EP0579691B1 - Panel system - Google Patents
Panel system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0579691B1 EP0579691B1 EP92908533A EP92908533A EP0579691B1 EP 0579691 B1 EP0579691 B1 EP 0579691B1 EP 92908533 A EP92908533 A EP 92908533A EP 92908533 A EP92908533 A EP 92908533A EP 0579691 B1 EP0579691 B1 EP 0579691B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- panel structure
- apertures
- connecting element
- panels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
- A47F5/11—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands made of cardboard, paper or the like
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/72—Non-load-bearing walls of elements of relatively thin form with respect to the thickness of the wall
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
- E04C2/02—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials
- E04C2/10—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of wood, fibres, chips, vegetable stems, or the like; of plastics; of foamed products
- E04C2/16—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of wood, fibres, chips, vegetable stems, or the like; of plastics; of foamed products of fibres, chips, vegetable stems, or the like
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
- E04C2/30—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure
- E04C2/40—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure composed of a number of smaller components rigidly or movably connected together, e.g. interlocking, hingedly connected of particular shape, e.g. not rectangular of variable shape or size, e.g. flexible or telescopic panels
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H1/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
- E04H1/12—Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
- E04H1/1272—Exhibition stands
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F15/00—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like
- G09F15/0006—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels
Definitions
- This invention relates to a panel system and particularly to non-permanent panel systems used at exhibitions and conferences or for use as scenery in television studios and theatres or at point-of-sale locations to provide a surface to create a scene or as a surface on which to display pictures or graphics.
- FR-A-2138699 discloses a modular structural system comprising components formed from substantially rectangular sheets of material, which may be cardboard, folded along fold axes adjacent opposite edges thereof to form sides, apertures being formed in the sides and receiving connecting elements which connect adjacent components to each other.
- a panel structure comprising panels formed from substantially rectangular sheets of cardboard or like material folded along fold axes adjacent opposite edges thereof to form sides, apertures being provided in the sides and receiving connecting elements which connect adjacent panels to each other, characterised in that the apertures each have a dovetail shape and open at the edges through respective mouths which are narrower than the greatest width of the apertures, each connecting element comprising a sheet of said cardboard or like material folded along a longitudinal fold line, each connecting element having slots of a width approximately the same as two thicknesses of the panels, the connecting elements being received in the apertures with the slots receiving respective overlying sides of adjacent ones of the panels, thereby to secure the panels together.
- Preferably more than one of said apertures is provided on each edge, vertically spaced from one another so that more than one connecting element may be employed to improve the strength of the panel structure.
- a panel structure in accordance with the present invention may be very simple and consequently light and inexpensive. It has the necessary rigidity for most temporary purposes and if constructed from substantial material could be used for more permanent structures. If constructed from cardboard, a structure according to the present invention can be modified or profiled using a sharp knife or fine saw.
- a wall structure 10 comprises a series of wall panels 12 joined by connecting elements 14.
- Each element 12,14 is constructed from a sheet of three ply cardboard or like material, preferably with a quality finish on one face, and rendered fire retardent by appropriate treatment. Alternatively appropriate plastics laminates may be employed.
- Each panel and connecting element is cut to blanks as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 respectively.
- Each panel 12 is provided with fold lines or axes 16 adjacent each long edge 18, 20 to form sides 50, 52 respectively.
- Four apertures in the form of dovetail slots 22,24, a,b,c,d are cut in the edges 18,20 at corresponding positions in two pairs a,b and c,d adjacent to each end of the panel.
- Each connecting element 14 is provided with a central longditudinal fold line 30.
- Each long edge 32,34 is provided with line slots 36,38 a,b,c,d separated by a distance corresponding to the separation between the fold axes 16 on the panel 12.
- the distance x between the base of each line slot 36,38 and the central fold line 30, is arranged to be approximately the same as the depth y of the dovetail slots 22,24.
- the depth w of the line slots 36,38 is arranged to be approximately the same as the radial distance z from the base of the dovetail slots 22,24, in the direction of their side edges, to the adjacent fold axes 16.
- the width r of the line slots 36,38 is arranged to be approximately the same as two thicknesses of the panels 12. Also, the width s of the opening to each dovetail slot 22,24 is arranged to be larger than two thicknesses of the connecting element 14 (equivalent to the separation t of the fold line 30, which is arranged as a pair of folds). This is achieved by parallel cuts 33 at the opening of each dovetail slot.
- edge 18 of one panel 12 is then aligned with the edge 20 of the next panel so that the dovetail slots 22, a,b,c,d and 24 a,b,c,d of adjacent panels are aligned with one another.
- a connecting element 14 is then folded flat along its longitudinal fold line pair 30 and inserted into the mouths 33 which connect adjacent dovetail slot pairs 22,24a to the edges of the sheets (fold line 30 entering last). Further connecting elements may be inserted in dovetail slot pairs 22,24, b,c, and d.
- Each connecting element 14 is inserted so that each line slot 36, now paired with adjacent line slots 38, are engaged with the base of each dovetail slot pair until the edges 32,34 abut the back face 54 of each panel 12.
- the mouths 35 of the line slots 36,38 may be chamfered to ease insertion.
- the connecting element 14 may then be opened within the confines of the dovetail while being coaxed further into engagement against the end face 54, and until the position shown in the drawings is achieved.
- thumb slots 43 are cut in its edges. With the dimensions given as above, this results in the fold lines 30 lying flush with the edges 18,20 of the panels.
- each connecting element 14 is retained in position by the dovetail slots 22,24 and, for most practical purposes, the connecting elements are held firmly in place. This is further aided by notches 39 in each corner of the dovetail slots which catch and locate the base of each line slot when the connecting elements are opened. More importantly however, each panel 12 is now locked to the next by the line slots 36,38 in each connecting element gripping adjoining sides 50,52 of adjacent panels, hence the relative dimension r and the thicknesses of two panels.
- the result is a panel structure 10 which has a satisfactory frontal appearance and which can be extended by as many panels 12 as required.
- FIG. 7 to 11 A preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 7 to 11. This has a similar structure and assembly technique to the first embodiment described above. Consequently like parts are given the same reference numeral, except with an apostrophe where they differ from the first embodiment.
- dovetail slots 22',24' have been reversed from their orientation in the first embodiment, so that their major dimension, rather than their narrow dimension, is now adjacent the mouth 33'.
- a modified form of connecting element 14' is employed, which has line slots 36',38', as before, but also centre slots or apertures 37 a to j.
- each line slot 36',38' is arranged to be the same as the width z' of the return 41.
- the depth p of the centre aperture on either side of the fold line 30' is arranged to be approximately the same as the distance q from the base 45 of the dovetail slot, in the direction of its tapering edges, to the adjacent fold axes 16. Indeed, the tapering edges, if they did not terminate at the base 45, are so arranged that they would otherwise meet at the fold axis 16.
- the centre apertures 37 which have the width r' arranged to be approximately the same as two thicknesses of the panels 12.
- the line slots 36',38' may likewise have a width r" which is the same as two thicknesses of panels, but this is not critical as will be apparent from the description below.
- a connecting element 14' is folded along its longditudinal fold line 30' and inserted into the mouths 33' of the dovetail slot pairs 22',24a (fold line 30' first). Further connecting elements are inserted in the remaining slot pairs 22,24, b,c, and d.
- each connecting element 14' is inserted so that each centre aperture 37, which by virtue of the folding of the element now forms a slot, is engaged over the base 45 of each dovetail slot pair 22,24.
- the connecting element 14 By allowing the connecting element 14 to partially unfold, the line slots 36',38' engage the return 41 so that the connecting element 14' is locked in the dovetail slots 22',24'.
- the natural resilience of the material of the connecting elements springs them apart so that they keep engaged with the returns 41.
- each panel element 12' is firmly locked to the next by both the centre apertures 37 and the line slots 36',38'.
- the connection is stonger than the first embodiment because the centre apertures 37, when they are folded in half, are much stronger than the line apertures 36,38 of the first embodiment.
- the line slots 36 and 38 work independently of one another, while here, the centre aperture forms two slots which each support and reinforce the other.
- a modified panel 80 may be employed at strategic points and which has a central fold line 82.
- the sides 50',52' of the panels are inserted into otherwise vacant line slots 36',38' (and centre apertures 37 in this case of the second embodiment shown in Figure 13).
- the line slots and centre apertures are located at spacings equal to half the separation between the fold axes 16 on the panels 12, and not the full separation as shown in Figures 1 to 6.
- this spacing, and the modified panel 80 are equally applicable to the first embodiment.
- the face of the panel element projects from the surface of the panel structure increasing the depth of the structure and thus its stability.
- Figure 13 also illustrates a joint between two walls which is easily achieved by the joining method of the present invention and which further improves the stability of the panel structure.
- Figures 14 to 17 show special corner units 112,112', reinforced by gussets 90,100.
- the gusset 90 comprises a sheet of cardboard or like material having two support edges 92,93 at an angle A with respect to one another. In this case the angle A is a right angle.
- the support edges 92,93 are themselves supported by tab pairs 94,96 whose function is explained further below.
- At an angle B (which is always substantially a right angle) to the edges 92,93 are abutment edges 95,98, which are each provided with tongues 97.
- the tongues 97 have press-out tabs 99 formed in them.
- a panel 12 is then folded centrally about its fold line 82; in Figure 15, this is internally at the angle A.
- the tab pairs 94,96 are then folded, one up, one down, on each of four gussets 90. These are offered up to the folded panel and the tongues 97 are pressed through apertures 23 provided for this purpose in each side 50,52 of the panels 12 (see also Figure 3).
- the length m of the slots 23 is slightly less than the width of the tongues 97 so that barbs 101 on the tongues engage the edges of the apertures 23 after being pushed through them.
- the tabs 99 may be bent downwardly to further ensure that the tongues remain firmly engaged in the apertures 23.
- a corner unit 112 so-formed can easily be connected to the end of a panel stucture 12a. This is achieved by pushing the tongues 97 through the corresponding apertures 23 of the adjoining panel 12a.
- the separation d of the barbs 101 and the tabs 99 from the respective abutment edges 95,98 are arranged to be twice the thickness of the panels 12.
- the dovetail slots of the corner unit 112 and the adjoining panel 12a are of course aligned so that connecting elements (not shown) can further secure the two components together.
- Figures 18 and 19 show two possible arrangements employing the second embodiment of the present invention.
- a double-ply panel structure 10" is formed from two panels 12b and 12c arranged backto-back.
- the two panel plys are secured together by a connecting element 14" which is in the form of two connecting elements 14'a,14'b joined edge to edge at 85.
- the parts 14'a and 14'b of the element 14" also secure together the individual panels in each ply.
- the element 14" is, of course, a single component. It adopts a diamond configuration when in use.
- Figures 18 and 19 also show the use of special end panels 12d which enable wall ends and corners to be provided for this double ply structure.
- Figure 20b is a plan view of the blank for panel 12d, which has the same dimensions, and has the same dovetail slots 22',24' and fold axes 16, as the panel 12' of Figure 8. However, it has extra fold lines 16' and 16".
- the former when employed, allow the panel to be used as shown at 12d in Figures 18 and 19, while the latter allow the panel to be used as shown at 80 in Figure 18, or indeed as panel 80 in Figure 13.
- Figures 20a and 21 illustrate a further special end panel 70, which is provided with one side 72 shaped in an identical fashion to sides 50',52' of the panel element 12' of Figure 8.
- Fold lines 74a,b, and c are positioned equidistant to each other at a distance equal to the width of side 72.
- Fold line 76 is ideally positioned at a distance from fold line 74c equal to the width of side 72 less the thickness of one panel.
- Dovetail cuts 78a,b,c,d are provided along the edge of side 80 spaced to correspond to the final positions of connecting elements 14' in a completed panel structure.
- the special end panel element 70 is attached to a panel structure 10' by means of its dovetail slots 22' on side 72.
- Dovetail cuts 78a,b,c,d are positioned over the exposed edges of connecting elements 14' which are temporarily sqeezed together to allow insertion into mouths 82 of each dovetail cut.
- Figures 23 and 24 show a special connecting element 14", and a curved panel structure 10"' which is created when the element 14" is employed in single ply panel structures.
- the connecting eluant is used in exactly the same way, but it is provided with inclined centre apertures 37' at each end. When folded along centre fold line 30", the inclined apertures 37' become inclined slots. In Figure 23, they are inclined inwardly, and form inwardly directed wall joints as shown in Figure 24. Outwardly inclined slots would form convex wall structures.
- the connecting element 14" is long enough to join only one panel 12' to a single neighbour on either side. To form curves, each neighbour must likewise be connected to their neighbours by the special connecting elements 14".
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- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Panels For Use In Building Construction (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
- Glass Compositions (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a panel system and particularly to non-permanent panel systems used at exhibitions and conferences or for use as scenery in television studios and theatres or at point-of-sale locations to provide a surface to create a scene or as a surface on which to display pictures or graphics.
- In exhibitions and conferences as well as in the theatre and television there is extensive use of temporary structures to provide areas in which to display products or to provide surfaces which are decorated to produce scenery. There exists an extensive market for panel systems, but these are generally constructed from various strong materials such as timber, plastics and aluminium extrusions.
- Whilst there is little wrong with existing products and methods, the cost of providing such structures on sale or hire is relatively high. The systems currently available tend to be bulky and heavy which means that transportation and erection can be expensive.
- FR-A-2138699 discloses a modular structural system comprising components formed from substantially rectangular sheets of material, which may be cardboard, folded along fold axes adjacent opposite edges thereof to form sides, apertures being formed in the sides and receiving connecting elements which connect adjacent components to each other.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a panel system which is easy to make, easy to assemble, lightweight and reasonably inexpensive.
- According to the present invention there is provided a panel structure comprising panels formed from substantially rectangular sheets of cardboard or like material folded along fold axes adjacent opposite edges thereof to form sides, apertures being provided in the sides and receiving connecting elements which connect adjacent panels to each other, characterised in that the apertures each have a dovetail shape and open at the edges through respective mouths which are narrower than the greatest width of the apertures, each connecting element comprising a sheet of said cardboard or like material folded along a longitudinal fold line, each connecting element having slots of a width approximately the same as two thicknesses of the panels, the connecting elements being received in the apertures with the slots receiving respective overlying sides of adjacent ones of the panels, thereby to secure the panels together.
- In a typical installation several of said panels are connected to form a continuous wall and said connecting element extends through the apertures of said several panels.
- Preferably more than one of said apertures is provided on each edge, vertically spaced from one another so that more than one connecting element may be employed to improve the strength of the panel structure.
- A panel structure in accordance with the present invention may be very simple and consequently light and inexpensive. It has the necessary rigidity for most temporary purposes and if constructed from substantial material could be used for more permanent structures. If constructed from cardboard, a structure according to the present invention can be modified or profiled using a sharp knife or fine saw.
- For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
- Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a panel structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a perspective front view of a structure as shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a plan view of a blank for a panel element forming part of the panel structure of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a plan view of a blank for a first form of a connecting element forming part of the panel structure of Figure 1;
- Figure 5 is a top plan view of part of a panel structure as shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 6 is a section on the line A-A of Figure 5;
- Figure 7 is a perspective rear view of a second preferred embodiment of a panel structure according to the present invention;
- Figure 8 is a plan view of a blank for a panel for the structure of Figure 7;
- Figure 9 is a plan view of a blank for a connecting element in its second form for the structure of Figure 7;
- Figure 10 is a top plan view of part of a panel structure as shown in Figure 7;
- Figure 11 is a section on the line B-B of Figure 10;
- Figure 12 is a rear view of a multi-panel structure according to the present invention;
- Figure 13 is a top view of a typical corner joint;
- Figure 14 is a plan view of a gusset for an internal corner of a wall structure according to the present invention;
- Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of an internal corner joint using the gusset of Figure 14;
- Figure 16 is a plan view of a gusset for an external corner of a wall structure according to the present invention;
- Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of an external corner joint using the gusset of Figure 16;
- Figure 18 is a perspective view of a double wall employing the second embodiment of the present invention;
- Figure 19 shows an alternative arrangement of the wall structure of Figure 18;
- Figures 20a and b are plan views of blanks for special end panels;
- Figure 21 is a plan view of a wall structure using the special end panel of Figure 20;
- Figure 22 is a sectional view, similar to Figures 6 and 11, of the wall structure of Figure 18;
- Figure 23 is a plan view of a blank for a curve forming connecting element, in its second form; and,
- Figure 24 shows a curved wall structure achieved using the connecting element of Figure 23.
- In the drawings, a
wall structure 10 comprises a series ofwall panels 12 joined by connectingelements 14. Eachelement - Each panel and connecting element is cut to blanks as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 respectively. Each
panel 12 is provided with fold lines oraxes 16 adjacent eachlong edge sides dovetail slots 22,24, a,b,c,d are cut in theedges - Each connecting
element 14 is provided with a centrallongditudinal fold line 30. Eachlong edge line slots fold axes 16 on thepanel 12. - With reference also to Figure 6, the distance x between the base of each
line slot central fold line 30, is arranged to be approximately the same as the depth y of thedovetail slots 22,24. Moreover, the depth w of theline slots dovetail slots 22,24, in the direction of their side edges, to theadjacent fold axes 16. - The width r of the
line slots panels 12. Also, the width s of the opening to eachdovetail slot 22,24 is arranged to be larger than two thicknesses of the connecting element 14 (equivalent to the separation t of thefold line 30, which is arranged as a pair of folds). This is achieved byparallel cuts 33 at the opening of each dovetail slot. - The purpose of these dimensions is explained in the following description although it should be understood that these dimensions are merely preferable and are not absolutely essential for the satisfactory operation of a panel structure according to the invention.
- To assemble a
panel structure 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 four panel elements are first folded along thefold axes 16 so thatsides face 54. - The
edge 18 of onepanel 12 is then aligned with theedge 20 of the next panel so that thedovetail slots 22, a,b,c,d and 24 a,b,c,d of adjacent panels are aligned with one another. - A connecting
element 14 is then folded flat along its longitudinalfold line pair 30 and inserted into themouths 33 which connect adjacentdovetail slot pairs fold line 30 entering last). Further connecting elements may be inserted indovetail slot pairs 22,24, b,c, and d. - Each connecting
element 14 is inserted so that eachline slot 36, now paired withadjacent line slots 38, are engaged with the base of each dovetail slot pair until theedges back face 54 of eachpanel 12. Themouths 35 of theline slots element 14 may then be opened within the confines of the dovetail while being coaxed further into engagement against theend face 54, and until the position shown in the drawings is achieved. To ease opening of the connecting element,thumb slots 43 are cut in its edges. With the dimensions given as above, this results in thefold lines 30 lying flush with theedges - As shown in Figures 5 and 6 each connecting
element 14 is retained in position by thedovetail slots 22,24 and, for most practical purposes, the connecting elements are held firmly in place. This is further aided bynotches 39 in each corner of the dovetail slots which catch and locate the base of each line slot when the connecting elements are opened. More importantly however, eachpanel 12 is now locked to the next by theline slots sides - The result is a
panel structure 10 which has a satisfactory frontal appearance and which can be extended by asmany panels 12 as required. - A preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 7 to 11. This has a similar structure and assembly technique to the first embodiment described above. Consequently like parts are given the same reference numeral, except with an apostrophe where they differ from the first embodiment.
- For reasons explained further below, the dovetail slots 22',24' have been reversed from their orientation in the first embodiment, so that their major dimension, rather than their narrow dimension, is now adjacent the mouth 33'. There is a
return 41 on each side of each dovetail slot 22',24', where it adjoins the mouth 33'. A modified form of connecting element 14' is employed, which has line slots 36',38', as before, but also centre slots orapertures 37 a to j. - With reference to Figures 9 and 11, the depth w' of each line slot 36',38' is arranged to be the same as the width z' of the
return 41. Moreover, the depth p of the centre aperture on either side of the fold line 30', which in this case is merely a single fold, is arranged to be approximately the same as the distance q from thebase 45 of the dovetail slot, in the direction of its tapering edges, to the adjacent fold axes 16. Indeed, the tapering edges, if they did not terminate at thebase 45, are so arranged that they would otherwise meet at thefold axis 16. - In this embodiment, it is the
centre apertures 37 which have the width r' arranged to be approximately the same as two thicknesses of thepanels 12. The line slots 36',38' may likewise have a width r" which is the same as two thicknesses of panels, but this is not critical as will be apparent from the description below. - To assemble a panel structure 10', four panels 12' are first folded along their fold axes 16. As before, the edge 18' of one panel is then aligned with the edge 20' of the next one. Next, a connecting element 14' is folded along its longditudinal fold line 30' and inserted into the mouths 33' of the dovetail slot pairs 22',24a (fold line 30' first). Further connecting elements are inserted in the remaining slot pairs 22,24, b,c, and d.
- Each connecting element 14' is inserted so that each
centre aperture 37, which by virtue of the folding of the element now forms a slot, is engaged over thebase 45 of eachdovetail slot pair 22,24. By allowing the connectingelement 14 to partially unfold, the line slots 36',38' engage thereturn 41 so that the connecting element 14' is locked in the dovetail slots 22',24'. The natural resilience of the material of the connecting elements springs them apart so that they keep engaged with thereturns 41. - Thus, each panel element 12' is firmly locked to the next by both the
centre apertures 37 and the line slots 36',38'. Indeed, the connection is stonger than the first embodiment because thecentre apertures 37, when they are folded in half, are much stronger than the line apertures 36,38 of the first embodiment. In that embodiment, theline slots - Where more than four panel elements are used (with either embodiment) such as illustrated in Figure 12, further connecting
elements panel 12 is joined to one on either side by at least two connecting elements. This ensures that the resulting panel structure has the necessary stability. - If desired, a modified panel 80 (see Figure 13) may be employed at strategic points and which has a
central fold line 82. When the modified panel is used, the sides 50',52' of the panels are inserted into otherwise vacant line slots 36',38' (andcentre apertures 37 in this case of the second embodiment shown in Figure 13). It is for this purpose that the line slots and centre apertures are located at spacings equal to half the separation between the fold axes 16 on thepanels 12, and not the full separation as shown in Figures 1 to 6. On the other hand, this spacing, and the modifiedpanel 80, are equally applicable to the first embodiment. When these modifiedpanel elements 80 are employed, the face of the panel element projects from the surface of the panel structure increasing the depth of the structure and thus its stability. - Figure 13 also illustrates a joint between two walls which is easily achieved by the joining method of the present invention and which further improves the stability of the panel structure.
- Figures 14 to 17 show special corner units 112,112', reinforced by gussets 90,100. With reference first to Figures 14 and 15, the
gusset 90 comprises a sheet of cardboard or like material having two support edges 92,93 at an angle A with respect to one another. In this case the angle A is a right angle. The support edges 92,93 are themselves supported by tab pairs 94,96 whose function is explained further below. At an angle B (which is always substantially a right angle) to theedges abutment edges tongues 97. Thetongues 97 have press-outtabs 99 formed in them. - A
panel 12 is then folded centrally about itsfold line 82; in Figure 15, this is internally at the angle A. The tab pairs 94,96 are then folded, one up, one down, on each of fourgussets 90. These are offered up to the folded panel and thetongues 97 are pressed throughapertures 23 provided for this purpose in eachside slots 23 is slightly less than the width of thetongues 97 so thatbarbs 101 on the tongues engage the edges of theapertures 23 after being pushed through them. Moreover, after insertion of thetongues 97 in theapertures 23, thetabs 99 may be bent downwardly to further ensure that the tongues remain firmly engaged in theapertures 23. - The purpose of the
tabs panel 12, and so that the panel is constrained to the angle A, which is of course the angle between the support edges 92,93. - It will be appreciated that a
corner unit 112 so-formed can easily be connected to the end of apanel stucture 12a. This is achieved by pushing thetongues 97 through the correspondingapertures 23 of the adjoiningpanel 12a. For this purpose the separation d of thebarbs 101 and thetabs 99 from the respective abutment edges 95,98 are arranged to be twice the thickness of thepanels 12. In any event, the dovetail slots of thecorner unit 112 and the adjoiningpanel 12a are of course aligned so that connecting elements (not shown) can further secure the two components together. - The arrangement of Figures 16 and 17 is essentially the same, except that here it is an external corner that is formed with the aid of the
gussets 100. - Figures 18 and 19 show two possible arrangements employing the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring also to Figure 22, a double-
ply panel structure 10" is formed from twopanels element 14" which is in the form of two connecting elements 14'a,14'b joined edge to edge at 85. Needless to say, the parts 14'a and 14'b of theelement 14" also secure together the individual panels in each ply. Theelement 14" is, of course, a single component. It adopts a diamond configuration when in use. - Figures 18 and 19 also show the use of
special end panels 12d which enable wall ends and corners to be provided for this double ply structure. Figure 20b is a plan view of the blank forpanel 12d, which has the same dimensions, and has the same dovetail slots 22',24' and foldaxes 16, as the panel 12' of Figure 8. However, it hasextra fold lines 16' and 16". The former, when employed, allow the panel to be used as shown at 12d in Figures 18 and 19, while the latter allow the panel to be used as shown at 80 in Figure 18, or indeed aspanel 80 in Figure 13. - Figures 20a and 21 illustrate a further
special end panel 70, which is provided with oneside 72 shaped in an identical fashion to sides 50',52' of the panel element 12' of Figure 8. Foldlines 74a,b, and c are positioned equidistant to each other at a distance equal to the width ofside 72. Foldline 76 is ideally positioned at a distance from fold line 74c equal to the width ofside 72 less the thickness of one panel. Dovetail cuts 78a,b,c,d are provided along the edge ofside 80 spaced to correspond to the final positions of connecting elements 14' in a completed panel structure. The specialend panel element 70 is attached to a panel structure 10' by means of its dovetail slots 22' onside 72. Right angle folds are made alongfold lines 74a,b,c,d andside 80 is positioned adjacent toside 72. Dovetail cuts 78a,b,c,d are positioned over the exposed edges of connecting elements 14' which are temporarily sqeezed together to allow insertion intomouths 82 of each dovetail cut. - Finally, Figures 23 and 24 show a special connecting
element 14", and acurved panel structure 10"' which is created when theelement 14" is employed in single ply panel structures. The connecting eluant is used in exactly the same way, but it is provided with inclined centre apertures 37' at each end. When folded alongcentre fold line 30", the inclined apertures 37' become inclined slots. In Figure 23, they are inclined inwardly, and form inwardly directed wall joints as shown in Figure 24. Outwardly inclined slots would form convex wall structures. The connectingelement 14" is long enough to join only one panel 12' to a single neighbour on either side. To form curves, each neighbour must likewise be connected to their neighbours by the special connectingelements 14".
Claims (19)
- A panel structure (10, 10') comprising panels (12, 12') formed from substantially rectangular sheets of cardboard or like material folded along fold axes (16) adjacent opposite edges (18, 18', 20, 20') thereof to form sides (50, 52), apertures (22, 22', 24, 24') being provided in the sides (50, 52) and receiving connecting elements (14, 14') which connect adjacent panels (12, 12') to each other, characterised in that the apertures each have a dovetail shape and open at the edges (18, 18', 20, 20') through respective mouths (33, 33') which are narrower than the greatest width of the apertures, each connecting element (14, 14') comprising a sheet of said cardboard or like material folded along a longitudinal fold line (30), each connecting element having slots (36, 38, 37) of a width (r, r') approximately the same as two thicknesses of the panels (12, 12'), the connecting elements (14, 14') being received in the apertures with the slots (36, 38, 37) receiving respective overlying sides (50, 52) of adjacent ones of the panels, thereby to secure the panels (12, 12') together.
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that a single one of the connecting elements (14, 14') extends through apertures (22, 22', 24, 24') of several panels (12, 12').
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2 characterised in that more than one of said apertures (22, 22', 24, 24') are provided in each side (50, 52), vertically spaced from one another so that more than one connecting element (14, 14') may be employed to join two adjacent panel elements.
- A panel structure as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that each aperture (22, 24) narrows in the direction towards the mouth (33), the slots (36, 38) in each connecting element (14) being disposed at opposite edges (32, 34) of the connecting element (14) on either side of the fold line (30).
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that each slot (36, 38) terminates at a distance (x) from the fold line (30) which is substantially the same as the depth (y) of each aperture (22, 24), measured along an edge of the aperture.
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the apertures (22, 24) and the slots (36, 38), and the fold axes (16) and the width of the connecting element (14), are such that each slot (36, 38) is substantially the same length (w) as the distance (z) from the base of each aperture (22, 24), in the direction of its diverging edges, to the respective fold axis (16).
- A panel structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the aperture (22, 24) widens in the direction towards the mouth (33'), the slots (37) in each connecting element (14') being positioned centrally and extending across fold line (30').
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that edge slots (36', 38') are formed in the edges of each connecting element (14') on opposite sides of the fold line (30'), returns (41) being disposed between each aperture (22, 24, 22', 24') and the respective mouth (33'), and the connecting elements (14) being adapted to be partially unfolded after insertion thereof in the apertures (22, 24, 22', 24') so as to engage the base of each edge slot (36', 38') with the respective return (41).
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterised in that each slot (37) extends to each side of the fold line (30') by a distance (p) which is substantially the same as the distance (q) from the base of each aperture (22, 24, 22', 24'), in the direction of its converging edges, to the respective fold axis (16).
- A panel structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each aperture (22, 24, 22', 24') has a base of sufficient width to allow the connecting element (14') to be partially unfolded and lie flat against the edges of the aperture (22, 24, 22', 24').
- A panel structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each slot (37) extends substantially perpendicularly to said fold line (30') and is generally rectangular.
- A panel structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that adjacent slots (37') in each connecting element (14") are inclined with respect to each other.
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that two connecting elements (14") are used to connect two adjacent wall panels, one connecting element (14") being locked in the apertures (22, 24) of sides (50, 52) of one panel (10‴) and an adjacent edge (50, 52) of the other panel (10‴), and the other connecting element (14") being locked in the apertures of both sides (50, 52) of the other panel (10‴) and the adjacent side (50, 52) of the said one panel (10‴), in both cases employing the inclined slots (37') to effect said locking, the two wall panels (10‴) being thereby connected at an angle with respect to each other.
- A panel structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that there are four apertures (22, 24, 22', 24') in each panel element side (50, 52), arranged in two pairs disposed respectively near the top and bottom of each panel element.
- A panel structure as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each connecting element (14, 14') joins six panel elements (12, 12').
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 7 or in any of claims 8 to 15 when dependent on claim 7, characterised in that special end panels (70) are provided, each end panel (70) having apertures (22') along one edge and dovetail cuts (78) along an opposite edge, said dovetail cuts opening at said other edge at their narrow dimension and being adapted to engage the back of connecting elements (14') received in the apertures (22').
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that each special end panels (70) has four folds (74a, b, c, 76) between and parallel to the edges to form square corners when the apertures (22') engage respective connecting elements (14') and the dovetail cuts (78) engage the back of the respective connecting elements (14').
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that the folds (74a, b, c, 76) are separated from one another by a dimension substantially equal to the overall thickness of the panel structure (10).
- A panel structure as claimed in claim 7 or any of claims 8 to 18 when dependent on claim 7, characterised in that two panels (12b, 12c) are disposed back to back and a modified connecting element (14") is employed, which modified connecting element comprises two of said second form of connecting elements (14'a, 14'b) joined edge to edge, and which is folded into a diamond section configuration.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9107684 | 1991-04-11 | ||
GB919107684A GB9107684D0 (en) | 1991-04-11 | 1991-04-11 | Panel system |
PCT/GB1992/000654 WO1992018726A1 (en) | 1991-04-11 | 1992-04-10 | Panel system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0579691A1 EP0579691A1 (en) | 1994-01-26 |
EP0579691B1 true EP0579691B1 (en) | 1996-07-03 |
Family
ID=10693073
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92908533A Expired - Lifetime EP0579691B1 (en) | 1991-04-11 | 1992-04-10 | Panel system |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0579691B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE140054T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU658879B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2108171A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69211988T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2090627T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9107684D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1992018726A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7263786B1 (en) | 2006-04-19 | 2007-09-04 | Tesa Sa | Height gauge |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU681644B2 (en) * | 1993-06-18 | 1997-09-04 | Adval Australia Pty. Ltd. | A display system |
GB2282477B (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1996-12-11 | Cardboard Innovations Ltd | A wall system |
FR2845407B1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2007-01-19 | Bonheur Du | REMOVABLE PARTITION |
CN105632366B (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2018-06-26 | 长春理工大学 | The variable telescopic movable exhibition plate bracket of folding angles |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2025556C3 (en) * | 1970-05-26 | 1975-07-31 | Rhein-Main Wellpappe Gmbh & Co Kg, 6234 Hattersheim | Booth or the like |
NL7203683A (en) * | 1971-05-21 | 1972-11-23 | ||
AU553437B2 (en) * | 1983-03-11 | 1986-07-17 | Daventry Pty. Ltd. | Display screen |
DE3435392A1 (en) * | 1984-09-27 | 1986-04-03 | Bayer Ag, 5090 Leverkusen | METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF 2,4-DICHLOR-5-FLUOR-BENZOESAEEURE |
FR2643133A1 (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-08-17 | Bonheur Georges Claude | Fish-jointed or non-fish-jointed structure with bars of convertible articulated section |
-
1991
- 1991-04-11 GB GB919107684A patent/GB9107684D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-04-10 WO PCT/GB1992/000654 patent/WO1992018726A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-04-10 CA CA002108171A patent/CA2108171A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-04-10 EP EP92908533A patent/EP0579691B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-04-10 AU AU15896/92A patent/AU658879B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-04-10 ES ES92908533T patent/ES2090627T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-04-10 DE DE69211988T patent/DE69211988T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-04-10 AT AT92908533T patent/ATE140054T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7263786B1 (en) | 2006-04-19 | 2007-09-04 | Tesa Sa | Height gauge |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2090627T3 (en) | 1996-10-16 |
EP0579691A1 (en) | 1994-01-26 |
WO1992018726A1 (en) | 1992-10-29 |
DE69211988T2 (en) | 1996-10-31 |
ATE140054T1 (en) | 1996-07-15 |
DE69211988D1 (en) | 1996-08-08 |
AU658879B2 (en) | 1995-05-04 |
AU1589692A (en) | 1992-11-17 |
CA2108171A1 (en) | 1992-10-12 |
GB9107684D0 (en) | 1991-05-29 |
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