Patent Grant
11053728
This application is a U.S. 371 of International Application No. PCT/GB2017/053259, filed Oct. 30, 2017, which claims the benefit of GB Application No. 1618370.9, filed Oct. 31, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety for all purposes.
This invention relates to an assembly for sheet material, especially sheet panels for use in construction.
Panel structures comprising sheet material and using supporting frames are employed in numerous situations, especially in the field of construction. For example, panel structures are used in the fabrication of windows, interior/exterior walls including curtain walling and partition walls, and doors. These structures may use any combination of glass, transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, and/or solid metal/polymer sheets.
The process of manufacturing such panel structures typically comprises providing material in large sheets and cutting these sheets to a particular size that fits a given size of supporting frame. The sheets may then be fitted into the supporting frame(s) using various methods depending on the structure of the frame(s).
Numerous frames are known that accommodate the reception of single sheets of material. A panel structure comprising a single sheet of material supported by a frame is typically referred to as a ‘single panelled’ structure. More recently, frames have also been designed to accommodate more than one sheet of material. As a result, panel structures comprising two generally parallel sheets of material supported by a frame are now widely known and referred to as ‘double panelled’ structures. Similarly, ‘triple panelled’ structures have been demonstrated. Where the material supported in the frame is glass, the structure is generally referred to as “single glazed”, “double glazed” or “triple glazed” structure.
For both single-panelled and double-panelled structures, the typical method of installation comprises fitting the sheet material to frame sections, commonly in the form of extruded articles that may be fitted along the peripheral edges of the sheet material. The resultant panel and frame structure may then be mounted in a corresponding receiving structure or framework, such as a wall or roof.
For double panelled structures, especially double-glazed windows, it is known to provide a spacer bar between the two sheets of material to ensure a correct gap between the sheets, and to seal the two sheets together to form a heat or sound barrier (i.e. a sealed unit). Such spacer bars have also been provided with perforations containing desiccant material, which absorb moisture in the trapped air to prevent condensation forming in the space between the sheets. Air can also be replaced with an inert gas such as argon to further improve insulation.
The method steps associated with the manufacture and installation of such panel structures, for example cutting, handling, edge treating, carrying, fixing and installation, in addition to the long term performance of such structures, provide many difficulties. In particular, as a result of the physical attributes of typical panel structures, such as fragility and weight, numerous problems arise. These problems can create deficiencies in, for example, quality, strength, durability and air/water-tightness, and minimising such deficiencies results in additional manufacturing/installation complexity and cost.
Furthermore, panels structures (and their component sheets) used in civil construction may be subjected to sudden impact forces of considerable magnitude or unwanted attempts to remove the sheet material from the supporting framework.
It is, therefore, desirable to realise a supporting frame assembly for sheet material that provides for reduced installation/manufacturing complexity and cost. Furthermore, it is also desirable for such frame assembly to provide significantly improved levels of strength and resistance against impact forces (for example bomb blasts) and/or unwanted attempts to remove the sheet material.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame assembly for sheet material comprising a panel defined by opposing surfaces, and one or more peripheral edges extending between the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces terminating at the one or more peripheral edges, the frame assembly comprising: a first inner frame section adapted to be fitted to a first peripheral portion of a first surface of sheet material, wherein the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge; a second, separate inner frame section adapted to be fitted to a second peripheral portion of a second surface of sheet material, wherein the second peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge, and wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface; an outer frame section for receiving the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereto, the outer frame section comprising first and second projections, wherein the first inner frame section defines a space adapted to receive the first projection of the outer frame section, whereby the space of the first inner frame section cooperates with the received first projection to restrict movement of the first inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.
Thus, the invention provides a frame assembly for sheet material that reduces installation/manufacturing complexity and cost. Furthermore, a frame assembly according to the invention provides improved levels of resistance against sudden impact forces and/or unwanted attempts to remove or break through the sheet material. By applying an inner frame section (referred to by the Applicant as “Edge Retention Profile”) near the edge of the outer face of the sheet(s), a combined cross-sectional shape can be formed wherein the cross-sectional shape is designed to create, form or otherwise define a space for receiving a projection of an outer frame section. Thus, the space and received projection may cooperate to hinder relative lateral and/or vertical movement. In this way, lateral and vertical movement of the sheet material fitted to the inner frame section may be hindered or prevented when the outer frame section receives the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereto. Also, externally applied forces may be distributed over the surface of the inner frame sections.
It is also noted that the inner frame sections may increase an available area for bonding to the sheet material than would otherwise be available (e.g. if no inner frame sections were employed and only an outer frame provide the bonding area).
Proposed concepts may also help to eliminate or relieve a need for specialist installation personnel. Further, embodiments may avoid the need to apply silicone or wet sealant/adhesive between the sheet material and the frame, enabling installation time to be reduced. Eliminating a need for silicone or wet sealant/adhesive application also addresses the problem that application can typically only be done in dry and warm conditions.
The proposed invention provides a system which moves quality requirements towards the manufacturing stage(s), rather than relying on unpredictable or variable results due to the application of ‘wet’ products on site. For example, inner frame sections may be fitted to sheet material in a controlled manufacturing environment (which may have specialist equipment available for example) so as to facilitate accurate and high-quality products that are adapted and ready to be installed into (e.g. received by) outer frame sections.
The frame assembly may be fully “bi-directional” in its performance. That is, it may be able to withstand a bomb blast in both directions (it should be noted here that the shock waves caused by bomb blasts do generate inward and outward forces on a window).
With some embodiments, frames can be subsequently adapted to accommodate changes of sheet material thickness or change in the number of panels of sheet material without having to remove the frames from the wall, and with full access from the inside of the building.
Preferably, the space of first inner frame section and the first projection of the outer frame section are adapted to have complementary or interlocking geometries.
In an embodiment, the first inner frame section may have an S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-sectional shape. Such an inner frame section may be formed via extrusion and/or bending of an elongated element.
In another preferred version, the space of the first inner frame section is larger than the received first projection in at least one dimension by a tolerance value. By way of example, the tolerance value may be greater than or equal to 5 mm, and may, in some embodiments, be greater than or equal to 10 mm. By being larger than the received projection, the space may cater for manufacturing and/or installation variations. Also, room for expansion of the material(s) may be provided.
In an embodiment, the outer frame section may have a mouth portion into which the sheet material with the inner frame section fitted thereto is adapted to be received, and the sheet material with the inner frame section fitted thereto may be wider than the mouth portion.
The cross-sectional shape of the outer frame section may be substantially U-shaped. To enhance a frictional grip, there may be roughened or serrated surfaces on abutting faces of the inner frame sections and outer frame section. Such serration could be fine or delicately indented/patterned, and the faces may have matching indentations.
In some embodiments, the first inner frame section may comprise a removed corner portion which defines the space adapted to receive the first projection of the outer frame section. Also, the removed corner portion may define a recess or seat along the longitudinal length of the first inner frame section, and the first projection of the outer frame section may comprise a lip which, when received by the space, engages over the recess or seat. The lip can be useful in preventing access and preventing the first inner frame section (and the sheet material fitted thereto) from being lifted out of the outer frame section.
In an embodiment, the first inner frame section may comprise a groove, or series of grooves, which defines the space adapted to receive a respective projection, or projections, of the outer frame section, the projection(s) comprising a tongue or tongues.
The outer frame section may comprise a pocket or recess adapted to receive the sheet material with the inner frame section fitted thereto, and the cross-sectional shape of the pocket may be adapted to substantially match that of the sheet material with the inner frame section fitted thereto. Such an arrangement may reduce the ability of an inner frame section to be levered out of the internal space (e.g. pocket or recess) within which the outer frame section receives the inner frames sections (with sheet material fitted thereto). To lever an inner frame section from its assembled position, one would have to prise apart the inner frame section from the outer frame section along its perimeter. Such an action is seriously impeded since any rigid implement used to provide a levering force would be unable to ‘wrap’ around the perimeter of the inner frame section in order to separate it from the outer frame section.
In an embodiment, the outer frame section may comprise a second projection, and the second inner frame section may define a space adapted to receive the second projection of the outer frame section, whereby the space of the second inner frame section cooperates with the received second projection to restrict movement of the second inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.
The sheet material may comprise first and second panels. In such an embodiment, the first inner frame section may be adapted to be fitted to a first peripheral portion of a first surface of the first panel, wherein the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge of the first panel. Further, the second inner frame section may be adapted to be fitted to a second peripheral portion of a second surface of the second panel, wherein the second peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge of the second panel, Also, the second surface of the second panel may be adapted to face in an opposite direction to that of the first surface of the first panel.
The frame assembly may be a window with single frame, a single composite window carrying more than one panel of sheet material, a curtain wall facade or door frame assembly and the sheet material may be at least semi-transparent. There may thus be provided a multi-panelled assembly. The use may be in a wall, floor or overhead assembly. Further, proposed concepts may enable a sealed unit to be formed which is desirable for heat and sound insulation. It is envisaged that adapting an outer frame section to receive one, two, three or more parallel sheets or panels (with inner frame sections fitted to outer surfaces) will be of particular advantage. Further to this, some inner frame sections may also be provided with moisture absorbing means therebetween. In this way, condensation can be prevented from forming in the space between sheets/panels.
The inner frame sections and the outer frame section may be made of aluminium, steel, UPVC, fibre-reinforced cement, plastic or other polymer material.
In addition, the frame assembly has the ability to accommodate new (replacement) sealed structures of different sizes (length or width). For example, embodiments may cater for the insertion of ballistic resistant or break-in resistant sheets of material in straight-forward manner. Such additional sheets of material may be made from Polycarbonate for example.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, one can apply much greater compressive or impact forces than in conventional systems, as the outer frame contacts (and thus applies force/pressure to) the inner frame sections rather than the sheet material (which may include glass for example).
The cross-sectional shape of the outer frame section may be substantially U-shaped. However, the cross-sectional shape of the outer frame section may instead be selected from circular, regular polygonal and irregular polygonal.
A window or door frame assembly may be provided by the invention. Thus, in such an assembly the sheet material may be glass, clear, opaque, translucent or otherwise. The sheet material may be a panel of one material or sections of different material, placed side by side in one frame, or placed above or below in any combination. Alternatively, the frame assembly may include blinds.
By way of example, the inner and outer frame sections may be made of aluminium, steel or other metals. Alternatively, they may be formed from UPVC or other plastics or a polymer material. Of course, the inner and outer frame sections may also be formed from any combination of these materials.
Although the above discussion might suggest that the frame assembly is made up of section lengths fitted around the sides of a panel, with corner pieces potentially completing the inner frame, the inner frame sections could have mitred ends if so desired, as with the outer frames. Furthermore, the inner frame sections could extend around a corner of the sheet material so that in one embodiment the inner frame is made up of four L-shaped inner frame sections (that may be thought of as corner pieces). Thus, if a corner piece extends along a significant length of the sheet material, then functionally it may be considered as an “inner frame section” within the terms of the invention as defined herein.
Linked to the above method, according to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an inner frame section for a frame assembly for sheet material, the sheet material comprising a panel defined by opposing surfaces, and one or more peripheral edges extending between the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces terminating at the one or more peripheral edges, wherein the inner frame section is adapted to be fitted to a first peripheral portion of a first surface of sheet material, wherein the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge, and wherein the first inner frame section defines a space adapted to receive a projection of an outer frame section of the frame assembly, whereby the space of the first inner frame section cooperates with the respective received projection to restrict movement of the inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.
Thus, there may be provided an individual inner frame section (or Edge Retention Profile) for fitting to an outer planar surface of a panel of sheet material, preferably near a peripheral edge of the panel of sheet material. By being adapted to be fitted to a panel of sheet material, an inner frame section may be adapted to provide a particular cross-sectional shape when fitted. The cross-sectional shape that results from fitting the inner frame section to a panel of sheet material may be design so as to provide a geometry or shape that is adapted to substantially match or complement that of an outer frame section. For example, the inner frame section may define a space or recess that is adapted to receive a respective projection of an outer frame section when the inner frame section and outer frame section are brought or fitted together. By receiving the projection, the matching or complementary shapes of the space/recess and the projection may cooperate so as to restrict, hinder or prevent movement of the inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.
Thus, the space of the inner frame section and the projection of the outer frame section may be adapted to have complementary or interlocking geometries. Substantially matching geometries may thus be employed for the inner and outer frame sections so as to form an interconnection which hinders or prevents an inner frame section from being removed from the outer frame section.
Also, the space of the inner frame section may be larger than the received projection in at least one dimension by a tolerance value, and preferably the tolerance value may be greater than or equal to 5 mm.
The inner frame section may comprise a removed corner portion which defines the space adapted to receive a projection of the outer frame section. Further, the removed corner portion may define a recess or seat along the longitudinal length of the inner frame section, and the projection of the outer frame section may comprise a lip which, when received by the respective space, engages over the recess or seat. For example, the inner frame section may be mitred at one or more corners so as to define a recess or seat for receiving a lip or projection of an outer frame section.
An embodiment may comprise a groove which defines the space adapted to receive the projection of the outer frame section, the projection comprising a tongue.
Thus, there may be provided a frame assembly for sheet material comprising a panel defined by opposing planar surfaces, and one or more peripheral edges extending between the opposing planar surfaces, the opposing planar surfaces terminating at the one or more peripheral edges, the frame assembly comprising: a first inner frame section according to an embodiment and adapted to be fitted to a first peripheral portion of a first planar surface of sheet material, wherein the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge; a second, separate inner frame section adapted to be fitted to a second peripheral portion of a second planar surface of sheet material, wherein the second peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge, and wherein the second planar surface is opposite the first planar surface; an outer frame section for receiving the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereto, the outer frame section comprising first and second projections.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a framed panel structure having one or plural parallel panels, wherein a panel comprises a panel defined by opposing surfaces, and one or more peripheral edges extending between the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces terminating at the one or more peripheral edges, and wherein the method comprises: fitting a first inner frame section to a first peripheral portion of a first surface of a panel, wherein the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge; fitting a second, separate inner frame section to a second peripheral portion of a second surface of a panel, wherein the second peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge; arranging the second surface to face in an opposite direction to that of the first surface; and receiving, in an outer frame section, the sheet material with the first inner frame section fitted thereto, such that a space defined by the first inner frame section receives a first projection of the outer frame section, whereby the space of the first inner frame section cooperates with the received first projection to restrict movement of the received first inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.
The step of receiving may further comprise: receiving, in an outer frame section, the sheet material with the first inner frame section fitted thereto, such that a space defined by the second inner frame section receives a second projection of the outer frame section, whereby the space of the second inner frame section cooperates with the received second projection to restrict movement of the received second inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.
Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description provides a context for the description of elements and functionality of the invention and of how elements of the invention can be implemented.
It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.
Proposed are concepts for reducing installation/manufacturing complexity and cost of a frame assembly for sheet material.
The invention is at least partly based on the insight that supplementary articles/unit may be attached to a surface of sheet material so as to provide a predetermined/desired cross-sectional shape. The resultant cross-sectional shape of the sheet material and attached article/unit may be designed to receive a projection of an outer frame section. In other words, the resultant cross-sectional shape of the sheet material and attached article/unit may have a geometry that complements or matches that of an outer frame section. The matching or complementary shapes may then cooperate to restrict or prevent relative movement of the article/unit and the outer frame section. In this way, an outer frame section may be applied to sheet material to securely position and hold the sheet material within a frame.
The invention may thus employ the concept that a substantially flat, planar surface of sheet material can be converted to provide a recess or space for providing an interlocking arrangement, and the conversion may be achieved by fitting or attaching a specifically shaped/designed article/unit to the flat, planar surface of the sheet material.
Illustrative embodiments may be utilised in many different types of frame assemblies, including window frames, curtain walls, roof glazing, door frames, partitions, barriers, etc.
Referring to
For the avoidance of doubt, and for an improved understanding, reference to a panel, sheet panel, or single sheet/panel of sheet material should be taken to refer to a panel of sheet material which comprises a body (or panel) defined by opposing surfaces, and one or more peripheral edges extending between the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces terminating at the one or more peripheral edges. The peripheral edge(s) therefore define the outer perimeter of the flat body (or panel). Reference to a peripheral portion of a surface of a sheet panel (or panel of sheet material) should therefore be taken to refer to a portion of the surface that is situated adjacent a peripheral edge of the sheet panel. In this way, a peripheral portion of a surface will therefore be understood as being located at or near the edge of the surface, such that a boundary of the peripheral portion co-locates with a peripheral edge or is situated very close to a peripheral edge (i.e. is only separated from the peripheral edge by a small distance e.g. less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, even more preferably less than 2 cm, and yet more preferably less than 1 cm). Although it is envisaged that the opposing surfaces may be substantially planar (so that the body is substantially flat for example), it that embodiments are foreseen wherein the opposing surfaces are not planar but are instead curved, convex, concave or the like.
A first inner frame section 16 comprises an elongate extruded member 16 that is adapted to be fitted to a first peripheral portion 12″ of a first planar surface 12A of a first panel 12 of sheet material. As will be understood from the preceding paragraph, the first peripheral portion 12″ is adjacent a peripheral edge of the first panel 12. Here, the peripheral edge faces vertically downwards (i.e. is arranged substantially horizontally) in
A second, separate inner frame section 18 comprises an elongate extruded member 18 that is adapted to be fitted to a second peripheral portion 14″ of a second planar surface 14A of a second panel 14 of sheet material. The second peripheral portion 14″ is adjacent a peripheral edge of the second panel 14. Here, the peripheral edge of the of the second panel in question faces vertically downwards (i.e. is arranged substantially horizontally) in
An outer frame section 20 is provided for receiving the first 12 and second 14 panels 12,14 of sheet material with the first 16 and second 18 inner frame sections fitted thereto, respectively.
The outer frame section comprises first 20A and second 20B projections extending inwardly towards each other. In this example, the first 20A and second 20B projections are each in the form of an inwardly projecting lip 20A, 20B.
The first 16 and second 18 inner frame sections each define a space 21A, 21B adapted to receive a respective projection 20A, 20B of the outer frame section 20, whereby the spaces 21A, 21B of the first 16 and second 18 inner frame sections cooperate with the respective received projections 20A,20B to restrict movement of the received inner frame sections 16,18 relative to the outer frame section 20.
More specifically, in the embodiment of
In this example, the spaces 21A, 21B of first 16 and second 18 inner frame sections and the respective projections 20A, 20B of the outer frame section 20 comprise substantially complementary (i.e. matching) or interlocking geometries. However, it is noted that, in this example, the spaces 21A, 21B of the first 16 and second 18 inner frame sections are adapted to be larger than the respective received projections 20A, 20B in at least one dimension. More specifically, in the embodiment of
In the example embodiment of
It is also noted that the outer frame section 20 of
Thus, it will be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the outer frame section 20 defines a pocket or recess adapted to receive the sheet material 12,14 with the inner frame sections 16,18 fitted thereto. Furthermore, the inner cross-sectional shape of the pocket (e.g. the cross-sectional shape defined by the inner or inwardly-facing surfaces of the outer frame portion 20) is adapted to substantially match the outer cross-sectional shape of the sheet material 12,14 with the inner frame sections 16,18 fitted thereto (e.g. the cross-sectional shape defined by the outer or outwardly-facing surfaces of the combine sheet material 12,14 and inner frame sections 16,18). Such an arrangement may reduce the ability of an inner frame section to be levered out of the internal space (e.g. the pocket or recess) of the outer frame section 20. To lever an inner frame section from its assembled arrangement (as depicted in
Provided between the first 12 and second 14 panels of sheet material is an elongated structural spacer element 24. This helps to maintain the separation between the panels 12,14 of sheet material and ensures that the inner frame sections 16,18 are held locked within the outer frame section 20. It may therefore be preferable, although not necessarily essential (e.g. depending on application), for the structural spacer element 24 to be designed to withstand high loads (e.g. to withstand the same loads as the frame assembly). By way of example only, the spacer element 24 may be formed from monolithic material that is chosen for its compressive strength and low heat conductivity properties. Alternatively, the spacer bar may be formed from a composite material that is designed and/or chosen so as to provide the required compressive strength and heat conductivity properties.
For instance, the spacer bar may be made of a range of materials which provide a structural strength of at least 90 N per mm of length and a low thermal conductivity to minimise thermal bridging. Materials such as polycarbonate, ABS or other thermoplastics, in solid or cellular cross-sectional form could be used. For a typical thermoplastic, the outer shape of the cross section could be basically rectangular and similar in dimension to the amount of overlap between the sheet material and frame in the plane of the sheet, i.e. 37.5 mm. Normal to the plane of the sheet, the dimension could be 16 mm approximately, so as to optimise the thermal resistivity of the gas-filled gap between the sheets 12,14. In the case of a 37.5 mm×16 mm spacer, at least 25% of the cross section should preferably comprise columns spanning the 16 mm direction.
Directly below the spacer element 24, and extending between the first 12 and second 14 panels of sheet material there is provided a seal element 22 which is adapted to form a sealed connection between the first 12 and second 14 panels (so as to prevent water ingress for example).
Sandwiched between the bottom (i.e. downwardly facing edges of the inner frame sections 16,18 and panels 12,14) and the outer frame section 20 is a packer 26. The packer assists correct placement of the inner frame sections 16,18 and panels 12,14 within the outer frame section 20. The packer 20 need not be continuous.
By way of example, the frame assembly of
Further, proposed concepts may enable a sealed unit to be formed which is desirable for heat and sound insulation. It is envisaged that adapting an outer frame section to receive two or three parallel sheets or panels (with inner frame sections fitted to outer planar surfaces) will be of particular advantage. However, proposed concepts are equally applicable to adapting an outer frame section to receive a single sheet or panel (with an inner frame section fitted to each of the opposing/opposite planar surfaces of the single sheet/panel).
It is noted that for embodiments adapted to receive two, three or more sheets or panels, the sheets/panels may be provided with moisture absorbing means therebetween. In this way, condensation can be prevented from forming in the space between sheets/panels. Also, a spacer or spacing element may be provided between adjacent sheets/panels for assisting and/or maintaining the correct positioning and separation of the sheet material. The moisture absorbing means may be provided in a perforated chamber filled with desiccant or desiccant foam tape formed in such a spacer or spacing element.
Although the embodiment of
The inner frame sections and the outer frame section may be made of aluminium, steel, UPVC, plastic or other polymer material.
In addition, the frame assembly has the ability to accommodate new or replacement sealed structures of different sizes (length or width). For example, embodiments may cater for the insertion of ballistic resistant or break-in resistant sheets of material in straight-forward manner. Such additional sheets of material may be made from Polycarbonate for example.
The sheet material may comprise a panel of one material or sections of different material, placed side by side in one frame, or placed above or below in any combination. Alternatively, the frame assembly may include blinds.
Although the above description may suggest that a completed frame assembly may be made up of section lengths fitted around the sides of a panel, with corner pieces potentially completing the inner frame, the inner frame sections could have mitred ends if so desired, as with the outer frames. Furthermore, the inner frame sections could extend around a corner of the sheet material so that in one embodiment the inner frame is made up of four L-shaped inner frame sections (that may be thought of as corner pieces). Thus, if a corner piece extends along a significant length of the sheet material, then functionally it may be considered as an “inner frame section” within the terms of the invention as defined herein.
To provide suitable strength and allow for ease of manufacture, for example by extrusion, an inner frame section of an embodiment may be made of aluminium, steel, UPVC or other plastics or polymer material. Such materials are purely exemplary since an inner frame section may be formed from any suitable material.
By way of further example, in the illustrated embodiment of
Although the embodiment of
Further, although the embodiment of
Also, although the embodiment of
By way of example, referring to
Each of the first 201 and second 202 outer frame sub-sections comprise elongate extruded members. In this example, the first outer frame sub-section 201 has a generally L-shaped cross-sectional shape (with a projection 20A extending along the longitudinal length of the first outer frame sub-section 201). The second outer frame sub-section 202 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape (with a projection 20A extending along the longitudinal length of the second outer frame sub-section 202).
As depicted in
Thus, in the embodiment of
In this example, the first 201 and second 202 outer frame sub-sections are adapted to apply a compressive force to the inner frame sections 16,18 so to clamp the inner frame sections 16,18 and substantially prevent movement of the inner frame sections 16,18 relative to the first 201 and second 202 outer frame sub-sections. Thus, by way of example, one can apply much greater clamping pressure (i.e. compressive force) to securely hold the inner frame sections 16,18 and sheet material 12,14 in place, because the clamping pressure (or compressive force) is applied to the inner frame sections 16,18 rather than the sheet material 12,14. However, it is to be understood that in other embodiments a clamping pressure (e.g. compressive force) need not be used as the holding means. There is also provided a method of constructing a framed panel structure having one or plural parallel panels. The method of constructing may comprise the step of fitting a first inner frame section to a first peripheral portion of a first surface of a panel, wherein the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge of the panel. Also, the method may include fitting a second, separate inner frame section to a second peripheral portion of a second surface of a panel, wherein the second peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge of the panel. The panel(s) is/are arranged such that the second surface faces in an opposite direction to that of the first surface. Then, the arrangement of the panel(s) and inner frame sections are positioned (e.g. inserted or introduced) in an outer frame section such that a space defined by each of the first and second inner frame sections receives a respective projection of the outer frame section. In this way, the spaces of the first and second inner frame sections cooperate with the respective received projections of the outer frame section to restrict movement of the inner frame sections relative to the outer frame section.
Although the embodiments of
By way of example, referring to
A first variation of the inner frame section 18A is depicted in
A second variation of the inner frame section 18B is depicted in
Another variation of the inner frame section 18C is depicted in
Yet another variation of the inner frame section 18D is depicted in
It will be understood that the depicted embodiments of
In particular, it is noted that the embodiments of
For example, the inner frame section (or ERP element) may be a carrier for a bonding silicone which allows for extensive movement under loading. To ensure that the filling of the ERP can be undertaken and allowed to again its full strength over a period of 14 days, the upper portion of the ERP may be backed with a double-sided tape that provides a strong bond. This allows immediate handling of units, with care, during the manufacturing process.
Thus, there may be proposed a move from a rigid non-flexible bond of the ERP to the sheet material (e.g. as depicted in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1618370 | Oct 2016 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2017/053259 | 10/30/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018/078394 | 5/3/2018 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20190301233 A1 | Oct 2019 | US |
