PANEL COATING SYSTEM

Abstract

A panel coating system for simple and efficient installation of a removably attachable layer to a panel.

Claims

1. A panel coating system comprising: a panel; a receiving surface; and a removably attachable layer; wherein one of the receiving surface and the removably attachable layer comprise a plurality of hooks and the other of the receiving surface and removably attachable layer comprise gripable surface elements onto which the hooks can grip.

2. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the receiving surface, and/or the removably attachable layer, are air permeable.

3. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the receiving surface is either attached to the panel, or a surface of the panel.

4. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the panel is connectable to an external surface via one or more attachment elements.

5. The panel coating system of claim 4, wherein the attachment elements suspend the panel from the surface.

6. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the gripable surface elements comprise either loops or fibres that can be gripped by the hooks.

7. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the gripable surface elements are made of felt.

8. The panel coating system of any of claim 1, wherein the panel has a sound absorbing structure.

9. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the panel has a plurality of holes.

10. The panel coating system of claim 7, wherein the receiving surface comprises a plurality of holes, wherein the plurality of holes of the receiving surface align with the plurality of holes of the panel.

11. The panel coating system claim 1, further comprising an additional outer layer fixed to the removably attachable layer, on the opposite side to the side for attaching to the receiving surface.

12. The panel coating system of claim 4, wherein the attachment elements comprise railings running along one or more edges of the panel.

13. The panel coating system of claim 12, wherein the removably attachable layer has a surface area that covers both the panel and the railings.

14. The panel coating system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional panels, each with a respective receiving surface.

15. The panel coating system of claim 14, wherein each panel has a removably attachable layer.

16. The panel coating system of claim 14, wherein a plurality of panels share a single removably attachable layer.

17. The panel coating system of claim 14, wherein the removably attachable layers have side surfaces that when placed next to one another, show no gaps between the removably attachable layers.

18. The panel coating system of any of claim 14, wherein the removably attachable layers are made of a synthetic and/or natural fibre.

19. The panel coating system of claim 18, wherein the removably attachable layers are made of felt.

20. The panel coating system of claim 18, wherein the removably attachable layers are joined by felting.

21. The panel coating system of claim 1, wherein the surface of the removably attachable layer on the opposite side to the surface for attaching to the receiving surface is optically closed.

22. A method for producing a panel coating system, including: fixing a receiving surface to a panel; and providing a removably attachable layer; wherein one of the receiving surface and the removably attachable layer comprise a plurality of hooks and the other of the receiving surface and removably attachable layer comprise gripable surface elements onto which the hooks can grip.

23. The method for producing a panel coating system according to claim 22, further including: wherein the receiving surface, and/or the removably attachable layer, are air permeable.

24. The method for producing a panel coating system according to claim 22, further including: perforating the receiving surface; and making a plurality of holes in the panel.

25. The method for producing a panel coating system according to claim 24, wherein the receiving surface is fixed to the panel, and a plurality of holes in the receiving surface and the plurality of holes in the panel are then produced in a single process.

26. The method for producing a panel coating system according to claim 24, wherein the perforation of the receiving surface, and the plurality of holes in the panel are produced in separate processes, after which the receiving surface is fixed to the panel.

27. The method for producing a panel coating system according to claim 24, wherein the receiving surface is attached to the panel after the plurality of holes are produced in the panel, and subsequently the receiving surface is perforated.

28. The method for producing a panel coating system according to claim 22, further including: making a plurality of holes in the panel, and producing the receiving surface with a net structure, including a plurality of openings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 outlines a panel coating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 outlines a panel coating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of holes.

[0040] FIG. 3 outlines a panel coating system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein both the panel and receiving surface comprise a plurality of holes.

[0041] FIG. 4 outlines a panel coating system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 outlines a panel coating system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of holes.

[0043] FIG. 6 outlines a panel coating system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein both the panel and receiving surface comprise a plurality of holes.

[0044] FIG. 7 outlines a panel coating system according to the present invention, including a plurality of panels with receiving surfaces, and respective removably attachable layers.

[0045] FIG. 8 outlines a panel coating system according to the present invention, including a plurality of panels with receiving surfaces, and respective removably attachable layers, with alternate attachment elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0046] A panel 2 coating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be seen in FIG. 1. Said panel coating system comprises a panel 2, and a receiving surface 4.

[0047] The panel 2 as seen in FIG. 1 may be of a mineral fibre material, which is air permeable.

[0048] The receiving surface 4 as seen in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of hooks 10, which extend out of the receiving surface 4 on a surface opposite to the surface of the receiving surface 4 which is fixed to the panel 2.

[0049] The receiving surface 4 may be fixed to the panel 2 via a fixing means such as an adhesive, or may be attached via lamination. This attachment may be sufficiently strong that a force necessary to remove the receiving surface 4 from the panel 2 is greater, preferably far greater, than a force necessary to separate the receiving surface 4 from the removably attachable layer 6.

[0050] This ensures that a force applied by a user during detachment of the removably attachable layer 6 from the receiving surface 4 will not remove the receiving surface 4 from the panel 2 it is attached to.

[0051] The system also comprises a removably attachable layer 6. Said removably attachable layer 6 comprises features onto which the hooks 10 of the receiving surface 4 may grip, spread across a surface of the removably attachable layer 6 intended to be attached to the receiving surface 4.

[0052] The removably attachable layer 6 may comprise loops added to a surface of the removably attachable layer 6 such that it can be attached to the receiving surface 4. Alternatively, the removably attachable layer 6 may be made of a material that the hooks 10 of the receiving surface 4 can grip. This may be a fibrous material such as felt.

[0053] Both the receiving surface 4, and the removably attachable layer 6 are air permeable such that air may flow through them. This allows the sound dampening structure of the panel 2 to be utilized.

[0054] The panel 2 is connected to a number of attachment elements 8, which connect the panel 2 to an external surface. The external surface to which the system of FIG. 1 is to be connected is preferably a ceiling. The attachment elements 8 of FIG. 1 provide only an indication of a connection to an external surface. The attachment elements 8 may comprise a grid-like structure, which surround the edge of a panel 2, and vertical members that suspend the grid like structure from the ceiling.

[0055] The attachment elements 8 may alternatively comprise a feature attached to the upper surface (i.e. the surface opposite the surface connected to the receiving layer) of the panel which is then connected to the ceiling via further vertical components for example cables, rods, or various other rigid structural elements.

[0056] As is indicated by the arrows of FIG. 1, the attachment of the removably attachable layer 6 is simply performed by joining the gripable surface elements 12 and the removably attachable layer 6.

[0057] The pressing force applied to the removably attachable layer 6 should be sufficient to allow the complimentary attachment features to interact and form a sufficient connection with one another. Said pressing force may be applied by hand. Alternatively, the pressing force may be applied by a hand-operated tool, or a machine operated tool.

[0058] The removably attachable layer 6 may be removable by hand, such that a user can simply pull the removably attachable layer 6 from the receiving surface 4. Alternatively, there may be a removal tool for aiding in the removal of the removably attachable layer 6.

[0059] The complimentary attachment features (hooks 10 and gripable surface elements 12) should thus provide an attachment of sufficient strength that the removably attachable layer 6 may be held to a ceiling against the force of gravity over long periods of time.

[0060] A second embodiment of the present invention may be seen in FIG. 2. Unless otherwise stated the second embodiment comprises the same components as the first embodiment.

[0061] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment of the present invention in that the panel 2 comprises a plurality of through holes 14. Said holes 14 allow air to flow through the board. These holes 14 may provide sound dampening properties that can be utilised in acoustic management of a room. Said holes 14 can provide sound dampening affects to the environment in which they are installed. These holes 14 may have any one of a variety of shaped cross section, such as rectangular, square or circular. As the holes 14 in the panel 2 play a large part in providing the sound dampening effects of the panel 2, hole distribution and size can thus be selected to provide the required sound dampening effects for a chosen environment. The panel 2 may preferably be a Knauf Cleaneo acoustic board.

[0062] A third embodiment of the present invention may be seen in FIG. 3. Unless otherwise stated the third embodiment comprises the same components as the second embodiment. The third embodiment may comprise through holes 16 in the receiving surface 4 also. These through holes 16 may align with the through holes 14 of the panel 2 such that extended passages through both the receiving surface 4 and panel 2 are formed.

[0063] A fourth embodiment of the present invention may be seen in FIG. 4. Unless otherwise stated the fourth embodiment comprises the same components as the first embodiment.

[0064] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the removably attachable layer 6 comprises a plurality of hooks 10 (much like the receiving surface 4 of the first embodiment), whilst the receiving surface 4 comprises features onto which the hooks 10 of the removably attachable layer 6 may grip (much like the removably attachable layer 6 of the first embodiment).

[0065] It should be noted that the receiving surface 4 may not be a separate layer fixed to the panel 2, but the outer surface of the panel 2 may act as the receiving surface 4 when the panel 2 itself is made of a material which hooks 10 can grip.

[0066] The fourth embodiment may also feature an additional outer layer (not illustrated) which is fixed to the removably attachable layer 6, e.g. a wallpaper or even a thin fabric. Said layer should be air permeable such that it does not prevent air flow, thereby ensuring that the sound dampening properties of the panel 2 may be achieved.

[0067] A fifth embodiment of the present invention may be seen in FIG. 5. Unless otherwise stated the fifth embodiment comprises the same components as the fourth embodiment.

[0068] The fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the fourth embodiment of the present invention in that the panel 2 comprises a plurality of through holes 14. Said holes 14 allow air to flow through the board. This structure offers sound dampening advantages. The panel 2 may preferably be a Knauf Cleaneo acoustic board.

[0069] A sixth embodiment of the present invention may be seen in FIG. 6. Unless otherwise stated the sixth embodiment comprises the same components as the fifth embodiment.

[0070] The sixth embodiment may comprise through holes 16 in the receiving surface 4 also. These through holes 16 may align with the through holes 14 of the panel 2 such that extended passages through both the receiving surface 4 and panel 2 are formed.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a panel coating system according to the present invention, comprising a plurality of panels 2, with receiving surfaces 4, and respective removably attachable layers 6.

[0072] The panels 2 may be arranged alongside one another such that there are no gaps between the panels 2. Likewise, the removably attachable layers 6 may also be attached such that they can be positioned side by side and no gaps can be seen, thereby forming an optically closed surface.

[0073] The adjacent removably attachable layers 6 may be fixed to one another via a fixing means ensuring a tight bond is formed between a removably attachable layer 6 and an adjacent removably attachable layer 6. For example, they may be secured to each other via an adhesive. They may also be secured by an acoustic sealant, which both seals, and has sound absorption capabilities of its own.

[0074] Alternatively, when the removably attachable layers 6 are made from a fibrous material such as felt, they may be felted together using a special tool, e.g. a felting needle.

[0075] Whilst FIG. 7 has been shown using multiple panels 2, receiving surfaces 4, and removably attachable layers 6 as seen in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that any of the previous embodiments may be used, so long as their attachment elements 8 allow the panels 2 to be placed side by side with no features separating them.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows a panel coating system according to the present invention, comprising a plurality of panels 2, with receiving surfaces 4, and respective removably attachable layers 6.

[0077] In FIG. 8, it is illustrated how the panel coating system of the present invention may be applied when the attaching means comprise features which separate the adjacent panels 2, for example a grid like structure.

[0078] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the removably attachable layers 6 may be sized such that they have a surface area larger than the panel 2 to which they are to be attached. They may thereby also cover the attachment elements 8 adjacent to said panel 2.

[0079] In this manner an optically closed surface may be formed, covering the attachment elements 8.

[0080] Whilst FIG. 8 has been shown using multiple panels 2, receiving surfaces 4, and removably attachable layers 6 as seen in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that any of the previous embodiments may be used, so long as their attachment elements 8 separate adjacent panels 2.

[0081] The formation of holes 14 in the panel 2 and perforations in the receiving surface 4 may be performed in a number of different ways according to the present invention.

[0082] Firstly, when the perforations in the receiving surface 4 are intended to comprise holes 16 that match, and align with, the holes 14 of the panel 2, the formation of the holes in both the receiving surface 4 and the panel 2 may be formed in a single step. The panel 2 and receiving surface 4 (prior to the holes being made in either) may be fixed together, and then a hole creation process, by any suitable means, made be performed on the two features together.

[0083] Secondly, the perforations in the receiving surface 4, and the holes 14 of the panel 2, may both be produced in separate processes, wherein the receiving surface 4 and the panel 2 are attached to one another afterwards.

[0084] Thirdly, the holes 14 may be produced in the panel 2, after which, the receiving surface 4 may be attached. Perforations may then be produced in the receiving surface 4 after the two layers are attached.

[0085] Finally, the receiving surface 4 may be produced with a net like structure wherein there are large perforations/openings. Holes 14 may also be formed in the panel 2, and the two layers may be joined subsequently.

[0086] It should be noted that perforations may include large visible holes 16, or alternatively may comprise micro perforations that are not visible to the human eye, at least not from about 1 meter or more distance. The perforations should, however, allow the layer to be air permeable.

[0087] The removably attachable layer 6 of the present invention may be made of one or more of the following: a fibrous material, synthetic fibre, natural fibre, e.g. any kind of wool, a mineral fibre, acoustic foam, acoustic fiberglass, polyester, etc. The panel 2 may be a gypsum plasterboard, a mineral fibreboard, a mineral fibre plasterboard or any other known panel, preferably acoustic panel. The panel 2 may be perforated or not perforated.

[0088] The use of a plurality of removably attachable layers 6 allows various designs and colours of a surface to be changed easily. This may allow the invention to be utilised in the field of signs and billboard advertising. Furthermore, the removably attachable layer 6 may be covered in a chosen colour prior to installation, thereby aiding a user by allowing colour to be applied whilst it is not connected to a surface. A plurality of the removably attachable layers 6 according to the present invention may be coloured a single colour for a particular use. For example, a number of white removably attachable layers 6 may form a projector screen when installed, whilst a number of green removably attachable layers 6 may allow for the creation of an easy green screen environment.

[0089] The panels 2 may also be attached to a freestanding structure such as a room dividing panel, sign or billboard. In the field of advertising, customisable panels that can be easily attached and detached would allow for easier and quicker, non-permanent, attachment of a temporary sign. The panels 2 themselves may alternatively form a freestanding structure such that they do not need to be attached to an external surface.

[0090] The “complementary hooks, and layer onto which hooks can grip” method of fastening, offers a clean method by which to coat a surface. The lack of plaster or wallpaper ensures that particulates cannot mix with, and deteriorate the coating application. Furthermore, the materials used in the system are not harmful to the health of an operator, and may be completely organic e.g. felt. This also means recyclable materials may be used, thus reducing any negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, transport and storage of the materials is very simple, and the materials used may be somewhat damage resistant.

[0091] However, it is also possible that the “complementary hooks and layer onto which hooks can grip, which may comprise loops”, are a combination of loops and mushroom-like formations, or even of mushroom-like formations on both sides.

[0092] Further advantages offered by the system of the present invention include easy cleaning and repairs, wherein the removably attachable layers 6 may be removed and cleaned in an environment where the removably attachable layer 6 can be easily accessed and worked upon. Should removably attachable layers 6 be damaged to an extent wherein mere repairs are insufficient, they can be easily removed and replaced. Through standard sizing, and the removably attachable layers 6 being easily modifiable, a replacement may be easily fit into the position of the old removably attachable layer 6. This thereby prevents the need for renovating an entire surface such as a ceiling, wall or floor, in the case that a small section has been heavily damaged. The simple structure and readily available materials also ensures that the system remains cheap to purchase.

[0093] The versatility of the system also means removably attachable layers 6 can be available in a large variety of colours, prints, and materials, depending on the consumer's needs. As such, room redecoration can be performed easily, and without impeding the sound dampening properties of the system.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0094] 2 Panel

[0095] 4 Receiving surface

[0096] 6 Removably attachable layer

[0097] 8 Attachment element

[0098] 10 Hooks

[0099] 12 Gripable surface elements

[0100] 14 Panel holes

[0101] 16 Receiving surface holes