U.S. patent application number 12/733205 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-10 for surface coverings including decorative strips.
Invention is credited to Cameron David Nelson.
Application Number | 20100139210 12/733205 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40377737 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100139210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; Cameron David |
June 10, 2010 |
SURFACE COVERINGS INCLUDING DECORATIVE STRIPS
Abstract
Panels include decorative strips and are suitable for wall or
ceiling coverings, or for use as screens, shades or the like. The
panels may be modular panels, for installation with a number of
like panels to form a covering. The panels may be configured to
disguise the joins between panels so as to approximate, or create
the illusion of, a continuous covering. Each panel may include a
number of decorative strips and a number of transverse supports
supporting the decorative strips.
Inventors: |
Nelson; Cameron David; (New
South Wales, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES C. WRAY
1493 CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD, SUITE 300
MCLEAN
VA
22101
US
|
Family ID: |
40377737 |
Appl. No.: |
12/733205 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2008/001179 |
371 Date: |
February 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/762 ;
52/588.1; 52/777 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/28 20130101; E04F
13/0871 20130101; E04F 15/048 20130101; E04F 13/08 20130101; E04B
9/366 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/762 ; 52/777;
52/588.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/38 20060101
E04C002/38; E04C 2/00 20060101 E04C002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 17, 2007 |
AU |
2007904400 |
Dec 21, 2007 |
AU |
2007906992 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A panel including one or more supports and a plurality of
decorative strips, each support comprising an elongate member
having a plurality of transverse notches arranged along its length
for receiving and retaining the strips, each notch having one or
more profiled edges.
20. A panel as claimed in claim 19 being an interior or exterior
wall or ceiling covering panel; or an interior or exterior screen
panel.
21. (canceled)
22. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the profiled edges are
shaped for retention of the decorative strips.
23. A panel as claimed in claim 22 wherein the profile of each
notch is a toothed profile.
24. A panel as claimed in claim 19 being a modular panel,
configured to be installed with one or more like panels.
25. A panel as claimed in claim 24 wherein the edges of each panel
are shaped to receive a support structure.
26. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the decorative strips
are formed from timber, metal or plastics material.
27. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the supports are
generally U-shaped supports.
28. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the supports are formed
from a metal.
29. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the supports are
extrusions.
30. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the decorative strips
are arranged in parallel spaced apart relationship.
31. A panel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the decorative stripes
are arranged with respect to the supports such that their width is
substantially perpendicular to the supports and each of the
decorative strips is substantially wider than it is thick.
32. A panel including one or more supports and a plurality of
decorative strips, each support comprising an elongate member
having a plurality of transverse notches arranged along its length
for receiving and retaining the strips, wherein each support is
substantially U-shaped in cross-section.
33. A panel including one or more elongate supports and a plurality
of decorative strips each having a back surface with a plurality of
notches formed therein, wherein each elongate support is received
within notches in two or more of the decorative strips and has a
cross-sectional shape matching the shape of the notches.
34. A panel as claimed in claim 33 being an interior or exterior
wall or ceiling covering panel; or an interior or exterior screen
panel.
35. (canceled)
36. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein each notch has a shape
which impedes movement of the elongate support perpendicular to the
back surface and out of the notch.
37. A panel as claimed in claim 36 wherein each notch has a shape
which is narrower at the back surface than at a widest point of the
notch.
38. A panel as claimed in claim 37 wherein each notch is a dovetail
shape.
39. (canceled)
40. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the elongate supports
are formed as extrusions.
41. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein each decorative strip is
secured to the appropriate elongate supports using a fastener or
adhesive.
42. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the elongate supports
are configured to engage with one or more joining members for
joining the elongate supports and/or mounting the covering to an
interior or exterior wall or ceiling.
43. A panel as claimed in claim 42 wherein the elongate supports
engage with the joining members using a push-fit.
44. A panel as claimed in claim 42 wherein the joining members are
formed as extrusions.
45. A panel as claimed in claim 44 wherein the joining members are
substantially T-shaped extrusions.
46. A panel as claimed in claim 42 wherein the joining members are
arranged to support a backing material.
47. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the panel is modular,
and is configured to be installed with one or more like panels.
48. (canceled)
49. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the elongate supports
are arranged to protrude from one edge of a panel and to provide a
recess at the opposite edge of the panel, so that when installed
with like panels the elongate supports overlap the join between
panels.
50. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein joining members engage
with the elongate supports for joining the elongate supports and/or
mounting the covering to a wall or ceiling, and these joining
members span two or more panels.
51. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the decorative strips
are formed from timber, engineered wood, metal or plastics
material.
52. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the decorative strips
are arranged in parallel spaced apart relationship.
53. A panel as claimed in claim 33 wherein the decorative strips
are arranged with respect to the supports such that their width is
substantially perpendicular to the supports and each of the
decorative strips is substantially wider than it is thick.
54. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to surface coverings, particularly to
interior and exterior surface coverings and screens having a
plurality of decorative strips.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Linings for interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings,
in both residential and commercial buildings are well known in the
art. These take many forms. One of the most common of these is to
cover the walls and ceilings with gypsum-based wallboards, which
typically have a flat, smooth, papered-covered surface and slightly
bevelled edges. The bevelled edges are abutted together during
installation and subsequently are typically filled with a gypsum
based joint compound to produce a seamless looking finish which is
then painted or wallpapered.
[0003] Historically those people who want a more decorative or
individualistic finish to their walls may apply wainscoting.
Wainscoting is typically installed over the top of wallboard on
interior walls for decorative purposes. The material used for the
wainscoting is most often wood, but can also be particleboard,
pressed metal sheets, or gypsum-based mouldings.
[0004] Another type of decorative covering traditionally used has
been wood panelling. Such panelling may, for example, have a
sculptural design carved or otherwise cut into the panels.
[0005] A still further known variation comprises a plurality of
parallel spaced apart strips of timber which are individually fixed
over the top of the ceiling wall board. Finishes such as this have
the added advantage of providing acoustic advantages. Similar
arrangements exist for interior and exterior screens and exterior
wall and surface panelling.
[0006] Decorative screens and interior and exterior wall and
ceiling finishes, however, generally suffer from one major
disadvantage--they are very labour intensive to create, and
consequently are expensive.
[0007] Further, in the commercial environment the use of suspended
ceilings and modular plastic, metal, or gypsum based ceiling tiles
or panels has become common-place. Such tiles or panels are
generally all the same, are typically flat or provided with minimal
relief texture, and rarely have a warm and natural appearance. They
are also often heavy, fiddly to install, and have poor acoustic
absorption properties.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved or more cost effective decorative panel system for use as
a screen or interior or exterior surface finish that overcomes or
at least addresses at least some of the above noted issues.
Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide
the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In a first broad aspect the invention provides a modular
panel system including modular panels each having a plurality of
decorative strips and one or more transverse supports supporting
the decorative strips, said panels configured to mount to and
disguise a supporting framework.
[0010] Preferably, when a panel is mounted on a framework, a facing
edge of each decorative strip at least partially conceals the
framework.
[0011] Preferably at least one end of each decorative strip is
profiled such that, when a panel is mounted on a framework, a
facing edge of each decorative strip extends around a framework
member to provide a gap between ends of strips on adjacent panels
less than a width of the framework member.
[0012] Preferably the panels are configured to conceal joins
between panels.
[0013] Preferably the decorative strips on installed panels form a
substantially uniform covering of decorative strips.
[0014] Preferably the panels are configured to be supported by the
framework without fixed attachment to the framework.
[0015] Preferably the panels are configured to be installed without
fixed attachment to adjacent panels.
[0016] Preferably the decorative strips are arranged parallel to
each other.
[0017] Preferably the position of a strip parallel to and adjacent
an edge of the panel is such that the spacing between that strip
and an adjacent strip in an adjacent installed panel is
substantially the same as the spacing of any two adjacent strips on
the same panel.
[0018] Preferably each panel includes a backing, wherein at least
those parts of the supports and the backing visible in the
assembled panel system are the same colour.
[0019] Preferably the modular panel system includes a framework for
supporting the panels, wherein at least that part of the framework
visible in an assembled panelled covering is the same colour as the
supports and backing.
[0020] Preferably the framework, the supports and the backing are a
dark colour, preferably black.
[0021] Preferably the backing is an acoustic material.
[0022] Preferably the framework and the transverse supports are
coloured so as to disguise the framework and transverse
supports.
[0023] Preferably at least those parts of the supports and the
framework visible in the assembled panel system are the same
colour.
[0024] Preferably the modular panel system is a modular ceiling
panel system.
[0025] Preferably the supporting framework is a standard ceiling
grid framework.
[0026] In a second broad aspect the invention provides a modular
panel system including modular panels each having a plurality of
decorative strips and one or more transverse supports supporting
the decorative strips, said panels configured to mount to a
supporting framework, the framework and the transverse supports
being coloured so as to disguise the framework and transverse
supports.
[0027] In a third broad aspect the invention provides a panel
including one or more supports and a plurality of decorative
strips, each support comprising an elongate member having a
plurality of transverse notches arranged along its length for
receiving and retaining the strips, each notch having one or more
profiled edges.
[0028] Preferably the panel is an interior or exterior wall or
ceiling covering panel.
[0029] Alternatively the panel is an interior or exterior screen
panel.
[0030] Preferably the profiled edges are shaped for retention of
the decorative strips.
[0031] Preferably the profile of each notch is a toothed
profile.
[0032] Preferably the panel is configured to be installed with one
or more like panels.
[0033] Preferably the edges of each panel are shaped to receive a
support structure.
[0034] Preferably the decorative strips are formed from timber,
metal or plastics material.
[0035] Preferably the supports are generally U-shaped supports.
[0036] Preferably the supports are formed from a metal.
[0037] Preferably the supports are extrusions.
[0038] Preferably the decorative strips are arranged in parallel
spaced apart relationship.
[0039] Preferably the decorative strips are arranged with respect
to the supports such that their width is substantially
perpendicular to the supports and each of the decorative strips is
substantially wider than it is thick.
[0040] In a fourth broad aspect the invention provides a panel
including one or more supports and a plurality of decorative
strips, each support comprising an elongate member having a
plurality of transverse notches arranged along its length for
receiving and retaining the strips, wherein each support is
substantially U-shaped in cross-section.
[0041] In a fifth broad aspect the invention provides a panel
including one or more elongate supports and a plurality of
decorative strips each having a back surface with a plurality of
notches formed therein, wherein each elongate support is received
within notches in two or more of the decorative strips and has a
cross-sectional shape matching the shape of the notches.
[0042] Preferably the panel is an interior or exterior wall or
ceiling covering panel.
[0043] Alternatively the panel is an interior or exterior screen
panel.
[0044] Preferably each notch has a shape which impedes movement of
the elongate support perpendicular to the back surface and out of
the notch.
[0045] Preferably each notch has a shape which is narrower at the
back surface than at a widest point of the notch.
[0046] Preferably each notch is a dovetail shape.
[0047] Preferably each notch has one or more recesses configured to
receive corresponding protrusions on the elongate supports.
[0048] Preferably the elongate supports are formed as
extrusions.
[0049] Preferably each decorative strip is secured to the
appropriate elongate supports using a fastener or adhesive.
[0050] Preferably the elongate supports are configured to engage
with one or more joining members for joining the elongate supports
and/or mounting the covering to an interior or exterior wall or
ceiling.
[0051] Preferably the elongate supports engage with the joining
members using a push-fit.
[0052] Preferably the joining members are formed as extrusions.
[0053] Preferably the joining members are substantially T-shaped
extrusions.
[0054] Preferably the joining members are arranged to support a
backing material.
[0055] Preferably the panel is modular, and is configured to be
installed with one or more like panels.
[0056] Preferably each modular panel includes at least two elongate
supports.
[0057] Preferably the elongate supports are arranged to protrude
from one edge of a panel and to provide a recess at the opposite
edge of the panel, so that when installed with like panels the
elongate supports overlap the join between panels.
[0058] Preferably joining members engage with the elongate supports
for joining the elongate supports and/or mounting the covering to a
wall or ceiling, and these joining members span two or more
panels.
[0059] Preferably the decorative strips are formed from timber,
engineered wood, metal or plastics material.
[0060] Preferably the decorative stripes are arranged in parallel
spaced apart relationship.
[0061] Preferably the decorative stripes are arranged with respect
to the supports such that their width is substantially
perpendicular to the supports and each of the decorative stripes is
substantially wider than it is thick.
[0062] The invention may be used in coverings for wall linings,
ceiling linings, privacy screens, garage door panels, sunshades,
window furnishing, external cladding, screens and louvers for the
joinery industry.
[0063] The invention enables long spans of timber such as louvers
or slats to appear to be unsupported when viewed from the
front.
[0064] It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises"
and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed
with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose
of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are
intended to have an inclusive meaning--i.e. they will be taken to
mean an inclusion of not only the listed components which the use
directly references, but also to other non-specified components or
elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] The invention will now be described by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0066] FIG. 1 is a back view of a modular panel according to one
embodiment;
[0067] FIG. 2 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 1;
[0068] FIG. 3 is a second side view of the panel of FIG. 1;
[0069] FIG. 4 is a side view of a wall or ceiling covering
panel;
[0070] FIG. 5 is a side view of two ceiling panels supported by a
hanging ceiling support;
[0071] FIG. 6 is an end view of a panel according to a further
embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the panel of FIG. 6;
[0073] FIG. 8 shows a notch in a decorative strip and an elongate
support engaged in the notch;
[0074] FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 8, showing an elongate
support and joining member;
[0075] FIG. 10 is a similar view to FIG. 9, showing a joining
member for retaining a backing material;
[0076] FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 10, showing the backing
material;
[0077] FIG. 12 shows an elongate support and decorative strip
according to a further embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 13 shows the joining member of FIG. 12;
[0079] FIG. 14 shows how two modular panels may be installed;
[0080] FIG. 15 a further embodiment of a panel according to the
invention mounted in a frame;
[0081] FIG. 16 shows the mechanism for mounting the panel of FIG.
15 in the frame;
[0082] FIG. 17 shows an extrusion used in the mounting of the panel
of FIG. 15 into the frame;
[0083] FIG. 18 is a side view of a further embodiment of a modular
panel system;
[0084] FIG. 19 is a side view perpendicular to the side view of
FIG. 18;
[0085] FIG. 20 is a view from the front of the modular panel system
of FIG. 18;
[0086] FIG. 21 is a plan view from the back of the modular panel
system of FIG. 18;
[0087] FIG. 22 is a plan view from the front of the modular panel
system of FIG. 18;
[0088] FIG. 23 is a side view of a further embodiment, including a
services panel;
[0089] FIG. 24 is a side view of a further embodiment, showing
another type of services panel;
[0090] FIG. 25 shows a further embodiment, for floating ceiling
applications;
[0091] FIG. 26 shows a mounting arrangement for mounting a modular
panel system to a wall; and
[0092] FIG. 27 shows a panel according to a further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0093] FIG. 1 is a back view of a panel 1 according to a first
embodiment, suitable for use as an interior or exterior wall or
ceiling covering or a screen. The panel 1 includes a plurality of
decorative strips 2 which are supported by a plurality of
transverse supports 3. The supports 3 are generally elongate and
span a number of strips 2.
[0094] The panel 1 may be installed on site, but is preferably
formed in a number of modular panels, each including a plurality of
strips 2 and supports 3 and capable of installation so as to
provide a substantially uniform covering.
[0095] FIG. 2 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 1. The supports 3
may be generally U-shaped channels as shown in FIG. 2 and may be
formed from a suitable metal, such as aluminium or steel, or from a
suitable rigid plastic. The supports 3 may be formed by stamping
and roll forming, or any other suitable method.
[0096] FIG. 3 is a detailed side view perpendicular to the view of
FIG. 2. This shows the strips 2 supported in notches 4 in the
support 3. The notches 4 each have edges which are profiled so as
to retain the strips 2 more effectively. In FIG. 3, each notch has
a profile consisting of a series of teeth 5 cut into its edges.
[0097] To assemble the wall or ceiling covering, the decorative
strips may be held in a suitable jig while the supports 3 are
knocked into place with a mallet or hammer, or pressed into place
by a suitable machine.
[0098] The decorative strips 2 may be formed from timber,
engineered wood (such as medium density fibreboard), plastic or
other suitable material.
[0099] FIG. 4 is a side view of a modular panel, showing a series
of strips 2, each held in a toothed notch 4 in a support 3.
[0100] The profiled notches 4 provide for more secure retention of
the decorative strips 2, without the need for labour-intensive
fixing of each strip. Instead of fastening each strip to a support
using screws or the like, each strip is simply set into place in a
toothed notch, which effectively retains the strip. Thus, the
strips and supports are easily assembled.
[0101] FIG. 5 shows two modular ceiling covering panels 7, each
formed as described above. The edge of each panel 7 is formed with
a recess 8 for receiving a hanging ceiling support 9 or similar
support structure. A different profile may be used in place of the
recess 8 for different types of support structure.
[0102] Thus, at least one end of each decorative strip is profiled
so that a facing edge 8a of the strip extends beyond the edge of
the hanging ceiling support 9. The gap 8b is therefore less than
the width of the bottom section 9a of the hanging ceiling support
9. This not only partly conceals the hanging ceiling support 9 but
provides a smaller gap between the ends of decorative strips on
adjacent panels. This contributes towards an illusion of a
continuous covering or continuous decorative strips.
[0103] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each strip may also be
supported in part by the hanging ceiling support 9, since the top
part of the profile 8 provides a surface which can sit on the
hanging ceiling support 9.
[0104] FIG. 6 is an end view of a panel 10 according to a further
embodiment. The panel 10 includes a plurality of decorative strips
11, which are supported by a plurality of transverse supports 12.
The supports 12 are generally elongate and span a number of strips
11.
[0105] The panel 10 may be installed on site, but is preferably
combined with a number of like panels 10, each including a
plurality of strips 11 and supports 12 and capable of installation
so as to provide a substantially uniform covering.
[0106] The decorative strips 11 may be formed from timber,
engineered wood (such as medium density fibreboard), metal, plastic
or other suitable material.
[0107] FIG. 7 is a back, plan view of a screen or wall or ceiling
covering panel, showing the decorative strips 11 and elongate
supports 12.
[0108] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-section along the length of one
strip 11. Each strip includes one or more notches 13 formed in its
back surface 14. The notch is preferably narrower at the back
surface than at its widest point, and may have a dovetail shape, as
shown. The support 12 is shaped so as to fit within the notch 13
and the shape of the notch prevents the support 12 from being
pulled out of the notch 13 in the direction indicated by arrow
15.
[0109] The support 12 is also secured to the decorative strip 11
using a fastener 16, such as a nail, screw or the like, in order to
hold the decorative strip in the appropriate position with respect
to the support. Alternatively a suitable adhesive could be used. As
a further alternative, a crimping arrangement could be used to form
a connection between the support 12 and decorative strip 11. This
arrangement could use material formed integrally with the support
12 or decorative strip 11 to form the crimp, or a separate element
could be crimped to connect the support and decorative strip.
[0110] To assemble the panel, the supports 12 are slid into
position in the notches 13, while the strips 11 are held steady in
a suitable jig. Fasteners 16 are then used to secure the supports
12 to the strips 11.
[0111] FIG. 9 is a similar view to that of FIG. 8. However, in this
embodiment the support 12 engages with a joining member 20 for
joining to a similar support 12 and/or mounting of the covering to
a wall or ceiling. The support 12 is formed with a pair of
protrusions 21 which engage with corresponding protrusions 22 on
the joining member 20, simply using a push-tit. The joining member
20 may be formed as an elongate T-shaped member, as shown. This
provides good rigidity to the installed covering. Alternatively,
the joining member could be formed from timber or other suitable
material, with any suitable cross-section.
[0112] The joining member 20 conceals not only the joins between
panels but also the nails or other fasteners 16, which is important
where the surface covering can be seen from the back.
[0113] The elongate support 12 and joining member 20 may both be
formed as extrusions, for ease of manufacture.
[0114] FIG. 10 is a similar view to those of FIGS. 8 and 9.
However, in this embodiment joining member 20 is arranged to
support a backing material. The joining member 20 is formed with
clips 25 protruding from its back surface. The clips 25 receive a
backing materiel 26, as shown in FIG. 11. When the covering is
installed, the backing material 26 will be visible between the
decorative strips 11. The backing material may be an acrylic or
colourbond material, or other suitable material. Use of a backing
material may be particularly desirable when the covering is used
for garage doors, for example. Backing materials may also be used
for lighting effects in ceilings or walls.
[0115] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a further type of elongate support 12.
The elongate support 12 is generally similar to the elongate
support of FIGS. 9 to 11 but has a generally rectangular
cross-section instead of a dovetail shape. In order to prevent the
elongate support from moving out of the notch, two protrusions 27
are provided, with the notch having a corresponding pair of
recesses.
[0116] FIG. 14 illustrates the modular nature of wall or ceiling
coverings according to one embodiment. Two like panels 10 are to be
installed side by side. The elongate support 12 in a first panel is
arranged to provide a slight recess 30 at one edge, while the
support 12 of the other panel protrudes slightly 31 so as to sit
within the recess 30. The spacing of the decorative strips 32, 33
adjacent to the joint will then be substantially the same as the
spacing between any other two adjacent decorative strips 11. The
join in the elongate supports 12 is concealed behind the decorative
strip 32. This provides an invisible join between modular panels,
allowing a substantially uniform covering to be achieved using such
panels.
[0117] FIGS. 15 to 17 show a structure for fitting the covering to
a frame member 35. The frame member may be a door frame or any
other framework and may be an existing framework to which the
covering is retrofitted or a purpose-built framework.
[0118] A joiner 36, shown in detail in FIG. 17, includes a sleeve
section 37 configured to lie over the top of the decorative strips
11. The joiner 36 may be secured to those decorative strips using
fasteners 38. The joiner 36 also includes a protrusion 40
configured to sit in a recess in the frame member 35. The recess
can be closed after installation of the joiner 36 using a small
piece 41 preferably formed from the same material as the rest of
the frame member, as shown in the finished join of FIG. 15. The
joiner 35 may be formed as an extrusion.
[0119] FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment in which a number of
modular panels 50 are supported by a framework 51 which may be a
standard T-grid hanging ceiling framework. Each modular panel
includes a number of decorative strips 52 supported by transverse
supports 53 (of which only one is shown in FIG. 18). The transverse
supports may sit on the T-grid.
[0120] The modular panel system may also include a backing 55. The
backing 55 may be an acoustic material, such as a polyester
acoustic bat, preferably with a suitable facing layer, such as a
Lantor fabric layer. The backing 55 is visible between the
decorative strips 52.
[0121] The supports 53 and the framework members 51, or at least
those parts of the framework visible from below, may be the same
colour. Preferably the supports 53 and the framework members are a
dark colour, such as black. In many settings these members will
then fade into the background, or be camouflaged, creating the
illusion of the decorative strips floating in mid-air, unsupported.
The backing 55 may be the same colour as the supports 53 and the
framework members 51, further contributing to this illusion.
[0122] Preferably, for ease of installation and for allowing easy
access to the space behind the panels, the panels are not fixed to
the framework or to adjacent panels.
[0123] In one embodiment the T-grid defines a standard framework
size. For example, the T-grid may form a number of 1200 by 600 mm
rectangles, each supporting a single panel module. This has the
advantage that the backing material can also be a standard size, so
can easily be installed. The backing material 55 sits naturally
within the space defined by the vertical parts 56 of the T-grid
members 51. The decorative strips 57, 58 which are adjacent the
join between panels are spaced by a distance 59 which is identical
to the distance between any two other adjacent decorative strips
52. This helps to hide the join, so that a covering formed from a
number of modular panels appears uniform from below.
[0124] Especially if combined with the `camouflaged` colour-matched
supports 53, framework 51 and backing 55, this contributes to the
illusion of a continuous, uniform covering of floating decorative
slats. This colour matching and/or the spacing of the strips around
a join between panels can also be applied to any of the panel
structures shown in FIGS. 1 to 17.
[0125] FIG. 19 is a view of the modular panel system of FIG. 18,
from the side, again showing how the backing 55 fits into the
spaces formed by the vertical part 56 of the T-grid member 51.
[0126] FIG. 20 is a partially cut away view of the modular panel
system from below. This view shows the framework (i.e. the T-grid
members 51) and decorative strips 52. The strips are not shown in
one corner of the central panel, such that the backing 55 can be
seen. The backing 55 is formed as a rectangular bat which sits in a
rectangular cell formed by the vertical parts (not shown in FIG.
20) of the T-grid members 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d.
[0127] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the modular panel system from
above, without the backing 55. This shows the decorative strips 52,
supports 53 and T-grid members 51a, 51b, 51c and 51d. The
rectangular cell for the backing 55 can be clearly seen. The gaps
between the strips are also clearly visible, illustrating how the
backing material, when installed, can be seen from below the
panel.
[0128] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the modular panel system from
below, again showing the T-grid members 51a-51d and the decorative
strips 52.
[0129] As the modular panels are preferably not fixed to the
framework or to adjacent panels, panels can easily be lifted from
the framework if it is necessary to access the space behind the
installed covering. However, in some settings it may be
advantageous to provide a dedicated services panel to allow access
to the space behind the installed covering.
[0130] FIG. 23 shows an installed covering including a number of
panels 50, supported by T-grid members 51. In order to maintain the
modular nature of the covering and its installation in a standard
framework, an extra T-grid member 64 may be installed between two
standard T-grid members 51. A panel 65 of less than standard width
is installed between one standard T-grid member 51 and the extra
T-grid member 64. Between the other standard T-grid member 51 and
the extra T-grid member 64 a services panel 66 is installed. Again,
this is preferably not fixed to the framework, so that it can
easily be lifted to access the space behind the covering.
[0131] FIG. 24 shows an alternative services panel 67, shaped such
that its bottom surface is level with the bottom edges of the
decorative strips 52.
[0132] FIG. 25 shows how the modular panel system can be adapted
for floating ceiling applications. A standard T-grid member 70 can
be fixed to a floating ceiling edge section 71, supporting a
modular panel 50 as described above.
[0133] FIG. 26 shows an embodiment in which an offset wall mounting
73 is used for mounting a T-grid member. The offset mounting 73 is
affixed to a wall 74 above the T-grid, at a distance above a wall
angle fitting 75. The ends 77 of the decorative strips 52 in panel
76 sit in the wall angle. This provides a tidy appearance at the
junction of the installed covering and the wall 74 and covers the
ends of the strips 52. Where the wall angle, fitting 75 is coloured
black, this may also give the appearance of a shadow gap.
[0134] FIG. 27 shows a further panel system 80 in which a number of
panels 81, 82 are configured to fit to a number of parallel
framework members 83, 84, 85. The framework members may again be
standard T-grid members.
[0135] However, in this embodiment the panels 81, 82 supply the
transverse structure to the framework. There are no transverse
members in the framework, but the cross-members 86, 87, 88 in each
panel are configured to engage with the framework members 83, 84,
85. This is preferably achieved using a hook 90 or similar element
at each end of the cross-member 86, 87, 88 which sits over the top
of the framework member 83, 84, 85. Thus, the panel provides a
transverse rigidity to the panel system.
[0136] This embodiment remains a modular system, since preformed
panels are fitted to the pre-existing or pre-installed framework.
The panels are attached to the framework solely by the weight of
the panels and the configuration of the ends of the cross-members
86, 87, 88. The framework 83, 84, 85 and cross-members 86, 87, 88
may be disguised by the spacing of the decorative strips 89 around
the join and by any of the colour arrangements described above.
[0137] However, most pre-existing frameworks include a complete
T-grid with transverse framework members already in place.
Therefore, for retrofitting applications one of the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 1 to 26 may be preferred.
[0138] The invention provides a modular panel system which creates
coverings with an appearance approximating that provided by
continuous strips, but with the practicality of modular
systems.
[0139] The panels may use easily fabricated components, such as
wooden strips and extruded components. The components are easily
connected to form the panels.
[0140] Although the invention has been described with reference to
wall or ceiling coverings, the invention may also find applications
in cladding, doors, including garage doors, sunshades, window
coverings, screens (such as privacy screens) and the like.
[0141] Acoustic blankets or other acoustic elements may be
installed behind the decorative strips. Other backings may be
provided for other effects, e.g. visual or lighting effects.
[0142] Although the drawings show the decorative strips lying
perpendicular to their supports, the strips could also be slanted.
This has the benefit of hiding the underlying structure when viewed
from the front.
[0143] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments
have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the
Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications
will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the
invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific
details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative
examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made
from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the
Applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *