A PANEL WITH CONNECTING MEANS ON LATERAL EDGES

Abstract: The panel is constructed of railings, infill members and a connecting member (16). The connecting member has an intermediate portion (17), two side walls (19, 20) and forward facing webs (25, 30). The webs (25, 30) terminate in channels (27, 33) and end flanges (26, 32). The connectors are designed to connect with a device of opposite hand on an adjacent panel by lateral movement of the panels towards each other.

Description: A panel with connecting means on lateral edges. This invention relates to a panel, an assembly comprising said panel and a method of assembling said assembly. This invention has particular but not exclusive application to panels for use in the construction of partitions, work stations, and the like and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications, such as the construction of walls, floors, ceilings and fences. Demountable panel assemblies used in the construction of office partitioning and work stations are widely known. The panel systems usually include a plurality of interconnected panels which typically are difficult to assemble and comprise a significantly large number of extruded metal sections of differing cross-section. The present invention aims to alleviate at least one of the above disadvantages and to provide a demountable panel assembly which will be reliable and efficient in use. With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a panel including: connecting means adapted to engage connecting means of an adjacent panel by lateral movement of the two panels towards each other. Preferably, the panel's connecting means is configured such that the aforementioned lateral movement can only occur once there has been a partial engagement of the two panels brought about by the longitudinal movement of the two panels towards each other. Preferably the connecting means connecting the two panels are identical, or substantially identical, and are arranged such that they are of opposite hand. In another aspect this invention relates to a panel assembly comprising two interconnected panels, each panel having: connection means engageable with connection means of the adjacent panel by lateral movement of the two panels towards each other. Preferably, the connecting means of each panel is configured such that there must be a partial engagement of the two panels brought about by the longitudinal movement of the two panels towards each other prior to the aforementioned lateral movement. Preferably the connecting means connecting the two panels are identical, or substantially identical, and are arranged such that they are of opposite hand. The panels may be any suitable shape. For example, the panels may be substantially square or rectangular in shape and may be constructed from a variety of materials. The connection means may extend along all or part of an edge of the panel and wherein the connection means may be an integral part of the edge portion of the panel or may comprise a connecting member attached thereto. For example, the connecting member may comprise a molded or extruded section and may include attachment means for the attachment of same to a panel. In one embodiment, the connecting member may include a channel, or a pair of channels, adapted to receive and provide support for panel lining material such as a sheet of plasterboard, plywood, particle board, glass or the like. In addition, the lining material may be covered with a suitable material such as paper, fabric or the like. The connecting means, either individually or in combination with an opposing connecting means, may include a recess or channel which, in use, may facilitate the attachment thereto of other articles such as work platforms, desk tops, drawer sets, equipment supports, shelves and the like thereto. For example, the connecting means, either individually or in combination with an opposing connecting means, may include a recess or channel which includes a protrusion such as a wall which extends across the mouth of the recess or channel and behind which, or against which, a mounting, such as a complementary shaped mounting, of an article to be attached thereto may engage the connecting means. The connecting means may also include an engaging portion, such as a protrubence, which is adapted to engage the walls of a channel or recess of an adjacent connecting means. The panel assembly may also include locking means adapted to lock adjacent panels together. For example, the locking means may include a locking member which links, and is secured to, the adjacent panels. Alternatively, the locking means may include a locking member adapted to prevent the disengagement of the interengaged connecting means connecting adj cent panels. In yet another aspect this invention relates to a method of connecting adjacent panels, said method comprising: providing two panels each having opposed connecting means, said connecting means being adapted to engage opposing connecting means by lateral movement of the two panels towards each other; arranging the two panels such that their respective connecting means are adjacent, and laterally moving the two panels towards one another such that there is interengagement of the connecting means of said panels. Preferably, the connecting means of each panel is configured such that there must be a partial engagement of the two panels brought about by the longitudinal movement of the two panels towards each other prior to the aforementioned lateral movement. Accordingly, preferably the aforementioned method of assembly also includes the step of moving the two panels in a longitudinal direction towards each other such that their is an interengagement of the two connecting members in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the aforementioned method of assembly also includes the application of locking means to prevent the disengagement of the interengaged connecting means. In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of the right hand corner of a panel of the panel assembly illustrated in figure 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of the right hand end of the panel illustrated in figure 2; FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are transverse cross-sectional views from above which illustrate in detail the method of connecting two adjacent panels of the type illustrated in figure 2; FIG. 7 is an end view of a top rail assembly of a panel constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 8 is an end view of a bottom rail assembly of a panel constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an insert constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the insert illustrated in figure 9; FIG. 11 is a front view of the insert illustrated in figure 9; FIG. 12 is a side view of the insert illustrated in figure 9; FIG. 13 is a rear view of the insert illustrated in figure 9, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of the insert illustrated in figure 9. Referring to the drawings, figure 1 illustrates a typical demountable panel assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The panel assembly 10 includes a plurality of panels 11 arranged end to end and on top of one another so as to form a wall. Each panel is substantially square in shape and includes a pair of opposing vertical edges 13, a top edge 14 and a bottom edge 15. The vertical edges 13 each comprise a connecting member 16 which extends the length thereof. The connecting member 16 is formed from extruded aluminium and includes a channel shaped intermediate portion 17 comprising a web 18 separating two side walls 19 and 20, both of which lie in planes which are parallel to a median plane of the panel member. The side walls 19 and 20 each include an outwardly directed wall 21 and 21a respectively and wherein the walls 21 and 21a each terminate in a flange 22 and 22a. The walls and flanges 19, 21 and 22, and 20, 21a and 22a define a pair of rearwardly directed channels 23, each adapted to receive therein a respective panel sheet 24. The panel sheets 24 may be of composite material, such as plasterboard sheeting having an external fabric covering. However, other panel sheets including sheets of particle board, metal or glass may also be used. The connecting member 16 also includes a web 25 which extends forwardly from the wall 21a and which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel to the aforementioned median plane. The distal end of the web 25 includes an outwardly directed flange 26 and wherein the web 25, the side wall 21a and the flange 26 define a channel 27. The mouth of the channel 27 is partially closed by the distal end 28 of flange 22a. The connecting member 16 also includes a web 30 which extends forwardly from the wall 21 and which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel to the median plane. The distal end of the web 30 includes a "step like" end portion 31 which terminates in a transverse flange 32 directed towards the web 25. The web 30, wall 21 and flange 22 define a further channel 33. The connecting member 16 also includes a tongue 34 which extends transversely from the web 30, intermediate the ends thereof, and wherein the tongue includes a forwardly inclined end portion 35. Each panel member also includes a top rail member 40 formed from extruded aluminium. The top rail member 40 includes a channel shaped intermediate portion 41 comprising a web 42 separating two opposing side walls 43, both of which lie in planes which are parallel to the median plane of the panel member. The side walls 43 each include an outwardly directed wall 44 which terminates in a downwardly directed flange 45. The side walls 43, walls 44 and flanges 45 define a pair of downwardly directed channels 46 each adapted to receive therein the top edge of a respective panel sheet 24. The web 42 also includes two internal screw grooves 47 which extend the length of the extrusion. The top rail member also includes a pair of flanges 48 which each extend upwardly from a respective wall 44 and wherein the distal end of each flange 48 includes an outwardly directed, downwardly inclined, nib 49 extending the length thereof. The top rail member is adapted to engage with a cap 50 comprising a top plate 51 positioned intermediate opposing, downwardly directed, rolled edges 52. The cap includes a pair of downwardly directed flanges 53, each having inwardly directed, upwardly inclined, nibs 54 which extend the length thereof and wherein the nibs 54 are adapted to "snap" engage respective nibs 49 as illustrated in figure 7. Each panel member also includes a bottom rail member 60 formed from extruded aluminium. The bottom rail member 60 includes a channel shaped intermediate portion 61 comprising a web 62 separating two opposing side walls 63, both of which lie in planes which are parallel to the median plane of the panel member. The side walls 63 each include an outwardly directed wall 64 which terminates in an upwardly directed flange 65. The side walls 63, walls 64 and flanges 65 define a pair of upwardly directed channels 66 each adapted to receive therein the bottom edge of a respective panel sheet 24. The side walls 63 each include an inwardly directed, upwardly inclined, nib 67 which is adapted to "snap" engage a respective nib 49 of a top rail member 40 as illustrated in figure 8. The panel assembly also includes a height adjustment assembly 70, see figure 3, comprising a base plate 71 having a pair of opposing, upwardly directed, side walls 72, which lie in planes which are substantially parallel to the median plane of the panel member, and a transverse side wall 73. The transverse side wall 73 includes a pair of notches 74 formed therein through which respective threaded fasteners 75 may extend. The height adjustment assembly also includes a jacking member comprising a foot 76 and a stem 77 extending upwardly therefrom. The stem includes a threaded free end which is adapted to threadably engage a threaded aperture 78 formed in the base plate 71. In use, a panel member 11 comprising two opposing panel sheets 24, maintained in a spaced relationship by a top rail member 40, a bottom rail member 60 and a pair of connecting members 16, arranged in opposite manner, may be maintained in an upstanding position by the attachment of one or more height adjustment assemblies 70 thereto. In particular a single panel intended to stand alone may require height adjustment assemblies to be attached to opposite ends of the panel member. However, where the panel member is connected to an adjacent panel member, one height adjustment assembly may suffice. The attachment of the height adjustment assembly to the panel member is achieved by securing the wall 73 of the base plate 71 to the web 18 using screws 75 which extend through respective notches 74 and which engage web 18 in the manner illustrated in figure 3. The upstanding panel member 11 may be connected to a similar, upstanding but slightly offset, panel member 11' having an opposing connecting member 16 of opposite hand to the connecting member with which it is to engage as illustrated in figure 5. However, it should be noted that prior to locating the connecting member 16 of panel member 11' within the connecting member 16 of panel member 11, panel member 11' is lifted approximately 30 mm higher than panel member 11 so as to clear the walls 72 of the height adjustment assembly 70. The connection between the panel members 11 and 11' is achieved by initially moving the two panels towards one another in a longitudinal direction such that flanges 32 abut walls 21a and the distal edges of flanges 22a abut against the stepped portions of walls 31, as illustrated in figure 5. The panels are then moved laterally towards one another as illustrated in figure 6 such that walls 34 and 32 bear against walls 21a and 27 respectively. Finally, by lowering panel member 11' such that it rests on plate 71, the protruding walls 72 of the height adjustment assembly 70 of panel member 11 prevent any relative lateral movement of the panels which might permit disengagement of the connecting members 16. As a consequence the bottom portions of the two panels are locked together. Typically the top portions of the panels may be locked together by the "snap" engagement of the top rails 40 of adjacent panels with a cap 50 and wherein the cap is adapted to span the junction between the two panels. The method of connecting the top rail 40 and the cap 50 is illustrated in figure 7. However, it will be noted that in figure 1 caps 50 are attached to the top rails 40 of panel members 11 and 11" as illustrated and wherein the gap between end cap 80'and top cap 50' is filled by an insert 90 comprising two opposing, parallel flanges, 91 separated by a web 92. The flanges 91 are adapted for insertion into the channels 27 and 33 respectively of the end section 16 such that the side walls 25 and 30 and the flanges 91 abut frictionally. The web includes rounded portions 93 and 94 extending outwardly from the flanges at right angles to one another and wherein the profile of each portion is substantially the same as that of the end cap 80' and the top cap 50' against which said portions in use abut against. The panels 11 may be stacked one on top of the other as illustrated in figure 1 and wherein the adjacent panel members 11* and 11" may be attached to one another by the snap engagement of the top rail 40 of panel member 11' with the bottom rail 60 of panel member 11". The wall assembly may be completed by the addition thereto of end caps 80 and 81. It will of course be realised that while the above has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein defined in the appended claims.

Claims: THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A panel including: connecting means adapted to engage connecting means of an adjacent panel by lateral movement of the two panels towards each other. 2. A panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting means is configured such that said lateral movement can only occur once there has been a partial engagement of the two panels brought about by the longitudinal movement of the two panels towards each other. 3. A panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting means is adapted to engage identical, or substantially identical, connecting means of opposite hand. 4. A panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said connecting means is an extruded member. 5. A panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided additional connecting means on an opposing edge of the panel, said additional connecting means being identical, or substantially identical, to said connecting means but of opposite hand. 6. A panel assembly comprising two panels of the type claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said panels are connected by the interengagement of opposing connecting means. 7. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein there is also provided locking means adapted to lock adjacent panels together. 8. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said locking means includes a locking member adapted to prevent the disengagement of said interengaged connecting means. 9. A method of connecting two adjacent panels of the type claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, said method comprising: arranging the two panels such that their respective connecting means are adjacent, and laterally moving the two panels towards one another such that there is interengagement of the connecting means of said panels. 10. A method of connecting two adjacent panels as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method also involves the moving of the two panels in a longitudinal direction towards each other such that their is an interengagement of the two connecting members in the longitudinal direction prior to said lateral movement. 11. A method of connecting two adjacent panels as claimed in claim 10, wherein a locking member is inserted between the interengaged connecting means so as to prevent their disengagement.

Inventors: STANSFIELD ANTHONY, STANSFIELD, ANTHONY
Applicants: STANSFIELD ANTHONY, STANSFIELD, ANTHONY
Application year: 1996
Main classification: E04B2
IPC codes: E04B2