U.S. patent application number 12/192159 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for panel hangers for sliding panel track systems.
Invention is credited to Christopher J. Malin, John E. Morris.
Application Number | 20090050280 12/192159 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40381061 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090050280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris; John E. ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
PANEL HANGERS FOR SLIDING PANEL TRACK SYSTEMS
Abstract
A sliding panel track system has a headrail with traversing
rails therein, the traversing rails having open-ended channels with
downwardly facing slots. Panels for the system are attached to
hangers, including different hangers for different types of panels.
The hangers are readily and easily inserted into and withdrawn from
the channels and slots via the open ends thereof.
Inventors: |
Morris; John E.; (Lake
Mills, WI) ; Malin; Christopher J.; (Cross Plains,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAYLOR & AUST, P.C.
P.O. Box 560, 142. S Main Street
Avilla
IN
46710
US
|
Family ID: |
40381061 |
Appl. No.: |
12/192159 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60957837 |
Aug 24, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 2001/047 20130101;
A47H 2201/02 20130101; A47H 2023/025 20130101; Y10T 16/373
20150115; A47H 23/04 20130101; A47H 1/04 20130101; E06B 9/36
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/345 |
International
Class: |
A47H 5/00 20060101
A47H005/00; A47H 13/12 20060101 A47H013/12 |
Claims
1. A sliding panel track system, comprising: a headrail defining a
track; a traversing rail disposed in said track for movement
therein, said traversing rail defining a cavity having an elongated
slot opening exposed downward, said cavity having a transverse
cavity width, and said slot having a transverse slot width less
than said cavity width; a panel hanger at least partly disposed in
said cavity and having at least a portion thereof contained in said
cavity, said portion having a width less than said cavity width and
greater than said slot width, said hanger being one of: an
"L"-shaped body retained in said cavity, said "L"-shaped body
having a base segment wider than said slot width; and a clamping
body having a head disposed in said cavity and wider than said slot
width, a neck extending from said head through said slot, and
opposed arms outwardly of said cavity, said opposed arms being
deformable toward each other; and a panel attached to said
hanger.
2. The sliding panel track system of claim 1, said headrail
defining a plurality of tracks; at least first and second panel
hangers disposed in different tracks of said plurality of tracks;
and each said first and second hangers being one of said "L"-shaped
body and said clamping body.
3. The sliding panel track system of claim 2, said first and second
panel hangers each being a said "L"-shaped body.
4. The sliding panel track system of claim 2, said first and second
panel hangers each being a said clamping body.
5. The sliding panel track system of claim 2, one of said first and
second panel hangers being a said "L"-shaped body, and the other of
said first and second panel hangers being a said clamping body.
6. The sliding panel track system of claim 2, including at least
first and second panel hangers disposed in a same track of said
plurality of tracks; a third panel hanger disposed in another track
of said plurality of tracks; and each said first, second and third
hangers being one of said "L"-shaped body and said clamping
body.
7. The sliding panel track system of claim 1, said hanger being a
said "L"-shaped body, and said panel being attached to said body by
a staple.
8. The sliding panel track system of claim 1, said hanger being a
said clamping body, said panel being held by said arms compressed
against said panel, and at least one of said arms having a rib on
an inwardly facing surface thereof.
9. The sliding panel track system of claim 8, said rib being at
least partly embedded in said panel.
10. The sliding panel track system of claim 1, said hanger being a
said clamping body, said panel being held by said arms compressed
against said panel, each of said arms having an inwardly facing
surface, and each of said arms having a rib on the inwardly facing
surface thereof.
11. The sliding panel track system of claim 10, said ribs being at
least partly embedded in said panel.
12. A sliding panel track system, comprising: a headrail defining a
plurality of tracks; first and second traversing rails disposed in
different tracks of said plurality of tracks, said first and second
traversing rails each defining an elongated cavity having an
elongated slot opening thereto exposed downward, said cavity of
each traversing rail having a transverse cavity width and each said
slot having a transverse slot width less than said cavity width; a
plurality of panels each panel of which is connected to a panel
hanger for selective insertion into said cavities, each said hanger
being one of: an "L"-shaped body retained in said cavity, said
"L"-shaped body having a base segment wider than said slot width;
and a clamping body having a head disposed in said cavity and wider
than said slot width, a neck extending from said head through said
slot, and opposed arms outwardly of said cavity, said opposed arms
being deformable toward each other.
13. The sliding panel track system of claim 12, at least one of
said panels being secured to a said "L"-shaped body by at least one
staple.
14. The sliding panel track system of claim 12, at least one of
said panels being secured to a said clamping body by said arms of
said clamping body compressed against said at least one panel.
15. The sliding panel track system of claim 14, said arms having
ribs at least partly embedded in said at least one panel held
therebetween.
16. The sliding panel track system of claim 12, including removable
end caps at opposite ends of said traversing rails covering open
ends of said cavities in said traversing rails.
17. A sliding panel track system, comprising: a headrail defining a
plurality of tracks; first and second traversing rails disposed in
different tracks of said plurality of tracks, said first and second
traversing rails each defining an elongated cavity having an
elongated slot opening thereto exposed downward, said cavity of
each traversing rail being open on at least one end of the
traversing rail and having a transverse cavity width, and said slot
of each said traversing rail being open on the same end as the end
opening of said cavity thereof, and having a transverse slot width
less than said cavity width; a first hanger type for attachment to
light-weight panels; a second hanger type for attachment to panels
that are heavier than said light-weight panels; and each of said
hangers being slidable axially into said cavities with a panel
attached thereto.
18. The sliding panel track system of claim 17, said first hanger
type being an "L"-shaped body having a base segment wider than said
slot width.
19. The sliding panel track system of claim 18, including a panel
attached by staples to said first hanger type.
20. The sliding panel track system of claim 17, said second hanger
type being a clamping body having a head disposed in said cavity
and wider than said slot width, a neck extending from said head
through said slot, and opposed arms outwardly of said cavity, said
opposed arms being deformable toward each other for clamping a
panel therebetween.
21. The sliding panel track system of claim 20, including a rib on
an inside surface of at least one of said arms.
22. A panel assembly for a sliding track system having a headrail
defining a track and a traversing rail disposed in the track, the
traversing rail defining an elongated cavity having an elongated
slot opening thereto exposed downward, the cavity being open on at
least one end of the traversing rail and having a transverse cavity
width, and the slot being open on the same end as the end opening
of the cavity, and having a transverse slot width less than the
cavity width, said panel assembly comprising: a panel hanger of an
"L"-shape having a base segment wider than the slot width and
narrower than the cavity width; and a vertical segment; and a panel
attached to said vertical segment; said panel assembly slidable
axially into the traversing rail open end.
23. The panel assembly of claim 22, including a staple connecting
said panel to said vertical segment
24. A panel assembly for a sliding track system having a headrail
defining a track and a traversing rail disposed in the track, the
traversing rail defining an elongated cavity having an elongated
slot opening thereto exposed downward, the cavity being open on at
least one end of the traversing rail and having a transverse cavity
width, and the slot being open on the same end as the end opening
of the cavity, and having a transverse slot width less than the
cavity width, said panel assembly comprising: a panel hanger having
a head wider than the slot width, a neck extending from said head,
and opposed arms extending from said neck, said opposed arms being
deformable toward each other; and a panel held in said panel hanger
by compression of said arms against said panel.
25. The panel assembly of claim 24, at least one of said arms
having a rib at least partially embedded in said panel.
26. The panel assembly of claim 25, each said arm having a rib at
least partially embedded in said panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefits of U.S.
Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/957,837, filed Aug.
24, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to decorative window
and door coverings, and, more particularly, to sliding panel
systems. Still more specifically, the invention pertains to the
sliding structures and the constructions for attaching panels of
various types to the track system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Sliding panel track systems are used to cover and decorate
architectural openings such as patio doors, large windows and the
like. Sliding panels also can be used as room dividers, area
separators and the like. In a sliding panel track system, a
headrail defining a plurality of tracks is affixed in place to a
wall, ceiling or the like, and one or more panels are suspended
therefrom. Typically, multiple panels are suspended from the
headrail, to traverse along different tracks in the headrail, and
thereby to open and close portions of the panel system as desired
by overlapping two or more panels to greater and lesser extent.
Many different types of panels can be used, including but not
limited to soft, shear, lightweight fabrics, heavier fabrics, wood
or simulated wood panels of various types, and the like. It is
advantageous and desirable to be able to change panels in the track
as seasons change, room decorations change, area uses change and
the like. Since the panel systems are often quite large, a dramatic
impact can be made in the room by changing the panels. Accordingly,
it would be desirable to be able to change the panels periodically,
rotating or alternating between various different panels; and/or
changing the panels as the room decor, use or function changes.
[0006] Different techniques and structures have been used for
securing the panels to the headrail while allowing the panels to
traverse along the headrail. Generally, traversing rails are
provided to slide along tracks in a headrail, and panels are
attached by various means to the traversing rails. Lightweight
fabrics have been attached to the traversing rails with strips of
hook-and-loop fastening material. However, hook-and-loop materials
do not work well with panels of heavier fabrics and/or other heavy
materials and/or panels of longer lengths. Rigid fasteners such as
screws have been used together with Velcro to secure panels to the
traversing rails, but the assembly thereof can be time consuming,
and replacement or change can be difficult. It is known also to
form a loop at the upper end of the panel by sewing, gluing, heat
sealing or the like. A rigid rod is inserted in the loop, and the
loop with rod therein is inserted in the traversing rail. Sliding
the looped fabric with a rod therein into a retaining space in the
traversing rail can be difficult. According to yet another method,
a series of metal grommets and hooks are used to attach the panels
to the traversing rail. Oval grommets are installed along the top
edge of the panel. Hooks are fixedly positioned along the length of
the traversing rail. The panels are then hung on the hooks
projecting downward from the traversing rail. Since the hooks are
fixedly positioned, the grommets must be accurately positioned
along the panel edge to align with the hooks. Installing the
grommets into the panel can be time consuming, and attaching the
panels to the hooks by capturing each hook in an aligned grommet
can be awkward.
[0007] Accordingly, a system for interchangeable panels that can be
assembled quickly and easily, yet operate smoothly, is desirable.
The present invention provides a system including a headrail having
channels and traversing rails for sliding along the channels. Two
different hanger devices are provided for securing panels of
different types to the traversing rails. A first hanger device is
particularly suitable for attachment to lightweight panels, and a
second hanger device is particularly suitable for attachment to
thicker and/or heavier panels. The hanger devices are
interchangeable in the traversing rails so that replacement of one
panel with another panel can be accomplished quickly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a sliding panel track system
having different types of hangers for heavy and light panels, both
of which can be interchangeably mounted in traversing rails of the
sliding system. Change of one for another is easy and simple,
facilitating customer customization.
[0009] In one aspect of one form thereof, the present invention
provides a sliding panel track system with a headrail defining a
track and a traversing rail disposed in the track for movement
therein. The traversing rail defines a cavity having an elongated
slot opening exposed downward. The cavity has a transverse cavity
width, and the slot has a transverse slot width less than the
cavity width. A panel hanger is at least partly disposed in the
cavity and has at least a portion thereof contained in the cavity.
The portion contained in the cavity has a width less than the
cavity width and greater than the slot width. The hanger is an
"L"-shaped body retained in the cavity, the "L"-shaped body having
a base segment wider than the slot width; or a clamping body having
a head disposed in the cavity and wider than the slot width, a neck
extending from the head through the slot, and opposed arms
outwardly of the cavity deformable toward each other. A panel is
attached to the hanger.
[0010] In another aspect of another form thereof, the present
invention provides a sliding panel track system with a headrail
defining a plurality of tracks and first and second traversing
rails disposed in different tracks. The first and second traversing
rails each define an elongated cavity having an elongated slot
opening thereto exposed downward. The cavity of each traversing
rail has a transverse cavity width, and each slot has a transverse
slot width less than the cavity width. Each panel of a plurality of
panels is connected to a panel hanger for selective insertion into
the cavities. Each hanger is either an "L"-shaped body retained in
the cavity, the "L"-shaped body having a base segment wider than
the slot width; or a clamping body having a head disposed in the
cavity and wider than the slot width, a neck extending from the
head through the slot, and opposed arms outwardly of the cavity,
the opposed arms being deformable toward each other.
[0011] In a further aspect of a further form thereof, the present
invention provides a sliding panel track system with a headrail
defining a plurality of tracks, and first and second traversing
rails disposed in different tracks. The first and second traversing
rails each define an elongated cavity having an elongated slot
opening thereto exposed downward. The cavity of each traversing
rail is open on at least one end of the traversing rail and has a
transverse cavity width. The slot of each traversing rail is open
on the same end as the end opening of the cavity thereof, and has a
transverse slot width less than the cavity width. A first hanger
type is provided for attachment to light-weight panels, and a
second hanger type is provided for attachment to panels that are
heavier than the light-weight panels. Each of the hangers is
slidable axially into the cavities of the traversing rails with a
panel attached thereto.
[0012] In still another aspect of still another form thereof, the
present invention provides a panel assembly for a sliding track
system having a headrail defining a track and a traversing rail
disposed in the track, the traversing rail defining an elongated
cavity having an elongated slot opening thereto exposed downward,
the cavity being open on at least one end of the traversing rail
and having a transverse cavity width, and the slot being open on
the same end as the end opening of the cavity, and having a
transverse slot width less than the cavity width. The panel
assembly includes a panel hanger of an "L"-shape having a base
segment wider than the slot width and narrower than the cavity
width; and a vertical segment; and a panel attached to the vertical
segment.
[0013] In yet another aspect of yet another form thereof, the
present invention provides a panel assembly for a sliding track
system having a headrail defining a track and a traversing rail
disposed in the track, the traversing rail defining an elongated
cavity having an elongated slot opening thereto exposed downward,
the cavity being open on at least one end of the traversing rail
and having a transverse cavity width, and the slot being open on
the same end as the end opening of the cavity, and having a
transverse slot width less than the cavity width. The panel
assembly includes a panel hanger having a head wider than the slot
width, a neck extending from the head, and opposed arms extending
from the neck, the opposed arms being deformable toward each other;
and a panel held in the panel hanger by compression of the arms
against the panel.
[0014] An advantage of one form of the present invention is
providing a customizable sliding panel track system in which the
panels are readily changeable.
[0015] Another advantage of another form of the present invention
is providing a sliding panel track system in which panels can be
provided pre-assembled on hangers that are securable in traversing
rails of the system in an easy and quick manner.
[0016] A further advantage of the present invention in a further
form thereof is providing a sliding panel track system having
hangers securable in traversable rails, with the hangers being
suited to the material of the panel being suspended therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sliding panel track system
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of another sliding
panel track system in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a headrail with three
traversing rails in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a headrail for the panel
track system;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an end view of a traversing rail of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a sliding panel
track system with a traversing rail, a first type of hanger and a
lightweight panel;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the panel track
system of FIG. 6, but shown from an angle different from that of
FIG. 6, to better illustrate the side of the system opposite the
side shown in FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an end view of the traversing rail, hanger and
panel shown in FIGS. 6 and 7;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a sliding panel
track system with a traversing rail, a second type of hanger and a
thicker, heavier panel;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the panel track
system shown in FIG. 9, but shown from an angle different from that
of FIG. 9, to better illustrate the side of the system opposite the
side shown in FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 11 an end view of the traversing rail, hanger and panel
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is an end view of the panel and hanger shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10, but illustrating an arrangement during assembly;
and
[0030] FIG. 13 is an end view similar to that of FIG. 12, but
illustrating a later stage of assembly.
[0031] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to FIG.
1 in particular, numeral 20 designates a sliding panel track system
in accordance with the present invention. Track system 20 includes
a headrail 22 and a plurality of traversing rails 24, three such
traversing rails 24a, 24b and 24c being shown in FIG. 1. More or
fewer traversing rails can be used in sliding panel track systems
of the present invention. Panels 26 of various types can be used in
sliding panel track system 20, with three such panels 26a, 26b, 26c
being shown in FIG. 1. Panels 26a, 26b and 26c in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1 are made of wooden slats, but can be of
various different materials. Further, while the exemplary
embodiment shows three panels 26a, 26b, 26c all of the same type,
the system also can use panels of different types intermixed one
with another.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary portion of another sliding panel
track system 30 in accordance with the present invention. Track
system 30 includes a headrail 32 and a plurality of traversing
rails 34, only one of which is visible in FIG. 2. Panels 36 of
various types can be used in sliding panel track system 30, one
suspended from each traversing rail 34. In the exemplary embodiment
of FIG. 2, panel 36 is a lightweight, shear fabric panel.
[0034] Panels 26, 36 can be mixed and matched to achieve a desired
appearance for systems 20 and 30. For example, panels 26 also can
be used in system 30, or panels 36 can be used in system 20. By
mixing and matching panels of different colors and types, a variety
of different visual appearances can be achieved. The present
invention facilitates interchangeability of panels of different
types.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a sliding panel track system 40 of the
present invention without panels suspended there from. Track system
40 includes a headrail 42 and a plurality of traversing rails 44,
three such traversing rails 44a, 44b and 44c being shown in FIG. 3.
Headrail 42 defines traversing tracks 46, three such traversing
tracks 46a, 46b, 46c being shown in headrail 42. A different
traversing rail 44a, 44b, 44c is disposed in each track 46a, 46b,
46c to slide along the track from one end of headrail 42 to the
opposite end of headrail 42. It should be understood that each
traversing rail 44 need not be disposed in a different track 46,
and two or more traversing rails 44 can be operated in a single
track 46. End caps 48a, 48b are provided on the opposite ends of
headrail 42, closing tracks 46a, 46b, 46c to retain traversing
rails 44a, 44b, 44c therein.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, a two track headrail 50 is shown.
Headrail 50 is an exemplary construction that can be used in the
systems described herein; however other construction for sliding
track headrails can be used as well. Headrail 50 defines first and
second channels 52, 54 for receiving traversing rails therein. Each
channel 52, 54 defines an elongate opening 56, 58 along the bottom
of headrail 50 and a track 60, 62 along the side of the elongate
opening, respectively. It should be understood that headrails of
the present invention can define different numbers of channels and
tracks therein, or even one channel, depending on the number of
overlying layers of panels that are desired in the final
configuration of the sliding panel track system. Various
combinations and arrangements of traversing rails within the
channels can be used so that desired effects can be achieved with
superimposing one panel over another panel in the front and back
channels and/or defining openings or spaces between adjacent panels
as the positions of traversing rails are adjusted along the lengths
of the channels.
[0037] Traversing rails 24, 34, 44 described previously herein are
similar in construction, and a single traversing rail 64 is shown
and will be described with respect to FIG. 5 through 11. Traversing
rail 64 includes connecting fixture 70 connected to carriages 72
that include rollers 74 for traveling along the tracks of the
headrail, such as tracks 60, 62 in headrail 50. Connecting fixtures
70 extend through openings 56 or 58 when the traversing rail is
installed in the headrail. A receiver 76 is defined at the lower
edge of traversing rail 64 and defines an elongate cavity 78 with a
slot opening 80 at the bottom thereof. Hangers to be described more
fully hereinafter are interchangeably received in cavity 78, the
hangers being slid axially into cavity 78 from an end thereof.
Cavity 78 has a cavity width indicated by the dimension arrow
identified with numeral 82, and slot opening 80 has a slot width
indicated by the dimension arrow identified with numeral 84. Slot
width 84 is less than cavity width 82, so that the panel hangers
are retained in cavity 78 without falling through slot opening 80.
End caps 86 (FIG. 3) are provided at opposite ends of the
traversing rails to prevent the hangers from sliding out either of
the ends unintentionally.
[0038] The present invention provides panel assemblies including
panel hangers of different types for different panels to be
suspended from the traversing rails. The panel hangers are
interchangeably held in the traversing rails so that a panel
secured to one type of panel hanger can be removed and a panel
secured to a different type of panel hanger can be substituted for
it. Two panel hangers 100 and 120 will be described with respect to
FIGS. 6-8 and FIGS. 9-13, respectively.
[0039] A first panel hanger 100 shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is
particularly suited for use with a lighter weight fabric panel,
such as, for example, panel 36 described previously. First panel
hanger 100 is an L-shaped body in transverse cross-section, having
a length to extend across the width of a panel to which it is
attached. Hanger 100 includes a vertical segment 102 and a
horizontal or base segment 104 as installed in traversing rail 64.
Attachment of a panel 106 to panel hanger 100 can be by, for
example and not limitation, adhesive, ultrasonic welding,
hook-and-loop patches, stapling or the like, and may include
combinations of fastening techniques. A staple 108 is shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 connecting panel 106 to vertical segment 102, and it
should be understood that when staples are used, a plurality of
staples may be used. Panel hanger 100 can be made of plastic, such
as, for example, PVC in an extrusion molding process, and is
relatively inexpensive to manufacture and supply. A transverse
width of L-shaped hanger 100, designated by the dimension arrow
identified with numeral 110, is narrower than cavity width 82, but
wider than slot opening width 84 such that hanger 100 can not fall
through slot opening 80.
[0040] In the exemplary embodiment shown, hanger 100 is fully
contained within cavity 78, and the fastened edge of panel 106
including staple 108 is thereby concealed in traversing rail 64.
However, in an installation in which exposing the upper edge of the
panel, including any fasteners such as staples 108, is not of
concern, hanger 100 can be used in an opposite orientation, with
vertical segment 102 depending downwardly from horizontal segment
104, and perhaps even extending through slot opening 80.
[0041] A second panel hanger 120 defines a clamping body that is
suitable for use with thicker, heavier panels including heavy
fabrics, wood and faux wood or other natural materials, etc., such
as panel 26 described previously herein. Panel hanger 120 includes
a head 122 and a neck 124 each extending the length of hanger 120,
with first and second arms 126, 128 depending from neck 124. First
and second arms 126, 128 also extend the length of hanger 120. Arm
126 includes pointed ribs 130, 132; and arm 128 includes pointed
ribs 134, 136 on the inwardly facing, opposed surfaces thereof. In
the exemplary embodiment, arms 126, 128 are provided with two ribs
each; however, it should be understood that more or fewer ribs can
be used, and for holding some panels ribs may not be necessary.
Panel hanger 120 is constructed of aluminum or other deformable
material such that arms 126, 128 can be separated from each
sufficiently to receive a panel 138 between ribs of opposed arms
126, 128 (FIG. 12), and then compressed against the panel to cause
ribs 130, 132, 134, 136 to engage with or embed into the panel
(FIG. 13). Accordingly, the panel is held securely therein. The
width of head 122, indicated by the dimension arrow designated with
reference number 140, is wider than the width of slot opening 80
such that head 122 can not fall through slot opening 80.
[0042] Since hangers 100, 120 are interchangeably received in
traversing rail 64, different panels in various combinations and
arrangements can be provided; and/or all panels of the same type
can be used but periodically changed by removing the panels with
hangers attached thereto from the traversing rails through an end
of the traversing rails, and thereafter inserting a different panel
with hanger attached. A variety of different panels can be provided
with traversing rails affixed thereto in efficient, economical
constructions so that changing panels can be preformed quickly and
easily without having to detach panels from a hanger being used and
attaching a new or different panel to the hanger. By use of the
present invention each panel can be provided with an individual
hanger at minimal cost and expense, and easily inserted into the
traversing rail when desired.
[0043] Hangers 100, 120 described herein are exemplary in nature,
and it should be understood that still other types of inexpensive
but secure hangers can be used so that panels attached to hangers
can be supplied cost effectively. For example, a generally T-shape
hanger can be used, the hanger being of plastic or other material
and having an enlarged formation such as head 122 retained in the
traversing rail and a thinner plate similar to vertical segment 102
extending downwardly from the traversing rail through the open slot
thereof. A panel can be secured to the plate by adhesive,
ultrasonic welding, hook-and-loop patches, physical fasteners such
as staples, combinations of such fastening techniques and the
like.
[0044] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0045] While this invention has been described with respect to at
least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
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