TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a building element. In particular, this invention relates to a building element for use in the construction of buildings and/or furniture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a building element including: - a panel manufactured from a compression moulded board; a strengthening formation formed in the panel for improving structural strength thereof; and indicators on the panel for indicating various positions in which specific alterations are to be made to the panel in order to create a specific construction component.

The panel may be manufactured from any one or more of the group including pressboard, chipboard, particleboard, and fiberboard. The panel may be of any geometric shape of the group including, but not limited to, triangular, square, rectangular, parallelepipedal, pentagonal, and hexagonal. Preferably, the panel may be of a generally square or rectangular shape. The panel may have a length, width and thickness in the range of 60mm to 1 600mm, 60mm to 1 600mm, and 10mm to 100mm respectively, preferably in the region of 1 200mm, 1 200mm, and 60mm respectively.

The strengthening formation may be in the form of rib formations which may extend between opposing side regions of the panel. The rib formations may be defined by adjacent recessed zones formed into the panel. The recessed zones may be positioned so as to define a peripheral portion and a plurality of rib formations extending and/or spanning between opposing side regions of the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion may have width in the range of 10mm to 60mm, preferably being in the region of 38mm. The rib formations may have a width in the range of 50mm to 120mm, preferably having a width in the region of 76mm. The rib formations may have a length in the range of 300mm to 1200mm. The recessed zones may be of any suitable geometric shape. Preferably, the recessed zones may be generally rectangular or square in shape. The recessed zones may be arranged in a spaced apart manner along a width and/or length of the panel. The recessed zones may have a length and width in the range of 250mm to 1200mm. Preferably, the recessed zones may have a length and/or width in the region of 324mm.

In one form of the invention, the rib formations may be defined by three adjacent recessed zones. In another form of the invention, the rib formations may be defined by nine recessed zones. The nine recessed zones may be arranged in a 3x3 configuration, preferably being arranged substantially equidistantly relative to each other.

The panel may include first and second parts. The first and second parts may have a generally planar form. The first and second parts may be sized, shaped and/or configured to allow securing thereof to each other via opposing planar surfaces, respectively. The second part may be in the form of a frame-like member. The second part may define the rib formations, preferably including cut-out sections which may define the recessed zones and rib formations of the panel.

The second part may be manufactured from any one or more of the group including pressboard, chipboard, particleboard, and fiberboard, preferably being manufactured from chip board or fiberboard. The second part may have a length, width and thickness in the range of 60mm to 1 600mm, 60mm to 1 600mm, and 10mm to 100mm, respectively, preferably having a length, width and thickness in the region of 1 200mm, 1 200mm, and 60mm respectively. An insulating member may be provided for improving insulative properties of the panel. Preferably, the insulating members may be placed within recessed zones between rib formations of the panel. The insulating members may be in the form of polystyrene, cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, and the like.

The indicators may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a marking, cut-out, aperture, slot, a sticker, a picture, text, a coloured area, a symbol, a notch, a toolmark, a hole, and the like. Preferably, the indicators may be in the form of apertures of various shapes and sizes which may be cut out of the panel. The various shapes and sizes may correspond to the specific alteration to be made to the panel. The indicators may be defined by the recessed zones of the panel. It is to be appreciated that the indicators serve to indicate where holes, cuts, or other alterations are to be made to the panel in order to reduce time spent taking measurements and making markings on the panel to create specific construction components.

The construction components may be in the form of any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a door, wall, window, gable, table top, bed frame, furnishings, furniture legs, supports, shelving, bookcases, cabinets, floors, ceilings, shutters, decorative frames, decorative items, or any part thereof.

A first indicator may be provided for indicating attachment points between the first and second parts of the panel. The first indicator may be in the form of a plurality of apertures. The apertures may be defined in the first and/or second part of the panel, preferably being defined in opposing surfaces thereof. The apertures may be sized, shaped and/or configured to receive fastening members, preferably in the form of dowels, therein. The dowels may be sized according to user preference, preferably having a 6mm diameter and a 20mm length, typically being in the form of M6*20 wooden dowels. The apertures may have a depth which is shallower than the thickness of the first and/or second parts of the panel, typically being concealed when the first and second parts of the panel are secured to each other. The apertures may be separated into different sets, the sets corresponding to their locations relative to the panel. A first set may correspond to a peripheral region of the panel and a second set may correspond to a generally central region of the panel. It is to be appreciated that the precise spacing and configuration of the first and second sets of apertures relative to the panel may be altered according to user preference, provided that they correspond with the peripheral portion and rib formations of the second part of the panel to enable effective fastening of the first and second parts, typically being uniformly spaced over the panel.

A second indicator may be provided for indicating trimming locations for various purposes. The various purposes may include accommodating construction components which may be displaceable relative to other constructions components in use, such as doors and windows, for example. The various purposes may include sizing the panel, preferably the first part thereof, for use as cladding, furniture, accessories, and the like. The second indicator may be the form of an aperture in the shape of a semi-circle. The second indicator may be located on the first and/or second part of the panel, preferably being located on the first part of the panel.

A third indicator may be provided for indicating cutting positions for creating openings for receiving doors and/or window pane, whether glass or transparent plastic, and for creating smaller panels for constructing other components. The third indicator may be the form of an aperture in the shape of a semi-circle. The third indicator may be located on the first and/or second part of the panel, preferably being located on the first part of the panel.

It is to be appreciated that the user may cut out parts of the panel as indicated by the second and/or third indicators to allow doors and/or windows to be opened and/or closed. In addition, smaller panels created as a result of the user cutting along the second or third indicators may be used to construct a wide variety of items, including doors, floors, furnishings such as tables, chairs, bed frames, cabinets, bookshelves, and the like, or any part thereof.

A fourth indicator may be provided for indicating positions of slots for creating openings for receiving window panes in the panel. The fourth indicator may be the form of an aperture in the shape of a quarter-circle (quadrant). The third indicator may be located on the first and/or second part of the panel, preferably being located on the first part of the panel.

A fifth indicator may be provided for indicating joining positions for joining adjacent panels, preferably via a screw, bolt, hinge or the like. The fifth indicator may be the form of an aperture in the shape of a quarter-circle (quadrant). The fifth indicator may be located on the first and/or second part of the panel, preferably being located on the second part of the panel.

It is to be appreciated that a series of second, third and/or fourth indicators may be utilised to draw lines linking the respective indicators, thereby creating cutting positions for more accurate cuts.

A cover member may be provided for covering the rib formation, preferably for concealing the recessed zones, insulating members contained within recessed zones, and/or rib formations so as to ensure an aesthetically pleasing finish. In particular, the cover member may have a size, shape and/or configuration for allowing complementary engagement with a receiving zone defined in the panel. The receiving zone may be formed by a shoulder formation arranged along a peripheral portion of the panel. The cover member may be generally planar. The cover member may be manufactured from galvanised or cold rolled steel sheets. The cover member may have a thickness in the range of 0.4mm to 2mm, preferably being in the region of 0.58mm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A building element in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: -

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a front side of a panel in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic showing an exploded view of first and second parts of the panel;

Figure 3 is a plan view showing the first part of the panel;

Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view showing indicators on the first part of the panel, the location of the enlarged view being marked “A” on Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a plan view showing the second part of the panel;

Figure 6 is a sectioned view of the second part of the panel along the line 6-6 shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view showing indicators on the second part of the panel, the location of the enlarged view being marked “B” on Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a plan view showing cut lines drawn on the panel;

Figure 9 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a variety of smaller sized panels which are derived from the panel shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a building constructed from a plurality of the panels;

Figure 11 is a three-dimensional schematic showing seating furniture constructed from a plurality of the panels;

Figure 12 is a three-dimensional schematic showing various bedding furniture constructed from a plurality of the panels; Figure 13 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a variety of furnishings constructed from a plurality of the panels;

Figure 14 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a variety of storage items constructed from a plurality of the panels; and

Figure 15 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the panel, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the Figures, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a building element 10 including a panel 12 manufactured from a compression moulded board, a strengthening formation in the form of rib formations 14 formed in the panel for improving structural strength thereof, and indicators 16 on the panel 12 for indicating various positions in which specific alterations are to be made to the panel 12 in order to create a specific construction component.

The panel 12 is manufactured from any one or more of the group including pressboard, chipboard, particleboard, and fiberboard, typically being manufactured from chip board or fiberboard. The panel 12 is of a generally square or rectangular shape. The panel 12 has a length, width and thickness in the range of 60mm to 1 600mm, 60mm to 1 600mm, and 10mm to 100mm respectively, typically in the region of 1 200mm, 1 200mm, and 60mm respectively.

The rib formations 14 extend between opposing side regions of the panel 12. The rib formations 14 are defined by adjacent recessed zones 18 formed into the panel 12.

The recessed zones 18 are positioned so as to define a peripheral portion 20 and a plurality of rib formations 22 extending and spanning between opposing side regions of the peripheral portion 20. The peripheral portion 20 has width in the range of 10mm to 60mm, typically being in the region of 38mm. The rib formations have a width in the range of 50mm to 120mm, typically having a width in the region of 76mm. The rib formations have a length in the range of 300mm to 1200mm. The recessed zones 18 are generally rectangular or square in shape. The recessed zones 18 are arranged in a spaced apart manner along a width and length of the panel 12.

The recessed zones 18 has a length and width in the range of 250mm to 1200mm. Preferably, the recessed zones may have a length and/or width in the region of 324mm.

In one form of the invention, the rib formations 14 are defined by three adjacent recessed zones 18. In another form of the invention, the rib formations 14 are defined by nine recessed zones 18. The nine recessed zones 18 are arranged in a 3x3 configuration, typically being arranged substantially equidistantly relative to each other.

The panel 12 includes first 22 and second parts 24, as most clearly shown in Figure 2. The first 22 and second parts 24 have a generally planar form. The first 22 and second parts 24 are sized, shaped and configured to allow securing thereof to each other via opposing planar surfaces, respectively. The second part 24 is in the form of a frame-like member. The second part 24 defines the rib formations 14, typically including cut-out sections 26 which define the recessed zones 18 and rib formations 14 of the panel 12.

The second part 24 is manufactured from any one or more of the group including pressboard, chipboard, particleboard, and fiberboard, typically being manufactured from chip board or fiberboard. The second part 24 has a length, width and thickness in the range of 60mm to 1 600mm, 60mm to 1 600mm, and 10mm to 100mm, respectively, typically having a length, width and thickness in the region of 1 200mm, 1 200mm, and 60mm respectively. An insulating member (not shown) is provided for improving insulative properties of the panel 12. Typically, the insulating members are placed within recessed zones 18 between rib formations 14 of the panel 12. The insulating member is in the form of polystyrene, cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, and the like.

The indicators are in the form of any one or more of the group including a marking, cut-out, aperture, slot, a sticker, a picture, text, a coloured area, a symbol, a notch, a toolmark, a hole, and the like. Typically, the indicators are in the form of apertures of various shapes and sizes which are cut out of the panel 12, as shown in Figures 4 and 7. The various shapes and sizes of the indicators correspond to the specific alteration to be made to the panel 12. It is to be appreciated that the indicators serve to indicate where holes, cuts or other alterations are to be made to the panel 12 in order to reduce time spent taking measurements and making markings on the panel 12 to create specific construction components.

The construction components are in the form of any one or more of the group including a door, wall, window, gable, table top, bed frame, furniture, furniture legs, supports, shelving, bookcases, cabinets, floors, ceilings, shutters, doors, decorative frames, decorative items, and the like, or any part thereof.

A first indicator 28 is provided for indicating attachment points 30 between the first 22 and second parts 24 of the panel 12. The first indicator 28 is in the form of a plurality of apertures. The apertures are defined in the first 22 and/or second 24 part of the panel 12, typically being defined in opposing surfaces thereof. The apertures are sized, shaped and/or configured to receive fastening members (not shown), typically in the form of dowels, therein. The dowels (not shown) are sized according to user preference, typically having a 6mm diameter and a 20mm length, typically being in the form of M6*20 wooden dowels. The apertures have a depth which is shallower than the thickness of the first 22 and/or second parts 24 of the panel 12, typically being concealed when the first 22 and second parts 24 of the panel 12 are secured to each other. The apertures are separated into different sets, the sets corresponding to their locations relative to the panel 12. A first set 32 corresponds to a peripheral region of the panel 12 and a second set 34 corresponds to a generally central region of the panel 12. It is to be appreciated that the precise spacing and configuration of the first 32 and second sets 24 of apertures relative to the panel 12 are altered according to user preference, provided that they correspond with the peripheral portion 20 and rib formations 14 of the second part 24 of the panel to enable effective fastening of the first 22 and second parts 24, typically being uniformly spaced over the panel 12.

A second indicator 36 is provided for indicating trimming locations for various purposes. The various purposes include accommodating construction components are displaceable relative to other constructions components in use, such as doors and windows, for example. The various purposes may include sizing the panel 12, typically the first part 22 thereof, for use as cladding, furniture, accessories, and the like. The second indicator 36 is the form of an aperture in the shape of a semi-circle. The second indicator 36 is located on the first 22 and/or second part 24 of the panel 12, typically being located on the first part 22 of the panel 12.

A third indicator 38 is provided for indicating cutting positions 40 for creating openings for receiving doors and/or window panes, whether glass or transparent plastic, and for creating smaller panels for constructing other components. The third indicator 38 is in the form of an aperture in the shape of a semi-circle. The third indicator 38 is located on the first 22 and/or second part 24 of the panel 12, typically being located on the first part 22 of the panel 12.

It is to be appreciated that in use, the user cuts out parts of the panel 12 as indicated by the second 36 and/or third indicators 38 to allow doors and/or windows to be opened and/or closed. In addition, smaller panels (as shown in Figure 9) created as a result of the user cutting along the second 36 or third indicators 38 are used to construct a wide variety of items, including doors, floors, furnishings such as tables, chairs, bed frames, cabinets, bookshelves, and the like, or any part thereof. Examples can be seen in Figures 1 1 to 14.

A fourth indicator 42 is provided for indicating positions of slots for creating openings for receiving window panes in the panel 12. The fourth indicator 42 is in the form of an aperture in the shape of a quarter-circle (quadrant). The third indicator 42 is located on the first 22 and/or second part 24 of the panel 12, typically being located on the first part 22 of the panel 12.

A fifth indicator 44 is provided for indicating joining positions for joining adjacent panels, typically via a screw, bolt, hinge or the like. The fifth indicator 44 is in the form of an aperture in the shape of a quarter-circle (quadrant). The fifth indicator 44 is located on the first 22 and/or second part 24 of the panel 12, typically being located on the second part 24 of the panel 12.

It is to be appreciated that a series of second 36, third 38 and/or fourth indicators 42 are utilised to draw lines linking the respective indicators, thereby creating cutting positions 40 for more accurate cuts, as shown in Figure 8.

A cover member (not shown) is provided for covering the rib formation, typically for concealing the recessed zones 18, insulating members contained within recessed zones, and/or rib formations 14 so as to ensure an aesthetically pleasing finish. In particular, the cover member has a size, shape and/or configuration for allowing complementary engagement with a receiving zone (not shown) defined in the panel 12. The receiving zone is formed by a shoulder formation arranged along a peripheral portion of the panel 12. The cover member is generally planar. The cover member is manufactured from galvanised or cold rolled steel sheets. The cover member has a thickness in the range of 0.4mm to 2mm, preferably being in the region of 0.58mm. Alternatively, a second panel placed over the first can be used as a cover member. Referring now to Figure 15, reference numeral 110 refers generally to a building element in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The building element 110 includes a panel 112 and rib formations 114 formed in the panel 112, and indicators which are defined by recessed zones 118 formed in the panel 112.

In this embodiment, the recessed zones 118 are generally rectangular in shape and typically have a length and width in the regions of 295mm and 105mm, respectively. Further, the rib formations 114 typically have a length and width in the regions of 1 200mm and 105mm, respectively.

It is, of course, to be appreciated that the building element in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence form part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified. It is further to be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The inventor believes that the building element in accordance with the invention is advantageous in that a vast variety of items and parts thereof may be constructed using the building element due to the modular nature of the components capable of being created therewith. In addition, with the indicators on the panel, the manner in which builders are able to construct predefined components is greatly simplified and thus, reduces construction times. Further, the panel being manufactured from compression moulded boards allows material offcuts typically deemed wastage in other manufacturing processes to be utilised, which offers a cheaper and more environmental alternative to conventional building elements.