WO2022144890A1

WO2022144890A1 - A facade panel assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2022144890A1
Application number: PCT/IL2021/051553
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yochanan GROSSWIRTH
Original assignee: Grosswirth Yochanan
Priority date: 2020-12-30
Filing date: 2021-12-30
Publication date: 2022-07-07
Also published as: IL279891A; EP4271896A1; US20240044146A1; EP4271896A4

Abstract

A facade panel assembly for mounting a facade panel to a wall, comprising: a frame member structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween; and at least two anchor members configured for fixedly attaching the at least two main bars to the facade panel; said secondary bar being configured for being detachably mounted to the wall.

Description

A FACADE PANEL ASSEMBLY

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the field of ventilated facade systems for buildings, and more particularly to a facade panel assembly for mounting facade panels to an outer or inner side of a wall of a building.

BACKGROUND

Many architects design buildings that include facade panels as a cladding solution for their buildings. The cladding panels are used for aesthetic reasons, as well as for practical reasons, such as ventilated facade. The facade panels can vary in their shape, size and/or material, however in most cases they have a general rectangular shape and are formed out of porcelain, fiber cement, HPL or ceramic.

Traditional support systems for large facade panels commonly include an anchoring system having vertical profiles fixedly attached to an exterior surface of a building, and horizontal profiles attached to the vertical profiles. The horizontal and vertical profiles form together a structure to which facade panels can be mounted by being seated thereon.

Figs. 1 A to ID, illustrate a known method and structure for mounting facade panels to a wall, where two vertical profiles la and lb are fixedly attached to the wall, while several horizontal profile 2, such as profiles 2a to 2d, are attached thereto. The facade panel 4 is connected to several generally C- shaped securing elements 3, such as elements 3a to 3f, which are then seated over the horizontal profile 2, thereby securing facade panels 4 to the wall. In most cases, vertical profiles 1 and horizontal profiles 2 run along the width of the wall, e.g., from top to bottom and from left to right, respectively, thereby requiring a lot of material to cover the height and width of the building, which may depend on the cladding material strength and requirements. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter, relates to a facade panel assembly for mounting a facade panel to a wall of a building. The facade panel assembly is configured for being fixedly attached directly to the facade panel, and only then being mounted, along with the facade panel, to the wall. The present invention solves numerous disadvantages, and enables an easier, a more cost effective and an adjustable manner of mounting facade panels to a building, than know in the prior art.

According to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided, a facade panel assembly for mounting a facade panel to a wall, comprising: a frame member structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween; and at least two anchor members configured for fixedly attaching the at least two main bars to the facade panel; said secondary bar being configured for mounting to the wall.

According to a further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided, a method for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall, comprising steps of: interconnecting at least one secondary bar to at least two main bars, thereby forming a frame member; and fixedly attaching said at least two main bars to the facade panel by using at least two anchor members.

According to a further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided, a method for mounting a faced panel to a wall using a facade panel assembly, comprising steps of: obtaining a frame assembly structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween and fixedly attached to the facade panel by at least two anchor members; fixing least one connecting mechanism to the wall; and mounting said secondary bar of the frame assembly to said connecting mechanism, and thereby mounting the facade panel to the wall. The at least one secondary bar may be interconnected to the main bars, e.g., by a connecting member, such that the at least two main bars can extend along main plain passing therethrough, and the at least one secondary bar extend along secondary plain passing therethrough being parallel to and spaced from the main plain. The methods may further comprise adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation, e.g. for enabling the secondary bar or extension thereof to better connect to the connecting mechanism, e.g. by being supported by a U-shape supporting member. The method may further include adjusting the facade panel with respect to the wall or like facade panels, for example, according to the requirements "on the ground". Both methods may further comprise providing the facade panel with at least two undercut holes cut into the facade panel configured for facilitating therein the at least two anchor members.

The frame member of the facade panel assembly is a stable and rigid structure configured for being first fixedly attached directly to the facade panel before being mounted to the wall, and only afterwards be mounted along with the facade panel to the wall. This structure and manner of operation enables easy adjustment of the facade panel to the wall according to the requirements "on the ground".

The facade panel assembly, enables a "reverse" concept, i.e. the frame member is first fixedly attached to the back of the facade panel, thereby forming and fixing a frame like assembly to the back of the facade panel, and only then mounting the facade panel assembly along with the facade panel to the wall of the building, e.g. via at least one connecting mechanism. For example, instead of fixedly attaching profiles to a surface of a building, and only then mounting each facade panel to an already constructed profile, as explained above with respect to Figs. 1A-1D the facade panel assembly is first fixedly attached to the facade panel, thereby increasing the structural durability of the facade panel. Since the know method and structure of operation requires horizontal and vertical profiles to run along the entire height and width of the building it is more difficult to align the facade panels if there are minor variations with the direction and/or smoothness of the wall and/or the shape of the facade panel or the building wall. In the disclosed invention the facade panel assembly along with the facade panel are first fixedly attached together and only then mounted to the wall, thereby enabling each panel to be adjusted according to the requirements of the wall and/or the panel, e.g. with respect to other panels or the surface of the wall, in a cost effective manner.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the facade panel assembly can further comprise a facade panel being fixedly attached to the frame member, thereby by forming a facade arrangement. The facade arrangement can be easily displaced from one place to the other and/or adjusted along the wall with respect to the wall or other faced panels.

The at last one secondary bar can be detachably mounted to the wall, thereby enabling easy displacement of the facade arrangement, e.g. for replacing a broken facade panel. The at least two anchor members can be configured for fixedly attaching the at least two main bars to the facade panel, whereas the secondary bar can be configured for being detachably mounted to the wall. Such that, one of the at least two anchor members can be configured for fixedly attaching one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel and the other one of the at least two anchor members can be configured for fixedly attaching the other one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the at least two main bars can be vertically oriented, whereas the at least one secondary bar can be horizontally oriented. For example, the main bars can be in a general up-down direction, even if tilted (i.e., not perpendicular) with respect to the horizon. Respectively, the secondary bar can be in a general left to right direction, even if tilted (i.e. , not parallel) with respect to the horizon. The at least two main bars can be parallel with respect to each other and/or perpendicular to the at least one secondary bar. When comprising more than two main bars and/or more than one horizontal bar, all of the main bars, or at least most of them, can be parallel with respect to each other, while all of the secondary bars, or at least most of them, can be parallel with respect to each other, and therefore also perpendicular with respect to the main bars. When comprising two or more secondary bars and at least two main bars the frame member can be formed as a grid.

Upon fixedly attaching the main bars to the facade panel, a distance De between one of the main bars being closest to a corresponding edge of the facade panel can be smaller than a distance Db between that main bar and its neighboring main bar. For example, each one of the two main bars may be positioned along and closer to the corresponding edge of the facade panel than being closer to the center of the facade panel, so as to increase the structural durability of the facade panel, once fixed to the panel assembly.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the at least two main bars can extend along a main plain passing therethrough and the at least one secondary bar can extend along a secondary plain passing therethrough, such that the secondary plain can be parallel to and spaced from the main plain. For example, a first surface of each one of the main bars can be configured for being fixed to the facade panel, e.g. via an anchor member, a screw, a nail, glue other means of fixing elements or any combination thereof, whereas the main plain can pass along a second opposite surface of each one of the main bars. The second surface can be configured for being connected to a first surface of the secondary bar, e.g., via a connecting element such as a screw, a nail, glue other means of connecting elements or any combination thereof. Respectively, the second plain can pass along a second surface, opposite to the first surface, of the at least one secondary bar, thereby being spaced from the first surface by the width of the secondary bar. Accordingly, the second surface of the secondary bar, can be mounted to the wall, e.g. via a connecting mechanism as detailed hereinbelow.

The main plain can be spaced from the first surface of the main bars and from the facade panel by the width of the at least two main bars. Accordingly, the first surface of the secondary bar can be spaced from the facade panel by a distance Ds, which can be equal to or greater than the width of at least one of the main bars. In some embodiments, a spacer may be added between the main bars and the at least one secondary bar and/or the facade panel, e.g. to increase the space between the at least one secondary bar and the facade panel. For example, increasing the space between the at least one secondary bar and the facade panel may enable use of different connecting arrangements to the wall and/or to adjust the facade panel with respect to other facade panels and/or the wall of the building. Since the first plain and the second plain are parallel to each other, when the at least two main bars are fixed to the facade panel and the at least one secondary bar is connected to the at least two main bars, the main plain can be closer to the facade panel than the secondary plain.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, each one of the at least two main bars and/or the at least one secondary bar can be a hollow bar. Additionally, the first surface of each one of the at least two main bars can have at least one first hole, being smaller than at least a portion of each one the at least two anchor members, so that when inserting an anchor member via the hole, a first portion thereof being larger than the hole, is configured for coupling the main bar to the facade panel. A second portion of the anchoring members, being smaller than the hole can be configured for being mounted to the facade panel without protruding from the front face of the facade panel. In order for the anchoring members to be able to fix the facade panel to the main bars without protruding from the front face, the second portion of the anchoring members can further comprise a screwing element, glue or other means for fixedly attaching the anchor member to the facade panel. For example, an undercut bell shaped holes can be cut into the facade panel, such that the second portion of each one of the at least two anchor members can be configured to expand upon being fixed to the bell shaped holes of the facade panel, thereby filling up the space, i.e. bell shaped hole, created by an undercut of the facade panel. Additionally, the second surface of each one of the at least two main bars and respectively the at least one secondary bar, can each have at least one second hole being smaller than at least a portion of a connecting member so that when inserting the connecting member via the second hole the portion thereof being larger than the second hole can be configured to connect the at least one secondary bar to one of the at least two main bars. Being a hollow bar can enable access to the first portion of the anchor member or the connecting member from within the bar and/or form its opposite direction. For example, the first portion of the anchor member or the connecting member can be accessed while inserted via the first or second hole, and thereby can be manipulated, e.g., rotated, pulled, pivoted, pushed or like, or fixated in its place. Respectively, a second portion of the connecting member can be secured by a securing element from within the second bar, thereby connecting the secondary bar to the main bar. The connecting member can be a screw and nut, bult and nut or like mechanisms having a securing element added to the second portion of the connecting member.

When the frame assembly, requires that more than two anchor members are to be used for fixedly attaching the at last two main bars to the facade panel, e.g. when the facade panel is very heavy and/or has a big surface area, each main bar can comprise two or more first holes being equally spaced apart from each other. Respectively, when the frame assembly, requires that two or more connecting members are to connect the at last one secondary bar to the main bars, the secondary bar and the main bars can each comprise two or more second holes being equally spaced apart from each other.

In order to improve fixedly attaching of the main bars the facade panel, or to connect the secondary bar to the main bars, without additional use of anchoring members and/or connecting members, glue may be used in the process.

Different connecting mechanisms can be configured for interconnecting the at least one secondary bar with the wall. According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the connecting mechanisms can comprise at least one fixing member, configured for being fixed to a wall, and at least one support member, configured for receiving and detachably mounting thereon at least a portion of the at least one secondary bar or an extension thereof. The support member can be pivotally connected to the fixing member, thereby enabling further adjustment of the facade panel when detachably mounted to the wall, e.g. to adjust the facade panel with respect to other facade panels and/or the wall of the building. For example, the support member can have a general U-shape, configured for securely nesting at least part of the secondary bar therein.

In an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the connecting mechanism can have a triangular support bracket mounting member, having an upper surface configured for being pivotally connected to support member, e.g. by a screw or a bolt, and a side surface, configured for being fixed to the wall. The support member can have a general U-shape, large enough to snugly fit at least a portion of secondary bar therein, e.g. a portion of the secondary bar along its maximal width, thereby connecting the panel assembly along with the facade panel to a wall. Accordingly, mainly since this connecting mechanism can support a portion of the secondary bar along its maximal width, such as a middle or an end portion, it may be used for connecting two facade panel assembles side by side. For example, the support member having a general U-shape may be large enough to snugly fit a portion of one secondary bar from one side and a portion of another secondary bar from the other side therein. Thereby reducing the number of connecting mechanisms used to detachably mount facade panels to a wall.

According to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the secondary bar can have an extension thereof, such a shaft. Two shafts can extend from each one of the ends of the secondary bar along its longitudinal axis, thereby extending its total length. Accordingly, the connecting mechanism can have a supporting member, configured for being fixed to a wall, which can have a groove configured for receiving and securely nesting the shaft therein, thereby connecting the panel assembly along with the facade panel to the wall.

It should be noted that, the grooves, can be much smaller than the U-shaped support member, thereby making it easier to adjust the secondary bar along its longitudinal axis. However, using the groove and shaft mechanism may make it harder to pivotally adjust the secondary bar, with respect to the large U-shaped support member. Accordingly, upon constructing a building, both connecting mechanisms may be used along the same building and/or wall, for example, according to the requirements "on the ground".

The above general description has been provided so that the nature of the disclosed subject matter can be generally understood without being limited to specific embodiments and examples. A more specific description is provided in the Detailed Description whilst the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter:

1. A facade panel assembly for mounting a facade panel to a wall, comprising: a frame member structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween; and at least two anchor members configured for fixedly attaching the at least two main bars to the facade panel; said secondary bar being configured for being detachably mounted to the wall.

2. The assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least two main bars are parallel with respect to each other.

3. The assembly according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least two main bars are vertically oriented.

4. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one secondary bar is horizontally oriented.

5. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one secondary bar is perpendicular to at least one of the main bars.

6. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least two main bars extend along a main plain passing therethrough and the at least one secondary bar extend along a secondary plain passing therethrough being parallel to and spaced from the main plain.

7. The assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein when said at least two main bars are mounted to the facade panel, the main plain is closer to the facade panel than the secondary plain.

8. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one connecting mechanism configured for interconnecting the at least one secondary bar with the wall.

9. The assembly according to embodiment 8, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises at least one support member configured for receiving thereon at least a portion of the at least one secondary bar or an extension thereof.

10. The assembly of according to embodiment 9, wherein said extension is a shaft, and said support member comprises a groove configured to receive therein said shaft. The assembly according to any one of embodiments 9 to 10, wherein said support member is generally U shaped for securely nesting at least part of the secondary bar therein. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the frame member is formed as a grid. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein upon mounting the main bars to the facade panel, a distance De between one of the main bars being closest to a corresponding edge of the facade panel is smaller than a distance Db between said one of the main bars and its neighboring main bar. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one of the at least two anchor members is configured for fixedly attaching one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel and the other one of the at least two anchor members is configured for fixedly attaching the other one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one secondary bar is two or more secondary bars being parallel to each other. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one secondary bar is spaced from the facade panel by a distance Ds, which is equal to or greater than a width of the at least two main bars. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least two anchor members are configured to expand upon being fixed to the facade panel, such that they fill up the space created by an undercut of the facade panel. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each one of the at least two main bars is a hollow bar, having a first surface configured for being fixed to the facade panel and a second opposite surface configured for being connected to the at least one secondary bar, wherein the first surface of each one of the at least two main bars, has at least one first hole being smaller than at least a portion of each one the at least two anchor members, and the second surface of each one of the at least two main bars, has at least one second hole being smaller than at least a portion of a connecting member configured to connect the at least one secondary bar to each one of the at least two main bars. The assembly according to embodiment 18, wherein the at least one first hole is two or more first holes being equally spaced apart from each other. The assembly according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the at lest one second hole is two or more second holes being equally spaced apart from each other. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a facade panel. The assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said at least second bar is configured for being detectibly mounted to the wall. A method for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall, comprising steps of: interconnecting at least one secondary bar to at least two main bars, thereby forming a frame member; and fixedly attaching said at least two main bars to the facade panel by using at least two anchor members. The method according to embodiment 23, further providing said facade panel with at least two undercut holes cut into the facade panel configured for facilitating therein at least two anchor members. The method according to embodiment 23 or 24, further adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation. A method for mounting a faced panel to a wall using a facade panel assembly, comprising steps of: obtaining a frame assembly structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween and fixedly attached to the facade panel by at least two anchor members; fixing least one connecting mechanism to the wall; and detachably mounting said secondary bar of the frame assembly to said connecting mechanism, and thereby detachably mounting the facade panel to the wall. The method according to embodiment 26, providing said facade panel with at least two undercut holes cut into the facade panel configured for facilitating therein at least two anchor members. The method according to embodiment 26 or 27, further adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation. 29. The method according to embodiment 26, 27 or 28, further adjusting the facade panel with respect to the wall or like facade panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of vertical profiles fixed to a wall and a horizontal rail attached to the vertical profiles, as know;

Fig. IB illustrates a perspective view of securing elements being connected to a facade panel, as know;

Fig. 1C illustrates a perspective view of attaching horizontal profiles to the vertical profiles of Fig.1 A, as know;

Fig. ID illustrates a perspective view of the facade panels of Fig. IB being mounted to the profiles of Fig. 1C, as know;

Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of an example of a facade panel assembly fixedly attached to a back face of a facade panel, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 2B is a schematic illustration of an example of a facade panel assembly fixedly attached to a back face of a facade panel, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of section 3-3 of the facade panel assembly fixedly attached to a facade panel illustrated in Fig. 2A, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 4 is a cross section of section 4-4 of the facade panel assembly fixedly attached to a facade panel illustrated in Fig. 2A, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 5 is a cross section of a facade panel assembly fixedly attached to a facade panel along with a connecting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 6A is a side view of a secondary bar having an extension thereof, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; Fig. 6B is a cross section of a facade panel assembly fixedly attached to a facade panel along with a connecting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of two facade panel assemblies fixedly attached to facade panels mounted side by side, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of two facade panel assemblies fixedly attached to facade panels mounted one above the other, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; and

Fig. 10 is a flow chart for a method for mounting a faced panel to a wall using a facade panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed subject matter, relates to a facade panel assembly for mounting a facade panel to a wall of a building. The facade panel assembly is configured for being fixedly attached directly to the facade panel, e.g., before being detachably mounted to the wall. The facade panel assembly comprises a frame member structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween and at least two anchor members. The at least two anchor members are configured for fixedly attaching the at least two main bars to the facade panel. Accordingly, the at least one secondary bar is configured for being detachably mounted to the wall, thereby mounting the facade panel assembly along with the facade panel, i.e. facade arrangement, to the wall.

Figs. 1A to ID, illustrate a known method and structure for mounting facade panels to a wall. As illustrated, two vertical profiles la and lb are fixed to the wall, while several horizontal profiles 2, such as profiles 2a to 2d, are attached to the two vertical profiles la and lb. The facade panel 4 is connected to several generally C-shaped securing elements 3, such as elements 3a to 3f, which are then placed over the horizontal profiles 2, thereby securing facade panels 4 to the wall. In most cases, vertical profiles 1 and horizontal profiles 2 run along the entire height and width of the wall, e.g., from top to bottom and from left to right, respectively, thereby requiring a lot of material to cover the entire height and width of the building. The horizontal and vertical profiles form together a structure to which the facade panels can be attached by being seated thereon.

It should ne noted, that the known system and method, has numerous disadvantages, such as waste of expensive materials and adjustment problems, e.g. since the horizontal and vertical profiles run along the entire height and width of the building it is more difficult to align the facade panels if there are minor variations with the direction and/or smoothness of the wall and/or the shape of the facade panel.

The presently disclosed subject matter, enables to "reverse" the known concept and structure, thereby forming and fixedly attaching a facade panel assembly to the back of the facade panel, and securing the facade panel assembly along with the facade panel, i.e., facade arrangement, to the wall of the building, e.g. via at least one connecting mechanism. For example, instead of fixing profiles to a wall of a building, and only then mounting each facade panel to an already constructed profile, the facade panel assembly is first fixedly attached to the facade panel, thereby increasing the structural durability of the facade panel, i.e., as a facade arrangement, and only then the facade panel assembly along with the facade panel are detachably mounted to the wall. The presently disclosed embodiments can allow a more easy and adjustable manner for mounting facade panels to walls.

Reference is now made to Figs. 2 A and 2B, illustrating two examples of a facade arrangements, generally designated as 5, comparing a facade panel assembly, generally designated 100, fixedly attached to a back face of a facade panel generally designated 10, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The first facade arrangement discloses a back face of a facade panel being fixed to two main bars which are interconnected to one secondary bar, and the second facade arrangement discloses a back face of a facade panel fixed to multiple bars main bars which are interconnected to two secondary bars, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. The facade arrangement 5 comprises a facade assembly 100 for detachably mounting a facade panel, such as panel 10, to a wall. The facade assembly 100 comprises a frame member, which is structured of at least two main bars, such as bars 110a and 110b, and at least one secondary bar, e.g. bar 120, interconnected therebetween. The frame assembly 100 is fixed to a back face 10a of the facade panel, thereby leaving a front face 10b of the facade panel clean, i.e., free of fixing elements or parts thereof.

For example, one of the at least two anchor members can be configured for fixedly attaching one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel and the other one of the at least two anchor members can be configured for fixedly attaching the other one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel. Accordingly, the at least two anchor members 130a and 130b are configured for fixedly attaching the at least two main bars 110a and 110b to the facade panel 10. As illustrated in Fig, 2A, anchor member 130a is configured for fixedly attaching main bar 110a to the facade panel 10, whereas anchor member 130b is configured for fixedly attaching main bar 110b to the facade panel.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the at least two main bars can be vertically oriented, whereas the at least one secondary bar can be horizontally oriented. For example, the at least two main bars 110 can be in a general up- down direction, even if tilted (i.e., not perpendicular) with respect to the horizon. Respectively, the secondary bar can be in a general left to right direction, even if tilted (i.e., not parallel) with respect to the horizon. The at least two main bars 110 are parallel with respect to each other and perpendicular to the at least one secondary bar 120. When comprising more than two main bars 110 and/or more than one horizontal bar 120, the main bars 110a to 1 lOf, are parallel to each other, while the secondary bars 120a and 120b are parallel to each other, and therefore also perpendicular to the main bars 110a to 1 lOf, e.g. as illustrating in Fig. 2B. When comprising two or more secondary bars 120 and at least two main bars 110, the frame assembly 100 forms a grid.

Upon fixedly attaching the main bars to the facade panel, a distance De between one of the main bars being closest to a corresponding edge of the facade panel can be smaller than a distance Db between that main bar and its neighboring main bar. For example, two main bars, such as 110a and 110b illustrated in Fig. 2A or 110a and 110c or 110b and 11 Of illustrated in Fig. 2B, are positioned along and closer to the corresponding edge of the facade panel 10 than being closer to the center of the facade panel, so as to increase the structural strength of the facade panel, once fixed to the panel assembly.

Reference is now made to Figs. 3 and 4 illustrating a side view and a cross section view of the frame member mounted to facade panel, respectively. According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter the at least two main bars can extend along a main plain passing therethrough and the at least one secondary bar can extend along a secondary plain passing therethrough, such that the secondary plain can be parallel to and spaced from the main plain. For example, a first surface 112 of each one of the main bars 110 is configured for being fixed to the facade panel 10, e.g. via an anchor member, a screw, a nail, glue other means of connecting elements or any combination thereof, whereas the main plain 115 passes along a second opposite surface 114 of each one of the main bars 110. The second surface 114, is configured for being connected to a first surface 122 of the at least one secondary bar 120, e.g. via a connecting element such as a screw, a nail, glue other means of connecting elements or any combination thereof, whereas a second surface 124, opposite to the first surface 122 of the at least one secondary bar 120, interconnected to the wall, e.g. via a connecting mechanism as detailed hereinbelow with respect to Figs. 5 to 6B. Respectively, the second plain 125 passes along a second surface 124, thereby being spaced from the first surface 122 by the width of the secondary bar 120.

The main plain 115 is spaced from the first surface 112 of each one of the at least two main bars 110 and from the facade panel 10 by the width of the at least two main bars 110. Accordingly, the first surface 122 of the secondary bars 120 is spaced from the facade panel 10 by a distance Ds, which can be equal to or greater than the width of at least one of the main bars 110. In some embodiments, a spacer (not illustrated) may be added between the main bars 110 and the at least one secondary bar 120 and/or the facade panel 10, e.g. to increase the space between the at least one secondary bar and the facade panel. For example, increasing the space between the at least one secondary bar and the facade panel may enable use of different connecting arrangements to the wall and/or to adjust the facade panel with respect to other facade panels and/or the wall of the building.

Since the first plain 115 and the second plain 125 are parallel to each other, when the at least two main bars 110 are fixed to the facade panel 10 and the at least one secondary bar 120 is connected to the at least two main bars 110, the main plain 115 is closer to the facade panel than the secondary plain 125.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the first surface 112 of each one of the at least two main bars, e.g.112a and 112b, has at least one first hole, such as hole 116, being smaller than at least a portion of each one the at least two anchor members 130, so that when inserting an anchor member via hole 116 a first portion thereof being larger than the hole, is configured for fixedly attaching the main bar to the facade panel. A second portion of the anchoring members, being smaller than hole 116 is configured for being fixed to the facade panel without protruding from the front face 10b of the facade panel. In order for the anchoring members to be able to fixe the facade panel to the main bars 110 without protruding from the front face 10b, the second portion can further comprise a screwing element, glue or other means for fixedly attaching the anchor member to the facade panel. In this embodiment, an undercut bell shaped holes are cut into the facade panel 10, and the second portion of each one of the at least two anchor members 130 is configured to expand upon being fixed to the bell shaped holes of the facade panel, such that they fill up the space, i.e. bell shaped hole, created by an undercut of the facade panel. Additionally, the second surface 114 of each one of the at least two main bars 112, has at least one second hole, such as hole 118, being smaller than at least a portion of connecting member 140 so that when inserting a connecting member via hole 118 the portion thereof being larger than the hole is configured to connect the at least one secondary bar 120 to one of the at least two main bars 110.

In this embodiment, each one of the at least two main bars 110 and/or the at least one secondary bar 120 is a hollow bar. Being a hollow bar enables access to the first portion of the anchor member or the connecting member from within the bar and/or form its opposite direction, e.g. via hole 119. For example, the first portion of the anchor member or the connecting member can be accessed while inserted via the first or second hole, and thereby can be manipulated, e.g., rotated, pulled, pivoted, pushed or like, or fixated in its place. Respectively, a second portion of the connecting member can be secured by a securing element, e.g. element 141, from within the second bar, thereby connecting the second bar to the main bar. The connecting member can be a screw and nut, bult and nut or like mechanisms having a securing element added to the second portion of the connecting member.

When the frame assembly 100, requires that more than two anchor members 130 are to be used for fixedly attaching the at last two main bars 110 to the facade panel, e.g. when the facade panel is very heavy and/or large, each main bar comprises two or more first holes 116 being equally spaced apart from each other. Respectively, when the frame assembly 100, requires that two or more connecting members 140 are to connect the at last one secondary bar 120 to the main bars 110, the secondary bar 120 comprises two or more second holes 118 being equally spaced apart from each other, this is best illustrated in Fig. 2B wherein each second hole 118 facilitates therein connecting member 140, and each first hole 116 facilitates therein anchoring member 130.

Although not illustrated, in order to better fixe the main bars 110 the facade panel 10, or to connect the secondary bar 120 to the main bars 110, without the use of anchoring members 130 and/or connecting members 140, glue may be used in the process.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5 to 6B illustrating different connecting mechanisms configured for interconnecting the at least one secondary bar with the wall, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. The connecting mechanism comprise at least one fixing member, configured for being fixed to a wall, and at least one support member, configured for detachable mounting and receiving thereon at least a portion of the at least one secondary bar or an extension thereof. The support member can be pivotally connected to the fixing member, thereby enabling further adjustment of the facade panel when connected to the wall, e.g. to adjust the facade panel with respect to other facade panels and/or the wall of the building. According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the support member has a general U-shape, configured for securely nesting at least part of the secondary bar therein.

Connecting mechanism 500 has a triangular support bracket fixing member 520, having an upper surface 522 configured for being pivotally connected to support member 510, e.g. by a screw or a bolt 530, and a side surface 524, configured for being fixed to the wall. As illustrated in Fig.5, support member 510 has a general U-shape, large enough to snugly fit at least a portion of secondary bar 120 therein, e.g. a portion of the secondary bar along its maximal width, thereby detachably mounting the panel assembly along with the facade panel to a wall.

According to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the secondary bar can have an extension thereof, such a shaft. Two shafts can extend from each one of the ends of the at least one secondary bar along its longitudinal axis, thereby extending its total length. For example, Fig. 6A illustrates that shaft 628 extends longitudinally from end 626 of secondary bar 620 along longitudinal axis 627. Although not illustrated an additional shaft extends from a second end opposite to end 626.

Fig. 6B illustrates connecting mechanism 600 having supporting member 610, configured for being fixed to wall 60. In this embodiment, supporting member 610 has a groove 615 configured for receiving and securely nesting shaft 628 therein, thereby detachably mounting the panel assembly along with the facade panel to the wall. Figs. 7 and 8 schematically illustrate connecting two facade panels to a wall side by side and one above the other, using connecting mechanisms 500 and 600 respectfully. In some embodiments, mainly since connecting mechanisms 500 can support a portion along its maximal width, such as a middle or an end portion, of the secondary bar, it may be used for connecting two panel assembles side by side. For example, support member 510 having a general U-shape may be large enough to snugly fit a portion of a first secondary bar, such as secondary bar 120a, from one side and a portion of a second secondary bar, such as secondary bar 120c, from the other side therein. Thereby reducing the number of connecting mechanisms used to connect facade panels to a wall.

It should be noted that, the grooves, are much smaller than the U-shaped support member, thereby making it easier to adjust the secondary bar along its longitudinal axis. However, using the groove and shaft mechanism may make it harder to pivotally adjust the secondary bar with respect to the large U-shaped support member. Accordingly, upon constructing a building, both connecting mechanisms may be used along the same building and/or wall, for example, according to the requirements "on the ground".

Reference is now made to Figs. 9 and 10 illustrating a flow chart of a method for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall and for mounting a faced panel to a wall using a facade panel assembly, respectively. As indicated in step 910 of method 900 for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall, the method may comprise interconnecting at least one secondary bar to at least two main bars, thereby forming a frame member. For example, secondary bar 120 may be interconnected to the main bars 110, e.g., by a connecting member. Once the main bars are interconnected to the secondary bar, as indicated in step 920, method 900 may comprise fixedly attaching the at least two main bars to the facade panel by using at least two anchor members, such that the at least two main bars extend along main plain 115 passing therethrough, and the at least one secondary bar extend along secondary plain 125 passing therethrough being parallel to and spaced from the main plain. It should be noted that a method for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall may comprise the detailed steps in a revers order, such that step 920 may take please before step 910. For example, the main bars 110 may first be fixedly attached to the back side of facade panel 10, via at least two anchoring members 130, as disclosed hereinabove, and then interconnecting at least one secondary bar to the at least two main bars, e.g., by a connecting member. Although not illustrated, the method may further comprise adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation. Adjusting the at least one secondary bar to be in a general horizontal orientation may enable it to better be connected to a wall, e.g. via a connecting mechanism.

As indicated in step 1010 of method 1000 for mounting a faced panel to a wall using a facade panel assembly, the method may comprise obtaining a frame assembly structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween and fixedly attached to the facade panel by at least two anchor members, i.e. obtaining a facade arrangement, as detailed hereinabove.. For example, main bars 110 may first be fixedly attached to the back side of facade panel 10, via at least two anchoring members 130 and interconnecting at least one secondary bar 120 to the at least two main bars, as disclosed hereinabove. The fixedly attached frame assembly with the facade panel can be such that the at least two main bars extend along main plain 115 passing therethrough, and the at least one secondary bar extend along secondary plain 125 passing therethrough being parallel to and spaced from the main plain.

As indicated in steps 1020 and 1030, method 1000 may include fixing least one connecting mechanism to the wall, and then detachably mounting the secondary bar of the frame assembly to the connecting mechanism, and thereby detachably mounting the facade panel to the wall, respectively.

Although not illustrated, the method may further comprise adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation, e.g. for enabling the secondary bar or extension thereof to better connect to the connecting mechanism, e.g. by being supported by the U-shape supporting member as detailed hereinabove with respect to connecting mechanisms 500 and 600. The method may further include adjusting the facade panel with respect to the wall or like facade panels, for example, according to the requirements "on the ground".

Although not illustrated, both methods 900 and 1000 may further comprise providing the facade panel with at least two undercut holes cut into the facade panel configured for facilitating therein the at least two anchor members.

Claims

CLAIMS:

2. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the at least two main bars are parallel with respect to each other.

3. The assembly of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least two main bars are vertically oriented.

4. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one secondary bar is horizontally oriented.

5. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one secondary bar is perpendicular to at least one of the main bars.

6. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two main bars extend along a main plain passing therethrough and the at least one secondary bar extend along a secondary plain passing therethrough being parallel to and spaced from the main plain.

7. The assembly according to Claim 6, wherein when said at least two main bars are mounted to the facade panel, the main plain is closer to the facade panel than the secondary plain.

8. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one connecting mechanism configured for interconnecting the at least one secondary bar with the wall. The assembly of Claim 8, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises at least one support member configured for receiving thereon at least a portion of the at least one secondary bar or an extension thereof. The assembly of Claim 9, wherein said extension is a shaft, and said support member comprises a groove configured to receive therein said shaft. The assembly according to any one of Claims 9 to 10, wherein said support member is generally U shaped for securely nesting at least part of the secondary bar therein. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame member is formed as a grid. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein upon mounting the main bars to the facade panel, a distance De between one of the main bars being closest to a corresponding edge of the facade panel is smaller than a distance Db between said one of the main bars and its neighboring main bar. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least two anchor members is configured for fixedly attaching one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel and the other one of the at least two anchor members is configured for fixedly attaching the other one of the at least two main bars to the facade panel. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one secondary bar is two or more secondary bars being parallel to each other. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one secondary bar is spaced from the facade panel by a distance Ds, which is equal to or greater than a width of the at least two main bars. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two anchor members are configured to expand upon being fixed to the facade panel, such that they fill up the space created by an undercut of the facade panel. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the at least two main bars is a hollow bar, having a first surface configured for being fixed to the facade panel and a second opposite surface configured for being connected to the at least one secondary bar, wherein the first surface of each one of the at least two main bars, has at least one first hole being smaller than at least a portion of each one the at least two anchor members, and the second surface of each one of the at least two main bars, has at least one second hole being smaller than at least a portion of a connecting member configured to connect the at least one secondary bar to each one of the at least two main bars. The assembly of Claim 18, wherein the at least one first hole is two or more first holes being equally spaced apart from each other. The assembly of Claims 18 or 19, wherein the at lest one second hole is two or more second holes being equally spaced apart from each other. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a facade panel. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least second bar is configured for being detectibly mounted to the wall. A method for preparing a facade panel assembly to be mounted to a wall, comprising steps of: interconnecting at least one secondary bar to at least two main bars, thereby forming a frame member; and fixedly attaching said at least two main bars to the facade panel by using at least two anchor members. The method of Claim 23, further providing said facade panel with at least two undercut holes cut into the facade panel configured for facilitating therein at least two anchor members. The method of Claim 23 or 24, further adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation. A method for mounting a faced panel to a wall using a facade panel assembly, comprising steps of: obtaining a frame assembly structured of at least two main bars and at least one secondary bar interconnected therebetween and fixedly attached to the facade panel by at least two anchor members; fixing least one connecting mechanism to the wall; and detachably mounting said secondary bar of the frame assembly to said connecting mechanism, and thereby detachably mounting the facade panel to the wall. The method of Claim 26, providing said facade panel with at least two undercut holes cut into the facade panel configured for facilitating therein at least two anchor members. The method of Claim 26 or 27, further adjusting the at least one secondary bar at a general horizontal orientation. The method of Claim 26, 27 or 28, further adjusting the facade panel with respect to the wall or like facade panels.