Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for mounting a panel. The present invention also relates to a method for mounting a panel, and to a system for mounting a panel. In some aspects the invention relates to a device, method, and system for joining two adjacent decorative or functional panels.

Background to the Invention

One method of noise suppression in internal built environments can be achieved using acoustic fins. Fins are mounted to either the ceiling and/or wall and provide additional surface area for sound absorption, mitigating noise and reducing reverberation and echo in a space.

Known acoustic fin systems use an aluminium extrusion channel to secure a fin in place. The aluminium channel is typically fixed to the wall/ceiling first, then the fin pushed in place (usually overhead/at height).

A construction adhesive may be placed into the channel to help strengthen the fin connection.

Aluminium is difficult to install, relying on a tight friction-fit between the aluminium channel to securely hold the fin in place. The panel the fins are made of has a tolerance on thickness so a thicker panel is difficult to press on, and a thin panel may not be suitably strong. Known systems also have plastic mounting brackets which allows for the aluminium to be press-fit on to the fin at the ground level, then fixed in place with the plastic mounting brackets already screwed to ceiling.

Aluminium components are expensive to produce and require high-energy for their production and add additional weight to the acoustic fin system. The use of adhesives in the system restricts the ability to recycle the product once no longer required, creating environmental issues.

In other solutions, acoustic fins may include cuts or apertures to allow them to snap over pre-mounted brackets. This has the disadvantage of not providing a secure connection, and places limits of the weight and style of fins that may be mounted. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface, the assembly including, a functional or decorative member, and a bracket, wherein a portion of the functional or decorative member is adapted to be removably receivable by the bracket, and the bracket is adapted to removably receive the portion of the functional or decorative member.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a bracket adapted to removably receive a portion of a functional or decorative member, wherein the bracket includes: a base plate having a first surface and a second surface, two spaced apart walls, the two walls extending from the first surface of the base plate, the two walls defining a channel between the walls for, in use, receiving a portion of a functional or decorative member, the two walls each including an inner surface facing the opposing wall, and the inner surface of one or more walls including one or more wall protrusions extending from the inner surface of the wall.

In some examples the two walls are biased or partially biased toward each other.

In some examples the two walls extend generally between 80-90 degrees from the upper surface of the base plate.

In some examples the two walls extend generally between 85-89 degrees from the upper surface of the base plate.

In some examples the inner surface of one or more walls includes a first wall protrusion extending from the inner surface of the wall at a first distance from the base plate, and a second wall protrusion extending from the inner surface of the wall at a second distance from the base plate, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

In some examples the first surface of the base plate includes a base protrusion, the base protrusion extending between the two walls.

In some examples the base protrusion extends perpendicular to the wall protrusions.

In some examples the base plate includes a fixing aperture adapted to receive a fixing member for fixing the bracket to a surface.

In some examples the bracket further includes: two spaced apart second walls, the two second walls extending from the second surface of the base plate, the two second walls defining a second channel between the walls for, in use, receiving a portion of a second functional or decorative member, the two second walls each including an inner surface facing the opposing second wall, the inner surface of one or more second walls including one or more wall protrusions extending from the inner surface of the wall, the second surface of the base plate including a base protrusion, the base protrusion extending between the two second walls, and the base protrusion extending perpendicular to the second wall protrusions.

In some examples the bracket further includes: a second base plate having a first surface and a second surface, the second base plate coupled with the base plate, two spaced apart second walls, the two second walls extending from the first surface of the second base plate, the two second walls defining a second channel between the walls for, in use, receiving a portion of a second functional or decorative member, the two second walls each including an inner surface facing the opposing wall, the inner surface of one or more second walls including one or more wall protrusions extending from the inner surface of the wall, the first surface of the second base plate including a base protrusion, the base protrusion extending between the two second walls, and the base protrusion extending perpendicular to the second wall protrusions.

In some examples the second base plate is coupled with the base plate in a second plane perpendicular to a plane of the base plate.

In some examples the second base plate is coupled with the base plate in a second longitudinal direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the base plate.

In some examples the second base plate includes a second fixing aperture adapted to receive a second fixing member for fixing the bracket to the surface.

In some examples the wall protrusions extend generally parallel to a plane of the base plate.

In some examples the base protrusions include one or more of a pin, a spike, a rib, a flange or a textured surface.

In some examples the base plate includes the second base plate.

In some examples one of the walls includes one of the second walls.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a functional or decorative member having a portion adapted to be removably receivable by a bracket, the functional or decorative member including: a receivable portion having at least one straight edge, the receivable portion including one or more generally straight channels proximate the straight edge.

In some examples the functional or decorative member includes a first generally straight channel spaced a first distance from the straight edge and a second generally straight channel spaced a second distance from the straight edge, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a functional or decorative member having a portion adapted to be removably receivable by a bracket, the functional or decorative member including: a receivable portion having at least one straight edge, the receivable portion including one or more generally straight channels proximate the straight edge, the one or more generally straight channels being generally parallel with the straight edge, wherein the one or more generally straight channels is adapted to removably engage a wall protrusion of the bracket hereinbefore defined.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of mounting a functional or decorative panel to a surface, the method including: affixing a bracket to the surface, the bracket including a panel receiving channel having first and second spaced apart protrusions, partially engaging an edge portion of a functional or decorative panel within the bracket channel such that a first generally straight channel of the edge portion receives one of the first or second protrusions, sliding the functional or decorative panel within the channel to a desired position.

In some examples when the functional or decorative member is at the desired position, the method further includes fully engaging the edge portion of the functional or decorative member within the bracket channel such that the first generally straight channel of the edge portion receives one of the first or second protrusions, and a second generally straight channel of the edge portion receives the other one of the first or second protrusions.

In some examples fully engaging the edge portion of the functional or decorative member within the bracket channel, includes engaging a perpendicular base protrusion with an edge of the functional or decorative member.

In some examples the method further includes: engaging a second bracket with a second edge portion of the functional or decorative panel, the second bracket having a second panel receiving channel with first and second spaced apart protrusions, partially engaging an edge portion of a second functional or decorative panel within the second panel receiving channel such that a first generally straight channel of the edge portion receives one of the first or second protrusions, sliding the second functional or decorative panel within the second channel to a desired position, and fully engaging the edge portion of the second functional or decorative member within the second panel receiving channel such that the first generally straight channel of the edge portion receives one of the first or second protrusions, and a second generally straight channel of the edge portion receives the other one of the first or second protrusions.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface, the system including, a functional or decorative member, and a bracket adapted to mount the functional or decorative member, the bracket including a channel having first and second spaced apart protrusions and a base protrusion extending perpendicular to the first and second spaced apart protrusions, the functional or decorative member including a receivable portion having at least one straight edge, and one or more generally straight channels proximate the straight edge, wherein the receivable portion is adapted to be removably receivable by the channel and the channel is adapted to removably receive the receivable portion such that at least a first generally straight channel of the receivable portion receives one of the first or second protrusions.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a tool for removal of a functional or decorative member from the bracket as described above. In some examples the tool is adapted to engage the bracket such then when used, the tool imparts a push force to the inner surface of one or more bracket walls, allowing the functional or decorative member to be removed from the bracket.

Yet further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description and viewing the attached drawings, which are given by way of example only to illustrate the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in one example of the present invention,

Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the bracket in one example of the present invention,

Figure 3 shows a left and right side view (same) of the bracket in one example of the present invention,

Figure 4 shows a front and end view (same) of the bracket in one example of the present invention,

Figure 5 shows a top view of the bracket in one example of the present invention,

Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the bracket in one example of the present invention,

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an engagement stage of the assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figure 8 shows a first example of a bracket spacing for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figure 9 shows a second example of a bracket spacing for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a first (pre) engagement stage of the assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figures 11 shows a perspective view of a second (positioning) engagement stage of the assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figures 12 shows a cross section view of the second (positioning) engagement stage of the assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface, Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a third (locking) engagement stage of the assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figures 14 shows a cross section view of the third (locking) engagement stage of the assembly for mounting a functional or decorative member to a surface,

Figure 15 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in a second example of the present invention,

Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the bracket in the second example of the present invention,

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the bracket in a third example of the present invention,

Figure 18 shows a plan view of the bracket in the third example of the present invention,

Figure 19 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in a fourth example of the present invention,

Figure 20 shows a side perspective view of the bracket in the fourth example of the present invention,

Figure 21 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in a fifth example of the present invention,

Figure 22 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in a sixth example of the present invention,

Figure 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the bracket in a seventh example of the present invention,

Figure 24 shows a side perspective view of the bracket in an eighth example of the present invention,

Figure 25 shows a bottom perspective view of the bracket in a ninth example of the present invention, Figure 26 shows a side view of the bracket in the ninth example of the present invention,

Figure 27 shows a bottom perspective view of the bracket in a tenth example of the present invention,

Figure 28 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in an eleventh example of the present invention,

Figure 29 shows a top perspective view of the bracket in a twelfth example of the present invention,

Figure 30 shows a perspective view of one example of a decorative or functional panel,

Figure 31 shows a perspective view of another example of a decorative or functional panel, and

Figure 32 shows a perspective view of yet another example of a decorative or functional panel.

Description of the Invention

The current invention outlines a device, method, and system for mounting functional or decorative members to a surface, typically a wall or ceiling. In some examples the invention outlines a device, method, and system for joining two adjacent functional or decorative members. The functional and decorative members are preferably acoustic panels or fins that are mounted to a wall or ceiling at an angle of between 20 - 160° to a plane of the wall or ceiling, providing an added surface area that can reduce sound, vibrations, and echoes within an internal environment.

The examples discussed below will refer to an assembly including a fin member made from a lightweight acoustic panel formed from polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) that is mounted to a ceiling, but the assembly may be used to mount any style or shape of member to a surface, for any decorative and functional purpose and is not limited to acoustic panels.

Figures 1-6 show one example of a bracket of the assembly of the invention in a range of different views. With reference to Figure 1, bracket 100 includes a base plate 10 and pair of opposing side walls 20 and 30 extending generally perpendicular from edges of a first side of the base plate 10. The spaced apart side walls 20 and 30 define sides of a generally U-shaped receiving channel for, in use, receiving a decorative or functional member or panel. The two walls 20 and 30 are preferably the same size and shape. In some examples the two walls are angled or biased or partially biased toward each other such that distal ends of the two walls are closer together than the proximal (base plate) ends of the two walls. Angling or biasing or partially biasing the walls 20 and 30 towards each other imparts a compression force on fin 200, helping to further secure it within bracket 100. In other examples, walls may be partially tilted, or in some examples the walls may be generally parallel to each other, or a combination of biased and straight walls may be used depending on the requirements of the installation.

In some examples the walls extend from edges of the base plate 10 at an angle to a plane of the base plate of generally between 80-90 degrees so that distal ends of the walls are closer together than proximal ends of the walls. In some examples the walls extend from edges of the base plate 10 at an angle to a plane of the base plate of generally between 85-89 degrees so that distal ends of the walls are closer together than proximal ends of the walls.

Generally walls 30 and 20 include protrusions 31-34 and 21-24 on the inner surface of walls 30 and 20 respectively. These protrusions are preferably in the shape of elongate, angled flanges. In some examples the elongate, angled flanges extend generally parallel to a plane of the base plate 10. In some examples the flanges are angled towards base plate 10.

In some examples first wall protrusions 21 and 31 extend from respective inner surface of the walls 20 and 30 at a first distance from the base plate 10, and second wall protrusions 22 and 32 extend from respective inner surfaces of the walls 20 and 30 at a second distance from the base plate 10. The first distance is greater than the second distance. In some examples, there may be one flange or protrusion on each wall, or there may be 3, 4, 5 or more protrusion on each wall. Where there is more than one protrusion on each wall the protrusions are at different distances from the base plate 10. For the mounting of heavier functional or decorative members, the number of protrusions may increase to improve the interference fit between the bracket and the members. The protrusions may also be of different sizes within the same bracket. The flanges shown are spaced to incorporate a gap between flanges 32 and 34 (for example) but may be formed as two flanges running the full or partial length of the bracket walls. Depending on the size of the bracket, there may be any number of gaps between the protrusions, and they may be formed with the range of sizes and cross sections, the different angles or depths to correspond to the channels formed within the functional or decorative members to be connected to the bracket.

In some examples, discussed later, the bracket may include at least one second pair of opposing side walls defining a second generally U-shaped channel for receiving, in use, a second decorative or functional panel. Such examples may be used to mount two or more adjacent panels 200 or in other examples to join edges of two or more adjacent panels 200.

In some examples of the invention base plate 10 includes protrusions 12 extending into the generally U- shaped channel between the side walls 20 and 30. The protrusions 12 connect with an end 222 of a functional or decorative member 200 such as an acoustic fin, to help secure the fin in position on the bracket 100. In some examples the protrusions 12 are in the form of pins or spikes expending orthogonally from the first side of the base plate into the generally U-shaped channel. In other examples the protrusions 12 are any one or more of pins or spikes or ribs or flanges or a textured surface or hooks or other means that may actively connect to the material of the functional or decorative member 200 and prevent sliding or other movement.

In some examples the base plate 10 includes an aperture 11 adapted to insertion of a fixing/connection member such as a screw 300 to mount bracket 100 to a surface. In other examples the base plate 10 includes a clip or tab for mounting the bracket with a rail or attachment system.

In some examples the base plate 10 may also include alignment means such as notches 13 that allow for the use of alignment tools such as lasers to ensure that brackets are mounted in the correct parallel location on a surface.

In other examples bracket 10 may be curved or partially curved, allowing the installation of pliable straight fins or curved fins to create different patterns or visual effects, or to accommodate specific building structures.

Brackets 100 may be formed from injection moulded plastic or additive manufacturing for example. The functional or decorative member may be in the form of fin 200 as seen in Figures 7-14 and 30-32. Fin 200 is preferably made from PET and includes a straight upper edge 210 having a width functionally corresponding with a distance between the two walls 20 and 30 for being snugly received with in the receiving channel formed by the walls 20 and 30. Side edges 211 and 212, and lower edge 213 may be shaped to achieve a range of different fins styles as seen in Figures 30-32. The shape of fin 200 should not be seen to be limited and may encompass any shaped member that include a straight edge sized to fit between walls 20 and 30 of bracket 100.

Fin 200 includes two narrow channels 220 and 230 running proximate to and parallel with edge 210. Channels 220 and 230 are shaped to be closely received by protrusions 21-24 and 31-34 of bracket 100 when fin 200 is slid between the walls of bracket 100, forming a snug connection between the bracket 100 and fin 200. In some examples fins 200 include a first generally straight channel 220 spaced a first distance from the straight edge 210 and a second generally straight channel 230 spaced a second distance from the straight edge 210. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The difference between the first and second distance of the channels 220 and 230 is the same as the difference between the first and second distance of the wall protrusions 21/22 and 31/32. Fin 200 must include at least one channel and may include 2, 3, 4, 5 or more channels. The fin edge 210 and parallel channels together define a channel receivable portion of the fin 200.

Brackets and fins with multiple channels and corresponding protrusions may be formed that allow the user to alter the distance the fin 200 extends from the bracket 100 if required, for either decorative or functional reasons.

Figures 7-14 outline the use and installation of the assembly in one example of the invention. Figures 8 and 9 shows one way of spacing brackets 100 for a range of different sizes of fins 200. Brackets 100 are mounted or affixed to a surface by a fixing member, and fin 200 is positioned with the bracket 100 position as shown in the pre-engagement stage of the assembly for mounting of Figure 10.

As shown in Figures 7, 11 and 12, fin 200 is slid into an affixed bracket 100, at the first channel 220 closest to the straight edge of fin 200. Channel 220 is engaged with protrusions 31, 33, 21 and 23 furthest from base plate 10, leaving channel 230 and flanges 32, 34 and 22, 24 disengaged. This is a partial or positioning engagement position and holds fin 200 in position to enable final adjustment of lateral alignment. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, once in the correct position fin 200 is pushed upward such that both channels 220 and 230 are engaged with protrusions 32, 34 and 22, 24 and 31,33 and 21,23 respectively. The upward movement of fin 200 also engages spikes 12 on bracket 100 into the top surface 222 of fin 200. The angled protrusions 21-24 and 31-34 retain the fin in position and prevent it from leaving bracket 100. Spikes 12 provide an added connection means between the bracket and fin 200 and prevents lateral movement of the fin 200 within the bracket 100.

To remove the fins from the bracket, a removal tool is used to impart a push force between the two bracket walls, disengaging, or partially disengaging protrusions on the inner surface of the walls from the channels on the fin, allowing the member to be removed from the bracket without substantial damage. The removal tool may also be adapted to disengage spikes 12 from the fin 200.

As there are no adhesive materials used, fins 200 and brackets 100 may be recycled, providing a more sustainable product than is currently known.

In some examples a bracket 100 may include a second base plate 10 and a second pair of opposing side walls 20 and 30 extending generally perpendicular from a first side of the second base plate 10 to define a second generally U-shaped receiving channel for, in use, receiving a second decorative or functional member or panel. Various examples are illustrated in Figures 15-20 and 27, 28. Such examples, in practice, include two or more joined brackets 100.

Figures 15 and 16 show an example of four brackets 100 are illustrated joined in a radial manner at a hub 400 for position at a junction adjoining four fins 200. In some examples two or more brackets are joined with base plates aligned in different longitudinal directions of the same plane for positioning at junctions between fins 200. The base plate of each bracket may have an aperture 11 for receiving a fixing member.

Figures 17 and 18 show an example of two brackets 100 having their respective base plates coupled in perpendicular planes at a corner flange 500. Such an arrangement provides for joining edges of fins positioned perpendicular to each other. In some examples three or more brackets 100 may be joined at the flange 500 with base plates aligned in planes. Figure 27 illustrates four brackets arranged orthogonally about a hub 400. Figures 19 and 20 show an example of two brackets 100 coupled in radially opposite directions. Such an arrangement provides for joining edges of fins positioned adjacent each other in the same plane. In some examples the base plate 10 of one bracket 100 includes the base plate 103 of the other bracket 100. In other examples a second pair of opposing side walls 20 and 30 are generally tilted or angled towards each other as previously discussed with respect to the first walls. In other examples the second pair of opposing side walls 20 and 30 extend generally perpendicular from a second side of the base plate 10(103).

Figure 28 show an example of two brackets 100 coupled side-by-side in two adjacent parallel planes. Such an arrangement allows fins 200 to be positioned side-by-side. In some examples one of the walls 20 of the first bracket 100 includes one of the second walls 30 of the adjacent bracket 100 to define a common wall 20(30) between the adjacent brackets 100.

In some examples of the invention, illustrated in Figures 21-27, different mounting arrangement are provided for brackets 100.

Figure 21 shows a bracket having a bevelled base plate 104 to accommodate mounting fins 200 to a wall or ceiling at an angle to a plane of the wall or ceiling. In some examples the angle is between 20 - 160 degrees.

Figure 22 shows a bracket having a mounting flange 105 extending from a second side of the base plate 10 radially opposite to the receiving channel. The mounting flange 105 has a fixing aperture 11 for affixing the bracket 100 to a surface via the flange 105.

Figure 23 shows a bracket having a break 122 and 132 generally in the centre of respective walls 20 and 30. The break 122 and 132 corresponding with the position of fixing aperture 11 in base plate 10 are provide generally for the use of different tools for driving a fixing member to mount the bracket 100. In such examples an electric driver or shot fired install gun can be used to affix bracket 100 without the chuck or barrel interfering with the walls 20 and 30.

Figure 24 shows a bracket 100 with a break 122 in only one wall 20. The other wall includes a corresponding protrusion interrupted section 133 with a mounting aperture 134. Break 122 in wall 20 allows for a fixing tool to be used without interfering with the wall 20. Figures 25 and 26 show the flange of Figure 23 including a fixing feature 111 surrounding the fixing aperture. The fixing feature 111 includes a boss with a plurality of radially extending ribs. The fixing feature 111 is adapted to cooperate with a driving or shot fire tool of various proprietary fixing system.

Figure 27 shows brackets 100 with a suspension adapter 112 adapted to facilitate cable suspension of fins.

Figure 29 shows a bracket 100 including a mounting clip or tab 113 on the second side of base plate 10. The mounting clip or tab 113 is adapted to cooperate with a rail of various proprietary fixing system. The clip 113 allows the bracket 100 to be mounted to a cross rail and then moved to a fixing position prior to engagement of the fin 200. In some examples the cross rails allow for the rafting together of a plurality of brackets 100 and fins 200 in, for example a grid, at ground level before being hoisted to a cable suspended or fixing position.

In examples of the adjoined brackets 100 having a second fin receiving channel as shown in Figures 15-20 and 27, 28 the invention also includes a method of further engaging a second fin 200 with the second fin receiving channel.

This invention disclosed allows for improved tolerance in the thickness of the functional or decorative member, provide is less weight overhead, and removes the need to use costly and energy intensive materials such as aluminium. The overall look of the assembly is visually minimal.

One or more aspects and alternatives of the invention have been described by way of example only. Where reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred aspects and alternatives described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the present invention. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the drawings and/or specification, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country in the world.