Lamella front surface system

Abstract

Lamella front surface system comprising at least one lamella comprising a lamella body defining a longitudinal extension and at least one mounting element, each mounting element having a mounting axis and a length, and each mounting element being configured to be attached to a support, e.g. the face of a building, the mounting element comprising a mounting base with a mounting side abutting the support in its mounted position and an interfacing side arranged opposite the mounting side, the interfacing side comprising a fixation part, wherein the fixation part comprises at least two projecting legs having a projecting extension, each projecting leg having an inwardly facing side and an outwardly facing side, wherein the at least one lamella comprises a first fastening side and a second fastening side arranged to be at least partially in contact with the fixation part in the assembled position, and wherein the first and the second inwardly facing side and / or the first and the second outwardly facing side of the fixation part of the mounting element(s) comprise(s) a friction area facilitating increased friction between the fixation part and the first and the second fastening side of the at least one lamella. The invention also relates to the use of the lamella front surface.

Description

[0001] LAMELLA FRONT SURFACE SYSTEM

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a lamella front surface system and to the use of such lamella front surface system.

[0004] Background art

[0005] A number of systems exist for creating a finish of a front surface of a structure, the exterior finish being lamella, jalousies, louvres, blinds or the like, and the interior being tapestry or thin wooden boards. Creating such finishing face of a structure, e.g . a building, is often a cumbersome and time-consuming process.

[0006] When installing a front surface on large multi-story buildings, the handling of lamellas is particularly difficult.

[0007] Large buildings entail the handling of long elements and heavy machinery during the actual front surface installation process of e.g. a facade, roof, wall or ceiling. A single lamella may have a length of several metres and hence a considerable weight. The higher the building, the more difficult it is to have machinery on location to support the installation process. Lamellas are therefore to a great extent handled by installers, i.e. manually by hand.

[0008] Since lamellas may comprise active materials expanding and contracting due to thermal conditions, there may be a need to change just one single lamella. In such situation, it is extremely expensive to repair the individual part, which also involves a high risk of damaging neighbouring parts. Hence, the installation directions are of great importance.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved lamella front surface system that is easy and safe to install by installers.

[0011] P2782PC00 It is a further object of the present invention to be able to easily remove and install a single lamella, e.g. during maintenance.

[0012] As yet a further object of the present invention, it should be easy for the worker installing the lamellas to adjust the lamellas individually in order to achieve an even outer appearance of the whole building.

[0013] The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by a lamella front surface system comprising :

[0014] - at least one lamella comprising a lamella body defining a longitudinal extension, and

[0015] - at least one mounting element, each mounting element having a mounting axis and a length, and each mounting element being configured to be attached to a support, e.g. the face of a building, the mounting element comprising :

[0016] - a mounting base with a mounting side abutting the support in its mounted position, and

[0017] - an interfacing side arranged opposite the mounting side, the interfacing side comprising a fixation part, wherein the fixation part comprises: o at least two projecting legs having a projecting extension, each projecting leg having an inwardly facing side and an outwardly facing side, wherein the at least one lamella comprises a first fastening side and a second fastening side arranged to be at least partially in contact with the fixation part in the assembled position, and wherein the first and the second inwardly facing side and / or the first and the second outwardly facing side of the fixation part of the mounting element(s) each comprises a friction area facilitating increased friction between the fixation part and the first and the second fastening side of the at least one lamella.

[0018] In this way, it is achieved that the lamella is kept in its final position by means of the friction in the friction areas, i.e. the friction between the mounting element and the lamella. Furthermore, the mounting direction may be kept simple, i.e. until the lamella has been fixed in the desired position, as the installation is carried out by

[0019] P2782PC00 manipulating the lamella in just one mounting direction. This means that the installer installing the lamella can position himself in a particularly effective position on the scaffold or straps in order to ensure both safety and efficiency. The installer simply forces the lamella in one direction, and the areas with increased friction ensure that the lamella is kept safely in position until the lamella has been fully secured.

[0020] The increased friction may be facilitated in a number of ways, e.g. by making the surface of the friction areas rougher. However, in general an increased contact surface causes an increase in the friction due to the increase in surface contact between the mounting element and the lamella. The increase in surface contact may e.g. be achieved by one or more longitudinal indentations in the one part and matching projections in the other part. In this way, the contact surface is increased in relation to the area when the area is measured in a direction perpendicular to the area.

[0021] Furthermore, an embodiment providing longitudinal grooves / indentations and matching keys / projections produces an audible effect when the lamella is mounted to the mounting element. When the indentation and the projection cross each other, i.e. are not parallel, the installer will not yet hear a click sound. When the indentation and the projection have been forced to become parallel with each other, sound feedback from the system indicates to the installer that the lamella has been fixedly inserted into the mounting element. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that this effect is also present when the lamella is initially inserted in angle, i.e. slanted in relation to the mounting element, and then finally forced to become parallel with the mounting element.

[0022] If the surface of the building to which the lamellas are mounted is uneven, the mounting of the lamellas needs to be able to be adjusted because the front surface of the lamellas needs to be flush in order to achieve the desired appearance. Hence, the installer may need to adjust the position of the lamellas in relation to the surface of the building, both where the surface is uneven and slanted. The surface of the building may be vertically slanted in some areas of the building and fully vertical in others. Each lamella therefore needs to be able to be adjusted individually.

[0023] P2782PC00 In this way, it is possible to achieve an even final overall lamella front surface and an overall high-quality appearance.

[0024] During the mounting of lamellas to the surface of e.g. a building, the mounting process is important with respect to both the overall economy of the project and the safety of the installers. Hence, it is a strong desire of builders to achieve a costefficient way of working. The present invention facilitates that the installers installing the lamella front surface system are kept safe, i.e. without the risk of a lamella unintentionally dropping to the ground because the areas with increased friction are adapted to keep the lamella in position during the installation process and until the lamella has been finally secured to the mounting element by a screw, nail, rivet or similar fastening means.

[0025] In an embodiment, the mounting direction of the lamella may be perpendicular to the base of the mounting element, i.e. perpendicular to the building. In this way, the installer can arrange to be in the safest and most desired position in order to benefit from assisting tools as well as keep the working environment safe for both him and his colleagues.

[0026] Also, the lamella may further comprise two projecting arms projecting from the body of the lamella, wherein the projecting arms are configured to connect with the second friction area of the mounting element.

[0027] Furthermore, the projecting arms of the lamella may comprise the first and the second fastening side.

[0028] In addition, the fixation part of the mounting element may comprise one or more slots arranged on the interface side, the slots being configured to receive locking means such as a screw, nail or pin for locking the mounting element and the lamella together.

[0029] Moreover, the second friction area of the mounting element and the projecting legs of the lamella may constitute a snap-fixing arrangement when aligning the friction areas in a parallel manner.

[0030] P2782PC00 In this way, it is achieved that the installer handling the mounting process is in a safer position and therefore less likely to drop the lamella during the fixation process.

[0031] Further, the second friction area of the mounting element may comprise longitudinal projections arranged substantially parallel to the mounting side of the mounting element.

[0032] In this way, it is achieved that the lamella is parallelly arranged in the mounting element and not placed in a slanted position in relation to the mounting side, i.e. the support.

[0033] Also, the fixation part may facilitate that the lamella and the mounting element are inserted into one another and fixed relative to each other by subjecting a force in a mounting direction in a straight line towards the support without the need for twisting, turning or angling the lamella.

[0034] Furthermore, the mounting element may comprise a second friction area, and the lamella may comprise a first friction area.

[0035] In this way, the resulting friction between the lamella and the mounting element is further increased.

[0036] In addition, the one or more sides of lamella may comprise a second friction area with increased friction.

[0037] In this way, it is achieved that the lamella can be held and kept in its position in the mounting element solely due to the friction areas. Consequently, the installer mounting the lamella front surface system achieves a safer mounting process minimizing the risk of hazards.

[0038] Moreover, the friction areas, i.e. areas of increased friction, may comprise grooves arranged substantially parallel to the base of the mounting element and hence substantially parallel to the support.

[0039] In this way, it is achieved that the lamella as a whole will be arranged substantially

[0040] P2782PC00 parallel to the support because the lamella will snap-fix to the mounting element when the friction area of the fixation part of the mounting element and the friction area of the lamella are parallelly arranged.

[0041] Further, the surface pattern of the first friction area of the lamella may be matched by its negative or an otherwise matching pattern in a second friction area of the mounting element.

[0042] In this way, it is achieved that the mounting element and the lamella are kept in position relative to each other. Furthermore, when the lamella and the mounting element comprise matching patterns of the friction areas, they may be even further engaged with each other. The matching patterns could be indentations matched by projections or projections spaced in such a way that the projections of the one friction area position themselves between the projections of the other friction area.

[0043] Also, the inward face of the projecting arms of the lamella may be arranged to be in contact with the outwardly facing side of the fixation part.

[0044] In this way, it is achieved that the mounting element is fully hidden and hence protected by the projecting arms of the lamella.

[0045] Furthermore, the outward face of the projecting arms of the lamella may be arranged to be in contact with the inwardly facing side of the fixation part.

[0046] In this way, it is achieved that it is quicker and easier to fully secure the mounting element and the lamella together using e.g. a screw. When installers are working on scaffolds or lifts, it is important to both ensure their safety and maintain the speed of the mounting process. When the mounting element is visible from the outside, it is easy for the installer to find the place to screw in a screw and hence hold the lamella and the mounting element together.

[0047] In addition, the cross-sectional extension of the body of the lamella may be longer than the distance from the first projecting arm to the second projecting arm.

[0048] In this way, it is achieved that the body of the lamella is partially hiding and protecting the mounting element from the surroundings.

[0049] P2782PC00 Moreover, the longitudinal extension of the lamella may be different from the length of the mounting element.

[0050] In an embodiment, the lamella may comprise a wooden lamella body and a metal support, where the metal support comprises the projecting arms. In this way, it is possible to achieve a wooden fagade and still benefit from the properties of the metal when affixing the lamella to the building.

[0051] Further, the longitudinal extension of the mounting element may be 5% to 10% of the length of the lamella. In yet another embodiment, the mounting element may extend the full length of the lamella and even beyond the full length of the lamella.

[0052] In an embodiment, the mounting element may extend along substantially the full length of the lamella. In this way, it is possible to bridge sections where there is little contact between the surface of the building and the mounting element. Such situations often arise if the lamellas are to extend beyond windows or other kinds of openings in the surface of the building. In such cases, the lamella needs further support to maintain its rigidity, and the mounting element may extend along the full length of the lamella. In this way, it is also achieved that the projecting arms or projecting legs near or in front of the window are covered. This minimizes the risk of vibration that may cause undesired sound. It also minimizes the risk of dirt, ice or snow being visible through the window, i.e. when looking at the lamellas from the inside of the building through e.g. a window. In this way, the risk of algae on the window is minimised. Even further, the mounting element may extend so as to bridge between two or three lamellas. In this way, a strong connection between the lamellas and the building is achieved.

[0053] In particular, when the body of the lamella is made of wood, the increased rigidity is of relevance to the mounting element in combination with the metal part of the lamella. Wood is an organic material and may bend or deflect when subjected to heat, sun or moist. Hence, when the body of the lamella is made of wood, especially long lamellas may be at risk of bending or deflecting. Long lamellas therefore, in particular, need further support from the mounting element(s). When a lamella needs to extend over an opening in a building, it is not possible to connect the lamella to the building in the opening via the mounting element. Hence, the further support is achieved by extending the mounting element over the full extent of the opening in the building.

[0054] P2782PC00 Also, the projecting legs of the mounting element may comprise one or more apertures, the apertures being 2-20 mm, or 3-15 mm, or 4-10 mm, or more preferably 5 mm, and optionally one or more of the apertures may be elongated apertures.

[0055] Furthermore, the length of the fixation part of each mounting element relative to the longitudinal extension of the lamella may be 1 to 20 or less, e.g. the mounting element may be 10 cm or less per 200 cm of longitudinal extension of the lamella.

[0056] In addition, the lamella may comprise a wooden element substantially forming the body of the lamella. Hence, the lamella may consist of both metal and wood.

[0057] Moreover, the wooden element may be extending along the full length of the lamella.

[0058] Further, a section of each of the projecting legs may be tapered, i.e. the thickness of the projecting legs and / or the thickness of the projecting arms may vary along at least 10% of the extension of the projection.

[0059] In this way, it is achieved that the lamella is easier to insert into the mounting element, and that the fixation force increases the further the lamella is inserted into the mounting element, at least for some of the insertion distance.

[0060] Also, the mounting element and / or the lamella may be made of aluminium.

[0061] Furthermore, the mounting element and / or the lamella may be made of eloxated / anodized or painted aluminium.

[0062] In an embodiment, the mounting element may be painted, and the lamella may be anodized / eloxated, or vice versa. In this way, it is achieved that the mounting element and the lamella can be more easily adjusted. Hence, in one embodiment the surface treatment of the mounting part may be different from the surface treatment of the metal of the lamella.

[0063] In an embodiment, the friction area may comprise a number of grooves. The grooves may extend along the longitudinal axis of the lamella and / or along the

[0064] P2782PC00 longitudinal axis of the mounting element. The grooves have neighbouring tops, i.e. a top and a valley outline that together form a wavy outline. The tops and valleys may also be arches. All the tops of the friction area are named the "top section".

[0065] The friction areas are arranged to generate increased friction. When two friction areas are arranged to touch each other, they cooperate to achieve increased friction and hence increased resistance to relative movement. In an embodiment, the friction areas are elevated. The outline or surface of the friction areas in combination with the elevation creates a stronger resistance against friction areas that are in contact.

[0066] The grooves and / or the tops may be part of a circle having a radius of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or more preferably 0.15 mm to 0.8 mm, even more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, and most preferably 0.25 mm to 0.4 mm. In this way, a strong connection is achieved that still facilitates adjustment of the lamella in relation to the fixation element and hence the lamella in relation to the building.

[0067] In an embodiment, the friction area may have a wavy outline seen in a cross- sectional view. In this way, it is possible for the friction areas of the mounting element and the lamella to lock sufficiently to each other to be kept in position in relation to each other. Furthermore, due to a wavy outline the mounting element and the lamella may also be adjusted in relation to each other. In this way, it is possible to compensate for uneven surfaces in the wall of the building and still ensure that the lamellas, particularly the outwardly facing surface of the lamellas of the fagade as a whole, are level and arranged in the same plane.

[0068] The wavy outline may be similar on both the mounting element and the lamella.

[0069] If the friction area of the projecting arms of the lamella is aligned with the friction area of the projecting legs at an angle different than 0° (i.e., 180° means parallel) to each other, only the top section of the wavy outline, i.e. the top of each of the waves of the mounting element extending towards each other, will interact with the top section of the wavy outline on the lamella. This increases the resulting force between the friction area of the lamella and the friction area of the mounting part. In this way, the lamella and the mounting part still have a strong connection and will be fixed in the desired position relative to each other.

[0070] P2782PC00 If the friction areas having a wavy outline are fully aligned, i.e. parallel when in contact with each other, a larger surface area of the friction areas will be in contact. This is simply because the tops of the one friction area will fit in the valleys of the other friction area. Although the force subjected by the friction areas to each other might be slightly smaller than when they are not parallel, the increased surface of contact will maintain the friction areas in position relative to each other.

[0071] In an embodiment, the friction area is elevated from the base surface where it is located. The top section of the friction area, i.e. the section that is the furthest away from the base surface of the part at which it is located, may be arranged at a distance of 0.1 mm to 1 mm from the base surface. More preferably, the top section may be arranged at a distance of 0.15 mm to 0.7 mm from the base surface. In a further embodiment, the top section may be arranged at a distance of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm from the base surface.

[0072] In addition, the invention relates to the use of the lamella front surface system to at least partially cover a structure such as a building or a part of a building.

[0073] Finally, the lamella front surface system may be used for covering a wall or ceiling.

[0074] Brief description of the drawings

[0075] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which:

[0076] Fig. 1 shows a lamella front surface system according to the invention,

[0077] Fig. 2A shows an embodiment of a single lamella secured in a mounting element,

[0078] Figs. 2B-2D show, in a cross-sectional view, the fixation and securing of a lamella in a mounting element,

[0079] Figs. 3A-3B show an embodiment of the friction area seen in a cross-sectional view,

[0080] P2782PC00 Figs. 4A and 4B show, in highly schematic form, the overall arrangement of the mounting element in relation to the lamella,

[0081] Fig. 4C shows an embodiment of a lamella having no projecting arms,

[0082] Fig. 5A shows an end view of the mounting element having slanted sections on the projecting legs,

[0083] Fig. 5B shows a lamella fixed to the mounting element shown in Fig. 5A,

[0084] Fig. 6 shows, in an end view, further embodiments of the profile of the lamella,

[0085] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the lamella front surface system comprising a transversal mounting bar,

[0086] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the mounting element of the lamella front surface system in Fig. 7,

[0087] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the mounting element extending substantially along the full length of the lamella,

[0088] Figs. 10A and 10B show lamellas stretching in front of a window and being supported by mounting elements in the full length of the lamella,

[0089] Figs. 11A-11D show the adjustment of a lamella in a parallel manner, and

[0090] Fig. 12 shows the adjustment of a lamella in an angled manner.

[0091] All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

[0092] Detailed description of the invention

[0093] Fig. 1 shows a lamella front surface system 1 according to the invention. It is shown that a lamella 2 is connected to a support 3 via mounting elements 4. It is to be understood that the lamella front surface system 1 may comprise an infinite

[0094] P2782PC00 number of lamellas 2 and an infinite number of mounting elements 4. Furthermore, it is to be understood that Fig. 1 is an example, and that the lamella 2 may be supported by more than two mounting elements 4.

[0095] Figs. 2A-2D show an embodiment of a single lamella 2 secured or to be secured (Figs. 2B and 2C) in the mounting element 4. The lamella 2 comprises a body 5 comprising two projecting arms 6, each projecting arm 6 having first fastening sides 7 and second fastening sides 9. In the shown embodiment, each fastening side 7 comprises a first friction area 8. In this embodiment, the first friction area 8 of each of the fastening sides 7 comprises a number of small longitudinal projections and / or indentations. The mounting element 4 comprises holes 25 (one or more) arranged in projecting legs 10 (only one visible in Fig. 2A). The projecting arms 6 may be an integrated part of the lamella 2 or may be one or more elements attached to the lamella 2. In this embodiment, locking means 20 is a screw. The screw 20 may be a cutting screw. The mounting element 4 comprises a mounting base 21 and a mounting side 22 abutting the surface (not shown) on which the lamella front surface system 1 should be mounted. It is shown that the mounting direction MD is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension LE of the lamella 2. The mounting direction MD follows a mounting axis MA substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the longitudinal extension LE.

[0096] Figs. 2B-2D show, in a cross-sectional view (Fig. 2D is a top view of Fig. 2A), the fixation and securing of the lamella 2 in the mounting element 4. It is shown that the mounting element 4 comprises two projecting legs 10, and each projecting leg 10 of the mounting element 4 comprises an inwardly facing side 11 and an outwardly facing side 12. In this embodiment, the inwardly facing side 11 comprises a second friction area 13. Furthermore, the locking means 20, in this embodiment a screw 20, is shown ready for securing the mounting element 4 to the lamella 2 when the lamella 2 is in its final position. The mounting element 4 is shown having an interfacing side 23 arranged to receive the lamella 2. Opposing the interfacing side 23, the mounting element 4 comprises the mounting base 21 and the mounting side 22 abutting the surface (not shown) on which the lamella front surface system 1 should be mounted. The lamella 2 is inserted into the mounting element 4 in the mounting direction MD. The torsional force, i.e. spring flexibility in the projecting arms 6 and / or the projecting legs 10, will ensure that the lamella 2 may be inserted into the mounting element 4 and kept in position.

[0097] P2782PC00 Hence, the friction areas 8, 13 provide a clamping force between them and thus between the projecting arms 6 and the projecting legs 10.

[0098] In Fig. 2C, the projecting arms 6 of the lamella 2 is shown fully inserted into the mounting element 4. In this embodiment, the projecting arms 6 are arranged to be received at the interfacing side of a fixation part of the mounting element 4. In this position, the second friction area 13 of the mounting element 4 is in contact with the first friction area 8 of the projecting arms 6 of the lamella 2. Also, in this position, the friction between the mounting element 4 and the lamella 2 is sufficient to keep the lamella 2 hanging in the mounting element 4 without any risk to either the installer handling the specific element or other workers in the vicinity, e.g. below the working site.

[0099] Fig. 2D shows that the screw 20 has been inserted through the hole 25 (not visible) in the mounting element 4 and screwed into the projecting arm 6 of the lamella 2. When the lamella 2 and the mounting element 4 have been screwed together, they are fully secured to each other.

[0100] Figs. 2A-2D show a further embodiment of the lamella 2 and the mounting element 4. The mounting element 4 is shown having an interfacing side arranged to receive the lamella 2. The mounting element 4 is shown as comprising two projecting legs 10, defining the second friction area 13. The fastening sides 7 of the projecting legs 10 comprise the second friction areas 13. The lamella 2 comprises the first friction area 8 arranged at the projecting arms 6 of the lamella 2. The fixating and securing of the lamella 2 in the mounting element 4 are achieved by the friction between the two friction areas 8, 13, i.e. by inserting the lamella 2 into the mounting element 4 by way of forcing the lamella 2 in the mounting direction MD, i.e. in one direction only. The lamella 2 is fixed in the mounting element 4 by means of the first and second friction areas 8, 13.

[0101] Figs. 3A and 3B show embodiments of the friction areas 8, 13. These embodiments show friction areas 8, 13 having a wavy outline seen in a cross-sectional view. Fig. 3A shows a wavy outline having a friction area elevation FAE from the base surface from which the friction area 8, 13 extends. At a top section R1 of the friction area 8, 13, the curvature of each of the arches may be R0.3. It will be understood that another radius may also be used. The rounded top at R1 provides for the lamella to be easily adjusted.

[0102] P2782PC00 In a similar manner, Fig. 3B shows a wavy outline having a friction area elevation FAE from the base surface from which the friction area 8, 13 extends. In this embodiment, the wavy cross-sectional outline has a substantially sinusoidal outline. At a top section R.2 of the friction area 8, 13, the curvature of each of the arches may be RO.3. It will be understood that another radius may also be used. The rounded top at R1 provides for the lamella to be easily adjusted.

[0103] Figs. 4A and 4B show in a highly schematic view the overall arrangement of the mounting element 4 in relation to the lamella 2. It is shown that the lamella 2 comprises the projecting arms 6, and that the mounting element 4 comprises the projecting legs 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A, the projecting arms 6 of the lamella 2 are arranged, when mounted, inside the projecting legs 10 of the mounting element 4. Hence, the first friction area 8 of the projecting arms 6 is arranged on the outside of the projecting arms 6, i.e. on the first fastening sides 7 (similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2B), i.e. facing away from each other. In order to match the position of the first friction area 8 of the lamella 2 with the second friction areas 13 of the projecting legs 10 of the mounting element 4, the first and second friction areas 8, 13 may be an inverted impression of each other. To achieve the most powerful friction, the first and second friction areas 8, 13 are brought into contact with each other. However, it is to be understood, that the friction may also be sufficient if just one friction area 8, 13 is present, depending on the friction. Consequently, the second friction areas 13 of the projecting legs 10 are facing each other, where the first friction area 8 and the second friction area 13 interact with each other to fix the lamella 2 relative to the mounting element 4 during the installation process of the lamella 2. It is to be understood from this highly schematic depiction that the friction areas 8, 13 of the lamella 2 and the mounting element 4 obviously should be in contact in order to work. The first and opposing second friction areas 8, 13 are spaced apart (as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B) for illustrative purposes only.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4B, the arrangement is inverted as compared to Fig. 4A, and the first friction areas 8 of the projecting arms 6 of the lamella 2 are facing each other, i.e. they are placed on the inside of the projecting arms 6. Consequently, in order for the first friction areas 8 of the projecting arms 6 and the projecting legs 10 to come into contact with each other, the second friction areas 13 of the mounting element 4 are facing away from each other.

[0105] P2782PC00 Fig. 4C shows an embodiment of the lamella 2 having no projecting arms. In this embodiment, the first fastening sides 7 are directly the sides of the lamella body 5. In this embodiment, only the first fastening sides 7 comprise the first friction areas 8. It will be understood that this embodiment of the lamella 2 is to be inserted into and fixed in the mounting element 4 as shown in Fig. 4A, i.e. having the second friction areas 13 facing each other, i.e. facing inwardly.

[0106] Fig. 5A shows an end view of an embodiment of the mounting element 4 having slanted sections SS on the projecting legs 10. Along the slanted sections SS, the projecting legs 10 are increasing in thickness towards the second friction areas 13 (also indicated by FA). In other words, the projecting legs 10 of the mounting element 4 taper towards a tip section 50 of the projecting legs 10. The mounting element 4 has a width EW and a height EH. The height EH is the distance from the base of the mounting element 4 to the tip section 50 of the projecting legs 10. The element width EW is the distance from the one outwardly facing side 12 of the projecting legs 10 to the other outwardly facing side 12. The slanted sections SS may have a height that is no more than 50% of the height EH of the mounting element 4, or more preferably no more than 40% of the height EH of the mounting element 4, or even more preferably no more than 35% of the height EH of the mounting element 4. The width of the tip section 50 may be no more than 80% of the width of the base of the projecting legs 10, or more preferably no more than 70% of the width of the base of the projecting leg 10, or even more preferably no more than 60% of the width of the base of the projecting legs 10. The tapering of the slanted section SS (i.e., a tapering section) may be arranged at a predefined ratio, where the width of the tip section 50 decreases incrementally along a linear scale from a position closer to the mounting base 21 (as shown in Fig. 2B) and towards the tip section 50. In an embodiment, the full extension of one or both of the projecting leg(s) 10 may be tapering from the tip section 50 to the mounting base 21 of the mounting element 4, i.e. over the slanted sections SS and over some or the full length of the friction areas FA. The second friction areas 13 are shown to have a friction area elevation FAE. The wavy outline of the friction areas 13 (as shown in Fig. 3B) have a top T and a valley V. It is to be understood that the same function may apply to other embodiments having a friction area 8, 13. The projecting legs 10 has a projecting leg extension PLE.

[0107] P2782PC00 In one embodiment, the width of the outwardly facing side 12 of the fixation part FP (as shown in Fig. 2B) may be equal to or larger than the inwardly facing side 11 of the lamella 2, or the width of the inwardly facing side 11 of the fixation part FP may be equal to or larger than the outwardly facing side 12 of the lamella 2.

[0108] Fig. 5B shows, in an enlarged view, the projecting arms 6 of the lamella 2 fixed to the mounting element 4 as shown in Fig. 5A. It is shown how the second friction areas 13 of the mounting element 4 are in contact with the friction areas 8 of the lamella 2, i.e. in this embodiment the friction areas 8 are arranged on the outside of the projecting arms 6.

[0109] If the friction areas 8, 13 having a wavy outline are fully aligned, i.e. parallel when in contact with each other, a larger surface area of the friction areas 8, 13 will be in contact. This is simply because the tops T of the one friction area 8, 13 will fit in the valleys V of the other friction area 8, 13. Although the force subjected by the friction areas 8, 13 to each other might be slightly smaller than when they are not parallel, the increased surface of contact will maintain the friction areas 8, 13 in position relative to each other.

[0110] Fig. 6 shows, in an end view, a further embodiment of the lamella 2 where the lamella 2 comprises a wooden part 60. In this embodiment, the wooden part 60 is substantially the full body 5 of the lamella 2. In this embodiment, the body 5, i.e. the wooden part 60, is supported by and directly attached to a metal support 80 comprising the arms 6 arranged to be received by the interfacing section (fixation part) of the mounting element (not shown). It is to be understood by the person skilled in the art that the wooden part 60 may, in other embodiments, be of plastic, recycled material or composites of various kinds.

[0111] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the lamella front surface system 1 comprising a transversal mounting bar 70. In this embodiment, the mounting element 4 comprises a first mounting slot 81 and a second mounting slot 82. The first mounting slot 81 is adapted to fit a first mounting key 71 on the transversal mounting bar 70, and the second mounting slot 82 is adapted to fit a second mounting key 72 on the transversal mounting bar 70. The mounting slots 81, 82 may have a play in relation to the first mounting key 71 of the transversal mounting bar 70 in order to facilitate easy installation. When this embodiment of the mounting element 4 is installed, the first mounting slot 81 is aligned in a slanted

[0112] P2782PC00 manner on the first mounting key 71, and then the mounting element 4 is tipped so as to engage the second mounting key 72 in the second mounting slot 82. Hence, upon installation, the mounting slots 81, 82 are fitted to the first and second mounting keys 71, 72 of the transversal mounting bar 70, and when the lamella 2 is successively inserted as shown in Figs. 2A-D and Figs. 3A-D, the mounting element 4 and the lamella 2 are fixed to the transversal mounting bar 70. In this way, the installer may use one hand to hold the mounting element 4 and the other hand to insert the lamella 2 into the mounting element 4 by using force in just one direction. Finally, the screw 20 is installed in order to prevent the lamella 2 and the mounting element 4 from moving relative to each other.

[0113] Fig. 8 shows, in an enlarged perspective view, the embodiment of the mounting element 4 of the lamella front surface system 1 shown in Fig. 7. The first mounting slot 81 and the second mounting slot 82 are seen. Similarly to other embodiments, the projecting legs 10 of this embodiment comprise a second friction area 13 and slanted sections SS / tapering sections and holes 25 for securing the installation.

[0114] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the mounting element 4 where the mounting element 4 extends substantially along the full length of the lamella 2. Similarly to other embodiments, the mounting element 4 comprises holes 25 for insertion of locking means, e.g. a screw (not shown) in order to secure and lock the mounting element 4 to the lamella 2. For all embodiments of the mounting element 4, the holes 25 may be oblong in order to compensate for the relative movement between the mounting element 4 and the lamella 2, e.g. due to expansion or contraction caused by thermal changes.

[0115] Figs. 10A and 10B show a situation where lamellas 2 are arranged in front of an opening, e.g. a window 110 in a wall 100. In this embodiment, the mounting element 4 extends along the full length of the lamella 2. In fact, the mounting element 2 extends beyond the full length of the one lamella 2 in order to firmly align the next lamellas 2 with the lamella 2 in front of the window 110. In this way, it is achieved that the lamella 2 in front of the window 110 is supported along the full length of its longitudinal extension. Furthermore, the projecting arms (not shown) of the lamella 2 are covered in order to achieve a smooth surface. In this way, less moist and dirt will build up in front of the window, minimising the risk of algae on the window. It is shown that gaps 105 between the lamellas 2 may be

[0116] P2782PC00 fully in line with the gaps 105 where the lamella 2 is not in front of the window 110.

[0117] Figs. 11A-11D show the adjustment of the lamella 2 in relation to the mounting element 4. In Figs. 11A and 11B, the lamella 2 has been fully inserted into the mounting element 4, i.e. the lamella 2 is in a position nearest the wall 100.

[0118] In Figs. 11C and 11D, the lamella 2 has been adjusted and displaced in the full length of the lamella 2. The lamella 2 has been parallelly displaced at a distance PD, i.e. positioned further away from the wall 100. In this way, the lamella front surface system 1 according to the invention facilitates an even overall surface of all the neighbouring lamellas 2 despite being mounted to an uneven wall 100.

[0119] Fig. 12 shows, similarly to Figs. 11A-11D, that the lamella front surface system 1 also compensates for a slanted wall 100. In this case, the lamella 2 is adjusted in an angular manner, i.e. adjusted more in relation to the wall 100 in the one end of the lamella 2 than in the other end of the lamella 2. In Fig. 12, it is shown that the upper end of the lamella 2 is further way from the wall 100 than the lower end of the lamella 2. Hence, the lamella 2 has an angular displacement AD. The angular displacement AD may be in relation to the overall surface plane of the wall 100, but it also compensates for an individual mounting element 4 being positioned in an indentation / a dent in the wall 100. The indentation / dent in the wall 100 may cause the full mounting element 4 to be offset in relation to the rest of the mounting elements 4 / lamellas 2 or just slanted / arranged at an angle in relation to the wall 100 and / or the rest of the lamellas 2.

[0120] If aligned with an angle different than 0° (i.e., 180° means parallel) to each other, the top section of the friction area 8, 13 of the mounting element 4 will interact with the top section of the friction areas 8, 13 of the lamella 2, and the top sections will slightly cut into each other. In this way, the friction areas 8, 13 have a strong connection and will remain in position relative to each other.

[0121] Although the invention has been described above in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0122] P2782PC00

Claims

Claims1. Lamella front surface system (1) comprising :- at least one lamella (2) comprising a lamella body (5) defining a longitudinal extension (LE), and- at least one mounting element (4), each mounting element (4) having a mounting axis and a length, and each mounting element (4) being configured to be attached to a support (3), e.g. the face of a building, the mounting element (4) comprising :- a mounting base (21) with a mounting side (22) abutting the support (3) in its mounted position, and- an interfacing side (23) arranged opposite the mounting side (22), the interfacing side (23) comprising a fixation part (FP), wherein the fixation part (FP) comprises:- at least two projecting legs (10) having a projecting extension, each projecting leg (10) having an inwardly facing side (11) and an outwardly facing side (12), wherein the at least one lamella (2) comprises a first fastening side (7) and a second fastening side (9) arranged to be at least partially in contact with the fixation part (FP) in the assembled position, and wherein the first and the second inwardly facing side (11) and / or the first and the second outwardly facing side (12) of the fixation part (FP) of the mounting element(s) (4) comprise(s) a friction area (8, 13) facilitating increased friction between the fixation part (FP) and the first and the second fastening side (7, 9) of the at least one lamella (2).

2. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lamella (2) further comprises two projecting arms (6) projecting from the lamella body (5) of the lamella (2), wherein the projecting arms (6) are configured to connect with the second friction area (13) of the mounting element (4).

3. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the projecting arms (6) of the lamella (2) comprise the first and the second fastening side (7, 9).

4. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claims 1-3, wherein the fixation part comprises one or more holes (25) arranged on the fastening side (7), the holes (25) being configured to receive locking means (20) such as a screw, nail or pin for locking the mounting element (4) and the lamella (2) together.P2782PC005. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second friction area (13) of the mounting element (4) and the projecting legs (10) of the lamella (2) constitute a snap-fixing arrangement.

6. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claims 1-5, wherein the second friction area (13) of the mounting element (4) comprises longitudinal projections arranged substantially in parallel to the mounting side (22) of the mounting element (4).

7. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claims 1-6, wherein the fixation part (FP) facilitates that the lamella (2) and the mounting element (4) are inserted into one another and fixed relative to each other by subjecting a force in a mounting direction (MD) in a straight line towards the support (3) without the need for twisting, turning or angling the lamella (2).

8. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claims 1-7, wherein the mounting element (4) comprises the second friction area (13), and the lamella (2) comprises the first friction area (8).

9. Lamella front surface system (1) according to claims 1-8, wherein the longitudinal extension (LE) of the lamella (2) is different from the length (L) of the mounting element (4).

10. Lamella front surface system (1) according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the longitudinal extension (LE) of the mounting element (4) is 5% to 10% of the length of the lamella (2).

11. Lamella front surface system (1) according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the projecting legs (10) of the mounting element (4) comprise one or more apertures / holes (25), the apertures / holes being 2-20 mm, or 3-15 mm, or 4-10 mm, or more preferably 5 mm, and optionally wherein one or more of the apertures / holes (25) are elongated apertures / holes.

12. Lamella front surface system (1) according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the length of the fixation part (FP) of each mounting element (4) relative to the longitudinal extension (LE) of the lamella (2) is 1 to 20 or less, e.g. the mountingP2782PC00element (4) is 10 cm or less per 200 cm of the longitudinal extension (LE) of the lamella (2).

13. Lamella front surface system (1) according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the lamella (2) comprises a wooden element (60) substantially forming the body(5) of the lamella (2).

14. Lamella front surface system (1) according to any of claims 1-13, wherein a section (SS) of each of the projecting legs (10) is tapered, i.e. the thickness of the projecting legs (10) and / or the thickness of the projecting arms (6) varies / vary along at least 10% of the extension of a projection (30).

15. Use of the lamella front surface system (1) according to any of claims 1-14 for at least partially covering a structure such as a building or a part of a building.P2782PC00

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