WO2009047533A2

WO2009047533A2 - Jointing strip

Info

Publication number: WO2009047533A2
Application number: PCT/GB2008/003455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Jarvis
Original assignee: Altro Ltd
Current assignee: Altro Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-12
Filing date: 2008-10-13
Publication date: 2009-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2010-04-12
Also published as: GB0720035D0; WO2009047533A3

Abstract

This invention relates to a jointing strip for fitting between edges of adjacent wall panels to connect the wall panels. The jointing strip comprises a front cover for abutting a front surface of a wall panel, a body for fitting between the edges of the adjacent wall panels and a resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm for gripping a rear wall-facing side of a wall panel.

Description

JOINTING STRIP

[001] This invention relates to a jointing strip for connecting adjacent wall panels.

[002] It is known to cover walls with panels. Such wall coverings normally comprise individual panels joined together at their edges. The panels are commonly made from PVC, although other materials such as fibreglass and steel can also be used. Covering walls with such panels can be carried out for decorative reasons, or for functional reasons such as to provide a more hardwearing surface or a surface that is easier to clean.

[003] One way in which adjacent wall panels are connected to each other is by injecting a sealant product into gaps between the edges of adjacent panels. However, this can be messy and time-consuming.

[004] An alternative approach has been to use a PVC jointing strip. These prior art strips comprise two opposed u-shaped channels within which are fitted adjacent wall panels. However, such jointing strips are formed such that the wall panels need to be fitted into the jointing strips before the panels are attached to a wall.

[005] A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.

[006] According to the present invention there is provided a jointing strip for fitting between edges of adjacent wall panels to connect the wall panels, the jointing strip comprising:

(a) a front cover for abutting a front surface of a wall panel, (b) a body for fitting between the edges of the adjacent wall panels, and

(c) a resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm for gripping a rear wall-facing side of a wall panel.

[007] Advantages of the invention include that it provides a clean, easy to apply fitting for joining two wall panels together. It is easy to apply because it is fitted between the wall panels after the wall panels have been mounted on a wall.

[008] The term resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm is used to mean that the arm can deflect in order to allow the body of the jointing strip to pass through the gap between the edges of the adjacent wall panels and then deflect back in order to grip the rear wall facing side of the wall panel.

[009] In some embodiments the jointing strip comprises an arm recess shaped to receive the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm. In some embodiments the arm recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip. In some embodiments a body recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recess and the front cover, the arm recess and the body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the term arm recess is used to mean an indentation into which the rear gripping arm or arms can deflect.

[0011] In some embodiments the body of the jointing strip is tapered towards the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm such that the arm is deflectable towards the tapered part of the body. [0012] In some embodiments the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm is formed of a compressible material so that when it is deflected it can be compressed against the body of the jointing strip. In some embodiments the compressible material is a polymer foam.

[0013] In some embodiments the jointing strip comprises two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms. In some embodiments the jointing strip comprises two opposed arm recesses shaped to receive the two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms. In some embodiments the two opposed arm recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip. In some embodiments, two opposed body recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recesses and the front cover, each adjacent arm recess and body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the jointing strip may be adapted to provide a water resistant seal between the adjacent wall panels.

[0015] The jointing strip can be made of any suitably flexible material, for example rubber, PVC, neoprene or polyethylene.

[0016] According to the present invention there is also provided a wall panelling kit comprising a wall panel and the jointing strip of the invention.

[0017] In some embodiments the kit additionally comprises a coloured filler material for application between adjacent wall panels and the jointing strip is sufficiently transparent for the colour of the filler material to be visible through the jointing strip when the jointing strip contacts the filler material. This can mean that, rather than needing to produce coloured jointing strips to match each colour of wall panel that might be produced, a transparent jointing strip can be used in all cases. A suitable coloured filler material can then be selected to give the jointing strip colour. In some embodiments the filler material is a mastic.

[0018] In some embodiments the front cover of the jointing strip has a colour and/or surface decoration that coordinates with the colour and/or surface decoration of the wall panel. This provides an alternative way in which the jointing strip of the invention may provide a decorative finish.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method for connecting adjacent wall panels comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a jointing strip comprising a front cover, a body and a resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm, (b) fixing wall panels to a wall such that a gap is provided between edges of adjacent wall panels for accommodating the jointing strip,

(c) inserting the jointing strip into the gap so that the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm is deflected towards the body by a wall panel, thereby allowing the jointing strip to enter the gap, and

(d) pressing the jointing strip into the gap so that the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm deflects away from the body and grips a rear wall-facing side of the wall panel, the front cover abuts a front surface of the wall panel and the body is fitted between the edges of the wall panels .

[0020] In some embodiments the jointing strip comprises an arm recess shaped to receive the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm and in step (c) the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm deflects such that it is received by the arm recess. In some embodiments the arm recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip. In some embodiments a body recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recess and the front cover, the arm recess and the body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion such that in step (d) the sealing protrusion is fitted between the edges of the wall panels .

[0021] In some embodiments the jointing strip comprises two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms and in step (c) the two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms are deflected towards the body of the jointing strip by the adjacent wall panels. In some embodiments the jointing strip comprises two opposed arm recesses shaped to receive the two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms and in step (c) the two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms deflect such that they are received by the two opposed arm recesses. In some embodiments the two opposed arm recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip. In some embodiments two opposed body recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recesses and the front cover, each adjacent arm recess and body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion such that in step (d) each sealing protrusion is fitted between the edges of the wall panels.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises the following step: (e) applying a coloured filler material to the wall between adjacent wall panels, and in step (d) the jointing strip is pressed into the gap between edges of adjacent wall panels such that it contacts the filler material, the jointing strip being sufficiently transparent for the colour of the filler material to be visible through the jointing strip when the jointing strip contacts the filler material. In some embodiments, step (e) of the method is carried out between steps (b) and (c) .

[0023] The present invention will be further described in greater detail by reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention.

Figure 2 shows an end view of the first embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention,

Figure 3 shows an end view of a second embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention, and

Figure 4 shows an end view of a third embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention.

Figure 5 shows and end view of a fourth embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention.

[0024] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a jointing strip according to one embodiment of the invention. The jointing strip 1 comprises a front cover 15, a body 20 in which are formed opposed arm recesses

25,30, and opposed rear gripping arms 35,40. The rear gripping arms

35,40 are formed of a resiliently deflectable material such as PVC. The arm recesses 25,30 are shaped to receive the deflected rear gripping arms 35,40. The jointing strip 1 is shown partially fitted into gap 45 between edges 55,60 of adjacent wall panels 5,10, the wall panels 5,10 being fitted onto wall 50. The front cover 15 may be decorated in a similar manner to the wall panels 5, 10 in order to provide a uniform finish.

[0025] The jointing strip 1 is fitted between the adjacent wall panels 5, 10 by pressing it into the gap 45 between the edges 55,60 of the panels 5,10. The adjacent wall panels 5,10 are arranged such that the gap 45 is approximately the same as the width of body 20. The jointing strip 1 is pressed into the gap 45 by pushing the rear gripping arms 35,40 through first. The combined width of the rear gripping arms 35,40 is wider than the gap 45. Thus, in order for the rear gripping arms 35,40 to be able to pass through the gap 45 they deflect into arm recesses 25,30. The jointing strip 1 is pushed through the gap 45 until the rear gripping arms 35,40 deflect back out to grip the rear surfaces of the wall panels 5,10 that face wall 50. In this position, the front cover 15 of jointing strip 1 abuts the front surfaces of wall panels 5,10 and the body 20 sits between the edges 55,60 of the wall panels 5,10. In some aspects, the front cover 15, the body 20 and/or the rear gripping arms 35,40 have a sealing fit with the wall panels 5, 10 such as to prevent the passage of dirt and/or a liquid.

[0026] In some aspects, a coloured filler material, eg a mastic or cement, (not shown) is applied to the wall 50 between the adjacent wall panels 5,10 before the jointing strip 1 is pressed into the gap 45. The jointing strip 1 is then pressed into the gap 45 such that rear gripping arms 35,40 contact the filler material. When a coloured filler material is used, the jointing strip 1 should be sufficiently transparent for the colour of the filler material to be visible through the front cover 15 of the jointing strip 1 when the jointing strip 1 is fitted into the gap 45. [0027] Figure 2 depicts an end view of the first embodiment of the jointing strip 1 of the invention. The jointing strip 1 depicted in Figure 2 has dimensions A-F which are a width of the front cover A, a width of the body B, a width of the arm recesses C, a width of the opposed rear gripping arms D, a height of the jointing strip E and a height of the front cover F. Below are listed the measurements of these dimensions for a particularly preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the jointing strip 1. However, these measurements can be altered in order to suit the requirements of the particular application of the jointing strip, for example to accommodate variations in the size and shape of the wall panels or the gap between adjacent wall panels.

A = 5.2mm B = 3.2mm ± 0.2mm C = 2.0mm

D = 3.8mm E = 3.0mm F = 0.5mm

[0028] Figure 3 shows an end view of a second embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention. Like features to the first embodiment are indicated with like reference numerals. The jointing strip 101 comprises a front cover 15, a tapered body 120 and opposed rear gripping arms 35,40.

[0029] The tapered body 120 is used as an alternative to the arm recesses 25,30 in body 20 of the first embodiment. The taper of body 120 provides room into which the opposed rear gripping arms 35,40 can deflect, thereby allowing them to pass through a gap (not shown) between adjacent wall panels (not shown) . [0030] Figure 4 depicts an end view of a third embodiment of the jointing strip of the invention. Like features to the first and second embodiments are indicated with like reference numerals. The jointing strip 201 comprises a front cover 15, a body 220 and compressible opposed rear gripping arms 235 ,240.

[0031] Instead of providing arm recesses 25,30 in body 20, or tapered body 120, in this third embodiment the opposed rear gripping arms 235,240 are formed of a compressible material. Thus, the compressible opposed rear gripping arms 235,240 can deflect towards and compress against body 220 in order to allow them to pass through a gap (not shown) between adjacent wall panels (not shown) .

[0032] Figure 5 shows an end view of a fourth embodiment of a jointing strip of the invention. Like features to the first, second and third embodiments are indicated with like reference numerals. The jointing strip 301 comprises a front cover 15, a body 320 and opposed rear gripping arms 35,40.

[0033] As is the case for body 20 of jointing strip 1 of the first embodiment, body 320 of jointing strip 301 of the fourth embodiment comprises opposed arm recesses 25,30 that are shaped to receive deflected rear gripping arms 35,40. However, unlike the first embodiment, body 320 of the jointing strip 301 of the fourth embodiment comprises a two opposed body recesses 370,375 in body 320 situated between opposed arm recesses 25,30 and front cover 15. Adjacent opposed arm and body recesses 25 and 370, and adjacent opposed arm and body recesses 30 and 375, are separated by sealing protrusions 380 and 385 respectively. Sealing protrusions 380,385 are formed such that they sit between edges 55,60 of wall panels 5,10 when the jointing strip 301 is pressed into gap 45 between wall panels 5,10, providing a fluid tight seal.

Claims

1. A jointing strip for fitting between edges of adjacent wall panels to connect the wall panels, the jointing strip comprising: (a) a front cover for abutting a front surface of a wall panel,

(b) a body for fitting between the edges of the adjacent wall panels, and

(c) a resiliency deflectable rear gripping arm for gripping a rear wall-facing side of a wall panel.

2. A jointing strip as claimed in claim 1 comprising an arm recess shaped to receive the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm.

3. A jointing strip as claimed in claim 2, wherein the arm recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip.

4. A jointing strip as claimed in claim 3, wherein a body recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recess and the front cover, the arm recess and the body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion.

5. A jointing strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms.

6. A jointing strip as claimed in claim 5 comprising two opposed arm recesses shaped to receive the two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms.

7. A jointing strip as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two opposed arm recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip.

8. A jointing strip as claimed in claim 7, wherein two opposed body recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recesses and the front cover, each adjacent arm recess and body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion.

9. A wall panelling kit comprising a wall panel and a jointing strip as claimed in any of the preceding claims .

10. A wall panelling kit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the kit additionally comprises a coloured filler material for application between adjacent wall panels and the jointing strip is sufficiently transparent for the colour of the filler material to be visible through the jointing strip when the jointing strip contacts the filler material.

11. A wall panelling kit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front cover of the jointing strip has a colour and/ or surface decoration that coordinates with the colour and/or surface decoration of the wall panel.

12. A method for connecting adjacent wall panels comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a jointing strip comprising a front cover, a body and a resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm,

(b) fixing wall panels to a wall such that a gap is provided between edges of adjacent wall panels for accommodating the jointing strip,

(c) inserting the jointing strip into the gap so that the resiliently deflectable rear gripping arm is deflected towards the body by a wall panel, thereby allowing the jointing strip to enter the gap, and (d) pressing the jointing strip into the gap so that the resiliency deflectable rear gripping arm deflects away from the body and grips a rear wall-facing side of the wall panel, the front cover abuts a front surface of the wall panel and the body is fitted between the edges of the wall panels.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the jointing strip comprises an arm recess shaped to receive the resiliency deflectable rear gripping arm and in step (c) the resiliency deflectable rear gripping arm deflects such that it is received by the arm recess.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the arm recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein a body recess is formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recess and the front cover, the arm recess and the body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion such that in step (d) the sealing protrusion is fitted between the edges of the wall panels.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the jointing strip comprises two opposed resiliency deflectable rear gripping arms and in step (c) the two opposed resiliency deflectable rear gripping arms are deflected towards the body of the jointing strip by the adjacent wall panels.

17. A method as claimed in claim. 16, wherein the jointing strip comprises two opposed arm recesses shaped to receive the two opposed resiliency deflectable rear gripping arms and in step (c) the two opposed resiliently deflectable rear gripping arms deflect such that they are received by the two opposed arm recesses.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the two opposed arm recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein two opposed body recesses are formed in the body of the jointing strip between the arm recesses and the front cover, each adjacent arm recess and body recess being separated by a sealing protrusion such that in step (d) each sealing protrusion is fitted between the edges of the wall panels .

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the method additionally comprises the following step: (e) applying a coloured filler material to the wall between adjacent wall panels, and in step (d) the jointing strip is pressed into the gap between edges of adjacent wall panels such that it contacts the filler material, the jointing strip being sufficiently transparent for the colour of the filler material to be visible through the jointing strip when the jointing strip contacts the filler material.