Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Facer held by stiffener-type frame – Facer between exposed frame members having unitary flanges...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-19
2001-02-13
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Facer held by stiffener-type frame
Facer between exposed frame members having unitary flanges...
C052S036400, C052S489200, C052S775000, C211S187000, C072S381000, C428S603000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185899
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to structural panels formed from sheet metal material and having channels extending across their width.
So-called slatwall panels are employed in retail outlets where the panels are generally mounted on walls. The panels, which are commonly made of wood have grooves extending horizontally across the width of the front face of the panels, these grooves allowing brackets or other similar support members to be attached to the panel at selected points, and the support members being used to carry products on display and for sale.
The aim of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the known wooden slatwall which can be cheaper to manufacture and more versatile in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect the invention resides in a structural panel formed from sheet material, the sheet material being bent to form on each face of the panel a series of parallel channels with the same re-entrant cross-sectional shape.
In a preferred construction each of the side walls of each channel is defined by a metal section of substantially S-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the channels on one side of the panel have the same cross-sectional shape as those on the other side of the panel, enabling similar support members to be attached to both sides of the panel. This enables a single structural panel to be utilised in assembly of a partition wall structure to be positioned within the area of a shop floor and allowing products to be easily supported on and displayed to both sides of the partition wall.
In accordance with a second aspect the invention provides a method of bending sheet metal in the production of a sheet metal panel having channels extending across the width thereof, wherein a sheet portion is deformed by bending into a substantially U-shaped cross-section to form the base of a channel and two opposed sides, and the sides are deformed by bending into substantially S-shape to form a channel with a re-entrant cross-section.
In the manufacture of a metal slatwall panel as provided in accordance with the invention, the bending process is repeated at regular intervals along the sheet to define a series of parallel channels of essentially the same cross-section. Preferably the bending and shaping tools used in the process are so configured that between adjacent channels formed by the method described above are defined channels of substantially equal cross-section but open to the opposite face of the panel.
The invention also resides in tooling for carrying out the process including two tool assemblies, the first assembly including a shaping part for deforming the sheet portion into a recess defined between a pair of opposed tool elements of the second tool assembly, thereby to deform the sheet portion into a channel of U-shaped cross-section, the tool elements of the second assembly being movable towards each other for deforming the side walls of the channel into substantially S-shape.
The first tool assembly includes tool elements, conveniently pivotally mounted, which are movable to release the shaped metal channel section from the tooling.
The invention also provides a structural panel of the form mentioned above in combination with a support clip having a snap engagement into a channel of the panel and arranged to be firmly supported thereon without bearing against the panel outwardly of the channel.
A clear understanding of the invention in its various aspects will be gained from the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.
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Dykema Gossett PLLC
Friedman Carl D.
Glessner Brian E.
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