Panel wall system, parts thereof and method of installation
A thin panel wall assembly with support members having channels and narrow slot-like openings for receiving spacers and connectors such as brackets. Both the channels and the spacers have T-shaped sectional configurations. Once spacers are inserted at the top of the support members, the connectors are inserted. The connectors are then supported by the spacers and, depending upon the length of the spacers, the vertical distance from a supporting floor to the connectors is also determined. Multiple spacers and connectors may be inserted into the support members. The connectors include widened rear portions which are entrapped by the support members and prevents the connectors from falling out of the support members.
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a panel wall system, parts thereof and to a method of installation of the system, and more particularly to a panel wall system having panels with support members, spacers which are positionable in the support members and connectors, such as brackets, which are supported by the spacers. The present invention also relates to the method of installing connectors to the panels.
2. Description of the Related Art
Panel wall systems are widely used and typically include panel assemblies having metal frames with bottom, top and side frame members, and tiles of fabric covered wood, plastic, fiberglass or metal supported by the frame. The side frame members may contain elongated end channels into which connectors are placed to align and connect two adjoining panel assemblies. The side frame members also contain a series of slots facing outwardly to receive hook portions of brackets, shelves, cabinets and the like. Typically, the panel assemblies are between two and three inches in depth resulting in sufficient space to receive the hook portions of various items which are usually supported by the panel assemblies.
More recently, thin panel assemblies of only one inch or less in depth have been adopted. These save space and are less costly and they have a more elegant appearance. However, forming slots in the thin panel assemblies are not aesthetically appealing and there may not be sufficient space for the hook portions of hangable items.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONWhat is described here is a panel wall system including a vertically disposed thin panel, the thin panel including two spaced apart vertically oriented support members with each support member having an elongated channel formed therein. A plurality of spacers are also part of the system where each of the spacers are structured and dimensioned to be positioned within the channels of the support members. Also included is a plurality of panel wall system connectors for being disposed in the channels, each of the connectors including a widened mounting portion to be entrapped in a corresponding channel.
What is also described here is the connectors alone and the spacers alone. In addition, a method for installing the panel wall system is described including the steps of providing a plurality of panel systems including support members where each support member has an elongated channel, a plurality of spacers, and a plurality of connectors where each attachment has a widened mounting portion for mounting within a channel and for engaging a spacer, then inserting the spacers into the channels of the support members and thereafter inserting the connectors into the channels of the support members where the connectors engage and are supported by the spacers.
There are a number of advantages, features and objects achieved with the present invention which are believed not to be available in earlier related devices. For example, one advantage is that the present invention provides a panel wall system with a more elegant and simple appearance. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a panel wall system that uses smaller and lighter elements. Other objects of the present invention are that the panel wall system disclosed here is simply constructed, strong and easy to install.
A complete understanding of the present invention and other objects, advantages and features thereof will be gained from a consideration of the present specification which provides a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using the invention, set forth in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (first paragraph). Furthermore, the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing provided herein represent examples of the invention in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (first paragraph), but the invention itself is defined in the Claims section attached hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
While the present invention is open to various modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiments illustrating the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention are shown in the various figures of the drawing and will be described herein in detail, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (first paragraph). It is understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular embodiments, forms or examples which are disclosed herein. To the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended Claims section attached hereto, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (second paragraph).
A panel wall system 10 is shown in
Each panel assembly may include a frame constructed of a top frame member, a bottom frame member and two side frame members. An example of such a panel assembly is disclosed in a patent application, Publication No. US 2003/0213193 A1, which application is incorporated herein in full by reference. Mounted to the frame are tiles which may comprise fabric covering a wood or composite backing and a central core. Other materials and constructions may also used. As shown in
More recently, thin panel assemblies 70,
Referring to
The third channel 88 of the support member 80 is useful for receiving a generally H-shaped connector (not shown) to align and connect adjoining thin panel assemblies. The first and second channels 84, 86 are useful for mounting panel wall system connectors in the form of brackets, cabinets, shelves and other office equipment typically hung on panel wall systems. The side walls 106, 108 and the panel receiving walls 96, 98 present a generally smooth, elegant appearance interrupted only by the trim and neat channel openings 90, 92, 94 thereby giving the panel assemblies and the wall of which they are a part an improved overall look. It is noted that there are no series of slots in the support members. The frame may be formed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, and painted or otherwise colored to improve appearance, as desired. The depth of the support 80 from the outer surface of the panel receiving wall 96 to the outer surface of the panel receiving wall 98 is about one inch. This depth is insufficient to handle the hooks of attachment devices described in relation to
Referring to
The spacer may be made of any convenient material, such as PVC, in standard sizes and/or spacers may be formed from long extrusions that are easily cut and severed so as to adjust the length of the spacer as desired. The spacers have sufficient compression strength when confined in the channels of the support members to hold brackets, cabinets, shelves and the like or even multiple brackets, shelves, cabinets or combinations of these and other hanging items.
A preferred embodiment of a panel wall system connector in the form of a bracket 160 is shown in detail in
The mounting portion 166 of the bracket includes a rear edge 178 extending in the “y” or vertical direction. Adjacent the rear edge 178 may be a vertical series of protrusions 180 which extend laterally outward or in the “z” direction, perpendicular to both the “x” and “y” directions from the sides of the bracket. The protrusions may extend about 0.054 inches alternately to each side of the bracket which may have a width of about 0.072 inches, such that the width of the bracket at the protrusions is more than twice the width of the remaining mounting portion. It may now be appreciated that when the bracket is inserted at the top of the channel 84,
The protrusions may be created by a forming operation using a forming die. Other suitable forming methods may be used. Should the bracket be molded, the protrusions or other widening structure may be formed when the bracket is formed.
Another embodiment of an attachment in the form of a bracket is illustrated in
Referring to
An additional embodiment of a bracket 217 is illustrated in
It should be understood that the forming of structural devices to from the widened mounting portion may be applied to any connector, attachment element, device or item. For example, in
In operation, reference is made to
The above specification describes in detail several preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other examples, embodiments, modifications and variations will, under both the literal claim language and the doctrine of equivalents, come within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. For example, there are many configurations to use for increasing lateral width of a sheet metal attachment item. These are all considered equivalent structures and will also come within the literal language of the claims. Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will many new technologies. There is no desire or intention here to limit in any way the application of the doctrine of equivalents nor to limit or restrict the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A panel wall system comprising:
- a vertically disposed panel, said panel including two spaced apart vertically oriented support members, each support member having an elongated channel formed therein;
- a plurality of spacers, each of said spacers being structured and dimensioned to be positioned within the channels of said support members; and
- a plurality of panel wall system connectors for being disposed in the channels, each of said plurality of connectors including a widened mounting portion, said mounting protion for being entrapped in a corresponding channel.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein:
- said connector is formed of material having a generally constant thickness; and
- said widened mounting portion is formed by configuring said material.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein:
- said connector is formed of a sheet of metal.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein:
- said connector mounting portion includes protrusions.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein:
- said connector mounting portion includes alternately bent tabs.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein:
- each of said spacers are formed to a predetermined length.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein:
- each of said spacers is structured to be severed at any predetermined length.
8. The system of claim 2 wherein:
- each of said spacers is structured to be severed at any predetermined length.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein:
- said spacers support said connectors in a vertical direction and said support members restrain said connectors from rotating out of the channels.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein:
- said spacer is an extruded T-shaped element.
11. The system of claim 3 wherein:
- said spacer is an extruded T-shaped element.
12. A panel wall system connector comprising:
- a support structure adapted to be connected to a vertically oriented support member having a channel, said support structure having a widened mounting portion to be received in the channel of the vertically oriented support member for abutting engagement with the support member.
13. The connector of claim 12 wherein:
- said support structure is formed of material having a generally constant thickness; and
- said widened mounting portion is formed by configuring said material.
14. The connector of claim 12 wherein:
- said support structure is formed of sheet metal; and
- said widened mounting portion is formed from said sheet metal.
15. The connector of claim 12 wherein:
- said support structure includes a front portion integral with said mounting portion, said front portion extending outwardly from the channel of the support member.
16. The connector of claim 15 wherein:
- said widened mounting portion includes protrusions.
17. The attachment of claim 15 wherein:
- said widened mounting portion includes alternately bent tabs.
18. A panel wall system specer comprising:
- an elongated T-shaped element, said being structured and dimensioned to be received in a channel of a vertically overted support member of the panel wall.
19. The spacer of claim 18 wherein:
- said T-shaped element is severable.
20. A method for installing a panel wall system comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of panel systems including support members, each support member having an elongated channel;
- providing a plurality of spacer elements for mounting in the channels;
- providing a plurality of panel wall system connectors, each having a widened mounting portion being received within the channels and for engaging the spacers;
- inserting a spacer into a channel of a support member; and
- inserting a connector into the channel of the support member, said connector engaging and being supported by the spacer.
21. The method of claim 20 including the steps of:
- inserting a second spacer in the channel of the support member to engage the already inserted connector; and
- inserting a second panel wall system connector in the channel of the support member, the second connector engaging and being supported by the second spacer.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 4, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 17, 2006
Inventors: Steve Lindeen (Wapello, IA), Robert Hill (Muscatine, IA), Mervin Mills (Nichols, IA), Larry Donaldson (Mount Pleasant, IA), Sammy Abusada (Iowa City, IA), Travis Wright (Morning Sun, IA), Martin Traver (Wheatland, IA), Benjamin Proctor (Wapello, IA)
Application Number: 11/050,978
International Classification: E04B 2/00 (20060101);