The present embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for a wall panel system.
Typical wall panel systems, include individual panels installed sequentially and tied into the previous panel and/or mounting hardware to securely lock the panels in position. Such systems are relatively complex and require both sequential installation and sequential removal to access, remove, repair, replace, upgrade, or provide general maintenance. For example, to access an interior wall panel several panels may need to be first removed and/or one or more panels (e.g. the interior wall panel) may need to be damaged before gaining access to the specific interior wall panel. As a result the one or more replacement panels for the damaged or panels sequentially removed may be disconnected from the original mounting hardware and require a different or modified mounting. Moreover, the wall panels at the end of the installation sequence may need to be attached to the wall in a different method or hardware making the installation/removal more difficult and costly. Thus, there is a need to provide a wall panel system to, but is not limited to, easily and conveniently install and/or remove a desired wall panel(s), gain access behind one or more panels, install/access wires, cable, or the like, change the décor of the panels/trim independent of mounting location of the panel
In some embodiments of the invention, for example, a wall panel system may comprise a framework defined by a plurality of first rails intersecting a plurality of second rails to define a plurality of cells. In various embodiments, the wall panel system may include a plurality of panels having a front face and a rear face defined by an outer periphery. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of panels may be received within at least one of the plurality of cells. In addition, in various embodiments, the rear face of at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include a first retention device and a second retention device operably engaging at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails. In some embodiments, the first retention device may include a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when in the deployed position the first retention device engages at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails.
In various embodiments, when in the stowed position the first retention device may be disengaged from at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails and at least one panel can separate from the framework. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first retention device and the second retention device may be different. In various embodiments, the second retention device may be in a fixed position relative to at least one panel. In various embodiments, the second retention device may be a clip. In some embodiments, the first retention device may extend along an axis between the stowed position and the deployed position. In addition, in some embodiments, the first retention device may be actuated by a magnet. In some embodiments, the framework may include one or more trim members.
In some embodiments, a wall panel system may comprise a framework defined by a plurality of first rails intersecting a plurality of second rails to define a plurality of cells. In various embodiments, the wall panel system may include a plurality of panels received within the plurality of cells. In addition, in some embodiments, the wall panel system may include at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include a plurality of retention devices. In various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retention devices may engage at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails. In some embodiments, at least one of the retention devices may include a stowed position and a deployed position. In various embodiments, when in the deployed position at least one of the retention devices may engage at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails. In some embodiments, when in the stowed position at least one of the retention devices may be disengaged from at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails.
In various embodiments, at least one of the retention devices may be actuated by a magnet. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retention devices may be in a fixed position relative to at least one panel. In addition, in various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retention devices that is in the fixed position relative to at least one panel may be a clip. In some embodiments, at least one of the retention devices in the deployed position may create an interference fit with the framework locking at least one panel from separating from the framework. Moreover, in various embodiments, each of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails may further comprise a channel, wherein at least one of the retention devices engages the channel when in the deployed position. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retention devices may project from a rear face of the plurality of panels.
Other embodiments may include a wall panel system comprising a framework defining a plurality of cells secured to a wall. In some embodiments, each of the cells may include inwardly extending flanges defining a space from the wall. In various embodiments, the wall panel system may include a plurality of panels having a front face and a rear face defined by an outer periphery is received within the plurality of cells. In various embodiments, at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include a first retention device and/or a second retention device. In some embodiments, the first retention device and/or the second retention device may project from the rear surface thereof. In addition, in some embodiments, when at least one panel engages the framework, the first retention device includes a portion deployed into the space defined by the inwardly extending flanges and the second retention device may be positioned into the space defined by the inwardly extending flanges.
In addition, in various embodiments, when at least one panel may be disengaged from the framework, the portion of the first retention device is stowed from the space defined by the inwardly extending flanges. In some embodiments, the portion of the first retention device may be a pin axially deployed into the space defined by the inwardly extending flanges. Moreover, in various embodiments, the second retention device may be in a fixed position relative to at least one panel. In some embodiments, the inwardly extending flanges may extend about at least a portion of an inner periphery of each of the cells. In various embodiments, the inwardly extending flanges may include two parallel spaced flanges defining the space therebetween.
In some embodiments of the invention, for example, a method of installing a wall panel system may comprise the step of securing a framework to a wall to define a plurality of cells. In various embodiments, the method may include attaching a plurality of panels to the plurality of cells, wherein each of the panels of the plurality of panels includes a rear face and an opposite front face. Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include at least one first retention device on the rear face, wherein at least one first retention device includes a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when in the deployed position at least one first retention device engages the framework. In various embodiments, the method may include locking at least one panel of the plurality of the panels to at least one cell of the plurality of cells when at least one first retention device may be in the deployed position.
In various embodiments, the method of locking may include actuating at least one first retention device to the deployed position from the stowed position. In some embodiments, the method of actuating may include using a magnet. In addition, in various embodiments, the method may include engaging a second retention device to the framework before the step of locking. In some embodiments, the method may include pivoting at least one panel towards the framework when the second retention device is engaged to the framework. In various embodiments, the step of pivoting at least one panel may include at least one first retention device being in the stowed position. Moreover, in some embodiments, the framework may include one or more trim members. In some embodiments, the method may include securing the one or more trim members to the wall panel system. In various embodiments, the method may include unlocking at least one panel of the plurality of the panels from at least one cell of the plurality of cells when at least one first retention device is in the stowed position.
In some embodiments, a method of installing a wall panel system may comprise the step of securing a framework to a wall to define a plurality of cells to receive a plurality of panels. In various embodiments, the method may include providing a first panel of the plurality of panels having a rear face and an opposing front face. Moreover, in various embodiments, the first panel may include a first retention device and a second retention device. In some embodiments, the first retention device and the second retention device may be positioned on the rear face of the first panel. In some embodiments, the first panel may be positionable between an aligned orientation with the framework and a misaligned orientation different from the aligned orientation. In addition, in some embodiments, the first retention device may include a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when in the deployed position the first retention device engages the framework and when in the stowed position the first retention device is disengaged from the framework. In various embodiments, the method may include engaging the second retention device to the framework when in the misaligned orientation. In some embodiments, the method may include pivoting the first panel, when the first retention device is in the stowed position, from the misaligned orientation to the aligned orientation with the framework. In various embodiments, the method may include actuating the first retention device from the stowed position to the deployed position to engage the first retention device to the framework when the first panel is in the aligned orientation.
In various embodiments, the method may include actuating using a magnetic force. In some embodiments, the method may include attaching one or more trim members to the framework surrounding the plurality of panels. Moreover, in some embodiments, pivoting the first panel, when the first retention device is in the stowed position, from the aligned orientation with the framework to the misaligned orientation occurs when the adjacent plurality of panels have each one of the first retention device and the second retention device engaging the framework. In various embodiments, actuating the first retention device from the stowed position to the deployed position to engage the first retention device to the framework when the first panel is in the aligned orientation may include the step of extending a portion of the first retention device outwardly towards an outer periphery of the first panel.
Other embodiments may include a method of reconfiguring one or more wall panels within a framework comprising the step of providing a plurality of first wall panels engaging a framework attached to a wall structure, wherein each one of the first wall panels includes a retention device having a portion positionable between a deployed position engaging the framework and a stowed position disengaging the framework. IN some embodiments, the method may include separating one or more first wall panels from the framework when the portion of the retention device is in the stowed position.
In various embodiments, the method may include replacing the separated one or more first wall panels with one or more second wall panels. In some embodiments, the one or more second wall panels may be different from the one or more first wall panels. In addition, in some embodiments, the method may include separating one or more first trim members from the framework. In various embodiments, the method may include replacing the separated one or more first trim members with one or more second trim members. Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more second trim members may be different from the one or more first trim members. In various embodiments, separating the one or more first wall panels may be completed out of successive order. In addition, in some embodiments, separating the one or more first wall panels may include actuating the portion of the retention device from the deployed position to the stowed position without removal of the adjacent plurality of first wall panels.
In some embodiments, the wall panel system may include a framework defined by a plurality of first rails and a plurality of second rails to define a plurality of cells. In various embodiments, the framework may include one or more projection clips attached to at least one of the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails, wherein the one or more projection clips includes an inwardly extending flange defining a space from a wall. In addition, in some embodiments, the wall panel system may include a plurality of panels having a front face and a rear face defined by an outer periphery, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels may be received within at least one of the plurality of cells. In various embodiments, the rear face of at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include a first retention device engaging at least one of the one or more projection clips. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first retention device may include a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when in the deployed position the first retention device may include a portion deployed into the space defined by the inwardly extending flange of at least one of the one or more projection clips. In various embodiments, the first retention device may be a magnetically actuated pin (e.g. cylindrical) extending linearly between the stowed position and the deployed position.
In addition, in various embodiments, the rear face of at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include a second retention device engaging at least one of the one or more projection clips. In some embodiments, at least one rail of the plurality of first rails may include a longitudinal groove, wherein the longitudinal groove receives the one or more projection clips. In various embodiments, at least one rail of the plurality of second rails may include a first member and a second member defining at least one cell of the plurality of cells. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first member may engage at least one rail of the plurality of first rails and wherein the second member may engage another rail of the plurality of the first rails adjacent thereto. In various embodiments, the second member of at least one rail of the plurality of second rails may define a portion of two adjacent cells of the plurality of cells. In addition, in some embodiments, at least one rail of the plurality of second rails may be positioned at least one of perpendicular or angled relative to at least one rail of the plurality of first rails defining at least one cell of the plurality of cells. In various embodiments, at least one rail of the plurality of second rails may be angled relative to the at least one rail of the plurality of first rails defining the at least one cell of the plurality of cells, and not perpendicular thereto.
In various embodiments, a wall panel system may include a framework defining a plurality of cells. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of cells may include one or more projection clips engaging one or more rails, wherein the one or more projection clips may include an inwardly extending flange defining a space from a wall. In some embodiments, the wall panel system may include a plurality of panels having a front face and a rear face defined by an outer periphery, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels may be received within at least one of the plurality of cells. In addition, in various embodiments, at least one panel of the plurality of panels may include a retention device releasably engaging at least one clip of the one or more projection clips. In some embodiments, the retention device may include a magnetically actuated portion deployed into the space defined by the inwardly extending flange of at least one clip of the one or more projection clips.
In various embodiments, the wall panel system may include one or more second rails engaging the one or more rails to define at least one cell of a plurality of cells, wherein the one or more second rails may include a first member engaging one rail of the one or more rails and a second member engaging another rail of the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the one or more rails may include a longitudinal groove adapted to receive one or more projection clips and the first member, the second member, or both the first member and the second member. In various embodiments, each one of the first member and the second member may include an attachment mechanism to vary the framework defining at least one cell of the plurality of cells. In various embodiments, the attachment mechanism may pivot the first member within the longitudinal groove of one rail of the one or more rails between a plurality of pivot positions. Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more second rails may be positioned in pivot positions other than perpendicular to the one or more rails. In various embodiments, the first member may be different from the second member.
In addition, in some embodiments, a framework defining one or more cells of a wall panel system, the framework may include a plurality of rails defining a plurality of cells configured to receive a plurality of wall panels. In various embodiments, at least one rail of the plurality of rails may include a longitudinal groove. In some embodiments, the framework may include one or more projection clips engaging a portion of the longitudinal groove of at least one rail of the plurality of rails. In various embodiments, the one or more projection clips may include an inwardly extending flange defining a space from a wall adapted to engage one or more retention devices of the plurality of wall panels.
In various embodiments, the framework may include at least one rail releasably secured to the longitudinal groove of two adjacent rails of the plurality of rails to define a portion of the periphery of at least one cell of the plurality of cells. In some embodiments, at least one rail may include a first member and a second member pivotably attached to the two adjacent rails, respectively. In various embodiments, the first member and second member may be different from each other. Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one rail may be configurable between a plurality of angles between the two adjacent rails. In various embodiments, the framework may include at least one second projecting clip engaging the one or more projecting clips to define a second space from the wall adapted to engage the one or more retention devices of the plurality of wall panels.
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts described in greater detail herein are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. These and other advantages and features, which characterize the multiple embodiments, are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and form a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the embodiments, and of the advantages and objectives attained through its use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are described example embodiments.
In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
Numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, as will become apparent from the description below. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific implementations discussed herein.
The embodiments discussed hereinafter will focus on the implementation of the hereinafter-described techniques for a wall panel system 10, such as the type that may be used to produce a finished wall surface such as, but is not limited to, homes, offices, hotels, and other facilities or in other similar applications to produce a wall covering. However, it will be appreciated that the herein-described apparatus and techniques may also be used in connection with other types of applications in some embodiments. For example, the herein-described apparatus and techniques may be used in residential, commercial, entertainment, artistic, advertisement, and/or agricultural applications in some embodiments. Moreover, the herein-described apparatus and techniques may be used in connection with a variety of wall or surface panel configurations and/or characteristics. One or more wall panels 20 may be a variety of surfaces, shapes, sizes, materials, colors, quantities, orientations, and construction. For example, the panel 20 may be wood grain, veneer, plastic, stone, metal, translucent, resins, backlit, solid, hollow, prefinished, unfinished, honeycomb, perforated, etc. The trim 60, if used, may be a variety of surfaces, shapes, sizes, materials, colors, quantities, orientations, and construction. Implementation of the herein-described apparatus and techniques within a variety of applications would be well within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure, so the invention is not limited to the wall covering implementation discussed herein. For example, although the wall panels 20 may be parallel to the wall, object, structure, or mounting surface 1, the wall panels 20, trim 60, or other portions of a system may be different in appearance/construction and/or be in different planes and/or orientations relative to each other and the wall 1 or mounting surfaces. Although the wall panels 20 and/or trim 60, if used, are removable or releasably secured to the framework as shown in the one embodiment, it should be understood that in some applications one or more panels and/or trim may be fixed to the framework in combination with the releasably secured wall panels 20. Moreover, in some applications, the trim and/or panels may be fixed to embodiments of the framework 40.
Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views,
The wall panel 20 or a portion thereof may be received by the framework 40 or cell 42. The wall panel 20 may be locked or engaged to the framework (e.g. one or more rails 43) when in an aligned or installed position/orientation. The wall panel 20 may be disengaged or unlocked from the framework when in the aligned position and/or misaligned position/orientation. The misaligned position is a position different from aligned position. Each of the wall panels 20 include one or more retention devices 50 to lock or secure the wall panel 20 to the framework 40 when in the aligned position. As shown in
Although the retention devices 50 may be similar to each other in some embodiments (e.g. retention devices 51), the one or more retention devices 50 may be different from each other as shown in the Figures. At least one retention device 52 may be fixed in some embodiments in combination with the actuated retention devices 51. For example, in the embodiments shown, the fixed retention device 52 may be fixed in positioned relative to the wall panel 20 (e.g. rear face). As shown in the Figures, the fixed retention device 52 may be a clip, attachment, fastener, etc. (e.g. rigid or flexible). If used, the clip may be secured or engaged to the framework 40 when the wall panel 20 is in the misaligned position and subsequently the wall panel is pivoted to the aligned position as shown in
A variety of actuators (not shown) may be used to reconfigure the movable retention device 51 or a portion thereof. In the embodiments shown, a magnet may be used to reposition the retention device 51 or fitting between the stowed and/or deployed positions. The magnetic actuator may be rotatable and drive a pin or portion 51a of the retention device into and out of engagement with the framework with a magnetic force. Once example of a magnet driven connecting fitting and rotatable magnetic drive is an INVIS Mx2 Magnet-driven Connecting Fitting. As shown in
The one or more retention devices or portions thereof may create an interference fit engagement with the framework 40 (e.g. one or more portions or rails 43). One or more of the intersecting rails 43 may define one or more spaces 42a within each cell 42 receiving the deployed portion 51a of the retention device 51 and/or retention device 52. With the retention devices 50 held within the space 42a, the framework 40 and/or wall 1 prevents, impedes, or locks movement of the panel and/or portion of the retention device 50 from repositioning from the aligned position to another position or unaligned position. Alternatively stated, the interference fit locks or prevents separation of the wall panel 20 from the framework 40 when the retention device(s) 50 is in the deployed/engaged positions. When the moving portion 51a (e.g. pin) of the retention device 51 is in the stowed position or stowed away from the space 42a, the wall panel 20 may be disengaged from the framework 40 or moved into or out of the unaligned position (e.g. pivot, slide, translate, and/or rotate). Each cell 42 defined by one or more of the rails 43 may include the space 42a about an inner periphery 41 of the cell 42. The inner periphery 41 or portions thereof of the rectangular shaped cell 42 may include the space 42a defined by the one or more rails 43. In some embodiments, one or more inwardly projecting/extending flanges 44 within the cell 42 may define the space 42a to receive the retention device 50 (e.g. 51, 52) in the deployed/engaged position. The one or more flanges 44 may extend at least partially about the inner periphery 41 of one or more cells 42. In some embodiments, the flanges 44 may be substantially parallel to the wall or mounting surface 1. The space 42a may be defined between the flange 44 and the wall or mounting surface 1 in some embodiments. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, a pair of inwardly projecting flanges 44 may define a channel 45 or space 42a therebetween circumscribing the inner periphery 41 of the cell 42. The pair of flanges 44 may be spaced parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the channel 45 may be a variety of distances from the wall or mounting surface 1 and defined by one or more portions of the framework or mounting surface. The space 42a, channel 45, and/or flange(s) 44 may be defined by a variety of constructions, shapes, sizes, and quantities of the framework 40, rails 43, and/or mounting surface 1 and still engage/disengage from the one or more retention devices 50.
The wall panel 20 may be a variety of constructions, sizes, shapes, materials, quantities, and orientations and still be within the scope of the invention. The wall panel 20 may have a front face or surface 21 and an opposing rear face or surface 22 defined by an outer periphery 23. The wall panels 20 may be at least partially received within the cell 42 defined by the framework 40. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the retention devices 50 may project from the rear face 22 of the wall panel 20. It should be understood that the retention devices (e.g. 51 and/or 52) may be located or project from a variety of positions from the wall panel 20 including, but is not limited to, the front face, rear face, and/or outer periphery. The retention devices 50 may deploy or be in a position within in the outer periphery 23 as shown allowing the fasteners to be not visible during/after assembly. This may allow for embodiments with no visible connectors. Alternatively, the retention devices or portions thereof may be exposed outside the outer periphery of the panel 20 and/or portion of the retention device 50 may be deployed or extend beyond the outer periphery 23 or outer extent in some embodiments. As shown in the embodiments in
The one or more portions 51a of the retention devices 51 and/or retention device 52 may be engaged and disengaged without the user visually identifying the position of the portion of the retention device relative to the framework and/or panel when in at least the aligned position. Alternatively stated, there may be no visible connectors. The portion 51a (e.g. pin) of the first retention device 51 may be engaged or disengaged from the framework 40 when the wall panel 20 is in the aligned position without the user visually identifying the position of the retention device. The user may hear an audible and/or feel or lack thereof of the interference fit to determine the position of the one or more retention devices 50 or portions thereof. Other methods may include, but is not limited to, a visual identifier of the locked/unlocked position may be used in some embodiments. The panels may be installed and removed irrespective of the relative status of the adjacent panels or order of placement.
The framework 40 may include a variety of one or more trim members or trim 60, if used, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the framework 40 or rails 43 may not include the trim member 60. In other embodiments, a plurality of trim members 60 may be used in one or more rails 43 of the framework 40 that are different from each other. The framework 40 or rails 43 may include a trim engaging mechanism 47. As shown, the trim engaging mechanism 47 of the framework 40 is a receiving structure or female connection 46. As such the trim 60 may include a male connection or projection structure 66. It should be understood that the trim engaging mechanism 47 of the rail/framework and trim connections therebetween may be a variety of constructions, shapes, sizes, quantities, and still be within the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments the male/female connection may be reversed. It should also be understood that the trim members 60 may be of a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, quantities, and construction. For example, the outside and inside corner trim as shown in
In some implementations, the framework 40 may include an extension or projection clip 48 between the rail 43 and wall panel 20. The projection clip 48 may space the wall panel 20, trim 60, and/or other portions of the system further from the wall or mounting surfaces 1 and/or rail 43. Different panels, trim, or other system structure may be used with the projection clip 48. The projection clip 48 may define at least a portion of the space 42a, flange 44, and/or channel 45 for releasable engagement with the one or more retention devices 50 (e.g. 51 and/or 52). The projection clip 48 may extend from the one or more rails 43 to define the inner periphery 41 of the cell 42.
The framework and portions thereof (e.g. trim, projection clips, etc.) may be a variety of colors, finishes, materials, lengths, shapes, sizes, material, and constructions. For example, the framework may be extruded aluminum (e.g. concealed, exposed, etc.).
In some implementations as shown in
In the one embodiment shown in
In an implementation shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
The members or portions of the second rail or rails may combine and space panels from each other and/or hold one or more trim members between panels in some embodiments. As shown in
In some implementations, the one or more members defining the second rail 143b, clips 148, and/or rails 143 may include one or more attachment mechanisms 70 to vary the framework defining one or more cells 42 of the plurality of cells or system 110. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the one or more attachment mechanisms 70 may allow the member(s) (e.g. 243b1 and/or 243b2), clips 148, or second rail 143b to pivot to one or more angles θ between a range of angles θ relative to rail 143 from which it is attached. The first and/or second member 243b1, 243b2 may be pivotably connected to their corresponding one or more rails 143. The attachment mechanism 70 may pivot the first member 243b1, 243b1 or member/rail within the longitudinal groove 145 of the rail 143 between a plurality of pivot positions (see
The two or more members of the rail or framework rail (e.g. second rail) may be a variety of constructions, quantities, shapes, and sizes and still be within the scope of the invention. The first member 243b1 may include the attachment member 70 on one end. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism or protrusion may be spaced from the ends as shown in the second member 243b2. The second member 243b2 may extend from the attachment mechanism 70 in two or more directions and include one or more trim engagement mechanisms 47, if used. The one or more members may receive a variety or quantities of trim or spacers to position the one or more panels. As shown in
In some implementations, the framework 40 and/or projection clip 148 may include another/second extension or projection clip 248 between the rail 143 and wall panel 20 in some applications. As shown in
In use, the wall panel system 10 may be utilized in a variety of applications. Installing, uninstalling, repair, replacement, reconfiguring, décor changing, or maintenance of the wall panel system or portions thereof and/or providing access behind the wall panel system 10 may include a variety of steps. In some applications, a second trim 60 and/or wall panels 20 may replace a first trim and/or wall panels already assembly to create another outward ornamental wall covering appearance different from what was replaced or changed. In some implementations, when installing, the user may secure the framework 40 to a wall or multiple objects 1 in a variety of patterns, shapes, sizes, etc. to define the plurality of the cells 42. The user attaches one or more panels 20 to one or more cells 42 via the one or more retention devices 50 (e.g. 51 and/or 52). The retention devices 51 lock and unlock the wall panel 20 from each cell 42. When the wall panel 20 is in the aligned position, the one or more retention devices 51 may be deployed from the stowed position to lock the wall panel 20 to the framework 40. When in the deployed position, the retention devices 51 of portions thereof engage the framework, channel, flange, projection clip, or space. Unlocking the wall panel may include actuating the one or more retention devices 51 to the stowed position and separating the wall panel 20 from the framework 40. When in the stowed position, the retention device 50 or portion thereof may be disengaged from the framework, channel, space, projection clip, or flange. Unlocking/locking the wall panel may include actuating the one or more retention devices 51 between the stowed and deployed positions. In one embodiment, the actuation may be operated by, but not limited to, magnetic forces.
Moreover, the step of engaging the one or more retention devices 50 may include operably engaging a first and second retention device of the wall panel 20 with the framework 40. Wherein in some embodiments as shown, the first retention device 51 is different from the second retention device 52. In using a second retention device 52 that may be fixed (e.g. clip) and another or first retention device 51 (e.g. movable pin) that may be actuated between stowed and deployed position. The second retention device 52 may be engaged to the framework 40 before the first retention device 51 locks or secures the wall panel to the framework. Moreover, the first retention device 51 may be unlocked before disengaging the second retention device 52 and wall panel from the framework. When attaching the wall panel 20, the second retention device 52 may be engaged with the framework 40 or rail 43. As shown in
In some implementations, the framework may be installed when convenient for installation and/or to accommodate project deadlines. For example, the framework 40 may be installed at a different or earlier time before the wall panels 20 are needed to be installed. The framework 40 may be attached to the mounting surface 1 for a variety of time periods or durations before panels are attached. For example, if needed to meet installation deadlines the framework 40 can be installed at a desired deadline than the panels, if awaiting panel delivery or manufacture, allow inspection of framework, wall structure, utilities, etc., and/or waiting to attach panels to reduce exposure to potential damage during surrounding construction or activity.
The foregoing description of several embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
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Marlite, Installation Instructions Surface Systems MAP (Mechanically Applied Panels), Nov. 17, 2016 (http://www.marlite.com/assets/TechDetails/Marlite%20Surface%20Systems%20MAP%20-%20Installation%20Instructions%2012-16.pdf). |
Utility U.S. Appl. No. 16/029,067 “Method and Apparatus for a Wall Panel System” filed Jul. 6, 2018. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 16029086 | Jul 2018 | US |
Child | 16450894 | US |