Modular framing system and a method of construction thereof

Abstract

The disclosure refers to a modular framing system where single frames (1a, 1a′) or stacks of adjacent frames (1a, 1b) are interconnected by elongate locks (2) positioned between said frames (1). Adjacent frames (1a, 1a′) can either be connected together with one elongate lock (2) or a plurality of elongate locks (2) joined by lock connectors (21) to form a continual length of elongate locks (2). The number and length of the elongate locks (2) to be used are dependent on the height of the frames (1) to be used and the distance between the top frame (1a, 1a′) and the underside of a room ceiling. Where the height of the adjacent frames (1) to be connected together is greater than the distance between the top frames (1a, 1a′) and the underside of the room ceiling, a continual length made from shorter lengths of elongate locks (2) is more practical.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates generally to a modular framing system and a method of construction thereof. Specifically, this invention relates to a particular design of a frame element with a frame slot to engage a plurality of slidable elongate locks and a screen slot to engage a plurality of panel holders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Modular frames are frequently used to form structural components in the construction of booths, rooms and display panels at marketing events, conventions and general events, including modular partitions, frames fixed with transparent materials, display panels and raised platform structures.

[0003] Some drawbacks of existing frame systems available are as follows:

[0004] (a) Some frame systems are complex, requiring numerous different components such as columns, cross ties and fixing accessories.

[0005] (b) Structures of some frame systems are not versatile, as they cannot be easily converted into modular panels.

[0006] (c) Formation of tall partitions or structures often requires a vertical assembly of a number of rows of shorter panels or frames, one on top of another. The tall partition assembly process is time consuming and the tall partition is aesthetically compromised by the presence of numerous horizontal joints.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,338 discloses a display assembly comprising a plurality of panels joined together by elongate connecting members. Each panel has a removable frame formed by extrusions in each of which is a slot having a restricted entrance. Each connecting member has two heads which can be slid into slots in adjacent panel, from one end, to join the panels together, each head being too wide to pass through the restricted entrance of the slot. A central body portion of the connecting member, to which the heads are joined, is positioned between, and extends outwards between, adjacent panels to facilitate access to the connecting member and enable the screen assembly to be dismantled easily. A longitudinal slot can be provided in a part of the body that is accessible between connected panels, to enable components such as shelf-supporting brackets to be secured to the screen assembly. To increase the versatility of the assembly, a variety of connecting members can be provided, enabling panels to be joined together in a common plane or in planes inclined to one another and in one or more tiers. The assembly can also include panels connected together by poles and clips. The connecting members can be extended components and may be of hollow cylindrical construction. It is important to note that in order to form a stack of panels, the connecting member locking the lower panels has to protrude above the lower panels, so that the protruding portion of the connecting member can be used to fit the upper stacked panels. One drawback of this feature is that the distance between the ceiling and the topmost panels must always be larger than the width or height of the stacked panels. This invariably leaves a wide clearance behind. Another drawback is that panels will have to be stacked up to form a tall partition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The primary object of the present invention is to allow tall wall structures or partitions to be constructed without horizontal joints, using adjacent single frames.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to allow tall wall structures or partitions to be constructed using adjacent single or stacks of frames, or a combination of both.

[0010] Still, another object of the invention is to provide a versatile modular framing system that is easily constructed and dismantled on site, even by unskilled workers.

[0011] Yet, another object of the invention is to allow panels or claddings to be attached to frame elements easily and quickly.

[0012] To meet the above objects, a modular framing system comprising single or stacks of orthogonal frames arranged in adjacent to one another with their corresponding edges positioned in close proximity to one another, each orthogonal frame being formed from two horizontally disposed and two vertically disposed frame elements; a plurality of elongate locks disposed in between the adjacent vertical frame elements. Each frame element is integrally provided with a frame slot and a screen slot. A plurality of elongate locks slidably interlocks with each of the frame slots. A plurality of lock connectors joins one upper elongate lock to another elongate lock at their common interface. A lock retriever is employed to engage the top end of the uppermost elongate lock, enabling the length of the joined elongate locks to dismantle the framing system. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a sliding interlocking mechanism that connects the elongate locks and the frame elements. This eliminates the need for tools for assembly, as well as provides strong joints. The lock connectors allow shorter lengths of the elongate locks to be joined into continual longer length. Where the height of the adjacent frames to be connected together is greater than the distance between the top frames and the underside of a room ceiling, a continual length made from shorter lengths of elongate locks is more practical. In the situation of stacking frames to fit a room walls the elongate locks can be cut into required lengths that will fit this remaining clearance between the top frames and the underside of the room ceiling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The following descriptions of the drawings are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular framing system of two adjacent single orthogonal frames, showing an elongate lock fully inserted between the frames.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one preferred application of a modular framing system according to the present invention, in the form of stacks of orthogonal frames, exposing an elongate lock.

[0016] FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the elongate lock partially retrieved from frame slots between the frames.

[0017] FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of a lock retriever used to retrieve the elongate lock.

[0018] FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a joint between two elongate locks using a lock connector, when further frames are to be stacked up.

[0019] FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of the lock connector shown in FIG. 4a.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a frame element according to the invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the elongate lock as shown in FIG. 3a.

[0022] FIG. 6 b is a cross-section view of the elongate lock as shown in FIG. 6a.

[0023] FIG. 6 c is a side view of the elongate lock as shown in FIG. 6a.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the elongate lock sandwiched between two adjacent frame elements.

[0025] FIG. 8 a is a front view of a modular framing system where a display panel is being displaced from holder brackets.

[0026] FIG. 8 b is a partial cross-section view of the modular framing system holding a display panel.

[0027] FIG. 8 c is an enlarged assembly view of the frame element and a panel holder including a holder bracket as shown in FIG. 8b.

[0028] FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of the panel holder according to the invention, showing an I-shaped connecting member engaged with the inverted U-shaped holder bracket.

[0029] FIG. 9 b is an end view of the panel holder shown in FIG. 9a.

[0030] FIG. 9 c is a side view of the panel holder shown in FIG. 9a.

[0031] FIG. 10 a is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the elongate lock, linking two frames disposed at right angle to each other.

[0032] FIG. 10 b is a cross-section view of yet another embodiment of the elongate lock, linking three frames disposed at right angle to one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] According to the invention, the following description explains one embodiment of an elongate lock which interlocks two frames disposed in a common plane. For the sake of clarity, 1a, 1a′ refer to adjacent frames; 1a, 1b refer to upper and lower frames respectively.

[0034] As seen in FIG. 1, two adjacent single orthogonal frames (1a, 1a′) are assembled using an elongate lock (2) according to the present invention. Each orthogonal frame (1a, 1a′) is made up from two horizontally disposed and two vertically disposed frame elements (11). The elongate lock (2) is slidably received in the frame slots (12) between two adjacent vertical frame elements (11).

[0035] As seen in FIG. 2, a modular framing system comprising stacks of orthogonal frames (1) arranged in adjacent to one another with their corresponding edges positioned in close proximity to one another.

[0036] Stacks of adjacent frames (1a, 1a′) are interconnected by elongate locks (2) positioned between said frames (1a, 1a′). Adjacent frames (1a, 1a′) can either be connected together with one elongate lock (2) or a plurality of elongate locks (2) joined by lock connectors (21) to form a continual length of elongate locks (2). The number and length of the elongate locks (2) to be used are dependent on the height of the frames (1a, 1b) to be used and the distance between the top frame (1a, 1a′) and the underside of a room ceiling. Where the height of the adjacent frames (1a, 1a′) to be connected together is greater than the distance between the top frames (1a, 1a′) and the underside of the room ceiling, a continual length made from shorter lengths of elongate locks (2) is more practical.

[0037] Each orthogonal frame (1) is formed from two horizontally disposed and two vertically disposed frame elements (11). A plurality of elongate locks (2) is disposed in between adjacent vertical frame elements (11). It is important to note that each frame element (11) is integrally provided with a frame slot (12) and a screen slot (13) according to the invention. To fit a tall partition, a plurality of elongate locks (2) of different lengths are joined into a continual length, and slidably interlocked with each of the frame slots (12). To do so, a lock connector (21) is employed to join one upper elongate lock (2a) to another lower elongate lock (2b) at their common interface. A lock retriever (3) is employed to engage the top end of the uppermost elongate lock (2a), enabling the continual length of the joined elongate locks (2) to dismantle the framing system.

[0038] To show the elongate lock (2) as in FIG. 3a, a lock retriever (3) is employed to retrieve the elongate lock (2). The elongate lock (2) is extruded preferably I-shaped. At lengthwise web (24) towards both the upper and lower ends of the elongate lock (2), there are disposed two holes (23), one on top of the other. It is important to note that at least one hole (23) is implied, although two holes (23) are mentioned. The holes (23) are not necessarily round. When fully pushed in, the elongate lock (2) and the two holes (23) are concealed from view. As shown in FIG. 3b, the lock retriever (3) is preferably a rectangular plate with two integral protrusion parts (31) at one end of the plate. These protrusion parts (31) are employed to engage the two holes (23) on the elongate lock (2) and to retrieve it. It is important to note that at least one protrusion part (31) is implied.

[0039] When further frames (1a) are to be stacked up from the lower frames (1b), another elongate lock (2a) is placed on top of the lower elongate lock (2b). The two elongate locks (2) are joined with the assistance of a lock connector (21) as seen in FIG. 4a. Further frames (1a) are then stacked up with the assistance of this upper elongate lock (2a). The elongate lock (2) is cut into lengths according to requirement. A plurality of elongate locks (2) joined at the interface of two adjacent lengths, can be employed to build up the height of a room.

[0040] The lock connector (21), as shown in FIG. 4b, is substantially a rectangular body with four protruding parts (211), one on top of another, along the body. When in use, two upper protruding parts (211) engage the two holes (23a) disposed at the lower end of the upper elongate lock (2a), two lower protruding parts (211) engage the two holes (23b) disposed at the upper end of the lower elongate lock (2b), thereby forming a joint of the two adjacent elongate locks (2a, 2b). It is important to note that a plurality of protruding parts (211) is implied. A mechanism is further provided to prevent this lock connector (21) from detaching itself from the holes (23), which will be explained in FIG. 7.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the frame element (11) according to the invention has a unique and specific design. The design assumes substantially a hollow orthogonal box in shape.

[0042] A lock guide (14) with an enlarged head is provided integrally on one side of the box. This side of the box also forms a wide opening to serve as the frame slot (12). The lock guide's (14) enlarged head has a recessed section (15). The opposite side of the box is particularly configured to include a T-shaped open channel to serve as the screen slot (13) with a narrow entrance (131). The screen slot (13) serves to receive a panel holder (5) which will be explained later in FIGS. 8a to 8c.

[0043] One specific design of one embodiment of the elongate lock (2) according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 6a to 6c. It is substantially an I-shaped channel with two lateral flanges (22) and a lengthwise web (24). At least one hole (23) is provided on each end of the elongate lock (2) along the longitudinal axis on the lengthwise web (24). Further, the undersides of the lateral flanges (22) are turned inwardly to form two lock slots (221) with the lengthwise web (24). Each lock slot (221) defines a narrow entrance (222), an enlarged interior section (223), and a recessed portion (224).

[0044] It is important to note that the elongate locks (2) are designed, so that they can be slid into the frame slots (12) on the frame elements (11). The narrow entrance (222). and the enlarged interior section (223) of the lock slot (221) engage the lock guide (14) with an enlarged head. As seen in FIG. 7, a cavity (25) is formed when the elongate lock's (2) recessed portion (224) engages the recessed section (15) on the lock guide's (14) enlarged head. This occurs when the elongate lock (2) is slid into the frame slots (12) of the extruded frame elements (11). The protruding parts (211) on the lock connector (21) are designed to fit the holes (23) provided on the elongate lock (2). The lock connector's (21) body is designed to fit into the cavity (25) as shown in FIG. 7. The cavity (25) prevents the lock connector (21) from detaching itself. The lock connector (21) is held in place when the elongate lock (2), with the lock connector (21) attached, is slid into the extruded frame element (11).

[0045] In actual application, the invention allows adjacent single frames (1a, 1a′) or stacks of orthogonal frames (1a, 1b) to be used to make up a tall partition. A single frame and at least two stacked up frames can also be combined in use.

[0046] According to the invention, another feature of the frame elements (11) is that they can be used to hold a display panel (4) as seen in FIGS. 8a to 8c. Panel holders (5) can be attached to the extruded frame element (11) for the purpose of holding the display panel (4). Each panel holder (5) consists of a connecting member (51) and a holder bracket (52). The connecting member (51) is substantially I-shaped: It has two lateral flanges (511, 512) connected by a lengthwise flange (513). The upper lateral flange (511) can be slid into the T-shaped open channel of the screen slot (13) shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 8c, the lower lateral flange (512) of the connecting member (51) engages the holder bracket (52). The display panel (4) can be easily disengaged from the extruded frame elements (11) by sliding the connecting members (51) away from the holder brackets (52), as shown in FIG. 8a.

[0047] As seen in FIGS. 9a to 9c, the holder bracket (52) is substantially an inverted U-shaped bracket, with two parallel arms and a horizontal arm. The horizontal arm is integrally provided with a U-shaped cavity, defining a narrow entrance (521) and an enlarged interior section (522), which is designed to receive the connecting member's (51) lengthwise flange (513) and the lower lateral flange (512) respectively. Two corresponding openings (523) are provided on the parallel arms of the holder bracket (52). The display panel (4) is held in place by suitable fastening accessories inserted into the openings (523) on the holder bracket (52), as well as corresponding openings on the display panel (4).

[0048] Material for panels can be high-pressure laminates, fibreboards, plywood or other suitable materials.

[0049] According to the present invention, another design of the elongate lock (2) is an extruded component with at least two lock slots (221) provided on its lengthwise body. In the above description, the elongate lock (2) interlocks two frames which are disposed in the same common plane. It is important to note that there may be other embodiments of the elongate lock (2) interlocking two or more frames which are disposed in planes inclined to one another. The inclined angle may be varying. In FIG. 10a, another embodiment of the elongate lock (2) interlocks two frames disposed at right angle to each other. In FIG. 10b, yet another embodiment of the elongate lock (2) interlocks three frames disposed at right angle to one another.

Claims

1. A modular framing system comprising single frames (1a, 1a′) or stacks of orthogonal frames (1a, 1b) arranged in adjacent to one another with their corresponding edges positioned in close proximity to one another, each orthogonal frame (1) being formed from two horizontally disposed and two vertically disposed frame elements (11); a plurality of elongate locks (2) interlocked in between the adjacent vertical frame elements (11), is characterized in which each frame element (11) is integrally provided with a frame slot (12) and a screen slot (13); a plurality of elongate locks (2) slidably interlocked with each of the frame slots (12); a plurality of lock connectors (21) joining one upper elongate lock (2a) to another lower elongate lock (2b) at their common interface, whereas a lock retriever (3) is employed to engage the top end of the uppermost elongate lock (2), enabling the length of the joined elongate locks (2) to dismantle the framing system.

2. A modular framing system of claim 1 wherein the frame element (11) is substantially a hollow orthogonal box in shape; a lock guide (14) with an enlarged head is provided integrally on one side of the box, which forms a wide opening to serve as the frame slot (12); the lock guide's (14) enlarged head has a recessed section (15); and the opposite side of the box is particularly configured to include a T-shaped open channel to serve as the screen slot (13) with a narrow entrance (131), for receiving a panel holder (5).

3. A modular framing system of claim 1 wherein each elongate lock (2) is substantially extruded and each elongate lock (2) has at least one hole (23) on both ends of its lengthwise web (24) or body to receive a lock connector (21); each lock connector (21) has a body with a plurality of protruding parts (211) that are designed to fit the holes (23) provided on each end of the lengthwise web (24) or body; and the lock connector (21) is attached to the common interface between two adjacent elongate locks (2) when they are stacked up.

4. A modular framing system of claim 3 wherein the elongate lock (2) has at least two lock slots (221) designed to slidably fit the lock guides' (14) enlarged heads thereby connecting two adjacent frame elements (11); and each lock slot (221) on the elongate lock (2) has a recessed portion (224) that will form a cavity (25) with the recessed section (15) on the lock guide's (14) enlarged head when the elongate lock (2) slidably interlocks with the frame slot (12) on the extruded frame element (11).

5. A modular framing system of claim 4 wherein each cavity (25) so formed restrains the lock connector (21) from detachment after it has been attached to the elongate lock (2).

6. A modular framing system of claim 3 wherein the elongate locks (2) of shorter lengths are joined into a longer length, with the assistance of the lock connectors (21).

7. A modular framing system of claim 4 wherein two lock slots (221) are integrally combined to form an I-shaped elongate lock (2), such that the two lock slots (221) interlock two adjacent frame elements (11) disposed in a common plane.

8. A modular framing system of claim 4 wherein at least two lock slots (221) are integrally combined to form an elongate lock (2), such that these lock slots (221) interlock corresponding frame elements (11) disposed in varying inclined angles.

9. A modular framing system of claim 2 wherein each panel holder (5) comprises an I-shaped connecting member (51), having two lateral flanges (511, 512) connected by a lengthwise flange (513); and a substantially inverted U-shaped holder bracket (52), with two parallel arms and a horizontal arm, where the horizontal arm is integrally provided with a U-shaped cavity, defining a narrow entrance (521) and an enlarged interior section (522), which is designed to receive the connecting member's (51) vertical flange (513) and the lower lateral flange (512) respectively, whereas the upper lateral flange (511) can be slid into the T-shaped open channel of the screen slot (13) and the lower lateral flange (512) of the connecting member (51) engages the holder bracket (52); and two corresponding openings (523) are provided on the parallel arms of the holder bracket (52) while a display panel (4) is held in place by suitable fastening accessories inserted into the openings (523) on the holder bracket (52), as well as corresponding openings on the display panel (4).

10. A modular framing system of claim 1 wherein a single frame (1a) and at least two stacked-up frames (1a, 1b) can be used in combination.

11. A method of constructing modular framing system, including single frames (1a, 1a′) or stacks of orthogonal frames (1a, 1b) arranged in adjacent to one another with their corresponding edges positioned in close proximity to one another, each orthogonal frame (1) being formed from two horizontally disposed and two vertically disposed frame elements (11); and a plurality of elongate locks (2) are interlocked in between the adjacent vertical frame elements (11), comprises the steps of: providing integrally each frame element (11) with a frame slot (12) and a screen slot (13); interlocking a plurality of elongate locks (2) slidably with each of the frame slots (12); joining one upper elongate lock (2a) to another lower elongate lock (2b) at their common interface with the assistance of a plurality of lock connectors (21), whereas a lock retriever (3) is employed to engage the top end of the uppermost elongate lock (2), enabling the length of the joined elongate locks (2) to dismantle the framing system.

12. A method of constructing modular framing system further comprises the steps of: designing the frame element (11) to assume substantially a hollow orthogonal box in shape; providing integrally a lock guide (14) with an enlarged head on one side of the box, which forms a wide opening to serve as the frame slot (12); providing a recessed section (15) to the lock guide's (14) enlarged head; and providing a T-shaped open channel to serve as the screen slot (13) with a narrow entrance (131), to receive a panel holder (5), on the opposite side of the box.

13. A method of constructing modular framing system further comprises the steps of: providing at least one hole (23) on both ends of its lengthwise web (24) or body of the extruded elongate lock (2) with at least two lock slots (221), to receive a lock connector (21); providing each lock connector (21) with a plurality of protruding parts (211), and fitting the protruding parts (211) to the holes (23) provided on each end of the lengthwise web (24) or body; and attaching the lock connector (21) to the common interface between two adjacent elongate locks (2) when they are stacked up.