Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02353783 2001-07-24
706PO1BA-P1
DECORATIVE SCREEN WITH REMOVABLE PANEL INSERTS
[0001] This application is a cons=inuation-in-part of
prior application Serial No.09/626,:383 filed July 26,
2000.
Field of the Invention
[0002] The current invention relates to screens with
a possibility of uses including but not limited to:
- reshape, redefine, redesign space
- diffuse daylight
- hiding clutter or unattractive spaces of
a room
- dividing interiors to maximize space
- change of atmosphere
- decor and ornamentation
- display art, collectibles, photographs,
etc.
- block drafts/heat
- create intimacy/privacy
- create themes (Christmas, seasons,
holidays)
- bulletin boards/message centre
- jewellery (e. g. Baring holder)
- separate functional areas of a room
- fireplace screen
- create an enclosed space
- shutters for windows or other apertures
- doors for cupboards located at any room
in a house or business and
picture or photograph frames.
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Background to the Invention
[0003] The recent rise in popularity of open living
spaces has expanded the need for options in: interior
design. Recently screens are being used more frequently
in homes and offices to provide more options for the
decor and space utilization. This is witnessed by the
presence of screens in sales catalogues, stores and
interior design magazines.
[0004] One possible solution to the above need is the
use of well-known Chinese or Japanese screens. These
screens, well-known in the Far East for millennia, offer
flexibility in designs. They can be placed wherever the
user or decorator may desire, are easily relocatable,
and are decorative. The entire screen or individual
panel's decoration is normally colourful and can be used
to match different decoys. Such screens often have
significant drawbacks - to change the decor or
functionality, a user would have to replace the screen,
thereby incurring both cost and incanvenience. There
are existing designs whereby the decorative panel may be
removed and replaced with a panel of a different design.
One method is to have a slot in the top of the frame
through which the panel may be slid out. This slot,
however, being at the top of the panel is subject to the
collection of dust and is difficult to clean. Another
design is where a portion of the top is removable and
the panel is again slid out and replaced. These designs
have the drawback that the removable panel must be
withdrawn and replaced through the trop. This may be
accomplished in two main ways. One,, the user may
require a very tall ceiling and the use of a ladder to
remove the panel vertically through the slot in the top
of the frame. Secondly, the whole screen must be laid
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down and the panel removed by sliding horizontally.
This risks damage to the decorative panel from the
friction of the sliding action and :possible: scraping
against another decorative panel within the same multi-
leaf screen. As well, if such an arrangement were to be
used within a cupboard there may there may very likely
be insufficient room between the top of the door and the
ceiling of the room to actually withdraw the panel.
This would then require the door to be dismounted to
actually change the decorative panel. This same problem
~. would apply for such devices used in window shutters.
[0005] A screen may consist of one or-multiple
panels. One panel may be free-standing with the use of
one or more feet. Two or more panels pivotally attached
and at an angle to one another, can stand on their own.
In addition, they may be positioned. on a rails) or
attached to a structure (e. g. a wall). As well, outdoor
screens can be fixed to a floor (e. g. a deck) or spiked
into the ground. The foregoing examples are not all
encompassing for this type of screen.
[0006] From the above, there is therefore a need for
a screen, cupboard door, shutter , etc design that
overcomes the drawbacks of: replacing the whole screen,
door, shutter, etc; risking sliding damage to the
decorative panel; and the ceiling height requirement in
order to change the decor or functionality.
[0007] It is the primary objective of this invention
to provide an improved frame, door, shutter, etc far the
decorative panels.
[0008] It is another object of this invention to
provide a decorative panel frame including a removable
sub-frame to provide access to a decorative insert.
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[0009] It is a further objective of this invention to
provide a decorative panel frame including a removable
sub-frame which will not detract from the appearance or
strength of the frame.
[00010] It is still a further objective of this
invention to provide a decorative panel frame including
a removable sub-frame that will provide easy access to
the removable decorative insert without the need for
high ceilings, ladders or the dismounting of doors or
shutters in order to effect the change of decorative
inserts.
[00011] It is a still further objective of this
invention to provide an improved panel frame which is
suitable to simple manufacturing process.
[00012] These and other features, objects and
advantages of the present invention will, in part, be
pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become
obvious from the following more detailed description of
the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which forms an integral part thereof.
Summary of the Invention
[00013] The current invention provides devices which
allow for at least one removable panel insert in a
screen panel, cupboard door shutter, or the like. The
screen may consist of a single panel (freestanding), or
a multiple of panels hinged together with the use of
suitable feet or individual panels may be combined to
form a multi-panel screen. So may other arrangements
such as shutters. The invention is described for one
panel, however, the invention would apply to any or all
of multiple panels where so employed.
[00014] Panel inserts are removable by removing a
frame member from the panel and sliding the panel insert
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from the frame or by removing an inner sub-frame. This
sub-frame which may be retained for example by magnets,
would be removed by pulling the sub-frame from the
frame, releasing the decorative panel, which would then
be removed from the frame, and if required, replaced by
a new decorative panel. A new panel. insert can then be
inserted into the frame, providing a different decor or
functionality. The frame member or sub-member can then
be positioned to retain the panel insert in the frame.
[00015] In a first aspect, the present invention
'. provides a decorative panel comprising:
- a frame having a plura7_ity of slotted frame
members and a removable or hinged frame member;
- at least one decorative panel insert
removably retained within the slotted frame; and
- retaining means for removably retaining the
panel insert within the frame.
(00016] In a second aspect, the present invention
provides a removable decorative panel insert for use
with a decorative panel, said pane7_ insert having two
sides with at least one side being decorated and said
panel comprising:
- a frame having a removable frame member;. and
- retaining means for removably retaining said
panel insert within said frame.
[00017] In a third aspect, the present invention
provides a kit of parts for the assembly of a decorative
panel, said kit comprising:
- a base member;
- a plurality of slotted frame members, said
frame members and base member comprising a frame when
assembled;
CA 02353783 2001-07-24
- at least one decorative panel insert for
removable placement within said frame;
- retaining means for removably retaining said
at least
one panel
insert within
said frame;
and
- attachment means for attaching frame members
for the assembly
of said
frame.
[00018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention
provides a decorative screen comprising a plurality of
decorativ e panels, each decorative panel comprising:
- a frame having a removable frame member;
- at least one decorative panel insert
removably placed within said frame; and
- retaining means for removably retaining at
least one panel insert within said frame.
[00019] In a fifth aspect, the present invention
provides a kit of parts for the assembly of a frame for
use with a decorative panel having at least one
removable panel insert, said kit comprising:
- a base member;
- a plurality of frame members,
- retaining means for removably retaining said
at least one panel insert within sa=~d frame; and
- attachment means for attaching frame members
and base member for the assembly of said frame.
[00020] In a sixth aspect, the present invention
provides a kit of parts for the assE~mbly of a panel
insert for
use with
a decorative
panel frame,
comprising:
-panel insert components
-spacers, and
-means for assembling and decorating said
panel insert.
[00021] In a further aspect, the present invention
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provides a decorative panel comprising, a frame formed
of a plurality of frame members, each principal frame
member being of L-shaped cross-section, the principal
frame members being joined together to form a recess
extending around the inner edge of the frame, magnets
installed in the face of the recess, at least one
decorative panel insert placed within the recess, a
secondary retaining frame overlying the recess and
retained by said magnets.
[00022] In another aspect, the present invention
provides a decorative panel comprising a frame with a
recess in a face thereof, a decorative panel insert in
the recess, the panel having magnetic material on the
side thereof facing the recess, and magnets in the
recess to hold the insert in place.
Brief Description of the Fiaures
[00023] A better understanding of the invention may
be obtained by reading the detailed description of the
invention below, in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an illustration of a decorative
screen in accordance with the prior art;
Figure 2 is an elevation view of a decorative
panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a top view of the panel of Figure
2 showing the channels in phantom;
Figure 4 is a sectioned view of one corner of
the panel of Figure 2;
Figure 5A and 5B illustrate different
embodiments of the channel shown in Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a cross section of Figure 2 along
lines 6-6;
CA 02353783 2001-07-24
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2
along lines 7-7;
Figure 8 is another embodiment of the
invention illustrating the use of support means and
hinge means:
Figure 9 is an elevation of an alternative
form of panel from the front;
Figure 10 is a cross section on the line 10-10
of a frame member of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a partial elevation of a frame
member with a magnet and cup installed therein;
Figure 12 is a partial elevation of a sub-
frame member, with a metal washer _~nstalled, and
Figure 13 is a section through a frame used
without a sub-frame.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[00024] Referring to Figure 2, an embodiment of the
invention is shown in elevation. A panel 10 has a frame
20 and a panel insert 30. The frame 20 has three frame
members 40A, 40B, and 40C and a base member 50.
[00025] Frame member 4OC is removably attached or
hinged to frame members 40A and 40:8. Both of frame
members 40A and 40B are attached to base member 50. As
shown in phantom in Figure 2, all frame members have a
channel 60 into which the panel insert 30 is inserted.
A top view of the panel 10 is illustrated in Figure 3
showing in phantom the channels 60 in frame members 40A
and 40B. The channels 60 retain the panel insert 30
(shown in phantom as well) within the frame 10. Also
detailed in Figure 3 are the attachment means 70 used to
attach frame member 40C with frame members 40A and 40B.
These attachment means 70 are preferably easily
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CA 02353783 2001-07-24
removable to facilitate the replacement of the panel
insert 30.
[00026] Figure 4 shows a cut-away view o.f one corner
of panel 10. As can be seen, attachment means 70
includes a bolt 80, preferably with a hexagonal socket
head, washer 90, and a threaded insert nut 100. The
bolt 80 is countersunk into frame member 40C while
threaded insert nut 100 is placed i_n hole 110 within
frame member 40B. Similar construction and tools are
used on the junction between frame member 40A and frame
member 40C.
[00027] Regarding channels 60, the panel insert 30 is
inserted into channels 60 located on one side of frame
members 40A, 40B, and 40C. To illustrate, Figures 5A
and 5B show different variations on how panel insert 30
is inserted. Figures 5A and 5B are a cross-section
across lines 5-5 in Figure 2. Figure 5A illustrates
frame member 40A having a channel 60 in which panel_
insert 30 is inserted. Figure 5B illustrates a variant
of Figure 5A. In Figure 5B, a thinner panel insert 30
is used along with a spacer 120 placed between channel
60 and panel insert 30. Such a spacer 120 would provide
a better fit between panel insert 30 and channel 60...
While Figures 5A and 5B only illusi~rate frame member
40A, a similar construction can be used on frame members
40B and 40C.
[00028] Referring to Figure 6, a cross section of
Figure 2 along lines 6-6 is illustrated. Figure 6 shows
panel insert 30 inserted in a channel 60 in base member
50. A spacer, similar to spacer 120 can also be used in
this configuration to provide a better fit between panel
insert 30 and base member 50.
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[00029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure
2 along lines 7-7. Figure 7 illustrates a channel 60 in
frame member 40C in which panel insert 30 i~s inserted.
A spacer, similar to spacer 120 shown in Figure 5B, may
be used to provide a better fit between panel insert 30
and frame member 40C.
[00030] Frame members 40A, 40B, and 40C and base
member 50 may be constructed out of wood, plastic,
metal, or any suitably stiff material suitable as a
frame. The channels 60 may be machined out of the frame
and base members or the frame and base members may be
molded to have the channel present.
[00031] Panel insert 30 is ideal7_y decorated on both
sides so that the panel 10 may provide a decorative
function on both sides. Preferably, panel insert 30 has
edges which are constructed out of or edged with a stiff
material so that the material may be easily insertable
into channels 60. Panel insert 30 may be unitarily
constructed with its decorations applied directly to its
material. Wood, light metal, and plastic are examples
of rigid materials for panel insert 30. A panel insert
30 may be made with more flexible materials, such as
fabric or paper, framed with spacers similar to 120 to
provide rigidity.
[00032] Referring to Figure 8, another embodiment of
the invention is illustrated. The panel 10 is similar
to that illustrated in Figure 2 but has now been
provided with support means 130 and hinge means 140,
150. Support means 130 in this embodiment are feet
which allow the panel 10 to be free standing. Hinge
means are cooperating hinges 140, 150 which can
cooperate with similar structures on other panels.
Cooperating hinges 140 are insertable into cooperating
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hinges 150 to form a complete hinge. These cooperating
hinges, when used, can form multiple screen partitions
with each screen partition being a free self standing
panel.
[00033] Referring to Figure 9 an alternative
embodiment of the invention is shown in elevation. A
panel 200 has a frame 210, a sub-frame 220 and a panel
insert 230. Both frame 210 and sub-frame 220 may be
made of a single piece or of a number of individual
pieces joined together by any number of commonly known
and used methods. For a wooden frame such joints could
be mortise and tenon, lap joints, butt joints with
biscuits or any other common woodworking joints in
common use. Such methods are in common use and
knowledge and do not form part of the present invention.
[00034] As shown in Figure 10, frame 210 has a recess
260 around the inner edge into which the panel insert
230 and the sub-frame 220 fit on assembly.
[00035] Sub-frame 220 is removably inserted into
frame 210 with panel insert 230 sandwiched between them.
Sub-frame 220 retains panel insert 230 in the frame by
lining up the magnetic material in sub-frame 220 with
the magnets installed in frame 210.
[00036] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, grooves 270
are provided at each magnet location in sub-frame 220
into which a tool such as a screwdriver or simply
fingernails may be inserted to provide leverage to
remove the sub-frame.
[00037] Referring to Figure 10, a cross section of
Figure 9 along lines 10-10 is illustrated. Figure 10
shows panel insert 230 inserted in the recess in frame
210 and being retained by sub-frame 220. The magnetic
method of retainment is illustrated in section. In
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frame 210 magnet 310 is held in steel cup 300 by
magnetic force. Cup 300 is inserted into hole 240 and
retained in place by screw 330. In sub-frame 220 steel
washer 320 is retained in hole 250 by screw 330. fhe
placement of holes 240 and 250 are such that they a.re in
alignment and thus align magnet 310 and steel washer
320. The panel insert 230 is retained in place by the
magnetic attraction of the washer 320 to magnet 310.
[00038] Referring to Figure 11, a partial elevation
of the installation of the magnet and cup along lines
. 11-11 is illustrated. Figure 11 shows magnet 310
inserted in cup 300 which is in turn installed in hole
240.
[00039] Referring to Figure 12, a partial elevation
of the installation of the steel washer along lines 12-
12 is illustrated. Figure 12 shows steel washer 320
installed centrally in hole 250.
[00040] The strength of magnet 310 varies with
diameter and thickness and steel washer 320 is normally
the same diameter as the magnet. The strength of the
magnet used will depend on the weight of the panel
insert and, should additional strength be required,
steel washer 320 can be replaced with a magnet and cup.
Holes 240 and 250 would be sized for the largest magnet
applicable to the size of frame to accommodate such
changes. The number and location of magnets can also be
varied according to the application., Should some of the
original magnets installed not be required they can be
temporarily removed. The holes are placed such that the
magnets or empty holes will not be visible.
[00041] In the second embodiment in Figure 13 there
would be no sub-frame 220. Sub-frame 220 would be
replaced by a steel washer 320.
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[00042] As shown in Fig ure 13, frame 210 has a
recess 260 around the inner edge into which the
decorative panel insert 230 fits on assembly and the
steel washer, or washers 320 are used as the retaining
means for the decorative panel insert 230. As before,
should additional retaining strength be required the
steel washer 320 can be replaced with a magnet 310. The
number and placement of the magnets 310 and the washers
320 is a design choice dependant on the size and weight
of the panel insert 230.
[00043] From the above, different: decorations can. be
used on the panel insert 30. If the user is in a
festive, holiday mood, he may decidE: to replace panel
insert 30 with a panel insert having a Christmas theme.
Alternatively, if the user has replaced his burgundy
coloured furniture with fuschia coloured furniture, the
panel, if populated with a panel insert which matches
burgundy furniture, can be replaced with a panel insert
which matches fuschia furniture. Furthermore, as noted
above, if the panels are used with one another using the
cooperating hinges, a full screen, comprising multiple
panels, can be used to create a whole wall or partition.
[00044] It should be noted that the panels need not
only be used as partitions. In smaller dimensions, the
panels can be used to provide a decorative shade on a
window. Or, by using multiple panel inserts in one
frame, different decorative effects and designs can be
taken advantage of.
[00045] Another variant would be to have different
panel inserts facing different faces of the panel. 'This
could be used to proper effect if a 'user has two
different types of decor in a room separated by a screen
made of multiple panels. A first side of each panel
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insert can have a design conforming to the decor of the
first side of the room while the second side of each
panel insert can have a design conforming to the second
side of the room. Alternatively, two back-to-back panel
inserts may be used on one frame with each panel insert
showing a decorated side to a viewer.
[00046] A person understanding t:he above-described
invention may now conceive of alternative designs, using
the principles described herein. A.11 such designs which
fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto are
considered to be part of the present invention.
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