from one or more male plastic parts 1624,1626 and one or female plastic parts 1628. Each male part 1624,1626 is formed from a resilient plastics material and comprises a support 1624 which is topped by a cross-bar 1526 having a rounded upper surface which extends over the sides of the support 1624 and provides each male part 1624,1626 with a slideable upper surface such that each male part 1624,1626 has a mushroom-shape. In this way, the rounded cross-bars 1626 provide the reusable mounting system 1620 with a sliding layer which shields the interlocking parts 1624,1628. A plurality of male parts 1624,1626 is provided on a surface of sheet 1610 in close proximity to each other. Each female part 1628 is formed by the gap below cross-bar 1626 between adjacent members 1624. In use, a pair of slideable reusable mounting system sheets 1620 may be used in place of the hook and loop mounting system 120,220,520,520A,520B,720 as described above. In use one sheet 1620A will slide over another sheet 1620B allowing it to be carefully placed. Once a panel 512,612,712 is correctly positioned, the slideable reusable mounting sheet 1620 can be fixed into position by applying sufficient pressure to the panel such that the male plastic parts 1624A,1626A on one sheet 1620A are forced into the female plastic parts 1628B on another sheet and that the male plastic parts 1624B,1626B on the other sheet 1620B are forced into the female plastic parts 1628A of the former sheet 1620A such that the two sheets 1620A,1620B interengage such that the panel is fixed in position.

Claims

1. A protective panel having a panel surface which comprises one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a surface having corresponding portions of the reusable mounting system wherein the reusable mounting system has a sliding layer which is shaped to shield the reusable mounting system such that the panel can be slid into position without the reusable mounting system engaging.

2. A panel as defined in Claim 1 wherein the sliding layer is a removable release sheet and the reusable mounting system comprises a hook material and a loop material.

3. A panel as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the sliding layer is an insulating removable release sheet and the reusable mounting system comprises one or more magnets and a magnetisable metal.

4. A panel as defined in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the release sheet has a portion of reusable mounting system at one end.

5. A panel as defined in Claim 4 wherein the release sheet has one or more portions of reusable mounting system which are sufficiently large to secure the release sheet to a protective panel but not so large that it is difficult to remove.

6. A panel as defined in any one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein the release sheet comprises a tab to aid removal.

7. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the reusable mounting system comprises a slideable reusable mounting system; preferably the slideable reusable mounting system comprises one or more male plastic parts and one or more female plastic parts wherein the sliding layer is provided on the male and/or female parts and wherein the male and female plastic parts may interlock by the application of pressure to the reusable mounting system.

8. A panel as defined in Claim 7 wherein the one or more male plastic parts comprise a support and a cross-member which extends to at least one side of the support wherein the cross-member provides the slideable reusable mounting system with the sliding layer; preferably the cross-member has a flat or rounded upper surface.

9. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims which is formed from a plastics material, preferably the plastics material used to form the protective panel is a fire resistant plastics material.

10. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims which is porous for ventilation.

11. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims which has one or more touch sensitive portions and/or one or more translucent portions for use with a lighting and/or display panel.

12. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims which has a decorative layer printed on its front surface or wherein the protective panel has a decorative layer printed on its rear surface and be sufficiently transparent that the decorative layer is visible from the front of the panel.

13. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims which has a white polymeric coating such that the panel can be used as a whiteboard.

14. A panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel may be shaped by heating.

15. A protective panel substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated with reference to one of more Figures of the accompanying drawings.

16. A surface preparation sheet having one or more portions of a reusable mounting system for engaging with a protective panel as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 which has one or more corresponding portions of a reusable mounting system.

17. A surface preparation sheet as defined in Claim 16 which is formed from a thin resilient material such as paper or a plastics film.

18. A surface preparation sheet as defined in Claim 16 or Claim 17 which is in the form of a roll

19. A surface preparation sheet as defined in any one of Claims 16 to 18 which comprises a layer of adhesive material.

20. A surface preparation sheet as defined in any one of Claims 16 to 19 which is perforated at intervals to allow tearing to required length.

21. A surface preparation sheet as defined in any one of Claims 16 to 20 which is porous to allow ventilation.

22. A surface preparation sheet substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated with reference to one of more Figures of the accompanying drawings.

23. A component frame comprising a frame for receiving a component wherein the frame has an outward facing surface on which one or more surface preparation sheets as defined in any one of Claims 16 to 22 are provided.

24. A protective panel system comprising one or more protective panels as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14 and a surface preparation sheet as defined in any one of Claims 16 to 22.

25. A protective panel system as defined in Claim 24 comprising one or more plugs for sealing a join between adjacent protective panels, preferably a plug is a lockable plug, preferably a plug incorporates an electrical component, and/or preferably a plug incorporates an LED light.

26. A protective panel system as defined in Claim 24 or Claim 25 comprising one or more electrical components and/or ventilation components.

27. A protective panel system as defined in any one of Claims 24 to 26 wherein the surface preparation sheet is provided as part of a component frame as defined in Claim 23.

28. A protective panel system substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated with reference to one of more Figures of the accompanying drawings.