WO2004044874A1

WO2004044874A1 - Mounting for sheet material

Info

Publication number: WO2004044874A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/001525
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Thamm; Nico Van Straaten; Richard Gardner; David Leach
Original assignee: Trucksigns Australia Pty Limited
Priority date: 2002-11-13
Filing date: 2003-11-13
Publication date: 2004-05-27
Also published as: AU2002952632A0

Abstract

Securing mechanism (10) for a panel (P) having a bead (B) about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel (P). The mechanism (10) includes an elongate frame (14) and an elongate retainer (12). The elongate retainer (12) includes an elongate bead retaining portion (16, 18, 20, 22). The frame (14) includes an elongate channel for receiving the retainer (12). The frame (14) also includes an elongate locating lip (30) for locating a first elongate edge (24) of the retainer (12). A means (36) for securing a second elongate edge (26) of the retainer (12) to the frame (14) is also provided.

Description

Mounting for Sheet Material

The present invention relates to displays, signs, hoardings and the like (hereinafter referred to simply as "displays"). In particular, the present invention relates to a securing mechanism for securely and tautly mounting displays to a flat surface.

Various displays have been contemplated as advertisements on the sides of vehicles such as trucks and semi-trailers, as well as on buildings and billboards. The displays typically present the advertisement on a large canvas panel or, more recently, a plastic panel. These panels are secured to a flat surface by a variety of securing mechanisms.

The panels are often exposed to high wind forces, and so it is important that the securing mechanisms adopted are both robust and capable of mounting the panel under significant tension. Various types of securing mechanisms have been proposed.

Many of these mechanisms are complicated in construction and are difficult to use. Further, many of these mechanisms require the use of a specially designed tool for mounting the panel.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a securing mechanism, which is simple in construction and simple to use.

It would also be desirable to obviate the need for a specially designed panel mounting tool.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a securing mechanism for a panel having a bead about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel. The mechanism includes an elongate frame and an elongate retainer. The elongate retainer includes an elongate bead retaining portion. The frame includes an elongate channel for receiving the retainer. The frame also includes an elongate locating lip for locating a first elongate edge of the retainer. A means for securing a second elongate edge of the retainer to the frame is also provided.

Preferably, the securing mechanism includes a means for mounting the mechanism to a surface. The mounting means could adopt any suitable form, including rivets and screw threaded fasteners such as screws or bolts. A releasable mounting means is preferred, to enable removal of the frame from the surface, if required.

Preferably, the mounting means is provided on the frame.

In a preferred form, the bead retaining portion is in the form of a longitudinally extending cavity (or mortice) for receiving the bead.

Preferably, the retainer includes a plurality of longitudinally extending bead retaining portions. This advantageously enables slight variances in the size of the panel to be accommodated by selecting the most appropriate bead retaining portion to securely and tautly mount a given panel.

In a preferred form, the securing means releasably secures the second edge of the retainer to the second edge of the channel. This advantageously enables separation and reconnection of the frame and retainer, if required, such as for panel maintenance, replacement or re-tensioning.

Preferably, the securing means includes a fastener, which is connected to the second edge of the channel for engagement with an engagement surface provided along at least a portion of the second edge of the retainer. Preferably, the engagement surface forms part of an engagement groove provided along at least a portion of the second edge of the retainer. The fastener could adopt any suitable form, including a screw-threaded fastener, clip, locking bolt or similar.

The securing mechanism could be provided along only one side of the panel, when it is desired simply to hang the panel from a surface by the mechanism. Preferably, however, the mechanism is provided along at least two opposing panel sides to enable the panel to be securely and tautly mounted to a surface. Still more preferably, the securing mechanism is provided along all sides of the panel.

The present invention also relates to a method of securing a panel having a bead about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel to a surface.

In this respect and according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for securing a panel having a bead about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel to a surface. The method includes mounting an elongate frame to the surface and connecting the bead to an elongate bead retaining portion of an elongate retainer. The method also includes locating a first elongate edge of the retainer on an elongate locating lip of an elongate frame channel, and then pivoting the retainer about the first edge, such that the retainer is received by the channel. A second elongate edge of the retainer is then secured to the frame with a securing means.

The present invention has been described in terms of a securing mechanism, and a method of securing a panel to a surface. The mechanism and method are designed to enable the panel to be secured to any suitable surface, including on the sides of vehicles such as trucks and semi-trailers, as well as on buildings, walls and billboards.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is an end view of one embodiment of the components of a panel securing mechanism according to a first aspect of the invention when disassembled.

Figure 2 is an end view of the components of the panel securing mechanism of Figure 1 when partially assembled. Figure 3 is an end view of the panel securing mechanism of Figure 1 when fully assembled.

Figure 4 is plan view of a corner portion of a panel and panel securing mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective exploded view of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a sectional side view of Figure 4 along B-B.

Figure 8 is a close-up of a portion of Figure 5.

Figure 9 is a side view of the retainer of Figure 4.

Figure 10 s a side view of the channel shaped frame of Figure 4. Figure 11 s a plan view of Figure 10. Figure 12 s a bottom view of Figure 10. Figure 13 s a sectional view of Figure 9. Figure 14 s a top view of Figure 9. Figure 15 s a perspective view of the corner plate of Figure 4. Figure 16 s a plan view of Figure 15. Figure 17 s an end view of Figure 15. Figure 18 s a plan view of the corner piece of Figure 4. Figure 19 s a sectional side view of Figure 18 along C-C. Figure 20 s an end view of Figure 18. Figure 21 s a perspective top view of Figure 18. Figure 22 s a perspective bottom view of Figure 18. Figure 23 s a perspective view of the locking plate of Figure 4. Figure 24 s a top view of Figure 23. Figure 25 s a side view of Figure 23.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a securing mechanism 10 for securing a panel P to the surface S of a wall W. The panel P includes a display surface D for the placement of advertisements and the like.

The panel P includes a bead B (or tenon) about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel P. The bead B is provided with a flap F, which is securely welded to the panel P. The panel P and bead B could be manufactured from any suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment the panel P and the bead B are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The securing mechanism 10 includes an elongate retainer 12 and an elongate and generally channel-shaped frame 14. The retainer 12 and the frame 14 could be manufactured from any suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 12 and the frame 14 are manufactured from extruded aluminium.

In the drawings the panel P, elongate frame 12 and elongate retainer 14 are illustrated in end views. It is to be appreciated that each of the panel P, elongate frame 12 and elongate retainer 14 extend perpendicularly to the page surface.

The retainer 12 includes a plurality of bead retaining portions in the form of longitudinally extending cavities (or mortices) 16,18,20,22 for receiving the bead B. The bead B is received in any one of the cavities 16,18,20,22, as illustrated in Figure 2. The retainer 12 also includes a first elongate edge 24 and a second elongate edge 26. The first edge 24 is rounded, and the second edge 26 includes a groove 28.

The frame 14 includes an elongate locating lip 30 provided on a first sidewall 32. As illustrated in Figure 2, the locating lip 30 is for locating the rounded first edge 24 of the retainer 12 thereon. The frame 14 also includes a generally upstanding second sidewall 34.

A means for securing the second edge 26 of the retainer 12 to the second sidewall 34 of the frame 14 is provided in the form of a screw threaded fastener 36. The fastener 36 threadably engages a screw threaded aperture 38 extending through the second sidewall 34 of the frame 14. It is to be appreciated that while only one fastener 36 is illustrated, a sufficient number of fasteners 36 would be provided at intervals along the length of the frame 14 to secure the retainer 12 to the frame 14. When the fastener 36 is in the position illustrated in Figure 2 the retainer 12 can be moved relative to the frame 14. Alternatively, the fastener 36 can be brought into engagement with the engagement surface 40 of the groove 28 in order to secure the retainer 12 to the frame 14. It is to be appreciated that the fastener 36 releasably engages the surface 40 of the groove 28, thereby enabling the retainer 12 and frame 14 to be subsequently separated should the need arise.

For aesthetic purposes, the head 41 of the fastener 36 is an alien key head, enabling the fastener 36 to be inserted into the sidewall 34 such that the head 41 is flush with the outside surface 42 of the sidewall 34.

The fastener 36 could be replaced with any other suitable fastener, including clips or quarter-turn screws. The fasteners 36u,l of figure 3 are illustrated as being inserted through the outside surfaces 42 of the sidewalls 34. However, the retainers 12u,l and the fasteners 14u,l could be redesigned such that the fasteners 36u,l extend through the front face 43 of the sidewall 34 (see figures 1 and 2).

A means for mounting the mechanism 10 to a surface S is provided in the form of fasteners 44. The fasteners 44 could be of any suitable form and, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 are nuts and bolts. The threaded bolt shafts 46 extend through the mounting apertures 48 provided in the wall 50 of the frame 14, and through appropriately positioned apertures provided in the surface S. Only two fasteners 44 are illustrated. However, it is to be appreciated that sufficient fasteners 44 would be provided at intervals along the frame 14 to secure the mechanism 10 to the surface S.

Alternatively, the mechanism 10 could be mounted to the surface S by any other suitable means, including adhesive such as glue, welding and double sided tape. These mounting methods are particularly desirable when the integrity of the vehicle body (especially of refrigerated vehicles)_or other surface for mounting the system to is not to be compromised by securing apertures. If the frame 14 is to be glued to the surface S, then it is to be appreciated that the bonding surfaces should be both flat and clean. The bonding surfaces are first preferably cleaned such as with an isopropanol mixture, and then bonded for a period of 14 to 48 hours. Once glued in place removal of the frame 14 from the surface S could be undertaken by sliding a thin wire therebetween.

Referring to Figure 3, a number of the illustrated components relate to either of the upper portion U or the lower portion L of the overall securing mechanism 10. To assist the reader with an understanding of the invention, these components are designated with either "u" in respect of components relating to the upper portion U of the mechanism 10, or "I" in respect of components relating to the lower portion L of the mechanism 10.

In order to secure the panel P to the wall W, the frames 14u,l are initially mounted to the surface S in a parallel and horizontal arrangement using fasteners 44u,l. The mounted frames 14u,l are sufficiently separated to tautly secure the panel P there between.

Each of the beads B is then threaded into the retainer cavities 20u,l.

The retainer 12u is then connected to the frame 14u, in a manner illustrated in Figure 2. In this respect, the rounded edge 24u of the retainer 12u is located on the frame lip 30u, following which the second edge 26u of the retainer 12u is pivoted about the first edge 24u relative to the frame 14u to the position illustrated in Figure 3. The installer will not experience any resistance during this pivoting step because, at this stage, the retainer 121 has yet to be connected to the frame 141. The fastener 36u is, in turn, brought into engagement with the surface 40u of the retainer groove 28u to secure the retainer 12u to the frame 14u.

Once the retainer 12u has been connected to the frame 14u, the retainer 121 can be connected to the frame 141. In this respect, the rounded edge 241 of the retainer 121 is located on the lip 301 of the frame 141, and the second edge 261 of the retainer 121 is pivoted about the first edge 241 relative to the lower frame 141 to the position illustrated.

The plurality of cavities 16,18,20,22u and 16,18,20,221 is provided to compensate for mounting variances in the separation between the frames 14u,l. The plurality of cavities 16,18,20,22u and 16,18,20,221 also compensate for manufacturing variances of the panel P height, resulting in varying separation distances between the beads B. In this respect, it may be that excessive panel tautness is experienced in pivoting the retainer 121 relative to the frame 141, such that it is not possible to pivot the retainer 121 (relative to the frame 141) to the position illustrated. If so, then one or both of the beads B could simply be re- threaded from the cavities 20u,l into one of the cavities 16,18u and 16,181 to thereby decrease the separation distance of the mounted beads B. Alternatively, the mounted panel P may not be sufficiently taut. If so, one or both of the beads B could be rethreaded into the cavities 22u and 221 to thereby increase the separation distance of the mounted beads B.

Finally the retainer 361 is brought into engagement with the surface 401 of the groove 281, thereby securing the panel P to the wall surface S.

It is to be appreciated that the fasteners 36u,l prevent the respective retainers 12u,l pivoting outwardly relative to the frames 14u,l.

Separate covers 46 of the form illustrated in Figure 1 are preferably provided for engagement with each of the exposed cavities. In Figure 3 the exposed cavities 22u and 22I are provided with covers 46. The covers 46 provide a more aesthetic appearance to the exposed surface of the mechanism 10, as well as preventing dirt from entering the cavities 22u,l. The covers 46 could adopt any suitable form. In one form, each of the covers 46 could include a bead 48 for insertion into a respective one of the cavities 22u,l for releasably connecting the covers 46 to the retainers 12u,l. Each cover 46 includes a strip 50 which is slightly convex enabling it to rest flush against the exposed surface of each of the retainers 12u,l, and also against the outer edge of the panel P to protect the edge of the panel P from damage. The covers 46 could be manufactured from any suitable material. Preferably the covers 46 are extruded. The covers 46 also include a portion 52 for covering the retainers 36u,l.

In Figure 3, the securing mechanism 10 illustrated extends along the upper U and lower L sides of the panel P. This configuration may be acceptable for some applications. However, more preferably, the securing mechanism extends around all the panel sides, to securely and tautly retain the panel P along all the panel sides.

In figure 3 the retainer 12u and frame 14u are identical to the retainer 121 and frame 141. However, in another preferred form, the system 10 includes a modified retainer 12u that has a single cavity 16u (cavities 18, 20, 22u are not included). This modified retainer is based upon the fact that it is generally not necessary to provide multiple cavities 16, 18, 20, 22 on both the retainers 12u and 121 to tension the panel P. Instead it is generally sufficient that only the lower retainer 121 be provided with multiple cavities 16, 18, 20, 22 for tensioning of the panel P. Thus, the modified retainer 12u and frame 14u can be manufactured more narrowly than the embodiment illustrated, thus requiring less aluminium (or other suitable material) to manufacture, to minimise the production cost of the system 10.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4 to 25. A securing mechanism 110 is illustrated for securing a panel P2 to the surface S2 of a wall. The panel P2 includes a display surface D2.

The panel P2 is very similar to panel P illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

The securing mechanism 110 includes an elongate retainer 1 12 and an elongate and generally channel-shaped frame 114. The retainer 112 and the frame 114 are manufactured from extruded aluminium.

The retainer 112 includes three bead retaining portions in the form of longitudinally extending cavities 116,118,120 for receiving the panel bead B2. The bead B2 is received in any one of cavities 116,118,120. The retainer 112 includes a first elongate edge 124 and a second elongate edge 126. The first edge 124 is rounded, and the second edge 126 includes a groove 128.

The frame 114 includes an elongate locating lip 130 provided on a first sidewall 134. The locating lip 130 is provided for locating the rounded first edge 124 of the retainer 112 thereon. The frame 114 also includes a generally upstanding second sidewall 134.

A means for securing the second edge 126 of the retainer 1 12 to the second sidewall 134 of the frame 1 14 is provided is the form of screw threaded fasteners 136. The fasteners 136 threadably engage screw threaded apertures

138 extending through the second sidewall 134 of the frame 1 14. Figure 14 details the distances between apertures 138.

The fasteners 136 are designed to engage engagement surface 140 of the groove 128 in order to secure the retainer 1 12 to the frame 1 14. It is to be appreciated that the fasteners 136 releasably engage the surface 140 of the groove 128, thereby enabling the retainer 1 12 and the frame 1 14 to be subsequently separated should the need arise.

The heads 141 of the fasteners 136 are alien key heads.

Mounting apertures 148 are provided in the wall 150 of the frame 1 14 for mounting the mechanism 1 10 to the surface S2.

Unlike the arrangement of Figures 1 to 3, which secures only the upper and lower panel edges, the arrangement of Figures 4 to 25 secures the upper and lower panel edges, as well as the panel side edges. This provides a more robust panel securing arrangement.

As illustrated in detail in Figures 18 to 22, the securing mechanism includes corner pieces 160 (only one of which is illustrated). The corner pieces 160 include fingers 162 having fastener receiving apertures 164. The fingers 162 are receivable in channels 166 of the frames 114 and are secured thereto be fasteners (not illustrated). The corner pieces 160 are provided with covers 164, as illustrated in detail in Figures 15 to 17.

Finally, a locking plate (or toggle clip) 166 is illustrated in Figures 23 to 25, which can optionally be used in place of screws to retain the panel P/P1 in place.

The securing mechanism 10/110 provides the advantages of being both simple in construction and simple to use, when compared to existing mechanisms. The locating and pivoting action of the retainer 12/112 relative to the frame 14/114 is relatively simple and requires relatively little physical effort on the installer's part.

Furthermore, the securing mechanism 10/110 obviates the need for a specially designed tool for mounting the panel, as required for existing securing mechanisms. In this respect, once the frame 14/114 is secured to the surface S by the fasteners 44/144, the mechanism can be installed by hand (with the exception of the fasteners 36/136, which simply require an alien key to engage the channel 28/128).

The securing mechanism 110 of Figures 4 to 25 is desirably of a lower profile than the mechanism 10 of Figures 1 to 3, such that the mechanism 110 is an aesthetically more pleasing, aerodynamic and generally safer product to mount of the sides of trucks and semi-trailers.

Further, the securing mechanism 110 effectively prevents the accumulation of liquids between the mechanism 110 and the surface to which it is secured. In many environments, especially in Europe where salt is used in de-icing roads, this feature advantageously restricts corrosion occurring due to the accumulation of water between the mechanism 110 and the surface to which it is secured. The invention has been described in terms of the frame 14/114 being secured to a surface using fasteners. However, more desirably, glue is used to secure the frame 14/114 to the surface because it has been found to advantageously provide a more secure and flatter result.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

Claims

1. A securing mechanism for a panel having a bead about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel, including: an elongate frame, and an elongate retainer, the elongate retainer including an elongate bead retaining portion, the frame including an elongate channel for receiving the retainer, the frame including an elongate locating lip for locating a first elongate edge of the retainer, a means for securing a second elongate edge of the retainer to the frame is provided.

2. A securing mechanism according to claim 1 , including a means for mounting the mechanism to a surface.

3. A securing mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting means is releasable.

4. A securing mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the mounting means is provided on the frame.

5. A securing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bead retaining portion includes a longitudinally extending cavity or mortice for receiving the bead.

6. A securing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of longitudinally extending bead retaining portions.

7. A securing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means releasably secures the second edge of the retainer to the second edge of the channel.

8. A securing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means includes a fastener connected to the second edge of the channel for engagement with an engagement surface provided along at least a portion of the second edge of the retainer.

9. A securing mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the engagement surface forms part of an engagement groove provided along at least a portion of the second edge of the retainer.

10. A securing mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the fastener includes any one or more of a screw-threaded fastener, a clip, and a locking bolt.

11. A securing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, when provided along one side of the panel.

12. A securing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, when provided along at least two opposing panel sides.

13. A securing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, when provided along all sides of the panel.

14. A securing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, for securing the panel to the side of a truck, a semi-trailer side, a wall or a billboard

15. A method for securing a panel having a bead about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel to a surface, the method including mounting an elongate frame to the surface and connecting the bead to an elongate bead retaining portion of an elongate retainer, locating a first elongate edge of the retainer on an elongate locating lip of an elongate frame channel, and then pivoting the retainer about the first edge such that the retainer is received by the channel, a second elongate edge of the retainer is then secured to the frame with a securing means.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the panel is secured to any one of the side of a truck, a semi-trailer side, a wall or a billboard

17. A securing mechanism substantially as herein described and illustrated.

18. A method for securing a panel having a bead about at least a portion of the periphery of the panel to a surface, substantially as herein described and illustrated.