Modular Paneling System

This invention relates to a modular paneling system for walls or ceilings of a building, in which panels are hung on a framework, and in particular to a panel carrier for mounting panels provided with undercut grooves.

Modular paneling systems are known in the art. One such of such systems is described in CNl 515769. This modular panelling system includes panels with undercut grooves to which groove separate mounting means are fixed.

Another known panelling system is described in EP 1,387,016. The panels of this system include hook like mounting flanges, flanges of adjacent panels overlap when the panels are installed to a ceiling.

The first system is complicated in that separate mounting means need to be assembled to the panels prior to mounting the panels to a structure. The second system is complicated in that the panel flanges need to have specific profiled shaped in order to facilitate the overlap when the panels are mounted to a structure.

It is an object of the invention to provide a modular paneling system that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art systems and provides panels that can be easily mounted and dismounted from a structure. It also provides a modular system that is

flexible in that it can easily accommodate panels of different sizes without changing the system.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a panel carrier for supporting a panel of a modular paneling system having, along one side, an undercut channel region facing inwardly of the panel, the panel carrier including:

a top portion for mounting to an architectural structure;

a hook portion; and

a base portion extending from the top portion to an end of the hook portion so as to support the hook portion; wherein:

the hook portion is C-shaped in cross-section so as to form an open side and a closed side and the base portion supports the hook portion with the closed side extending for fitment into the undercut channel region of the panel.

The panel carrier thus provides a structure that is relatively straightforward to manufacture and yet securely and easily supports a panel. The undercut channel region of a panel can easily be mounted onto the C-shaped hook portion as required with no special tools and can be securely retained by means of the C-shape.

The hook portion is preferably resilient. In this way, it can flex when being inserted into the undercut channel region of the panel and can frictionally engage with the undercut channel region, hi particular, preferably, the hook portion is arranged to make a resilient fit with the undercut channel region.

The panel can include a main surface, for instance forming the lower decorative surface. A first side of the panel can include a base substantially parallel to the main surface, an upstanding side wall projecting substantially perpendicular to the base and a top leg extending parallel to the base. The base, side wall and top leg can together define the undercut channel region.

It is thus easy for the hook portion of the panel carrier to support the panel at its side.

The hook portion is preferably sized so as to form a frictional fit in the undercut channel region.

In this way, having pushed the hook portion into the undercut channel region, it is retained frictionally such that the panel is held securely in place.

The outer dimension of the hook portion preferably matches or is slightly larger than the inner distance between the top leg and the base.

In this way, the hook portion presses against the top leg and the base so as to make a frictional fit.

The hook portion has a width extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to its cross-section. Preferably, its cross-section is substantially constant throughout that width.

In this way, the panel carrier can easily be manufactured by appropriately bending an otherwise flat sheet of material.

Preferably, the base portion extends substantially perpendicular from the top portion.

In this way, a panel can be supported away from the architectural structure according to the extent of the base portion.

Preferably, the open side and the closed side of the hook portion face in substantially opposite directions substantially perpendicular to the extent of the base portion.

In other words, the open side and the closed side both face in directions parallel with the plane of the panel to be supported with the base portion extending substantially

perpendicular to that plane. The closed side of the hook portion is moved in a direction within that plane so as to be inserted into the undercut channel region.

Preferably, the hook portion is formed from a support portion including the end of the hook portion and a curved portion. The support portion preferably extends from the end to the curved portion first substantially perpendicular to the base portion and then substantially parallel to the base portion in a direction towards the top portion. This creates a slight recessed step in a direction towards the top portion. The curved portion preferably extends in a curve progressively away from the base, then parallel to the base portion in a direction away from the top portion and then towards the base portion. This creates the main C-shape of the hook portion which can be inserted into the undercut channel region and resiliently grip the inside of the undercut channel region.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a modular paneling system including at least one panel carrier. The modular paneling system can also be provided with one or more panels as defined above.

A secondary panel carrier can be provided for supporting a panel which has along an opposite side an inner undercut channel region facing outwardly of the panel in addition to the undercut channel region described above. The secondary panel carrier preferably includes a top member for mounting to an architectural structure, usually the same architectural structure as described above, and a hook member depending from the top member, the hook member being J-shaped and having a stem extending from the top

member and a flange extending substantially perpendicular from the stem for fitment into the inner undercut channel region. In particular, the flange of the J-shaped hook member is fitted into the inner undercut channel region of the panel at the same time as the panel carrier is fitted into the undercut channel region described above.

Preferably, the panel carrier and secondary panel carrier are mounted to an architectural structure with a spacing corresponding to the width of a panel and hence the distance between the outer undercut channel region on one side of the panel and the inner undercut channel region on the other side of the panel. Because the outer undercut channel region faces inwardly of the panel and the inner undercut channel region faces outwardly of the panel, both undercut channel regions face in the same direction. Therefore, the C-shaped hook portion and J-shaped hook member can both be fitted to the panel at the same time by moving the panel in a direction parallel to its main surface.

To support a plurality of panels, a plurality of panel carriers and secondary panel carrier may be provided. However, some or all of the secondary panel carriers may be replaced by a joint connector for supporting an abutting panel, which similarly has an undercut channel region facing inwardly. The joint connector preferably includes a base part arranged to fit in the undercut channel region of the abutting panel; a hook part arranged to engage with the one side of the panel; and an extension part extending between the base part and the hook part such that, with the hook part supported by the panel and panel carrier for the one side of the panel, the base part of the joint connector is able to support the one side of the abutting

panel. In this way, only the main panel carriers need be mounted on the architectural structure. Each panel is supported at one side directly by a panel carrier and at the opposite side by a joint connector, which itself is supported by the panel carrier of the adjacent panel.

In accordance with this invention, an improved modular paneling system, such as a wall or ceiling paneling system, is provided including

a panel;

first mounting means at the panel;

a second complementary mounting means mountable to a surface of a structural wall or ceiling,

wherein the first mounting means comprises a pair of opposite spaced apart left and right undercut channels in the panel each channel having opposite inner and outer top legs covering opposite inner and outer undercut regions of the channel ; and

wherein the second mounting means comprise an inner panel carrier and an outer panel carrier each mountable to project from the surface of the

structural wall or ceiling towards the panel surface, and wherein the inner panel carrier and outer panel carrier are insertable into the opposite channels and engageable to the inner top leg and outer top leg respectively of the opposite channels.

According to a further aspect of the invention the inner panel carrier comprises a hook portion having the same height or slightly less as an entrance height of the undercut inner channel region such that it can enter the inner channel region and engage the inner top leg thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, advantageously, the outer panel carrier comprises a hook portion having the same height as an entrance height of the undercut outer channel region such that it can enter the outer channel region and engage the outer top leg.

According to a next aspect of the invention, the hook portion of the outer panel carrier is slightly resilient such that a frictional engagement with the outer top leg is facilitated.

According to further aspects of the invention the hook portion of the outer panel carrier is a C-shaped hook portion and the hook portion of the inner panel carrier is a J- shaped hook portion.

Advantageously an entrance height to the undercut inner channel region is less than an entrance height to the undercut outer channel region.

Also provided is a method for installing a modular paneling system the method includes the steps of

providing a panel v/ith a first mounting means at the panel comprising a pair of opposite spaced apart left and right undercut channels in the panel each channel having opposite inner and outer legs covering opposite inner and outer undercut regions of the channel and

providing a surface with a second complementary mounting opposite and spaced apart to each other and projecting from the surface towards the panel surface and the first mounting comprising at least one pair of panel carriers and including an inner panel carrier and an outer panel carrier and

positioning the panel with respect to the panel carriers such that the outer panel carrier pointing in a first horizontal direction is aligned to the outer channel region of one of the left or right channel inserts pointing in the same first horizontal direction and

lifting the panel to insert the inner panel carrier and outer panel carrier into the opposite channels, and

moving the panel in a second opposite horizontal direction to engage to the inner top leg to the inner panel carrier and outer top leg respectively of the opposite channels.

Further aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below of particular embodiments and the drawings thereof, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-section of the modular paneling system of the invention, showing the installation of a three panels mounted on a carrier profile of a framework;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of a single panel of the invention and a pair of profiles, with one side of the panel mounted to one profile and the other side shown in partial exploded view with panel carriers and profile spaced away from the panel;

- Figure 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a pair of partial displayed panels with left and right channel inserts adjacent to, but not yet mounted, left and right panel carriers on a profile

Figure 3 A is a detailed cross-sectional view of the channel insert

Figures 4A-4D is a cross-sectional schematic representation of the panels in different stages of the process of being installed to the panel carriers on the profile

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective representation of a panel with a pair of panel carriers and a pair of joint connectors

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of two panels joined by joint connectors

Figure 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a joint connector and

- Figures 8 A and 8B are cross-sectional schematic representations of the panels in different stages of the process of being installed

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular ceiling system 1 of the invention with three, preferably identically shaped, panels 3, 103, 203 attached, side by side, to a horizontally-extending carrier profile 5. One of the panels 3 is shown to its complete horizontal width whereas, the other two 103, 203 are shown partially. The profile 5 is part of a framework or substructure of a plurality (not shown) of additional

profiles 5 which can be fixed to the ceiling and on which can be mounted a plurality of additional panels. Between the panels are open joints 11.

The system as shown in Figure 1 is for an interior ceiling of a building. A plurality of such panels mounted adjoiningly can cover a ceiling with the paneling system of this invention. The panels 3, 103, 203 are of identical structure and shape, although relative sizes can vary. Only panel 3 is described in detail. The panel 3 is a metal skin sandwich panel with a top surface 13 provided with metal skin layer 13 A, a bottom surface 15 provided with metal skin layer 15 A and a core layer 17 extending between the top and bottom skins. The bottom skin 15A is visible when the panel 3 is mounted on a ceiling. The preferably rectangular panel 3, as shown in perspective view in Figure 2, has a front side wall 19, a back side wall 21, a left side wall 23 and a right side wall 25.

Opposite left and right side walls 23, 25 of the panel 3 include undercut left and right channel inserts 27, 29 for receiving one of the outer and inner panel carriers 61, 63 (shown in Figure 1 in cross-section and in perspective view in Figure 2) of the paneling system. Each channel insert 27, 29 is placed on a cutout portion of the panel which extends from top surface 13 through the core layer 17 to the bottom skin 15A and along the length of the panel from front side wall 19 to rear side wall 21. The spacing of the channel inserts 27, 29 in the panels 3, 103, 203 determines the distance between a pair of outer and inner panel carriers 61, 63 destined to co-operate with these inserts. The joints

1 1 between the panels are directly related to the spacing on the profile 5 between adjacent different pairs of outer and inner panel carriers.

As best seen in Figure 1, the cross-sectional shape of the left and right channel inserts 27, 29 is identical but the placement in the panel is mirrored. The details of the inserts 27, 29 are best visible in Figure 3, and are described using identical referral numbers for both inserts 27, 29. Each insert 27, 29, has a base 31 , outer and inner upstanding side walls 33, 35 projecting perpendicular from the base and outer and inner top legs 37, 39, extending horizontally and parallel to the base and projecting towards each other from the opposite side walls. The top legs 37, 39 adjoin a channel mouth 41 between them and cover respective outer and inner undercut regions 43, 45 of the channel 47. The outer channel side walls 33 of each insert coincide with either left or right side walls 23, 25 of the panel, depending on the location of the insert. Thus, the outer channel side wall 33 of the left insert 27 coincides of with left side wall 23 of the panel and the outer channel side wall of the right insert 29 coincides with the right side wall 25 of the panel. The outer channel side wall 33 of each of the channel inserts can be covered by the bottom skin 15 A. Actually the bottom skin covers 15 A the base of each channel insert and its outer upstanding wall 33 and the top skin 13A of the panel covers the inner top leg 39 of the each channel insert 27, 29.

The outer top leg 37 of the channel inserts 27, 29 is a straight leg while the inner top leg 39 is profiled. The inner top leg 39 of the channel inserts generally forms a Z- shape. This is best visible in detailed Figure 3A. The Z-shaped inner top leg 39

includes a horizontal top portion 39A, a depending vertical portion 39B parallel and a horizontal bottom portion 39C. A small closing tab 39D projects vertically upward from the bottom Z-portion 39C and locks in the top skin 13A which abuts the bottom Z- portion 39C of the inner top leg 39. The vertical distance Dl between insert base 31 and bottom Z-portion 39C of the inner top leg 39 is approximately halve of the vertical distance D2 between insert base 31 and outer top leg 37. Thus the entrance height Dl to the inner undercut region 45 of the channel insert 27, 29 is less than the entrance height D2 to the outer undercut region 43 of the insert.

The outer and inner panel carriers 61, 63 as shown in figures 1-3 are of different shape.

The outer panel carrier 61 is designed to engage the outer channel region 43 of a channel insert 27, 29. Figure 1 shows it mounted to the profile 5 for engagement with the left channel insert 27.

The outer panel carrier 61 includes a generally C-shaped hook portion 65 projecting from the lower portion of an outer carrier base 67. The outer carrier base 67 including a vertical base portion 69 and a top base portion 71 perpendicular to the vertical base portion. The C-shaped hook portion 65 is slightly resilient and fits within the outer channel portion 43 of the channel insert 27 or 29 with the open side of the C- shaped hook facing the inner channel portion 45 of the insert. The C-shaped hook's size is such that a friction fit between the hook and the outer channel portion 43, i.e. the hook

matches or is slightly larger than the vertical distance D2 between the outer top leg 37 and the base 31 of the insert. Its slight resilience facilitates the hook's insertion into the outer channel region 47.

The inner panel carrier 63 is designed to engage the inner channel region 45 of a channel insert 27, 29. The inner and outer panel carriers 63, 61 cannot share a channel insert, so that when, of a single panel, one channel insert connects to for example the inner panel carrier 63, than the opposite channel insert will be engaged by the outer panel carrier 61. In Figure 1 , the inner panel carrier 63 is shown mounted to the profile 5 for engagement with the right channel insert 29.

The inner panel carrier 63 includes a generally J-shaped hook portion 73 depending from an upper horizontal base 75. The J-shaped hook 73 includes a horizontal flange 77 projecting perpendicular from a stem 73A of the J-shaped hook 73. The horizontal flange 77 projects from the stem 73A at a vertical distance from the end of the stem such that a small heel 79 is present. The vertical height of the heel 79 is chosen such that with the heel 79 abutting the base 31 of the channel insert 29, the horizontal flange 77 can fit under the horizontal bottom portion 39C of the inner top channel leg 39. Thus the J-hook 73 between heel 79 and flange 77 matches or is slightly smaller than the vertical distance Dl between the inner top leg 39 and the base 31 of the insert.

The dimensions of inner and outer top legs and width of the channel mouth of the insert and the width of the hook portions of the mounting means of the paneling system are chosen such there is a snug interfit and that hooks can be inserted into the channel inserts through the channel mouth 41.

Figures 1-3 also show additional locking means 81 that can be used to lock the panels to the panel carriers and that prevent inadvertent sliding of the panels along the carrier hooks. This inadvertent sliding can theoretically dislodge a panel from its panel carriers.

The locking means 81 is a rectangular block of anti-slip rubber which can be inserted between the inner panel carrier 63 engaging the inner top leg 39 of the left or right channel insert 27, 29 and the opposite top leg 37 of that channel insert. The height of the locking means is chosen such that when pushed vertically downward into the channel insert and abutting the channel insert base 31 is projects over the channel insert's top. At the same time the locking block 81 should not be too high as to abut the profile 5 from which depend the channel carriers.

Figure 2 clearly shows how the panel carriers 61 , 63 are attached to the system profiles 5, 5' by nut-bolt type fasteners 91. The profiles 5, 5' are simple L-shaped profiles with a vertical and horizontal flange, the flanges are provided with spaced apart sets of through holes 93 which can receive the bolts fastening the panel carriers to the profile. This is conventional practice and is not further elaborated.

Figures 4A-4D illustrate the method steps for mounting panels 3, 103, 203 to the profile 5 with the outer and inner panel carriers 61, 63, 161, 163, 261, 263. Shown from left to right in the figure 4A are partial left panel 103 with inner panel carrier 163 panel carrier adjacent right channel insert 129, centre panel 3 with outer and inner panel carriers 61, 63 adjacent left channel insert 27 and right channel insert 29 respectively, and a partially shown right panel 203 with an outer panel carrier 261 adjacent an left channel insert 227. Joints 1 1 are also visible. Each pair of panel carriers 61, 63 on a single profile 5 is spaced apart to the same extend as are the channels 27, 29 in the panel. The panel carriers and specifically their hook portions project to the same first direction. When mounting a panel, the panel first is aligned with the panel carriers such that the channels are directly opposite the panel carriers and one of the outer channel regions of an insert project in the same first direction. In Figure 4A this 'first direction' is to the left. Carrier C-shaped hook 65 project to the left with its opening to the right and the outer channel region 43 of the left channel insert 27 projects also to the left. Since the channel inserts are mirrored in the panel, this means that the opposite channel insert, i.e. the right insert 29, now has its outer channel region 43 projecting to the right. The Carrier J-shaped hook 77 is over the right channel and points to the left, toward the inner channel region 45 of the right channel 29.

The panel thus aligned is ready to be mounted to the carries.

In Figure 4B the panels have been lifted up and the panel carriers are inserted into the channel inserts through the channel mouths of the channel inserts. Arrows A indicate the 'second direction' in which the panels need to be moved for the carriers to latch to the panels. Generally the panel is moved in the opposite direction from the 'first direction' to which the panel carrier hooks 65, 77 project. When the panel is not correctly aligned and the C-shaped hook points toward the inner channel 45 instead of the outer channel region 43, the latching will not occur since the C-shaped hook 65 cannot fit in the inner channel region 45. Latching occurs when the panel 3, 103, 203 is moved such that the C-shaped hook portion 65 is resiliently encompassed in the outer channel region 43 and snuggly held between the outer upper leg 37 and the base 31 of the channel insert 27. At the same time, the J-shaped hook 73 of the inner panel carrier 63 then fits in the inner channel region 45. Thus even without the additional locking means 81 the panel is secure.

Thus in Figure 4C the panels are securely latched to the panel carriers. The C- shaped hooks 61, 65, 161, 165, 261, 265 are friction fitted into the outer channel regions 43 of the respective channel inserts 27, 227 and the J-shaped hooks 63, 73 are received in the inner channel regions 45 of the respective inserts 29, 129, and contact the underside of the horizontal bottom portion 39C of the inner top channel leg 39 of the respective channel inserts 29, 229 and the base 31.

Figure 4C also shows how additional locking 81 means can be inserted into the channel insert to fill the remaining open portion of the channel 47 adjacent the inserted and latched inner panel carrier 63.

Figure 4D shows the installed panels latched and locked.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an alternative arrangement where only outer panel carriers 61 are mounted to the profile 5. The outer channel region 43 of channel insert 27 at one side of the panel 303 is supported by the outer panel carrier 61 having the C-shaped hook portion 65 in the same way as described above. However, the opposite side of the panel 303 is supported by means of a joint connector 90. In particular, as will be described in detail below, the joint connector 90 is fitted to the outer channel region 43 of the channel insert 29 and is itself supported by the outer panel carrier 61 provided to support an abutting panel 403.

hi essence, the joint connector 90 is a component having substantially constant cross-section throughout its width. The cross-section, as illustrated in Figure 7, includes a base part 91 for fitment into the channel insert 29 of a panel, in particular, for fitment into the channel portion 43 of the channel insert 29. An extension part 92 extends away from the channel insert 29 and the panel of that channel insert 29 in a direction generally parallel to the panel. At a distal end of the extension part 92, a hook part 93 protrudes downwardly in a direction back towards the plane of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 7, the base part 91 includes a lower part 94 for engaging with the bottom surface of the channel insert 29, in other words the top of the base 31, within the channel 47. A support part 95 extends generally perpendicular from the lower part 94, preferably from a mid-point along the lower part 94, so as to extend outwardly from the channel 47. Preferably, as illustrated, the lower part 94 and the point at which the support part 95 extends from it are arranged such that an end of the lower part 94 terminates close to the inner surface of the upstanding side wall 33 whilst the inner end of the top leg 37 terminates adjacent the support part 95.

As illustrated, a stem part 96 extends from an intermediate portion of the support part 95 in a direction substantially parallel to the lower part 94. The stem part 96 is spaced apart from the lower part 94 with a spacing corresponding to the inner space between the top leg 37 and base 31 such that the stem part 96 extends generally parallel and adjacent to the top leg 37. Also, the stem part 96 preferably has a length such that its end is adjacent the inner surface of the upstanding side wall 33.

In this way, the mounting part 91 is held securely within the undercut region 43 of the channel insert 29.

The hook portion 65 of the panel carrier 61 merely supports the weight of a panel such that it is acceptable (and indeed preferable for this embodiment) for the panel to be able to rotate relative to the hook portion 65. However, for reasons that will become

clear below, the mounting part 91 of the joint connector 90 preferably fixes the joint connector 90 rotationally relative to the panel.

Figure 8A illustrates an arrangement where a panel 503 is already supported by a panel carrier 61 on a profile 5. Another panel 403 having a joint connector 90 fitted to its channel insert 29 is in the process of being mounted to the profile 5. The panel 403 is moved at a slight angle towards the panel 503 such that the hook portion 65 of a panel carrier 61 is inserted into the undercut region 43 of the channel insert 27 of the panel 403 in a manner similar to that described above.

The extension part 92 extends beyond the channel insert 29 of the panel 403 above the top leg 37 of the abutting panel 503. Thus, when the panel 403 is released and allowed to swing down under its own weight (rotating about the hook portion 65), the extension part 92 rests upon the top leg 37 of the abutting panel 503 such that the weight of the panel 403 is supported, by means of the joint connector 90, by the panel carrier 61 provided for the abutting panel 503. It will be appreciated that the weight of the panel 403 applies a rotational force to the joint connector 90. Hence, preferably, the mounting part 91 of the joint connector 90 is fixed rotationally relative to the channel insert 29 when fitted into the undercut channel region 43.

In the preferred and illustrated arrangement, the hook portion 65 of the panel carrier 61 includes an upwardly facing recess 65a. As illustrated, this is formed from a support portion, which extends from the base portion 69 substantially perpendicular to

the base portion 69 and then extends upwardly substantially parallel to the base portion 69 in a direction towards the top portion 71.

The hook part 93 of the joint connector 90 is arranged to extend downwardly into the recess 65a of the hook portion 65 of the adjacent panel carrier 61. The interaction of the hook part 93 in the recess 65a prevents movement of the panel 403 parallel to the plane of that panel and, hence, prevents the undercut region 43 or its channel insert 27 from becoming disengaged from the hook portion 65 of the corresponding panel carrier 61. Figure 8B illustrates a further panel 303 being mounted to the profile 5 using another joint connector 90.

The joint connectors 90 are preferably used in conjunction with antislip components 85. These may be formed of antislip rubber and are fitted into the channel regions 97 either side of each joint connector 90 in order to hold the joint connector 90 in place. It should be appreciated that antislip features could alternatively be constructed as part of the joint connectors themselves.

The panels can be individually installed or taken down. No tools are needed, so there is easy access to the structures behind the panels after the ceiling is in place. Also the modular system allows for a big diversity in panel sizes and spacings without a need arising to change the system.

The channel inserts are preferably metal inserts, such as aluminium. They can be either shaped or extruded. The channel inserts can be made as long profiled members and cut to size, before being assembled to a panel.

This invention is, of course, not limited to the above-described embodiments which may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its advantages. In this regard, the terms in the foregoing description and the following claims, such as "right", "left", "front", "rear", "vertically", "horizontally", "longitudinally", "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom", have been used only as relative terms to describe the relationships of the various elements of the panel and framework of the modular panelling system of this invention.

The core 17 is preferably a honeycomb material but can be any other core material or even several stacked layers of different core materials. The panel 13 can be an acoustic panel, where the bottom skin 15 is perforated.

In the description the panel carriers 61, 63 are shown to be relatively short bracket like members 61, 63. Instead they can be elongated profiles that engage to complete length of the panel.

In the description the panel carriers 61, 63 are shown to be attached to the profile 5 by means of nut and bolt type fasteners. Of course many different methods of attaching the panel carriers to the profile are possible.

Profile 5 is shown to be an L-shaped hook profile with holes for the nut an bolt fasteners. Other type of profiles are also possible, such as e.g. inverted T-shaped profiles.

In the system a choice can be made to only use the locking means 81 adjacent one or more J-shaped hook carriers 63 per panel. Or to block each carrier when inserted into a channel insert.

The locking block 81 is shown to be a relatively short member 81 matching the length of the panel carrier hook it is to block. Alternatively instead of separate blocks 81, panel long blocks can be used.

Instead of for ceiling purposes the panelling system can also be used for cladding internal or external walls.