Method and system for modular panels and their installation

Abstract

A method and apparatus for mounting modular panels in elevators cabs and on building walls with a plurality of side assemblies including frame member for supporting modular panel and for wall mounting the panels. Devices and method are disclosed for alignment of multiple panels fitted to a wall.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A modular panel for installation on elevator cab and building walls, the modular panel comprising a decorative front panel having a perimeter defining multiple sides, a plurality of side assemblies adjoining the panel sides for installation of the modular panel, means for connecting the side assemblies to each other to define a frame about the modular panel perimeter, each side assembly having an inner support frame, the inner support frame having a modular panel mounting face for engaging and positioning a modular panel, and a wall mounting face for positioning the modular panel on elevator and building walls, the panel mounting face and the wall mounting face having surfaces being generally parallel to each other, the panel mounting face and the wall mounting face being spaced from each other to define an interior space accessible through the wall mounting face, the interior space adapted to receive a wall panel connector by which the modular panel is secured to elevator cab and building walls. 
     
     
         2 . A modular panel as defined in  claim 1  in which each side assembly comprises an inner support frame, a panel moulding connected to the frame and extending along the perimeter of the front panel, the panel moulding having means for retaining the front panel to the support frame. 
     
     
         3 . A modular panel as defined in  claim 2  in which the inner support frame has a panel arm for positioning the panel moulding on the frame. 
     
     
         4 . A modular panel as defined in  claim 1  which further comprises a perimeter alignment panel extending along an outer margin of the panel for aligning adjacent modular panels when connected to elevator cab and building walls. 
     
     
         5 . A modular panel as defined in  claim 1  which further comprises an intermediate panel and a back panel between the decorative front panel and the modular panel mounting face. 
     
     
         6 . A modular panel as defined in  claim 1  in which each inner support frame has mitered ends abutting adjacent inner support frames, interior spaces of the inner support frames communicating across the mitered ends, and connectors positioned in interior spaces across mitered ends for connecting the side assemblies to each other to define a frame about the modular panel perimeter. 
     
     
         7 . An inner support frame for positioning modular panels in elevator cabs and on building walls, the inner support frame comprising a generally L-shape beam of fixed cross-section, the frame having a face plate having a top surface defining a modular panel mounting face, a panel arm extending along an edge of the face plate for positioning a modular panel on the mounting face, the face plate having a bottom surface, first and second appendages extending from the bottom face, the appendages respectively supporting first and second elongate bars, each bar having a wall mounting face generally parallel to the panel mounting face, the first and second appendages and bars defining an interior space for connection of support frames to each other about a modular panel, one of the first and second bars cooperating with the face plate to define a recess for connecting modular panels to elevator cabs and building walls. 
     
     
         8 . An inner support frame as defined in  claim 7  in which the other of the first and second bars cooperate with the face plate to define a recess for receiving an intermediate alignment piece whereby adjacent modular panels are aligned. 
     
     
         9 . An inner support frame as defined in  claim 8  in combination with alignment bars mounted on elevator cab and building walls, the alignment bars having a recess in registry with the other bar recess to receive the intermediate alignment piece. 
     
     
         10 . An inner support frame as defined in  claim 8  in which the recess has an interior locking edge for cooperation with a lock for securing adjacent modular panels to each other. 
     
     
         11 . An inner support frame as defined in  claim 7  which further comprises a panel arm extending along an edge of the face plate for positioning a modular panel on the frame. 
     
     
         12 . An inner support frame as defined in  claim 11  in which the panel arm has a recess for receiving and positioning an LED strip along a margin of a modular panel. 
     
     
         13 . An inner support frame as defined in  claim 11  in which the panel arm has means for connection to a modular panel. 
     
     
         14 . A method for installing modular panels in elevator cabs and on building walls comprising the steps of positioning inner support frames about the perimeter of a decorative panel, defining a connector cavity in each support frame, for connecting the support frames to each other at abutting edges, defining a mounting recess in each support frame for installing modular panel, and aligning modular panels along their perimeters. 
     
     
         15 . A method as defined in  claim 14  including the additional step of locking adjacent panels to each other.