U.S. patent application number 10/158349 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for paneling system and method of installing.
Invention is credited to Furman, Alexander.
Application Number | 20030221392 10/158349 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29582655 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030221392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furman, Alexander |
December 4, 2003 |
Paneling system and method of installing
Abstract
A system and method of fixing a frame to a panel, that allows
panels or the like to be attached to a frame and removed quickly
and easily without damage to the panels, frames or their
surroundings. Generally, the invention provides for a first article
and a second article. The first article may have an aperture and
the second article may have a groove or indentation. A first end of
a connecting means may be placed in the aperture of the first
article and a second end of a connecting means may be placed in the
receptacle of a second article such that the forces between the
receptacle and the connecting means anchor or secure the first
article to the second article. The connecting means may also allow
for sliding in a horizontal or vertical direction. However, the
first article and second article may also be locked into place. The
present invention also provides a method for the easy adjustment,
hanging and replacement of paneling systems.
Inventors: |
Furman, Alexander;
(Elsternwick Melbourne, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jennifer Meredith
Suite 7720
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10118
US
|
Family ID: |
29582655 |
Appl. No.: |
10/158349 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/769 ;
52/243.1; 52/582.1; 52/582.2; 52/773; 52/775 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/827 20130101;
E04F 13/0826 20130101; E04F 13/0812 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/769 ; 52/773;
52/775; 52/243.1; 52/582.1; 52/582.2 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; E04H
003/00; E04H 005/00; E04H 006/00; E04H 014/00; E04B 002/00; E04B
001/61; E04C 002/34 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A system for removably attaching and adjusting a first article
to a second article comprising; a first article with a connecting
means with a first end secured within an aperture and a second end
that is a projection; a second article with a receptacle adapted to
receive said projection; wherein said first article is supported
solely by said projection and said receptacle such as to allow
movement of said first article within said receptacle and removal
of said first article without effecting said first article, said
second article or said connecting means.
2. A system as in claim 1, wherein said first article is either a
panel or a frame.
3. A system as in claim 1, wherein said second article is either a
panel or a frame.
4. A system as in claim 1, further comprising at least one support
along said first article.
5. A system as in claim 1, further comprising at least one support
along said second article.
6. A system as in claim 1, wherein said connecting means further
comprises an automatic locking means to effectuate a locked
connection between said first panel and said second panel.
7. A system as in claim 6, wherein said automatic locking means is
a helical spring with a pin.
8. The system as in claim 1, wherein said receptacle is an elongate
groove.
9. The system as in claim 1, wherein said projection is spherical
in shape.
10. The system as in claim 1, wherein said connecting means has at
least one end that is cylindrical in shape.
11. A system for removably attaching at least one panel to at least
one frame comprising; at least one double sided connecting means,
wherein said double sided connecting means further comprises a
locking means to effectuate a locked connection; at least one frame
with an aperture adapted to receive a first end of said at least
one double sided connecting means; at least one panel with a
receptacle adapted to receive a second end of said at least one
double sided connecting means; and wherein said at least one panel
is supported by said at least one frame and said at least one
double sided connecting means such as to allow removal and
adjustment of said at least one panel without effecting said at
least one frame or said at least one panels and said at least one
panels may move along the receptacle unless said at least one
double sided connecting means is locked.
12. A system as in claim 11, further comprising at least one
support abutting said at least one panel.
13. A system as in claim 11, further comprising at least one
support abutting said at least one frame.
14. A system as in claim 11, wherein said locking means is
comprised of a helical spring and a nut.
15. The system as in claim 11, wherein said receptacle is an
elongate grove.
16. The system as in claim 11, wherein said double sided connecting
means has at least one end which is spherical in shape and at least
one pin attached to said at least one end which is spherical in
shape, such as to effectuate an automatically locking connecting
means.
17. The system as in claim 11, wherein said double sided connecting
means is cylindrical in shape.
18. A system for removably attaching a multitude of panels to at
least one frame comprising; at least one frame with a double sided
connecting means contained within an aperture, wherein said double
sided connecting means has at least one spherical projection biased
to an extended position; a multitude of panels with an elongate
groove receptacle adapted to receive said at least one spherical
projection; at least one support abutting a portion of said system;
a helical spring locking means to effectuate a locked connection
between said at least one frame and said at least one panel;
wherein said at least one frame article is supported by said at
least one spherical projection and said receptacle such as to allow
movement of said at least one frame article relative to said at
least on panel, said helical spring locking means allows for said
at least one frame article to be secured in place relative to said
at least one panel and said multitude of panels may be removed
without effecting said at least one frame or multitude of
panels.
19. A method of removably attaching at a first article to a second
article comprising; inserting a first end of a connecting means
into an in aperture in a first article; inserting a second end of a
connecting means into a receptacle in a second article; adjusting
the position of said first article relative to said second article;
and effectuating a locked connection between said at first article
and said second article, wherein said first article is supported by
said connecting means and said receptacle such as to allow movement
of said first article relative to said second article along said
receptacle and to allow removal of said first article without
effecting said first article, said second article or said
connecting means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and
method for fixing panels. Particularly, the present invention
provides for a system that allows for the easy attachment and
anchoring of a first article to a second article such as a panel to
a frame. Such a system allows for the easy installation and removal
of such articles without damage. Further, the present invention
allows for panels to be properly hung, by providing adjustable
panels that may be locked.
[0002] Panels, such as those used to construct walls and fences,
have been fixed to frames or supports by a variety of different
mechanisms. Typically, these involve fixing the panels by nails,
pins, screws, bolts or glue. The known methods of fixing panels
have the drawback that they can damage the panel, i.e. with a hole
or glue. Further, it can be difficult to remove the panel without
damaging the panel, or without undoing screws or trying to remove
nails. Screws or nails also leave holes in the panels that can be
detrimental to the appearance of the panel.
[0003] Present systems and apparatus also suffer significant
disadvantages in that they do not allow for the easy change of
panels according to the preference of the owner. By way of example,
it would be desirable to achieve a standard system of paneling
according to the tastes of the owner that may be easily attached
and removed without significant difficulty. For instance, the owner
of paneling may choose to have one appearance for business purposes
and another for a personal space. Where a quick installation in
order to change the use of a space is desired, there is a need for
a set of paneling that allows for such quick, yet sturdy
installation. Further, panels can be hung improperly and need to be
readjusted. This can be complex when items are glued or screwed
together. Accordingly, a sturdy, easy to move, remove, replace, and
change paneling system and method is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a system and method for
attaching or fixing panels. Particularly, the present invention
provides for a system that allows for the easy attachment and
anchoring of a first article to a second article such as a panel to
a frame. Such a system allows for the easy installation and removal
of such articles without damage. Further, a system and method for
the installation of panels is provided that allows the position of
the panels to be adjusted easily so that the paneling may hang
properly and locked into place when the proper position is
achieved.
[0005] One aspect of the invention is a system for removably
attaching and adjusting a first article to a second article
comprising a first article with a connecting means secured within
an aperture, a second article with a receptacle adapted to receive
a portion of the connecting means. The first article may be
supported solely by the connecting means and the receptacle such as
to allow movement of the first article within the receptacle and
removal of the first article without effecting the first article,
second article or the connecting means.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
system for removably attaching at least one panel to at least one
frame is disclosed which may have at least one double sided
connecting means. The double sided connecting means may further
comprise a locking means to effectuate a locked connection. At
least one frame with an aperture may be adapted to receive a first
end of at least one double sided connecting means. The may also be
at least one panel with a receptacle adapted to receive a second
end of at least one double sided connecting means. The panels may
be supported by the at least one frame and at least one double
sided connecting means such as to allow removal and adjustment of
the panels without effecting the frames, panels or double sided
connecting means.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
system for removably attaching a multitude of panels to at least
one frame is disclosed comprising at least one frame with a double
sided connecting means. The double sided connecting means has at
least one spherical projection biased to an extended position. A
multitude of panels with an elongate groove receptacle are adapted
to receive the at least one spherical projection. There may also be
at least one support abutting a portion of the system. A helical
spring locking means may be utilized to effectuate a locked
connection between the at least one frame and at least one panel.
The frames are supported by at least one spherical projection and
the receptacle such as to allow movement of the frames relative to
the panel. The helical spring locking means allows for the frames
to be secured in place relative to the panels. The panels may be
removed without effecting the frames or panels.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of removably attaching at a first article to a second
article is disclosed comprising inserting a first end of a
connecting means into an in aperture in a first article, inserting
a second end of a connecting means into a receptacle in a second
article, adjusting the position of the first article relative to
the second article and effectuating a locked connection between the
first article and the second article. The first article may be
supported by pressure between the connecting means and the
receptacle such as to allow movement of the first article relative
to the second article along the receptacle and to allow removal of
the first article without effecting the first article, the second
article or the connecting means.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view a frame and panel fixed together
according to the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of a frame and
panel together according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of yet another embodiment according
to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a panel of the type that may
be used according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a panel that may be used
according to the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of frames that may be
used according to the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross sections of a frame and
panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial cross sections of a frame and
panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of a double sided connecting means
according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view of a self-locking connecting means
according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is perspective view of a double sided connecting
means attached to a frame;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view of a multitude of connecting means
attached to an article; and
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connecting means attached
to an article.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,
since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
[0024] The present invention provides a system for fixing panels
that allows panels or the like to be removed quickly and easily
without damage to the panels, frames or their surroundings.
Generally, the invention provides for a first article and a second
article. A connecting means may be used and may be in contact with
an aperture and a receptacle or indentation in both the first
article and the second article, such that the forces between the
indentation and a projection of the connecting means anchor or
secure the first article to the second article. The projection may
also allow for sliding in a horizontal or vertical direction. This
may be desirable to properly "hang" the paneling such that a
multitude of parts properly line up.
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a system according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. As shown, the connecting means 10 may
have a projection 12. This projection may be a spherical ball. The
connecting means 10 may be adapted to fit into an aperture or
alternatively a receptacle in a first article 56. The first article
56 may be a frame, as shown. However, it should be understood that
the connecting means 10 may be in either the first or second
article. The second article 20 as shown may be paneling. As shown,
the first article 56 may have an indenture 55. The projection 12
extends into the indenture 55 and provides pressure so as to secure
the first article 56 to the second article 20. These may be locked
into place by the use of a locking means, or left to freely slide
in a horizontal motion. As with all the embodiments disclosed
herein there may be any number of projections. However, it may be
preferable to have at least two connecting means to provide a
sturdy support for the first article to the second article.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts a system according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. As shown, the connecting means 10 may
have a projection 12 which is sized to fit into an indenture or
receptacle 60. This projection may be a spherical ball. The
connecting means 10 may be adapted to fit into an aperture in a
second article 20. The connecting means 10 may also be adapted to
fit into the second article 20 by way of a receptacle 60 or
indenture. The first article 56 may be a frame, as shown. The
second article 20 as shown may be a panel. There may also be a
number of frames and a number of panels. Also, it may only be
necessary to have one end of the connecting means 10 be able to
freely move. By way of example, the connecting means 10 may be a
connecting means 10 and it may be desirable to insert a first end
of the connecting means 10 into a receptacle 60 in the frame 56 and
lock the connecting means 10 such that the connecting means 10 does
not move in the frame 56. The other end may be left unlocked and
allow the panel 20 to freely move while adjusting the placement of
the panel 20. Upon finding the desired position of the panel 20,
the connecting means 10 may be locked or secured into place.
However, it should be understood that it is intended that the
present invention may be utilized in order to provide for a set of
paneling that may be installed to slide vertically, diagonally,
forward, backward, any desired direction without limitation.
[0027] Also, disclosed is a method of removably attaching at a
first article to a second article. This method comprises inserting
a first end of a connecting means into an in aperture in a first
article, inserting a second end of a connecting means into a
receptacle in a second article. The position of the first article
may be adjusted relative to the second article and a locked
connection effectuated between the first article and the second
article. The connecting means may be a double sided connecting
means and it may also be a self-locking connecting means. However,
it is essential that the connecting means be capable of freely
moving in a direction along the first or the second article, such
as a receptacle or indentation, yet also be capable of being
secured in place upon finding a desirable position. The first
article is supported by pressure between the connecting means and
the receptacle such as to allow movement of the first article
relative to the second article along the receptacle and to allow
removal of the first article without effecting the at second
article or the connecting means. It should be understood that it is
a prupose of the present invention to provide a system, wherein a
connecting means may be freely movable along both the first article
and the second article until locked into place. It should also be
understood that the first article and the second article may be a
panel or a frame. It makes no difference whether the first article
is a frame or panel, but rather that there is a frame and a panel.
Also, it is intended that the connecting means may be secured in an
aperature in either the first article or second article. Also, the
connecting means may utilize a projection receives within a
receptacle which is capable of movement along the receptacle. The
connecting means may be double sided, which is to say that both
ends have projections which are received within a receptacle. There
are a number of variations that are intended to be included within
the present invention, including a frame with one end of a
connecting means contained within an aperture, a panel with one end
of a connecting means contained within an aperture, a frame with a
receptacle for receiving a projection, a panel with a receptacle
for receiving a projection and any combinations thereof. Any of
these combinations may also include locking means.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the present invention may be used with a
multitude of first articles and second articles. As shown, a number
of connecting means 12 may be attached to a number of first
articles 20 to comprise a facade of paneling. As shown, there are
six first articles 20, which may be removably attached to three
second articles 50. This is without limitation, as any number of
first articles and second articles may be attached as envisioned in
the present invention.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the first article may have grooves or
indentations 22 around the edge of the first article 20, which is
this case is a panel. These indentation 22 serve to receive the
projection as described previously.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the panel 200 may be any design or type
of paneling. This may include metal panels, wood panels, exterior
insulated panels, stone, pre-cast concrete, masonry, porcelain
panels, meshes, fences, wall tile and any other type of paneling
known within the art.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the frame 50 which may be the
first or second article may also have an receptacle 54 to receive
one end of the connecting means. It should also be understood that
the receptacle may be rounded or angular.
[0032] FIGS. 7A and 7B depicts the connection between a first
article 20 and second article 112. As shown, the first article 20
has a projection 12, which extends into an indentation in second
article 112. The first article 20 as shown is the panel and the
second article 112 is the frame. There may also be supports 110 on
either side of the first article 20 and the second article 112.
[0033] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a connection between a first article
20 and a second article 50 without any added support. As shown, the
first article 20 is a panel and the second article 50 is a frame.
The projection 12 extends into an indentation or receptacle in the
second article 50. The projection 12 may be a portion of a double
sided connecting means or a self-locking connecting means.
[0034] FIG. 9 depicts a double sided connecting means 46 with a
projection 44 at each end. The projection 44 as shown is a
spherical ball. There may be a helical spring 46 contained within a
body 40. A nut 45 may act as a locking means to secure the first or
second article so that it may not freely move. The double sided
connecting means 46 may be have a first end placed within an
aperture, and a second end placed in a receptacle in the first
article or second article as discussed infra. Also, as shown there
may be ridges along the body of the double sided connecting means
46 to further contain it within an aperture of an article such as a
frame or panel.
[0035] FIG. 10 depicts a self-locking connecting means 49 with a
projection 44 at one end. It should be understood that this may too
be double sided. However, the purpose is to show an embodiment of a
self-locking connecting means. The spherical ball 44 would allow
for a first article to slide within a receptacle of a second
article. The helical spring 40 allows for added movement and
flexibility of the first article and the second article. The first
article would move until the pin 47 catches a hole in the second
article. Upon catching, the first article would be removably
attached to the second article. As such, a self-locking connecting
means in disclosed.
[0036] FIG. 11 depicts a double sided frame embodiment that may be
utilized to attach a number of panels along a single frame 50. As
shown, a U shaped frame may accommodate a number of double sided
connecting means 40. This would allow a system such as that
depicted in FIG. 3 to be easily installed.
[0037] FIG. 12 depicts yet another embodiment according to the
present invention. As shown, a piece 66 may be attached to the back
of a first article or panel (not shown) in order to attach the
panel to a frame as in any of the ways described herein. This is
intended to depict that the present invention may be utilized as an
add on part that is a number of connecting means which are
securedly attached to a piece, which is then in turn attached to a
first or second article.
[0038] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *