Panel mounting system, components and methods

Abstract

A system for mounting a panel to a substrate includes first and second components that engage with each other. The first component is configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate. The second component includes a base configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate, and an engagement component configured to engage with the first component. The position of the engagement component relative to the base may be adjusted, and the position after adjustment may be locked. The components may be formed from pressed sheet metal.

Description

[0001] PANEL MOUNTING SYSTEM, COMPONENTS AND METHODS

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application relates to and claims priority from United States provisional application No. 63 / 557,372 filed 2 April 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to mounting of panels to substrates. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to mounting panels to substrates in marine or architectural applications.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Panel mounting systems are widely used for mounting of panels to substrates. The substrate may be any suitable support, structure, surface or object. Panel mounting systems are often used for mounting panels to walls or ceilings.

[0008] Panel mounting systems may allow panels to be mounted in an entirely hidden manner, such that no fasteners or the like are visible on the facing surface of the panel.

[0009] In some applications, the use of fire-rated or fire-resistant components is advantageous or even required. In some marine and architectural applications, fire codes may require the use of fire-rated components.

[0010] Some systems allow lateral adjustment of the mounting components, thereby providing limited adjustment of the panel position during or after installation. This may involve mounting the panel before moving it into the correct position. The mounting components may allow this movement but provide enough resistance to prevent the panel slipping out of place over time. However, in some applications fixed non-adjustable components may be preferred, avoiding undesirable movement after installation.

[0011] US7,963,011 discloses a panel mounting system in which a male component allows some lateral adjustment of the mounting. This is achieved using a base with a shouldered pin. A spacer sits on the pin against the shoulder and is secured on the pin by a 'blocking element'. Together, the spacer and blocking element constitute a 'restraining means' that connects a male insert to the base. An oversize hole in the male insert allows limited lateral movement or adjustment relative to the pin. The male insert engages a cooperating female component when the panel is installed.

[0012] US2022 / 0307530 discloses a development of the US7,963,011 device, in which adjustment of a spacing between the panel and the substrate is also allowed. A rotating 'fixing device' enables adjustment of the position of the female component and therefore of a spacing between the panel and substrate. The products disclosed in US7,963,011 and US2022 / 0307530 are relatively complex and costly to manufacture.

[0013] It would be desirable to provide improved panel mounting systems, components and / or methods, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A panel mounting system for mounting a panel to a substrate includes a first component and a second component that are configured for engagement with each other in order to mount the panel to the substrate. The first component may be configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate. The second component may include a base and an engagement component. The base may be configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate. A position of the engagement component relative to the base may be adjustable. A locking arrangement may be configured to allow the engagement component to be locked in a fixed position. The engagement component may include one or more engagement elements configured to engage with the first component.

[0016] The first component may include an adjustment aperture. The engagement component may include a central portion located within the adjustment aperture and retainers extending from the central portion and arranged to act against opposite surfaces of the base to retain the engagement component on the base. The position of the engagement component relative to the base may be adjustable by moving the central portion within the adjustment aperture.

[0017] The locking arrangement may be a locking hole in the engagement component, wherein a locking fastener may be inserted through the locking hole into the panel to lock the position of the engagement component.

[0018] The engagement component may be formed from a plurality of parts, joined by a fastener passing through the central portion, and wherein the fastener has a through hole passing through it and the locking hole is defined at least in part by the through hole.

[0019] The fastener may be a hollow rivet.

[0020] The plurality of parts may include: a first part including one or more front retainers arranged to act against a front face of the base; and a second part including one or more rear retainers arranged to act against a rear face of the base; wherein the rear and front retainers act to retain the engagement component on the base.

[0021] Either the front retainers or the rear retainers may include one or more resilient elements, and the other of the front retainers and the rear retainers may be a complete or partial flange. The first part may also include the one or more engagement elements.

[0022] The base may include a plurality of holes arranged to receive mounting fasteners.

[0023] The base may include an adjustment aperture. The engagement component may include a central portion located within the adjustment aperture and retainers extending from the central portion and arranged to act against opposite surfaces of the base to retain the engagement component on the base. The position of the engagement component relative to the base may be adjustable by moving the central portion within the adjustment aperture. The locking hole may be provided in the central portion of the engagement component.

[0024] The first component may include one or more engagement apertures, wherein the one or more engagement apertures and the one or more engagement elements are arranged for engagement with each other for mounting of the panel to the substrate, and disengagement from each other during removal of the panel from the substrate.

[0025] Each engagement aperture may include a tapered entrance leading to a lip.

[0026] Each engagement element may be a shaped resilient tab having an angled leading section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are brought into engagement with each other.

[0027] The shaped resilient tab may further include a trailing section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are disengaged from each other.

[0028] A panel mounting system for mounting a panel to a substrate may include a first component and a second component configured for engagement with each other in order to mount the panel to the substrate. The first component may be is configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate. The second component may include a base and an engagement component. The base may be configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate. The base may include an adjustment aperture. The engagement component may include a central portion located within the adjustment aperture and retainers extending from the central portion and arranged to act against opposite surfaces of the base to retain the engagement component on the base. A position of the engagement component relative to the base may be adjustable by moving the central portion within the adjustment aperture. The engagement component may further include one or more engagement elements configured to engage with the first component.

[0029] The panel mounting system may further include a locking arrangement that allows the engagement component to be locked in a fixed position. The locking arrangement may be a locking hole in the engagement component, wherein a locking fastener may be inserted through the locking hole into the panel to lock the position of the engagement component.

[0030] The locking hole may be provided in the central portion of the engagement component.

[0031] The engagement component may be formed from a plurality of parts, joined by a fastener passing through the central portion, and wherein the fastener has a through hole passing through it and the locking hole is defined at least in part by the through hole.

[0032] The fastener may be a hollow rivet.

[0033] The plurality of parts may include: a first part including one or more front retainers arranged to act against a front face of the base; and a second part including one or more rear retainers arranged to act against a rear face of the base; wherein the rear and front retainers act to retain the engagement component on the base.

[0034] Either the front retainers or the rear retainers may include one or more resilient elements, and the other of the front retainers and the rear retainers may be a complete or partial flange.

[0035] The first part may also include the one or more engagement elements.

[0036] The base may include a plurality of holes arranged to receive mounting fasteners.

[0037] The first component may include one or more engagement apertures, wherein the one or more engagement apertures and the one or more engagement elements are arranged for engagement with each other for mounting of the panel to the substrate, and disengagement from each other during removal of the panel from the substrate.

[0038] Each engagement aperture may include a tapered entrance leading to a lip.

[0039] Each engagement element may be a shaped resilient tab having an angled leading section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are brought into engagement with each other.

[0040] The shaped resilient tab may further include a trailing section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are disengaged from each other.

[0041] A panel mounting system for mounting a panel to a substrate may include a first component and a second component configured for engagement with each other in order to mount the panel to the substrate. The first component may be configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate. The second component may include a base and an engagement component. The base may be configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate. A position of the engagement component relative to the base may be adjustable. The engagement component may further include one or more engagement elements configured to engage with the first component. The first component, base and engagement component may be substantially formed from pressed metal.

[0042] The engagement component may include a plurality of parts formed from pressed metal and permanently attached to each other. The plurality of parts may be attached to each other by a fastener. The fastener may be a rivet. The rivet may be a hollow rivet.

[0043] The panel mounting system may be formed entirely from fire-resistant or fire-rated materials.

[0044] The panel mounting system may be formed entirely from metal.

[0045] The panel mounting system may be formed entirely from stainless steel.

[0046] A method of mounting a panel to a substrate may include: providing a panel mounting system including a first component and a second component; mounting the first component to one of the panel or the substrate; mounting a base of the second component to the other of the panel or the substrate, wherein the second component further includes an engagement component that is adjustable relative to the base; adjusting the position of the engagement component relative to the base; locking the position of the engagement component relative to the base; and engaging the first component with the second component.

[0047] Adjusting the position of the engagement component may include temporarily engaging the first component and the second component, adjusting the position of the panel relative to the substrate, and disengaging the first component and the second component.

[0048] The method may include installing a marker in the first component and pressing the marker into the other of the panel or the substrate to create marks for mounting the base. The marker may also create a mark indicative of a position in which a fastener may be inserted to lock the position of the engagement component without adjustment.

[0049] The other aspects, features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for exemplary but nonlimiting embodiments, in which like reference numerals designate related elements.

[0050] The above presents a simplified summary of the invention as claimed below in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.

[0051] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] The invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 is a side view showing a panel mounted to a substrate;

[0054] Figure 2 is a cross-section corresponding to the view of Figure 1;

[0055] Figure 2A is a further cross-section corresponding to the view of Figure 1;

[0056] Figure 3 is a top view of an exemplary first component of the panel mounting system;

[0057] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first component;

[0058] Figure 5 is a side view of the first component;

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary second component of the panel mounting system;

[0060] Figure 7 is a top view of the second component;

[0061] Figure 8 is a side view of the second component;

[0062] Figure 9 is a cross-section along the line 9'-9' in Figure 8;

[0063] Figure 9a is an exploded view of the second component in Figure 8;

[0064] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary the engagement component that is part of the second component;

[0065] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an exemplary marker that may be used to mark positions for fastening the second component;

[0066] Figure 11a is an exploded view of the exemplary marker in Figure 11;

[0067] Figure 12 is a side view of the marker;

[0068] Figure 13 is a top view of the marker;

[0069] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the marker;

[0070] Figure 15 shows the first component mounted to a substrate;

[0071] Figure 16 shows a panel being pressed onto the marker; Figure 17 shows the second component mounted to a panel;

[0072] Figure 18 shows the panel being pressed onto the substrate, engaging the first and second components; and

[0073] Figure 19 shows the second component mounted to the panel, with a locking fastener installed.

[0074] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Figure 1 is a side view showing a panel 1 mounted to a substrate 2 by a panel mounting system 3. As shown, the panel mounting system may create a small gap or relief between the panel and the substrate. However, in other embodiments the panel may be mounted nearly flush with the substrate, or with any desired larger or smaller relief.

[0076] Figures 2 and 2A are cross-sectional views showing the components of the panel mounting system 3. In general, the panel mounting system may include first 4 and second 5 components. The first component 4 may be installed on either the substrate 2 (as shown in the drawings) or the panel 1. The second component 5 may be installed in the other of the substrate 2 or the panel 1, and is shown installed in the panel. Each of the first and second components 4, 5 may be fastened to the substrate or panel using a number of fasteners 6, which in the embodiment shown are woodscrews. However, other suitable fasteners may be used, including machine screws, bolts, rivets etc.

[0077] The first component 4 is shown in greater detail in Figures 3 to 5. The first component 4 may have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown, a generally triangular or curved triangular shape is shown. A number of mounting holes 8 may be provided, to receive the fasteners 6 for mounting the first component to the substrate or panel. In general, a plurality of such mounting holes 8 may be provided.

[0078] The first component 4 may also include suitable engagement features, for engaging with cooperating features of the second component 5. The engagement features may be any suitable number of engagement apertures 9, and in the embodiment shown a single, central engagement aperture 9 is provided.

[0079] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, and in the cross-section of Figure 2, the engagement aperture 9 may have a generally tapered shape, providing a tapered lead-in 10 to a lip 11. This shape will be discussed further below.

[0080] The first component may also have a number of raised contact areas 12 and a number of recessed areas 13. In the embodiment shown, the mounting holes 8 are provided in the recessed areas 13 and the contact areas 12 sit against the second component when installed, as shown in Figure 2. To mount the first component, a hole 15 may be formed in the substrate or panel to provide clearance for the central region 16 of the first component 4 and for engagement features of the second component. The first component 4 may then be positioned and mounted using fasteners 6. However, in further embodiments the first component may be mounted flush to the surface of the substrate or panel, without the need for any hole to be formed. This is likely to require increasing the gap between the panel and substrate to allow clearance for the central region 16 and for engagement features of the second component.

[0081] The second component is shown in Figures 6 to 10. The second component may include a base 18 and an engagement component 19.

[0082] The base 18 may have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown, a generally triangular or curved triangular shape is shown, similar to the shape of the first component 4. A number of mounting holes 20 may be provided, to receive the fasteners 6 for mounting the second component to the panel or substrate. In general, a plurality of mounting holes 20 may be provided.

[0083] A number of retainers 22, 23 may hold the engagement component on the base 18. These may include one or more rear retainers 22 that are generally positioned to the rear or below the base 18 and one or more front retainers 23 that are generally positioned to the front or above the base 18. In the embodiment shown, the front retainers 23 are in the form of a partial flange formed by tabs sitting against and parallel to the front surface of the base 18. In the embodiment shown (see Figures 9 and 10) the rear retainers 22 are in the form of a shaped rim or flange that is bent or shaped to press against the rear surface of the base 18. Other forms of retainer may be used, including e.g. resilient fingers or tabs.

[0084] The lateral position of the engagement component 19 relative to the base 18 may be adjustable. In the embodiment shown the base may include an adjustment aperture 21, within which the engagement component is free to move. The engagement component 19 may have a central portion 25 that passes through the adjustment aperture 21. The adjustment aperture 21 may be oversize, having a dimension larger than the central portion 25 (or equivalently, the central portion may be undersize, having a dimension smaller than the adjustment aperture), allowing lateral adjustment of the central portion 25 within the adjustment aperture 21. This lateral adjustment may be in a plane parallel to the base 18 (i.e. parallel to the panel or substrate to which the base is mounted).

[0085] The combination of the front and rear retainers 22, 23 provides a tension or spring force against the base 18, providing a relatively firm connection of the engagement component 19 to the base 18 while still allowing the lateral adjustment.

[0086] In general, the engagement component 19 may provide any suitable number and design of features to engage with cooperating features of the first component in order to mount the panel to the substrate. In the embodiment shown, the engagement component 19 includes a number of resilient tabs or fingers 27 arranged to cooperate with the engagement aperture 9 of the first component 4.

[0087] Each resilient tab or finger 27 may be suitably shaped to slide into the engagement aperture 9. In some embodiments each resilient tab or finger 27 is also shaped to slide out of the engagement aperture 9 under a force applied by a user, thereby providing a removable mounting of the panel 1 to the substrate 2. As shown in Figure 9, each tab 27 may include a first section 30 extending from the central portion 25. An engagement portion 31 may include an angled leading section 32 and an angled trailing section 33. In the embodiment shown the leading and trailing sections join at a bend 34, which is the point of the tab 27 that protrudes furthest from the center portion 25. When mounting the panel to the substrate, the angled leading section 32 may ride into the tapered lead-in or entrance 10 of the engagement aperture 9. The angled leading section 32 may move over the lip 11 of the engagement aperture 9 to the position shown in Figure 2, where the angled leading section 32 and bend 34 are positioned past the lip 11, providing a relatively secure mounting of the panel to the substrate. However, when sufficient force is applied by a user, the resilient tabs 27 may deform inwards, allowing the tapered trailing section 33 and bend 34 to ride back over the lip 11 for removing the panel from the substrate.

[0088] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the front retainers 23 and the tabs 27 may be formed from a single piece of material, for example a single piece of sheet metal that is stamped and / or pressed to the form shown. The lower retainers may also be formed in a single piece of material, for example a single piece of sheet metal that is stamped and / or pressed to the form shown.

[0089] As shown in Figures 9 and 9a, the central portion 25 may be formed from a combination of these two parts, joined by any suitable method. While welding or similar processes, or any suitable fastener may be used, in the embodiment shown a rivet 36 connects the two parts. As shown, the rivet passes through cooperating holes in each part, with the head 37 of the rivet 36 on the rear face of the engagement component 19 and the end 38 of the rivet 36 that is deformed during installation is on the front face of the engagement component 19. The retainer 22 may be or act as a washer between the base 18 and rivet 36. However, the opposite configuration may be used. The rivet 36 may be a hollow or tubular rivet, defining a locking hole 40 through which a locking fastener 41 may be inserted. This serves to lock the position of the engagement component after adjustment or if adjustment is not required, as discussed further below. During manufacture, the parts of the engagement component 19 may be assembled around the base 18 and then riveted 36 to each other.

[0090] In alternative embodiments the engagement component 19 may be formed from any suitable number of parts. It may be possible to form the engagement component from a single piece including the front and rear retainers 22, 23 and engagement tabs 27. In that case a fastener 36 would not be needed and the locking hole could be formed directly in the engagement component. However, manufacture from two or more parts joined together is currently believed to be preferable.

[0091] Figures 11 to 14 show a marker 45, which may be used during installation to mark the positions of mounting fasteners as described below. The marker will generally not form part of the installed panel mounting system. The marker 45 may include a boss 46 configured to fit into the engagement aperture 9 of the first component 4. The boss may include a number of slots or cutouts 47, allowing slight deformation to ease installation or removal of the boss 46 to / from the engagement aperture 9. On its opposite side, the marker 45 may include a number of marking points 48 extending from the surface 44. The position and spacing of these marking points 48 corresponds to the required locations of fasteners that will be received in the mounting holes 20 of the second component. A central scribing point 49 may or may not be included and indicates the central position, into which a locking fastener 41 may be installed if no adjustment is required. However, as discussed below, if adjustment is required the locking fastener may not be located precisely at this centre point.

[0092] In some forms the marker 45 may be constructed of multiple parts that are assembled together to provide lower costs manufacture. As seen in Figure 11a the marking points 48 and central scribing point 49 may be formed as separate components that are inserted into apertures located on the surface 44 of the marker 45.

[0093] Installation of the embodiment shown in the drawings will now be described with reference to Figures 15 to 19. These show installation of the first component to the substrate and the second component to the panel. The skilled reader will understand that alternative installation methods may be possible.

[0094] The installer may first determine the desired position of the panel mounting system on the substrate and / or panel. This may depend on the nature of the substrate, characteristics such as the size and / or weight of the panel or any other relevant factors. The installer may drill a hole (in some embodiments around 25mm or 1" in diameter and around 6mm or %" deep), then position the central region 16 of the first component 4 in the drilled hole. Fasteners 6 may be attached to the substrate 2 through the mounting holes 8, thereby mounting the first component 4 to the substrate as shown in Figure 15.

[0095] The marker 45 may now be installed on the first component 4, as shown in Figure 16. The panel 1 may be positioned over the substrate 2 and then moved (arrow 50) towards the substrate 2. The marking points 48, 49 will press into the panel, creating a small mark at the required fastening positions for the second component 5.

[0096] Fasteners 6 may be introduced into the mounting holes 20 and into the panel at the marked fastening position to mount the second component 5 to the panel 1 (Figure 17). At this point a locking fastener 41 may be introduced through the locking hole 40 if the installer does not wish to allow any adjustment of the mechanism. However, if adjustment is required, the locking fastener 41 is excluded at this time.

[0097] The panel 1 may now be mounted to the substrate 2 by positioning the second component over the first component and pressing the panel towards the substrate (arrow 51, Figure 18) to engage the tabs 27 with the engagement aperture 9. If no adjustment is needed, this may be the final installation of the panel.

[0098] If adjustment is needed, the panel may be moved by the installer applying a lateral force to the panel, thereby moving the central portion 25 within the adjustment aperture 21. This adjusts the position of the engagement component 19 relative to the base 18 and of the panel 1 relative to the substrate 2. Again, this may complete installation of the panel 1. However, if the installer wishes to lock the adjusted position, the panel 1 may be removed by pulling it away from the substrate, the position of the engagement component 19 locked by inserting the locking fastener 41 through the locking hole 40 into the panel 1 (Figure 19), and the panel 1 reinstalled on the substrate 2.

[0099] The Applicant's system therefore provides several options to the installer, including adjusted, nonadjusted, locked and non-locked configurations.

[0100] Lateral adjustment is allowed and optionally the adjustable component can be locked in position once the required adjustments have been made. The adjustable component can also be fixed in a central position if lateral adjustment is not required.

[0101] Perpendicular adjustment may be needed, for example to adjust the spacing between the panel and substrate or to mount a flat panel to a wall surface that is not flat. This may be achieved using any suitable combination of shims to adjust the position of either or both of the male and female components. The shims may be in the form of washers of one or more known thicknesses. Suitable shims may be provided as part of a kit.

[0102] The invention has been described with reference to a single mounting system. The skilled reader will understand that a panel may be mounted using a plurality of mounting systems per panel. For example, four mounting systems may be used to mount a square or rectangular panel. Other numbers of mounting systems may be used.

[0103] Various types of substrate and / or panel may be used with the mounting system.

[0104] The substrate may be any suitable surface, structure etc, including walls, ceilings or any other surface or structure. The substrate may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including timber, steel, plasterboard, wood, processed wood products including plywood, MDF, particle board, OSB etc, or aluminium. The panel material may be rigid. The panel may be wood or a processed wood product, such as plywood, MDF, particle board, OSB etc. The panel may be plastic, for example PVC. The panel may be metal, for example aluminium. The panel may be solid or formed with any other suitable structure. For example, a honeycomb aluminium panel may be used. Any combination of these or other suitable materials may be used.

[0105] The panel should have sufficient thickness to allow adequate mounting strength between the mounting system and the panel. The minimum panel thickness may depend on the fasteners used and the panel material etc. For example, the panel may be wood or a processed wood product and may have a minimum thickness around 12mm, which is expected to provide sufficient thickness for mounting of the first or second component to the panel using wood screws.

[0106] The Applicant's system and its components are relatively simple in structure and in manufacture. In the embodiment shown the female component, the male component base and the male engagement component may be formed from stamped and pressed (press-moulded) sheet metal (e.g. steel or stainless steel). This creates an easily manufactured and cost-effective system.

[0107] In the embodiment shown, the rivet attaching the two parts of the engagement component is the only component not formed in this way. In the claims, the term "substantially formed from pressed metal" is intended to include the possibility that the component in question is formed entirely from pressed metal, and to include the possibility that the component includes parts formed from pressed metal and connected to each other by fasteners that are not themselves formed from pressed metal. For example, the engagement component shown is formed from two parts formed from pressed sheet metal and joined by a rivet that is not formed from pressed metal. This engagement component is to be considered "substantially formed from pressed metal".

[0108] The engagement component may be formed from a stainless spring steel, such as 301 stainless steel. Other components may be formed from any suitable stainless steel, such as 304 stainless steel.

[0109] Further, the Applicant's system and its components are easily installed, with a few simple installation steps. The adjustment and locking mechanism provide a tolerance for installation accuracy.

[0110] The Applicant's system may be used in any application requiring mounting a panel to a substrate, including architectural and marine applications.

[0111] The system should provide adequate strength of panel mounting for the application. In some embodiments the system may resist at least a 10kg pullout force and a 250kg shear load. Different load ratings may be required for different applications. All components may be formed from fire-rated or fire-resistant materials. The materials chosen may be considered fire-rated without the need for further testing or certification. For example, the embodiment shown may be formed entirely from steel, or from stainless steel. In some marine and architectural applications, these materials satisfy the requirements for fire-rated components.

[0112] In the embodiment shown the first component may be considered a female component and the second component may be considered a male component. The skilled reader will understand that the proposed position adjustment could be provided as part of the female component rather than as part of the male component.

[0113] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Further, the above embodiments may be implemented individually, or may be combined where compatible. Additional advantages and modifications, including combinations of the above embodiments, will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.

[0114] The detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings and is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various example embodiments of the present disclosure. Changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the examples described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] Various modifications to the disclosure will therefore be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the present disclosure the terms "example," "examples," or "exemplary" indicate examples or instances and do not imply or require any preference for the noted examples. Thus, the present disclosure is not to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A panel mounting system for mounting a panel to a substrate, including a first component and a second component configured for engagement with each other in order to mount the panel to the substrate, wherein: the first component is configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate; the second component includes a base and an engagement component, wherein: the base is configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate; a position of the engagement component relative to the base is adjustable; a locking arrangement is configured to allow the engagement component to be locked in a fixed position; and the engagement component further includes one or more engagement elements configured to engage with the first component.

2. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the first component includes an adjustment aperture; the engagement component includes a central portion located within the adjustment aperture and retainers extending from the central portion and arranged to act against opposite surfaces of the base to retain the engagement component on the base; and the position of the engagement component relative to the base is adjustable by moving the central portion within the adjustment aperture.

3. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking arrangement is a locking hole in the engagement component, wherein a locking fastener may be inserted through the locking hole into the panel to lock the position of the engagement component.

4. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the engagement component is formed from a plurality of parts, joined by a fastener passing through the central portion, and wherein the fastener has a through hole passing through it and the locking hole is defined at least in part by the through hole.

5. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the fastener is a hollow rivet.

6. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the plurality of parts include: a first part including one or more front retainers arranged to act against a front face of the base; and a secondpart including one or more rear retainers arranged to act against a rear face of the base; wherein the rear and front retainers act to retain the engagement component on the base.

7. A panel mounting system as claimed claim 6 wherein either the front retainers or the rear retainers include one or more resilient elements, and the other of the front retainers and the rear retainers are a complete or partial flange.

8. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein the first part also includes the one or more engagement elements.

9. A panel mounting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base includes a plurality of holes arranged to receive mounting fasteners.

10. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the base includes an adjustment aperture; the engagement component includes a central portion located within the adjustment aperture and retainers extending from the central portion and arranged to act against opposite surfaces of the base to retain the engagement component on the base; the position of the engagement component relative to the base is adjustable by moving the central portion within the adjustment aperture; and the locking hole is provided in the central portion of the engagement component.

11. A panel mounting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first component includes one or more engagement apertures, wherein the one or more engagement apertures and the one or more engagement elements are arranged for engagement with each other for mounting of the panel to the substrate, and disengagement from each other during removal of the panel from the substrate.

12. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 11 wherein each engagement aperture includes a tapered entrance leading to a lip.

13. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 12 wherein each engagement element is a shaped resilient tab having an angled leading section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are brought into engagement with each other.

14. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the shaped resilient tab further includes a trailing section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are disengaged from each other.

15. A panel mounting system for mounting a panel to a substrate, including a first component and a second component configured for engagement with each other in order to mount the panel to the substrate, wherein: the first component is configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate; the second component includes a base and an engagement component, wherein: the base is configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate; the base includes an adjustment aperture; the engagement component includes a central portion located within the adjustment aperture and retainers extending from the central portion and arranged to act against opposite surfaces of the base to retain the engagement component on the base; a position of the engagement component relative to the base is adjustable by moving the central portion within the adjustment aperture; and the engagement component further includes one or more engagement elements configured to engage with the first component.

16. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 15, further including a locking arrangement that allows the engagement component to be locked in a fixed position.

17. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein the locking arrangement is a locking hole in the engagement component, wherein a locking fastener may be inserted through the locking hole into the panel to lock the position of the engagement component.

18. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the locking hole is provided in the central portion of the engagement component.

19. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the engagement component is formed from a plurality of parts, joined by a fastener passing through the central portion, and wherein the fastener has a through hole passing through it and the locking hole is defined at least in part by the through hole.

20. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the fastener is a hollow rivet.

21. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the plurality of parts include: a first part including one or more front retainers arranged to act against a front face of the base; and a second part including one or more rear retainers arranged to act against a rear face of the base; wherein the rear and front retainers act to retain the engagement component on the base.

22. A panel mounting system as claimed claim 21 wherein either the front retainers or the rear retainers include one or more resilient elements, and the other of the front retainers and the rear retainers are a complete or partial flange.

23. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 21 or 22 wherein the first part also includes the one or more engagement elements.

24. A panel mounting system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23 wherein the base includes a plurality of holes arranged to receive mounting fasteners.

25. A panel mounting system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24 wherein the first component includes one or more engagement apertures, wherein the one or more engagement apertures and the one or more engagement elements are arranged for engagement with each other for mounting of the panel to the substrate, and disengagement from each other during removal of the panel from the substrate.

26. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 25 wherein each engagement aperture includes a tapered entrance leading to a lip.

27. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 26 wherein each engagement element is a shaped resilient tab having an angled leading section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are brought into engagement with each other.

28. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the shaped resilient tab further includes a trailing section arranged to ride over the lip as the engagement element and engagement aperture are disengaged from each other.

29. A panel mounting system for mounting a panel to a substrate, including a first component and a second component configured for engagement with each other in order to mount the panel to the substrate, wherein: the first component is configured for mounting to one of the panel or the substrate; the second component includes a base and an engagement component, wherein: the base is configured for mounting to the other of the panel or the substrate; a position of the engagement component relative to the base is adjustable; the engagement component further includes one or more engagement elements configured to engage with the first component; wherein the first component, base and engagement component are substantially formed from pressed metal.

30. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the engagement component includes a plurality of parts formed from pressed metal and permanently attached to each other.

31. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the plurality of parts are attached to each other by a fastener.

32. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the fastener is a rivet.

33. A panel mounting system as claimed in claim 32 wherein the rivet is a hollow rivet.

34. A panel mounting system as claimed in any preceding claim, formed entirely from fire-resistant or fire-rated materials.

35. A panel mounting system as claimed in any preceding claim, formed entirely from metal.

36. A panel mounting system as claimed in any preceding claim, formed entirely from stainless steel.

37. A method of mounting a panel to a substrate, including: providing a panel mounting system including a first component and a second component; mounting the first component to one of the panel or the substrate; mounting a base of the second component to the other of the panel or the substrate, wherein the second component further includes an engagement component that is adjustable relative to the base;adjusting the position of the engagement component relative to the base; locking the position of the engagement component relative to the base; and engaging the first component with the second component.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37, wherein adjusting the position of the engagement component includes temporarily engaging the first component and the second component, adjusting the position of the panel relative to the substrate, and disengaging the first component and the second component.

39. A method as claimed in claim 37 or 38, including installing a marker in the first component and pressing the marker into the other of the panel or the substrate to create marks for mounting the base.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39 wherein the marker also creates a mark indicative of a position in which a fastener may be inserted to lock the position of the engagement component without adjustment.

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