A set of parts for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building and use of a set of parts comprising a slat wall panel and a panel fitting for mounting an accessory

Abstract

A set of parts for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building is disclosed. The set of parts comprises the slat wall panel (1) and a panel fitting (10). The slat wall panel comprises a plurality of slats (3i, 3ii) arranged on a front surface of a support plate (2) and extending in parallel to and at a distance from each other. The panel fitting (10) comprises an accessory carrier (100) and an attachment body for insertion between slats and comprising at least a first body element (41) having a first engagement surface for engaging with a first slat side, a second body element (42) having a second engagement surface for engaging with a second slat side. The panel fitting further comprises a primary straining element (36) for changing a distance between the first and the second engagement surface. Use of a set of parts is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] A set of parts for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building and use of a set of parts comprising a slat wall panel and a panel fitting for mounting an accessory.

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a set of parts for mounting an accessory on a slat wall panel wherein the set of parts comprises the slat wall panel and a panel fitting. Additionally, the disclosure relates to the use of a set of parts for mounting an accessory.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] So-called slat wall panels have become popular due to their minimalistic appearance and acoustic features. A slat wall panel is an arrangement that can be installed on a wall or in a ceiling in a home, office, or boutique, and it can help to break up the room by creating a feature wall or help to reduce sound reverberation in noisy areas of the room. The slat wall panel is decorative in itself, but as decoration of walls is essential when furnishing a room, it may also be necessary to decorate the slat wall panel with different items, such as pictures, mirrors, hangers, or the like. These items are usually installed on the slat wall panel by drilling a hole in the slat wall panel or by the use of nails or glue, which leaves a mark on the slat wall panel. For this reason, redecoration of the slat panel wall often results in uncovered holes or other damages, which is highly undesired. Fixing the damage can be expensive, insufficient, and / or inconvenient.

[0007] Summary of Invention

[0008] With this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a set of parts for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building, wherein the set of parts comprises the slat wall panel and a panel fitting that solves or at least alleviates these problems. .

[0009] This and further objects are achieved with a set of parts wherein the slat wall panel comprises a plurality of slats arranged on a front surface of a support plate, each slat having four slat surfaces including a slat back facing the support plate, a slat front opposite the slat back, and two slat sides extending between the slat back and the slat front, and said slats extending in parallel to each other and being arranged at a distance from each other along a width direction extending in parallel to the front surface of the support plate, thereby forming oblong spacings between them, said slats and oblong spacings extending in a longitudinal direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction, and the panel fitting comprises an accessory carrier and an attachment body configured for being inserted between slats of the slat wall panel, wherein the attachment body comprises at least a first body element having a first engagement surface configured for engaging with a first slat side, a second body element having a second engagement surface configured for engaging with a second slat side, and a primary straining element configured for changing a mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

[0010] The accessory carrier extends between and may interconnect the first body element and the second body element, and it may comprise an attachment element for the attachment of the accessory.

[0011] The primary straining element either presses the first and second body elements away from each other or pulls the first and second body elements towards each other. If pressing the first and second body elements away from each other, the first and second engagement surfaces will be moved away from each other and pressed against slat sides facing each other. If pulling the first and second body elements towards each other, the first and second engagement surfaces will be pulled towards each other and pressed against slat sides facing away from each other. As will be described in further detail below, the slat sides against which the first and second engagement surfaces are pressed do not need to belong to the same or neighbouring slats but may belong to slats arranged with one or more other slats between them.

[0012] The friction provided between the engagement surfaces of the first and second body elements and the slat sides should be sufficient to prevent the panel fitting from sliding downwards under the influence of gravity when the longitudinal direction is vertical.

[0013] In a first embodiment, said panel fitting has a first configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is smaller than the distance between the first slat and the second slat and a second configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is at least equal to the distance between the first slat and the second slat.

[0014] In a second embodiment, said panel fitting has a first configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is larger than the distance between the first side of the first slat and the second slat and a second configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is at the most equal to the distance between the first slat side and the second slat side.

[0015] In the first embodiment the panel fitting is configured for pressing against slat sides facing each other and in the second embodiment the panel fitting is configured for pressing against slat sides facing away from each other.

[0016] The panel fitting will primarily be described as being arranged between two neighbouring slats or spanning over one slat to engage with opposite slat sides thereof. It is, however, to be understood that in the first embodiment at least a third slat may be present between the slat engaged by the first engagement surface and the slat engaged by the second engagement surface. Likewise, it is to be understood in the second embodiment the first engagement surface and the second engagement surfaces may engage slat sides of two different slats, thus spanning over two or more slats.

[0017] In a third embodiment the first body element and the second body element are interconnected by a base and extending substantially in parallel with each other, giving the panel fitting a U-shape. A U-shape is here to be understood as comprising any shape having two substantially parallel arms, which are interconnected by a base. The U-shape does not necessarily have to have rounded corners where the arms and base meet, it may also have rectangular or square overall shape. The accessory carrier may form part of or constitute the base of the II.

[0018] Alternatively, or additionally, the panel fitting may have a trapezoidal shape, a horseshoe shape, a hexagonal, an hourglass shape, an omega shape, or an irregular shape. In a trapezoidal shape the first body element and the second body element are straight and extend at an angle to each other, i.e. being neither parallel nor perpendicular to each other. In a horseshoe shape the first body element and the second body element are curved with the concave sides facing each other. In a hexagonal shape each of the first body element and the second body element have sharp bends facing each other. In an hourglass shape the first body element and the second body element are curved with the convex sides facing each other. In an omega shape each of the first body element and the second body element have sharp bends facing each other. In all of the horseshoe shape, the hexagonal, the hourglass shape, the omega shape, the first body element and the second body element may have geometrical centre lines extending substantially in parallel with each other, so that these shapes constitute complex embodiments of the U-shape. In an irregular shape the first body element and the second body element are not only mirror inverted as for example in the hexagonal shape but have different shapes or dimensions, one for example being straight while the other is curved or bent.

[0019] In a fourth embodiment a bendable section is provided between the first body element and the second body element, allowing a mutual angling of the body elements to be changed. The bendable section may be chosen from the group comprising: an elastic section, a plastic section, and a hinge. A plastic section is here to be understood as being made from one or more materials having plastic properties, i.e. being non-elastic or having only a very limited elasticity so that a deformation of the bendable section is substantially permanent.

[0020] Each of the first and second embodiments may be combined with one or more of the third and fourth embodiment. The shape and dimensions of the attachment body may depend on the shape and dimension of the spacings between the slats. It is presently considered advantageous that the spacings between slats have a rectangular cross-sectional shape so that the slat sides of neighbouring slats are substantially parallel.

[0021] The slat sides are preferably planar without recesses, grooves or other openings.

[0022] The slat wall panel may comprise spacings of different shapes and / or dimensions. Different panel fittings may be provided for matching such different spacings.

[0023] If the support plate of the slat wall panel is deformable, for example made from an elastic or plastic material, the shape of the spacings may change depending on the shape of the surface of the building on which the slat wall panel is mounted. A panel fitting may be designed to compensate for such changes. A primary straining element may contribute to such compensation.

[0024] The primary straining element may for example be chosen from the group consisting of: a spring, a block, a wedge, a threaded member, and combinations thereof.

[0025] A spring serving as a primary straining element may either press the first body element and the second body element away from each other or pull them towards each other. The former is hereafter referred to as an expansion spring and the latter is hereafter referred to as a contraction spring. An expansion spring may for example be a coil spring or an elastic member arranged between the two body elements, which can be compressed by pushing the body elements towards each other and will force the body elements back towards an expanded position when released. One example is a II- shaped panel fitting where the body elements form the arms of the II and where the spring extending between the arms is compressed by pushing the free ends of the arms towards each other. A contraction spring may for example be a coil spring or an elastic member arranged between the two body elements, which can be expanded by pulling the body elements away from each other and will force the body elements back towards a compressed position when released. One example is a telescopic panel fitting having two parts each comprising one of the body elements and where a spring interconnects the two parts such that the spring is expanded when the two parts are moved away from each other.

[0026] In one embodiment the panel fitting comprises a U-shape where at least the base of the II is elastic so that the arms of the II may be moved away from or towards each other by bending the base of the II. The elasticity of the base of the II may thus allow the base of the II to serve both as an expansion spring and / or as a contraction spring.

[0027] A threaded member serving as a primary straining element may for example be a screw, a set screw, or a bolt, which is inserted between the body elements and has a diameter, which is larger than the distance between the body elements, such that the body elements are forced away from each other, thereby expanding the panel fitting.

[0028] A wedge serving as a primary straining element may, as described for the threaded member, be used for expanding the panel fitting by forcing the body elements away from each other. Alternatively, a wedge may be used for retracting body elements of an M-shaped panel fitting by inserting the wedge in the central depression of the M as will be described in further detail with reference to the drawing. A wedge is to be understood as a member having diverging or converging sides. It may for example be triangular, trapezoidal, or drop-shaped.

[0029] A block serving as a primary straining element may for example be a block of an elastic material, which is provided in a compressed state and released during or after insertion between the body elements, thereby forcing the body elements away from each other. In one example a restraint, such as a strap, made for example from paper, is keeping the block compressed in a state of delivery and is broken or cut following insertion between the body element to allow expansion. The compressing of the block may also result from the insertion between the body elements if forcing a slightly over-size block made from an elastic material into a space between the body elements.

[0030] A wedge or a block having a rectangular or irregular cross-sectional shape may be inserted between the body elements with a shorter dimension initially extending between the body elements and turned during or after insertion to force the body elements away from each other.

[0031] A block may be provided with an inner opening configured for receiving an expansion member or an inner threading configured for engaging with the threading of a threaded member, so that the block may be expanded by insertion of the expansion member or threaded member, respectively. The insertion of a threaded member may also hinder or prevent compression of the block ones the threaded member has been inserted. Likewise, a wedge may be inserted in a groove or slit in a block to expand the block or prevent compression. The insertion of a threaded member in a block or a wedge may also, or alternatively, be used for pulling the block or wedge into a groove or cavity of the panel fitting thereby expanding the panel fitting or fixating the position of a body elements.

[0032] When using a block, wedge and / or a threaded member as the primary straining element, it is presently considered advantageous that the body elements are made at least partially from an elastic material. This will allow the body elements to yield under the pressure from the primary straining element without any substantial permanent deformation and / or to automatically return to / towards a state of delivery.

[0033] If the panel fitting has a U-shape, the primary straining element can then be inserted between the body elements, either to keep the body element in contact with the respective slat sides or to force the body element against the slat sides.

[0034] Additional items, such as wings or flanges, may be provided on the arms of the II, for example to engage with the slat wall panel or to guide or retain the primary straining element. Wings or flanges may be formed in one with the body elements or be attached thereto.

[0035] The distal ends of the arms of the II furthest from the base may be abutting on each other in a state of delivery of the panel fitting and the insertion of the primary straining element between the arms may result in the arms being forced away from each other. It is thus to be understood that the panel fitting may not have a U-shape in a state of delivery, but that the U-shape may be present only in a use state of the panel fitting.

[0036] A primary straining element inserted between the body elements of a U-shaped panel fitting may be expanded by insertion of a secondary straining element in a slit, groove, or cavity therein, thereby pressing the primary straining element against the body elements and pressing the body elements against the slat sides. The secondary straining element may for example be chosen from the group consisting of: a threaded member, a wedge, a block, a plate, a pin, a cylinder, and combinations thereof.

[0037] A secondary straining element may also be used for keeping the body elements in an intended position once a primary straining element has brought the engagement surfaces into engagement with the slat sides, thus simply providing a passive support for the body elements.

[0038] In some embodiment a secondary straining element is used only if the shape of the spacing between slats has changed as a consequence of a deformation of the support plate.

[0039] The primary straining element may comprise a fluid proof internal cavity, which can be expanded by filling it with a fluid, thereby increasing one or more outer dimensions of the primary straining element. The fluid may be a gas, such as ambient air, or a liquid, such as water. To avoid leakage the liquid may be a setting or hardening liquid, such as a resin. Filling of an internal cavity may alternatively be used for fixating or stabilizing the shape of a secondary straining element.

[0040] The panel fitting may comprise at least one attachment wing on at least one of the body elements. The attachment wing may be configured for being guided into a track formed in the slat wall panel, such as a track between a slat and the support plate or a track formed in at least one of the slats of the slat wall panel.

[0041] The at least one attachment wing may extend from the attachment body.

[0042] The panel fitting may be attached to the slat wall panel by guiding the attachment wing such that the attachment wing engages with the track of the slat wall panel.

[0043] ’’Guiding” is in this context to be understood as in that the panel fitting can first be inserted between the slats, and the attachment wing can be displaced such that it, or a part thereof, moves from being in the oblong opening to being in the track of the slat wall panel.

[0044] “Guiding” can be a rotation and / or translational movement of the attachment wing.

[0045] The attachment wing may be guided such that the attachment wing engages with the track by means of the bendable section comprised in the panel fitting.

[0046] By bending the panel fitting, such as by bending the bendable section, prior to insertion in the slat wall panel and inserting the panel fitting into between the first and second slats, the attachment wing may engage with the track when the panel fitting returns to an unbent state.

[0047] The at least one attachment wing may extend from one of the arms of the U-shape.

[0048] An attachment wing may extend from each of the arms of the U-shape.

[0049] The attachment wing may be guided into the track by rotating the part of the panel fitting comprising the attachment wing, such that the wing engages with the track of the slat wall panel.

[0050] An attachment wing may extend from at least one body element.

[0051] The attachment wing may extend from the body element along the axis which the body element is configured to move when the primary straining element is pressed or pulled. This has the potential advantage that the at least one attachment wing may be guided into the track when the primary straining element is strained.

[0052] The attachment wing and the attachment body may be integrally formed and / or formed in one piece. This has the potential advantage that the panel fitting is easy to manufacture, and that the attachment wing is rotated by rotation of the attachment body. Alternatively, the attachment body and the attachment wing may be formed separately from each other and attached to each other, i.e. they are non-integral or in two pieces.

[0053] The attachment wing may be integrally formed with an attachment element such as a threaded rod configured for extending through a hole in the attachment body.

[0054] The attachment wing may be configured to rotate independently from the attachment body.

[0055] The attachment wing may be configured to engage with the track by a clockwise rotation of the attachment wing and / or a counter-clockwise rotation of the attachment wing.

[0056] The attachment wing may have a rounded profile matching a rounded track formed in a rounded slat side.

[0057] The at least one attachment wing may have an elliptical, superelliptical, triangular, square, polygonal, squircle-shaped, circular, or oval shape extending from the attachment body in a plane perpendicular to the depth direction when the panel fitting is attached to the slat wall panel i.e. the wing may be partly elliptical in shape because it extends from the attachment body.

[0058] The attachment wing may have at least one bevelled edge.

[0059] In embodiments with more than one attachment wing, the attachment wings may be substantially identically shaped. Alternatively, the wings are shaped differently, such as one attachment wing forming part of a triangle and the secondary attachment wing forming part of a square.

[0060] The at least one attachment wing may comprise a curved edge and a straight edge.

[0061] The curved edge may be bevelled.

[0062] The bevelled edge may be adapted to form a track between the slat and the support plate. The bevelled edge may have the advantage of reducing friction between the attachment wing and the slat wall panel during formation of the track.

[0063] A first attachment wing may extend from the first body element and a second attachment wing may extend from the second body element.

[0064] The first and second attachment wings may extend substantially away from each other, such as in opposite directions from each other.

[0065] The first and second attachment wings may extend substantially towards each other.

[0066] The first and second attachment wings may extend substantially in the same direction.

[0067] The attachment wings may both extend from an axial end of the attachment body. This has the potential advantage of each wing being able to engage with a track formed between the support plate and one of the at least two slats. Another potential advantage is that one wing is arranged to engage with a track in the first slat, and the other wing is arranged to engage with a track in the second slat. This has the potential advantage of providing a more secure fastening of the panel fitting to the slat wall panel.

[0068] Alternatively, the two attachment wings may extend sidewards or laterally substantially from the middle of the attachment body along the height of the panel fitting. In these embodiments, the wings are preferably aligned to engage with premade tracks in the first and second slats when the panel fitting is inserted between the first and second slats.

[0069] The panel fitting may comprise one attachment wing extending laterally form an axial end of the panel fitting and a secondary attachment wing extending from substantially the middle of the attachment body in the height direction.

[0070] The accessory carrier may be in integral part of the panel fitting, formed in one with the attachment body, or a separate part attached to the attachment body. The accessory carrier may be formed in one with an accessory. The attachment body, the accessory carrier and an accessory may be formed in one for ease of use.

[0071] A panel fitting may comprise two or more accessory carriers.

[0072] A panel fitting may comprise two or more attachment elements, which may be provided on one or different accessory carriers.

[0073] Different accessory carriers and / or different attachment elements may be used for different accessories, which may be mounted on the panel at the same time or interchangeably.

[0074] The accessory carrier may be provided in, provide on, or form part of a primary straining element and / or a secondary straining element.

[0075] The straining element may comprise and / or be configured to receive a fastening element, such as a screw for fastening the straining element to the panel fitting. The attachment element of the panel fitting may be configured to receive the fastening element.

[0076] This may be an advantage when the straining element forms part of the accessory carrier and / or the accessory. Without the fastening element it may be envisioned that a heavy accessory provides a load on the straining element which over time results in the straining element to be loosened from the attachment body.

[0077] The accessory carrier may comprise or consist of a male or female mechanical attachment element chosen from the group consisting of: A depression, a spacing, an opening, an opening with internal shoulders, a threaded opening, a protrusion, a projection, a threaded projection, a projection with barbs, and a fastener of the hook-and-loop type, such as Velcro.

[0078] The panel fitting may be configured to be detachably attached to the slat wall panel. For this purpose, a primary straining element and / or a secondary straining element may be removable to release the first engagement surface and / or the second engagement surface from the engagement with the slat side.

[0079] If comprising an attachment wing, the panel fitting may further comprise a retainment element protruding sidewards from the attachment body, said attachment wing and said retainment element having a mutual distance in a height direction of the panel fitting corresponding to the depth of the spacing between slats. The retainment element and the attachment wing can then be arranged to extend along a slat front and a slat back of the same slat or of two neighbouring slats.

[0080] The stem may be made from a metal and / or plastic polymer. The stem may be made from zinc or brass. The attachment body may alternatively and / or additionally be made from Nylon or ABS.

[0081] The set of parts may comprise at least a first and a second panel fitting and at least one installation tool for use in the mounting of the panel fittings.

[0082] The set of part may comprise one or more accessories, which may be integral with the accessory carrier or separate. The set of parts may comprise two or more accessories, which may be used interchangeably by attaching one or the other an attachment element of the accessory carrier. Examples of an accessory are a picture frame, a shelf, a lamp, a hanger, or a knob.

[0083] A second aspect of the invention relates to the use of a set of parts comprising a slat wall panel and a panel fitting for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building, said slat wall panel comprising a plurality of slats arranged on a front surface of a support plate, each slat having four slat surfaces including a slat back facing the support plate, a slat front opposite the slat back, and two slat sides extending between the slat back and the slat front , and said slats extending in parallel to each other and being arranged at a distance from each other along a width direction extending in parallel to the front surface of the support plate, thereby forming oblong spacings between them, said slats and oblong spacings extending in a longitudinal direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction, wherein the panel fitting is arranged with an attachment body inserted between slats of the slat wall panel and with accessory carrier exposed at the slat fronts, said attachment body comprising a first body element, which is arranged with a first engagement surface in engagement with a first slat side, and a second body element, which is arranged with a second engagement surface in engagement with a second slat side, and a primary straining element is used for changing a mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface before, during or after the insertion of the attachment body.

[0084] The slat wall panel comprised in the set of parts will be discussed in details below.

[0085] The slat wall panel may comprise more than two slats, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 slats. The slat wall panel may contain more than 50 slats.

[0086] The at least first and second slats may be arranged on the support plate. The slats may be arranged on the support plate without direct contact with each other.

[0087] The slats may be substantially identical to each other. The slats may be made from a material such as wood, composite wood, a polymer such as PVC, a metal, or a combination thereof.

[0088] The slats may be arranged on a front surface of the support plate. The slats may be parts separate from and attached to a front surface of the support plate. The front surface of the support plate may be adapted to face away from a surface of a building on which the support plate is attached. When the slat wall panel is mounted on an interior wall, the front surface may be adapted to face the room in which it is mounted.

[0089] In alternative embodiments, the at least first and second slats and the support plate are integrally formed or formed in one piece. In that case, spacings between the slats may be manufactured by cutting or milling the spacings in a plate of material to provide the support plate with the integrated slats separated by the spacings. In such embodiments, the first and second slats may extend from the support plate.

[0090] Generally, each slat may be fastened or attached to the support plate.

[0091] The fastening or attachment may be by means of nails, rivets, screws, staples, and / or glue.

[0092] Preferably, each slat has a slat back fastened to the support plate.

[0093] Preferably, each slat back is partly fastened to the support plate leaving the slat back partly free from, i.e. unattached to, the support plate.

[0094] The track may be formed non-destructively i.e. without permanently damaging the slat wall panel and / or panel fitting. Damage in this sense may be functional and / or aesthetic damage, such as carving into at least one of the slats.

[0095] By leaving the slat back partly free from the support plate the attachment wing of the panel fitting may non-destructively form a track between the slat and the support plate.

[0096] Each slat may be partly fastened by being stapled to the support plate.

[0097] Each slat may be fastened to the support plate only by staples. By fastening each slat to the support plate only by staples a secure attachment is achieved which is also cheap and fast to produce.

[0098] At least one staple may be rotated relative to at least one other stable, such as being rotate in the range of 10 to 90 degrees relative to the at least one other staple. This has the potential advantage of providing a better attachment between the slat and the support plate.

[0099] Each slat may be stapled to the support plate with staples placed at a staple distance in the range of 5 to 30 cm, more preferably in the range of 10 to 15 cm.

[0100] The staple distance may vary along the length of each slat and / or between slats. Alternatively and / or additionally, the slat back is partially glued to the support plate.

[0101] Staples attaching a slat to the support plate may be arranged along a substantially straight line, such as a straight line in the longitudinal direction. The staples may additionally and / or alternatively be arranged along a single row, or two rows, or three rows in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the stables may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along the longitudinal direction.

[0102] Arranging the staples in a zigzag pattern may provide an improved attachment to the support plate especially when the slats are arranged with the longitudinal direction extending horizontally.

[0103] Two neighbouring slats may each be fastened to the support plate with staples. The staples attaching the two neighbouring slats to the support plate may be arranged in a zigzag pattern in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] This has the potential advantage of providing more space for attaching panel fittings or similar items.

[0105] The majority of the slat back of at least one of the slats may be glued to the support plate with a minority of the slat back not glued to the support plate. The slat back may alternatively be completely fixed to the support plate. In such embodiments, a track is comprised in at least one of the first and second slats, such that the panel fitting can be attached to the slat wall panel non-destruc- tively.

[0106] Each slat may generally comprise a slat front.

[0107] The slat front may have a width in the range of 0.5 to 10 cm, preferably in the range of 1 to 6 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 to 3 cm. A slat having a width larger than 10 cm may be conceived. The slat front may be adapted to face away from the wall onto which the slat wall panel is mounted. The slat front may have a width in the range of 1 to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 2 to 3 cm.

[0108] The distance between the slat back and the slat front defines a slat thickness, also referred to as a slat depth extending in a depth direction. Generally, the at least two slats may be of the same thickness.

[0109] All slats comprised in the slat wall panel may have substantially the same thickness.

[0110] The slat thickness may be in the range of 0.5 to 3 cm, preferably in the range of 1 to 1.5 cm.

[0111] Preferably, each slat further comprises two slat sides extending between the slat front and the slat back.

[0112] Each slat side may extend substantially perpendicular to the slat front. Alternatively, at least one of the slat sides extends from the slat front at an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0113] At least one of the slats may have a rectangular, square, or trapezoid cross section.

[0114] At least one of the slat sides may be rounded.

[0115] At least one of the slats may have a triangular cross section.

[0116] In these alternative embodiments, the slat has three sides wherein one side forms the slat front facing away from the support plate, and the two remaining sides faces the support plate. In these embodiments, the slat thickness is defined as the distance between the slat front and a corner of the triangular cross section opposite the slat front.

[0117] Each of the slat front, the slat back, and the two slat sides provides a slat surface.

[0118] In embodiments where at least one slat has a slat side extending at an acute angle from the slat front, the track may be formed in a triangular space between the slat and support plate.

[0119] In embodiments where at least one slat has a rounded slat side the track may be formed between the space formed between the slat and support plate.

[0120] In embodiments, where the track is formed in at least one of the first and second slats, the track is preferably formed in one of the slat sides.

[0121] A track may be formed in both slat sides.

[0122] The track may be formed between the slat front and the slat back. Alternatively, the track may be formed at a corner between the slat back and a slat side.

[0123] The at least two slats may be arranged on the support plate with a mutual slat distance leaving an oblong spacing between slats. The slat distance is interchangeably referred to as the width of the oblong spacing.

[0124] The at least two slats may be arranged to extend in parallel on the support plate with a slat side of a first slat facing a slat side of a second slat. The oblong spacing between two slats reveals a part of the support plate, thereby giving the slat wall panel a striped appearance alternating between slat and support plate.

[0125] The slat distance may be in the range of 0.5 to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 1 to 3 cm, more preferred in the range of 1 to 2 cm.

[0126] The oblong spacing may be defined by two directly opposing and facing slat sides and a part of the support plate, said part extending between the two directly opposing and facing slat sides.

[0127] The oblong spacing may extend between two ends in the longitudinal direction of the slats.

[0128] The oblong spacing may extend the entire length of the slats.

[0129] In some embodiment, the slats are only in indirect contact with each through the support plate.

[0130] The oblong spacing may have an open end in at least one of the ends, preferably both ends.

[0131] Each slat may have substantially the same cross-section along the longitudinal direction.

[0132] The support plate is preferably made of a compliant, i.e. flexible and / or resilient, material.

[0133] The support plate may be made of textile fibres.

[0134] The support plate may be made of a felt material.

[0135] Having a support plate of felt may have the advantage of providing soundproofing effects. It further may have the advantage of being a compliant material in which the at least one attachment wing can non-destructively form a track. Alternatively and / or additionally, in embodiments where the support plate is a compliant material, the support plate may be made from a wood material, such as a soft wood material. The term “compliant” is in this sense to be understood as a compressible material, such as capable of being compressed in the range of 20% to 90% be means of manual compression.

[0136] When the support plate is made of a resilient material, the support plate may deform elastically when the at least one attachment wing forms a track between the support plate and a slat.

[0137] The support plate may return substantially to the same shape and / or condition when the panel fitting is removed.

[0138] The slat wall panel may comprise slats partly fastened to the support plate and a support plate that elastically deforms when the at least one attachment wing forms the track.

[0139] The support plate may be elastically compressed in the range of 20% to 90% in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slats.

[0140] The support plate may be 10% compressed with a pressure of 5 - 500 kPa.

[0141] The compressive strength of the support plate according to ASTM D575 may be less than 1 MPa, preferably less than 500 kPa. In this way, the support plate is easily compressed non-destructively when forming a track between the slat and the support plate.

[0142] The support plate may have a hardness less than that of the slats, such that a track can be non-destructively formed.

[0143] The support plate may be made of a material with a Young’s modulus according to ASTM D636 of less than 1 GPa, preferably less than 0.8 GPa, more preferably less than 0.7 GPa. In preferred embodiments, the Young’s modulus of the support plate is smaller than the Young’s modulus of the slats.

[0144] The support plate may comprise and / or be made of a material with a shore 00 hardness according to ASTM D2240 within a range of 5 to 50.

[0145] Forming the track between the slat and the compliant or resilient support plate is especially advantageous because it allows the slat panel of the set of parts to have a non-visible track between the slat and the support plate which is only formed when the panel fitting is attached.

[0146] In embodiments where the track is formed between the support plate and one of the first and second slats, the track may be formed when the attachment wing engages with the track and / or when the wing is introduced between the support plate and the slat.

[0147] The front surface of the support plate may be a substantially planar surface abutting a substantially planar slat back. Planar in this context is to be understood as in that the front surface is a flat surface without grooves, recesses or openings apart. In this context smaller irregularities in the material of the slat, such as those formed by the wood grains in a slat made from wood, are not considered as constituting grooves, recesses or openings.

[0148] The track between the support plate and slat may have an extent of 0 mm or more in the depth direction between the support plate and slat when the panel fitting does not engage with the track.

[0149] The extent of the track in the depth direction between the support plate and slat may increase when the attachment wing engages with the track.

[0150] The increased extent of the track between the slat and the support plate may be configured to occur only in proximity of where the panel fitting is attached.

[0151] The increased extent of the track in the depth direction may be provided by displacement of the support plate material.

[0152] In embodiments where the support plate comprises or is of a weatherproof material such as for a slat wall panel for outside use, the support plate may be made of a material such as metal, wood, concrete, or brick. A support plate made of metal or wood may be a framing with the at least two slats fastened to the metal or wood frame. The support plate may comprise a plurality of beams extending on the surface of the building, such as beams extending transversely relative to the oblong opening.

[0153] In such embodiments, the panel fitting may not be adapted to form a track between the support plate and the slat because the slat back is not completely abutting the support plate and because the support plate is of a non-compliant material. In such embodiments, the panel fitting may be attached to the slat wall panel by engaging with a track formed in the at least one slat.

[0154] Embodiments and advantages described with reference to one aspect of the invention also applies to the other aspect unless otherwise stated. As an example, details of the design of the panel fitting described with reference to the set of parts according to the first aspect of the invention may not have been described with reference to the second aspect of the invention to avoid undue repetition, but it is to be understood that they will also apply to panel fittings used in the second aspect of the invention.

[0155] Brief Description of Drawings

[0156] In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

[0157] Fig. 1A to 1 C are side views of a panel fitting and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0158] Fig. 2A to is a side view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0159] Fig. 2B is a side view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0160] Fig 2C is a front view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0161] Fig. 3A to is a side view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0162] Fig. 3B is a side view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0163] Fig 3C is a front view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0164] Fig. 4 is a side view of three panel fittings and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0165] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 5B is cross-sectional view of the panel fitting in Fig. 5A.

[0166] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0167] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0168] Fig. 7B is a side view of the panel fitting in Fig. 7A.

[0169] Fig. 8 is a side view of three panel fittings and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0170] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are perspective views of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0171] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are perspective views of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0172] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in three different configurations.

[0173] Fig. 11 B is a perspective view of five panel fittings and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0174] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in three different configurations.

[0175] Fig. 12B is a perspective view of four panel fittings and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0176] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0177] Fig. 14A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in four different configurations.

[0178] Fig. 14B corresponds to Fig. 14A but showing the panel fitting from a different angle.

[0179] Fig. 15A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in two different configurations.

[0180] Fig. 15B corresponds to Fig. 15A but showing the panel fitting from a different angle.

[0181] Fig. 16A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in two different configurations. Fig. 16B corresponds to Fig. 16A but showing the panel fitting from a different angle.

[0182] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in three different configurations.

[0183] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in three different configurations.

[0184] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention in three different configurations.

[0185] Fig. 20A and 20B are perspective views of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention without and with primary straining elements.

[0186] Fig. 21 A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0187] Fig. 21 B is a side view of the panel fitting in Fig. 21 A and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0188] Fig. 21 C is a perspective view of the panel fitting in Fig. 21 A in a different configuration.

[0189] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0190] Fig. 23A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0191] Fig. 23B is a side view of the panel fitting in Fig. 23A and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0192] Fig. 24A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0193] Fig. 24B is a side view of the panel fitting in Fig. 24A and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention.

[0194] Fig. 25A is a perspective view of a panel fitting in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0195] Fig. 25B is a side view of the panel fitting in Fig. 25A and a slat wall panel in embodiments according to the invention. Similar reference numerals refer to similar elements across various embodiments and figures described herein. Unless otherwise stated, items having the same reference numerals have the same function, even if not structurally identical, and to avoid undue repetition such functions will not be described with reference to all embodiments.

[0196] Description of Embodiments

[0197] Referring initially to Figs. 1 A-1 C, a side view of a slat wall panel 1 and a panel fitting 10 for mounting an accessory (not shown) on the slat wall panel 1 is shown. The slat wall panel 1 is mounted on a surface of a building 200 as shown in Fig. 1A. In Fig. 1A, the panel fitting 10 is not attached to the slat wall panel 1 but is shown as a separate part to be inserted between a first slat 3i and second slat 3ii of the slat wall panel 1 along a depth direction D. The first and a second slats 3i, 3ii are arranged on a front surface 21 of a support plate 2, extend in parallel to each other, and are arranged at a mutual distance along a width direction W to form an oblong spacing 4 between the slats 3i, 3ii, thereby leaving a part of the front surface of the support plate exposed. Both the slats and the oblong spacing extend in a longitudinal direction L, which is perpendicular to the width direction W and the depth direction D, i.e. extending into the plane of the drawing. In Figs. 1A-1 C only two slats are shown, but the slat wall panel 1 may comprise more slats. Each slat has four slat surfaces including a slat back 31 facing the support plate 2, a slat front 32 opposite the slat back, and two slat sides 33, 34 extending between the slat back and the slat front.

[0198] The panel fitting 10 comprises an attachment body 11 , and in Fig. 1A the panel fitting is shown with a penetration device 14 in the form of a pin at an end of the attachment body and with two attachment wings 12, 13 for attaching the panel fitting 10 to the slat wall panel 1 .

[0199] In Fig 1 B, the panel fitting 10 has been inserted in the spacing 4 of the slat wall panel 1 and the penetration device 14 penetrates the support plate 2 as indicated by the dashed lines.

[0200] The panel fitting 10 is adapted to be rotated as shown by the arrow to the position in Fig. 1 C. The rotation is around a centre axis, preferably extending through the penetration device 14. By the rotation each attachment wing 12, 13 engages with a track 20i, 20ii formed between a slat 3i, 3ii and the support plate 2.

[0201] In Figs. 1A-1 C, the attachment wings 12, 13 are connected to and protrudes sidewards from the attachment body 11 of the panel fitting 10, as best seen in Fig. 1 C where the panel fitting 10 has been rotated and the tracks 20i, 20ii between the slats 3i, 3ii and the support plate 2 have been formed.

[0202] The combined effect of the pin 14 and the attachment wings 12, 13 limits translational movement of the panel fitting 10 in all directions when attached to the slat wall panel 1. Thereby, as the panel fitting may only be moved by a rotational movement, a secure attachment of the panel fitting 10 to the slat wall panel 1 is obtained. The panel fitting may have only one attachment wing 12 for attaching to the slat wall panel. This provides a simpler design. Such a panel fitting is shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10.

[0203] In Figs. 1A-1 C the height of the attachment body 11 along a height direction H (shown in Fig. 2A), which is parallel to the depth direction D in the mounted state, is substantially equal to a slat thickness of the slats 3i, 3ii, defined as the distance between a slat front 32 and slat back 31 . In other embodiments, the height of the attachment body 11 is either shorter or longer than the thickness of the slats 3i, 3ii.

[0204] To form the tracks 20i, 20ii, the support plate 2 is in these embodiments made from a compliant material that allows the attachment wings 12, 13 to compress and / or displace the material of the support plate 2 locally, when the panel fitting 10 is inserted and rotated between the slats 3i, 3ii. Thereby, the attachment wings 12, 13 can form the tracks 20i, 20ii in a non-destructive manner. The panel fitting 10 can be removed from the slat wall panel 1 again by rotating the panel fitting 10 such that the attachment wings 12, 13 leave the tracks 20i, 20ii, thereby leaving the slat wall panel 1 and panel fitting 10 intact. In the embodiments of 1A-1 C, the tracks 20i, 20ii are formed when inserting the panel fitting 10. If the panel fitting 10 has only one attachment wing 12, only a single track 20i will be formed / needed. In the presented embodiments, the support plate 2 has a plane surface abutting a plane back surface 31 of the slats 3i, 3ii, at least in an undeformed state before insertion of the panel fitting.

[0205] The panel fitting 10 is shown in more detail in Figs. 2A-2C. As can be seen in Fig. 2C, the attachment wings 12, 13 have a curved edge 121 and a straight edge 122. The curved edge 121 is bevelled to allow for easier rotation of the panel fitting 10 by reducing friction between the panel fitting 10 and the slat wall panel 1 during formation of the tracks 20i, 20ii.

[0206] As is seen in Fig. 2C, showing the panel fitting 10 from above, i.e. in parallel with the height direction H, the attachment body 11 is hollow and a primary straining element 36 is inserted in the attachment body 11 . As will be described below and best shown in Fig. 17, the insertion of the primary straining element causes an expansion of the attachment body 11 . In this embodiment the primary straining element 36 is cylindrical with an inner threading 35, allowing the attachment of a bolt or screw for the attachment of an accessory. This primary straining element 36 may thus also function as an accessory carrier or attachment element.

[0207] In the mounted state shown in Fig. 1 C, a first engagement surface 43 of the panel fitting 10 will be in engagement with a first slat side of the first slat 3i and a second engagement surface 44 will be in engagement with a second slat side of the second slat 3ii, said slat sides facing each other. The engagement surfaces are best shown on the embodiment of Fig. 2C. In Fig. 1 B the engagement surface 44 faces the length direction of the oblong opening. Once the panel fitting 10 is rotated as in Fig. 1 C, the engagement surface 44 faces the slat side 34. When the attachment body 11 is expanded by the insertion of the primary straining element 36, the mutual distance M between the first engagement surface 43 and the second engagement surface 44, which was initially slightly smaller than the distance between the first and second slats, increases to become at least equal to the distance between the first and second slats as visualised in Fig. 17. In this way the engagement surfaces are pressed against the slat sides facing the spacing 4.

[0208] In Fig. 3A-3C, which correspond to Fig. 2A-2C, an accessory in the form of a knob 351 has been attached to the panel fitting using the inner threading 35, and a retainment element 30 is sandwiched between the accessory and the panel fitting. In this case the retainment element 30 is added together with the accessory, but it could also have been integrated in the panel fitting 10 when manufactured, or it could be attached to the panel fitting 10 by means of a bolt and nut, or by glue or adhesive. The surface of the attachment body 11 distal to the penetration device 14 thus serves as an accessory carrier 100.

[0209] Fig. 4 shows three panel fittings as in Figs 3A-3C attached to a slat wall panel 1. The retainment elements 30 protrude laterally from the attachment bodies 11 and the slats 3i, 3ii are located between the retainment element 30 and the attachment wings 12, 13. The retainment element 30 thus provides a more secure mounting of the panel fitting 10 to the slat wall panel 1 by limiting unintentional rotation of the panel fitting 10, such as rotation caused by the weight of the accessory. The retainment element 30 may also have other shapes and sizes.

[0210] As is also seen in Fig. 4, the slats 3i, 3ii are attached to the support plate 2 by means of staples 7. This leaves the section of the slats closest to the spacings 4 free, allowing the attachment wings 12, 13 to easily be guided between the slats and the support plate. Furthermore, if the support plate is made from a soft material, it may allow the slats to turn slightly about their length axis, potentially allowing them to yield during mounting of a panel fitting.

[0211] When mounting the panel fittings 10 in Figs 2 and 3, the two rounded corners 153, 154 of the attachment body 11 allow for a relatively easy insertion and rotation between the slats and the sharp comers 151 , 152 inhibit rotation over 90 degrees. Thus, the shape of the cross-sectional shape of the attachment body limits the risk of rotating the panel fitting 10 more than 90 degrees such as 180 degrees where the attachment wings 12, 13 are again free from the track 20i, 20ii. It also provides a natural stop of the rotation of the panel fitting 10 at 90 degrees where the attachment wings 12, 13 are optimally placed in the tracks 20i, 20ii to secure the panel fitting 10 in the slat wall panel 1 .

[0212] A similar effect is achieved with the embodiment in Fig. 5A and 5B. Here, however, the attachment body has an H-shape cross-section, leaving no room for a primary straining element extending down through the core of the attachment body. Instead, a primary straining element (not shown), such as a block or a wedge is inserted in one or both of the spaces 45, thereby forcing the two body elements 41 , 42 of the attachment body 11 away from each other.

[0213] Another difference between the embodiments in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 is that the embodiment in Fig. 5 does not include an accessory, but an attachment element in the form of a magnet 351 ii.

[0214] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of a panel fitting having two body elements 41 , 42 suitable for being forced away from each other by the insertion of a rod-shaped straining element (not shown) between them, forcing one or both body elements aside during insertion until it snaps into the space 15 between them. Such a primary straining element may form part of an accessory, which is held in place solely by the frictional force of the two body elements. The panel fitting in Fig. 6, however, also comprises an attachment element 35 in the form of an opening in a base 46 between the body element. This opening may for example receive a screw used for fastening an accessory, which may pass through the primary straining element. The opening could also or alternatively be used for receiving a positioning pin or projection on the primary straining element for ensuring correct positioning thereof or for receiving a secondary straining element expanding or securing the primary straining element.

[0215] The panel fitting in Fig. 7 resembles that in Figs 1 -2 except for having no attachment wings and being wider at the bottom than at the top seen along the height direction H. This panel fitting is configured for insertion between slats, where the slat sides are not parallel as shown in Fig. 8 and is expanded by a primary straining element (not shown) in the same ways as described with reference to Figs 1 -2.

[0216] The panel fittings in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 also resemble that in Figs 1 -2 with respect to the insertion and function of the primary straining element (not shown), but have only one attachment wing 12 and a retainment element 30. In Fig. 9 the attachment wing and retainment element extend in opposite directions from the attachment body 11 , and in Fig. 10 the attachment wing 12 and the retainment element 30 extend in the same direction from the attachment body 11. The embodiment in Fig. 9 is believed to provide the more secure attachment whereas the embodiment in Fig. 10 may be easier to mount.

[0217] A further embodiment of a panel fitting 10 is seen in Fig. 11 . This panel fitting is U-shaped having two substantially parallel arms, which form a first body element 41 and second body element 42 and which are interconnected by a base 46. The base constitutes a bendable section and is bendable by pressing the free ends of the two arms towards each other as shown to the left in Fig. 11A thereby moving the attachment wings towards each other and decreasing the width w of the panel fitting. In this state the panel fitting 10 can easily be inserted between slat of a slat wall panel 1 as shown to the left in Fig. 11 B. When releasing the arms 41 , 42 the panel fitting reverts to the state shown at the centre of Fig. 11 A and to the right in Fig. 11 B. There the engagement surfaces 43,44 comes into contact with two slat sides facing each other and the attachment wings penetrates between the slats and the support plate 2 of the slat wall panel. For the attachment of smaller or lightweight accessories, this engagement between the slat wall panel 1 and the panel fitting 10 may be sufficient, but for the attachment of larger and / or heavier accessories, a better engagement may be needed. This is achieved by the insertion of a primary straining element 36 into the space 45 between the two arms 41 , 42. The primary straining element, which is here depicted as a bolt penetrating through an opening 47 in the base 46, may simply prevent the arms from moving back towards each other, or it may be slightly oversize relative to the space 45, so that it forces the arms into a tighter contact with the slat sides. The primary straining element in this embodiment may also be used as an attachment element or form part of an accessory.

[0218] A washer 30 is shown sandwiched between the bolt 36 and the base 46 of the panel fitting in Fig. 11 . This washer may serve as a retainment element as described above and it is to be understood that such may be used with other embodiments as well, and that the panel fitting in Fig. 11 can also be used without the washer or other retainment element.

[0219] Fig. 11 show division lines between the base 46 and arms 41 , 42 and between the attachment wings 12, 13 and the arms. This is intended to indicate that they may be made from different materials. As an example, the base may be made from a material, which bends more easily than the arms, and the attachment wings may be made from an even stiffer material to allow them to force their way in between the slats and support plate of the slat panel wall. It is, however, to be understood that these parts may be made in one process, such as by coextruding, or that they may be integrally formed from the same material.

[0220] Turning to Fig. 12 another U-shaped panel fitting 10 comprising a bending base 46 is shown. In this embodiment, the two arms 41 , 42 forming the first body element and the second body element of the attachment body 11 pivot about the height direction when the base 46 is bent as shown to the left in Fig. 12A, thereby decreasing the width w of the panel fitting. Whereas the bending of the panel fitting in Fig. 11 may result in the panel fitting becoming slightly wedge-shaped, which may facilitate insertion in the spacing 4, the bending of the panel fitting in Fig. 12 only moves the attachment wings 12, 13 aside. The panel fitting in Fig. 12, however, may facilitate mounting by allowing the use to more easily hold on to the arms 41 , 42 until the panel fitting has been inserted entirely into the spacing between the slats.

[0221] In Fig. 12 the primary straining element 36 is here a block of material, which is inserted in the space 45 between the arms 41 , 42 when the arms have returned to their initial unbent state shown at the centre of Fig. 12A. This is shown by the two panel fittings to the right in Fig. 12B. The size and shape of the block may match the size of the space 45 between the arms, but the block may also be slightly oversize so that it forces the arms aside when inserted between them as described with reference to the bolt in Fig. 11 .

[0222] A threaded opening 35 in the block serves as an attachment element for receiving for example a threaded pin on an accessory, and flanges 48 on the two arms prevent the block from being pulled out when affect by the load of an accessory.

[0223] The threaded opening 35 may also serve to receive a secondary straining element (not shown) which can be forced into the block 36, causing it to expand and press the two arms 41 , 42 outwards and into a stronger engagement with the slat sides. The threaded opening 35 may also serve to receive a magnetic element, such as a magnetic element functioning as the accessory carrier 100.

[0224] In the embodiment in Fig. 12 the base 46 is shown with a division line 461 at the centre. This division line may be a weakening serving as a hinge facilitating bending, possibly leading to a sharper bend than what is show at the left in Fig. 12A. The flanges 48 are here shown as being integral with the arms 41 , 42, but as described above for the attachment wings, the flanges may be made from a different material.

[0225] As seen in Fig. 11 B and Fig. 12 the spacings 4 between the slats 3i, 3ii extend over the length L of the slats and are of substantially constant crosssection so that the panel fittings 10 can be arranged at any position along the length of the slats. The friction provided between the engagement surfaces 43, 44 of the arms 41 , 42 and the slat sides 34 should be sufficient to prevent the panel fitting from sliding downwards under the influence of gravity when the longitudinal direction L is vertical.

[0226] The block in Fig. 12 could be replaced by a spring 36 as shown in Fig. 13. The spring is here shown as a simple ring made from an elastic material, which has been compressed into an oval shape by the movement of the arms 41 , 42 towards each other. It is to be understood that this is merely to illustrate the idea of a spring. The arms might need to be provided with means for attachment of the spring, and other types of springs, including a coil spring extending from one arm to the other or a V- or U-shaped spring having legs extending along the arms of the panel fitting 10 may be used. The ring spring 36 is shown as being arranged in plane with the attachment wings 12, 13 to indicate the possibility for both having the spring and inserting a block as in Fig. 12 at the same time. In that case, the spring would be considered the primary straining element and the block would be considered the secondary straining element.

[0227] Another embodiment using a block-shaped primary straining element 36 inserted in a space 45 between arms 41 , 42 of a U-shaped attachment body is shown in Fig. 14. Here the block 36 has a shape resembling that of the panel fitting in Fig. 7, wedge-shaped to facilitate insertion, but it could have had a constant cross-sectional shape over the height H. The cross-sectional shape at the bottom, furthest from the base 46, is rectangular with two rounded corners, and when the block is rotated during insertion between the arms in the same way as described with refence to the insertion of the panel fitting between the slats in Fig. 1 -5. In this case, however, the turning of the block results in it pressing on the inner sides of the arms facing the space 45, thus expanding the attachment body 11 and pressing the arms outwards towards the slats. The insertion of the block in the space is shown to the left in Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B and the rotation and expansion is shown to the right in Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B. As is seen the shorter dimension of the rectangular shape initially extends between the arms 41 ,42, which constitute the body elements, and when the block is turned the longer dimension forces the body elements away from each other.

[0228] The attachment body 11 shown in Fig. 14 comprises an opening 35 in the base 46 aligning with an opening in the block in the mounted state. These openings serve to receive a bolt 37, which may function both as a secondary straining element and for the attachment of an accessory as also described above.

[0229] The embodiments in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 resemble that in Fig. 14 with respect to the design of the attachment body 11 , except for the fact that the arms 41 , 42 are converging towards the base 46. The primary straining elements 36 are here wedge-shaped and secondary straining elements 37 in the form of a bolt in Fig. 15 and a threaded pin in Fig. 16 are inserted in threaded openings in the blocks. When the bolt and the threaded pin are turned, the blocks 36 are pulled further into the spaces 45 between the arms 41 , 42, thus gradually forcing the arms aside and expanding the attachment body 11 . In Fig. 15 the bolt fits tightly in a threaded opening in the base 46 and in Fig. 16 a washer 30 also serving as a retainment element transfers force to the base.

[0230] As shown in Fig. 17 a block may also serve as the attachment body 11 , having an opening 45 for insertion of a primary straining element 36. In this embodiment as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7 the first body element 41 and the second body element 42 are integral, each half of the block having an engagement surface 43, 44. The primary straining element 36 is here an oval cylinder and the space 45 between the body elements have a the shape of two superimposed ovals, a larger one having is longest dimension extending in parallel with the depth direction D and a smaller one having is longest dimension extending in parallel with the width W. The primary straining element 36 is inserted in the larger oval as shown to the left in Fig. 17 and is then turned into the smaller ovel as shown by the arrow at the centre of Fig. 17 to the position shown to the right in Fig. 17. As the primary straining element is larger than the smaller oval, the block 11 , which is made from an elastic material, will expand, pressing the engagement surfaces 43, 44 away from each other.

[0231] The primary straining element 36 is here provided with a slot 361 allowing the use of a screwdriver or like tool for the turning of the primary straining element. The straining element 36 and the attachment body 11 may be provided with matching locking elements. The locking elements may serve to lock the primary straining element 36 in the space 45 after rotation of the primary straining element.

[0232] Fig. 18 shows another embodiment where the attachment body 11 is a hybrid between a U-shape and a block, having a space 45 between the first body element 41 and the second body element 42, which is wedge-shaped both in a cross-section along a plane defined by the height H and the width W and in a cross-section along a plane defined by the depth D and the width W, as is best seen at the centre of Fig. 18. The primary straining element 36 has a corresponding shape, only somewhat shorter, allowing to be inserted further then the position where its size matches the size of the space 45, thus expanding the attachment body as shown to the right in Fig. 18. In this embodiment the attachment body is V-shaped, but a similar effect could be achieved with an M-shaped attachment body.

[0233] The wedge shape in the plane defined by the depth D and the width W prevent the primary straining element 36 from being pulled out when an accessory is mounted using the attachment element 35.

[0234] A still further embodiment of the panel fitting is shown in Fig. 19. Here the attachment body 11 is omega-shaped with bends 49 on both the first body element 41 and the second body element 42. The insertion of a bolt 36 serving as a primary straining element forces the body elements away from each other in substantially the same way as described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, except for the bolt pressing downwards whereas the block in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 presses upwards.

[0235] In Fig. 19 as in many of the other figures, the panel fitting is provided with attachment wings 12, 13. This contributes to the strength of the attachment, prevents the panel fitting from being pulled out, and may contribute to a correct positioning of the panel fitting and is therefore considered advantageous, but the attachment wings are not to be considered an essential feature. In the embodiment in Fig. 19, the engagement surfaces provided by the body elements 41 , 42 are, however, very limited and the attachment wings are therefore especially advantageous in this embodiment.

[0236] The body of the panel fitting shown in Fig. 19 is adapted to extend beyond the slat front when initially inserted between the slats. When the bolt 36 is inserted and the body elements are forced away from each other, the body moves further into the oblong opening until the slat front extends beyond the body and the attachment wings 12, 13 and the retainment element 30 fictionally engage with the slats by clamping the slats between the attachment wings and retainment element. Panel fittings that are attached to the slat wall panel be means of a rotating movement such as the panel fitting shown in Fig. 1A to 1 C may similarly comprise a body that initially extends beyond the slat front and which after a rotation of the panel fitting is arranged such that the slat front extends beyond the body. This is especially advantageous for embodiments with attachment wings since it provides for additional frictional engagement between the slat wall panel and the panel fitting.

[0237] Fig. 20 shows a different embodiment of the panel fitting 10, where it has a substantially rectangular elongated shape. The panel fitting 10 comprises an attachment body 11 and a space 45 extending in the longitudinal direction L. The attachment body is U-shaped with two arms 41 , 42 forming the two body elements and a base 46. An opening 101 delimited by flanges 48 extends throughout the length of the panel fitting 10 from one end of the panel fitting to the other. The opening 101 and flanges 48 acts as the accessory carrier 100, and are configured to allow insertion of a primary straining element 36 into the space 45. The primary straining element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape resembling that of the block in Fig. 14, only it is not wedge-shaped, and can thus be turned into engagement with inner sides of the arms 41 ,42. In the mounted state a threaded pin 35 on the primary straining element 36 extends through the opening 101 and may serve as an attachment element for the attachment of an accessory. The fact that the space 45 and the opening 101 extend over the length of the attachment body allows the primary straining element 36 and hence the attachment element 35 to be arranged in different positions by sliding them along the longitudinal direction L before turning them into engagement.

[0238] The engagement surface 43, 44 on the outer sides of the arms 41 , 42 are here provided with ribs of a soft material, such rubber, for better engagement with the slat sides (not shown).

[0239] In Fig. 20B, a slightly different embodiment of the fitting is shown, where the accessory carrier 100 is provided as a separate fastener 110. The panel fitting 10 further comprises a straining element 109 connected to the accessory carrier or fastener 110 and configured to change a distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface upon insertion of the straining element into the panel fitting 10 and / or slat wall panel 1. The accessory carrier 100 further comprises a threaded member, which is configured to be screwed into an internal thread of an accessory. The accessory carrier 100 is here formed integrally with the straining element 109 in the lower part of the accessory carrier 100. The straining element 109 is configured to be inserted in the opening 101 , leaving the accessory carrier 100 on the top part exposed for engagement with the accessory.

[0240] In this embodiment, the attachment body 11 comprises a plurality of attachment projections 12 extending longitudinally along the panel fitting. In this embodiment, the attachment projections 12 form a series of ridges, having a triangular shape, running in parallel with each other. The attachment projections 12 comprise an elastically deformable material. The panel fittings 10 in Fig. 1 -20 are all intended for insertion between two neighbouring slats 3i, 3ii. Panel fittings spanning over one or more slats are, however, also within the scope of the invention.

[0241] A first embodiment of such a panel fitting 10 is shown in Fig. 21. This panel fitting has a U-shape with two arms 41 , 42 projecting from a base 46 and two attachment wings 12, 13 extend outwards at the free ends of the arms, much as shown as described with reference to Fig. 11. The panel fitting in Fig. 21 , however, is wider and intended for extending over a third slat 3iii as shown in Fig. 21 B. It is to be understood that it could be wider still and extend over two or more additional slats.

[0242] For mounting the panel fitting 10 in Fig. 21 , the base 46 is bent as shown in Fig. 21 C, bringing it into a configuration where the mutual distance between the first arm 41 (and hence the first engagement surface) and the second arm 42 (and hence the second engagement surface) is smaller than the distance between the first slat 3i and the second slat 3ii. When the arms and attachment wings 12, 13 have been brought into the spacings 4 between the slats, the panel fitting is released and the elasticity of the base 46 forces the arms and attachment wings into engagement with the first and second slats. In the undeformed configuration the mutual distance between the arms is at least equal to the distance between the first slat and the second slat, so that they press against them.

[0243] As an alternative, the base 46 may be provided with a hinge 462 as shown in Fig. 22, allowing the base to bend even if made from a non-elastic material. To secure the panel fitting 10 in the mounted position the hinge may be lockable.

[0244] In the embodiment in Fig. 23 the attachment wings 12, 13 project inwards underneath the base 46. This embodiment is intended for enclosing the slats 3i, 3ii, 3ii as shown in Fig. 23B and is mounted by bending the base 46 in the opposite direction compared to Fig. 21 C, thereby bringing the panel fitting into a configuration where the mutual distance between the arms 41 , 42 is larger than the distance between slat sides to be engaged, which in this case are facing away from each other. This panel fitting too may span over more slat than shown in Fig. 23B. When released, the panel fitting returns to the configuration in Fig. 23A where the mutual distance between the arms is at the most equal to the distance between the first slat side and the second slat side, preferably slightly smaller to ensure at good contact with the slats.

[0245] A more complex embodiment is shown in Fig. 24. This panel fitting 10 is telescopic with a first part 463 of the base 46 being able to slide into a second part 464 of the base. A spring (not visible) is arranged inside the second part 464 and interconnects the two parts such that the spring is compressed when the first parts is pushed into the second part. This may be used for reducing the width of the panel fitting during mounting and it will then automatically re-ex- pand when released. In this case the attachment wings 12 ,13 project outwards. In embodiments where the attachment wings project inwards as in Fig. 23 the spring will instead be expanded during mounting by pulling the two parts 463, 464 of the base 46 apart and will then force the two parts back towards each other when released.

[0246] A still further embodiment comprising four arms 41 , 42, 42’, 42” each having an attachment wing 12, 13, 13’, 13” is shown in Figs. 25A and 25B. This panel fitting 10 may be mounted by bending as described with reference to Fig. 23.

[0247] In the embodiments in Figs 21 -25 the base 46 serves as an accessory carrier 100.

Claims

Claims1 . A set of parts for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building, wherein the set of parts comprises a slat wall panel (1 ) and a panel fitting (10), wherein the slat wall panel (1 ) comprises a plurality of slats (3i, 3ii) arranged on a front surface of a support plate (2), each slat having four slat surfaces including a slat back facing the support plate, a slat front opposite the slat back, and two slat sides extending between the slat back and the slat front, and said slats extending in parallel to each other and being arranged at a distance from each other along a width direction extending in parallel to the front surface of the support plate, thereby forming oblong spacings (4) between them, said slats and oblong spacings (4) extending in a longitudinal direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction, and the panel fitting (10) comprises an accessory carrier (100) and an attachment body configured for being inserted between slats of the slat wall panel, wherein the attachment body comprises at least a first body element (41 ) having a first engagement surface configured for engaging with a first slat side, a second body element (42) having a second engagement surface configured for engaging with a second slat side, and a primary straining element (36) configured for changing a mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

2. A set of parts according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the spacings between slats have a rectangular cross-sectional shape so that the slat sides of neighbouring slats are substantially parallel, said slat sides being planar.

3. A set of parts according to claim 1 or 2, where said panel fitting has a first configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is smaller than the distance between the first slat and the second slat and a second configuration where themutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is at least equal to the distance between the first slat and the second slat.

4. A set of parts according to claim 1 or 2, where said panel fitting has a first configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is larger than the distance between the first slat side and the second slat side and a second configuration where the mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface is at the most equal to the distance between the first slat side and the second slat side.

5. A set of parts according to one or more of the preceding claims, where the first body element and the second body element are interconnected by a base and extending substantially in parallel with each other.

6. A set of parts according to one or more of the preceding claims, where a bendable section is provided between the first body element and the second body element, allowing a mutual angling of the body elements to be changed.

7. A set of parts according to any one of the preceding claims, where the primary straining element is chosen from the group consisting of: a spring, a threaded member, a wedge, a block, and combinations thereof.

8. A set of parts according to one or more of the preceding claims, where the panel fitting further comprises a secondary straining element.

9. A set of parts according to one or more of the preceding claims, where the panel fitting further comprising at least one attachment wing (12, 13) on at least one of the body elements and / or at least one flange on at least one of the body elements.

10. A set of parts according to one or more of the preceding claims, where the accessory carrier is provided in, provide on, or forms part of a primary straining element and / or a secondary straining element.11 . Use of a set of parts comprising a slat wall panel (1 ) and a panel fitting (10) for mounting an accessory on a surface of a building, said slat wall panel (1 ) comprising a plurality of slats (3i, 3ii) arranged on a front surface of a support plate (2), each slat having four slat surfaces including a slat back facing the support plate, a slat front opposite the slat back, and two slat sides extending between the slat back and the slat front , and said slats extending in parallel to each other and being arranged at a distance from each other along a width direction extending in parallel to the front surface of the support plate, thereby forming oblong spacings (4) between them, said slats and oblong spacings (4) extending in a longitudinal direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction, wherein the panel fitting (10) is arranged with an attachment body inserted between slats of the slat wall panel and with accessory carrier (100) exposed at the slat fronts, said attachment body comprising a first body element (41 ), which is arranged with a first engagement surface in engagement with a first slat side, and a second body element (42), which is arranged with a second engagement surface in engagement with a second slat side, and a primary straining element is used for changing a mutual distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface before, during or after the insertion of the attachment body.

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