TUNNEL BOX COMPRISING MEANS OF FIXING TO A LINTEL

Abstract

TUNNEL BOX COMPRISING MEANS FOR FIXING TO A LINTEL The invention relates to a tunnel box intended to house a blind and to be fixed to a lintel comprising a metal chain. Said tunnel box comprises a body and a metal frame at least partly embedded in said body, said metal frame comprising: a plurality of arches extending parallel to each other and being generally spaced regularly over a length of said tunnel box and, warp threads extending generally parallel to each other and to the length and fixing said arches together. According to the invention, the tunnel box comprises fixing means intended to ensure the fixing of said metal frame to said metal chain of said lintel, said fixing means passing through said body and comprising at least one part fixed to an arch of said metal frame of said tunnel box. Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: TUNNEL BOX COMPRISING MEANS OF FIXING TO A LINTEL Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tunnel box for concealment intended to be fixed to a lintel, and more precisely intended to be fixed under a lintel. More particularly, the invention relates to a solution for fixing a tunnel box to a lintel. Such a tunnel box preferably has an inverted U, inverted L, C, or inverted C shape. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] In the field of construction, the use of tunnel boxes intended to house a blind is known. A tunnel box is intended to be placed in masonry, and more particularly under a lintel and above joinery (a window, for example). As illustrated in [Fig. 1a], a tunnel box 1 comprises a body 10 and a metal frame 12 which is embedded in the body 10. A lintel 2 has a metal chain 22 which can be embedded in concrete 24.

[0003] In order to ensure that the tunnel box 1 is maintained under the lintel 2 over time, and in order to comply with the recommendations of the Unified Technical Documents (DTU) and French technical opinions in particular, the tunnel box 1 must be fixed to the lintel 2. It is thus known to link the metal frame of the tunnel box to the metal chaining of the lintel. To do this, the mason must locate (sometimes blindly when the tunnel box is placed in position under the lintel) the frame of the tunnel box to link it to that of the lintel using a metal wire. However, the metal wire is not always available to the mason.Furthermore, even if the mason has previously provided himself with the metal wires, it may be that these wires are not suitable (in length and / or diameter, for example) for fixing the tunnel box to the lintel or that these wires are difficult to access (if the latter are stored in a mason's pocket but the mason's hands are busy holding the tunnel box in position, for example).

[0004] There is therefore a need to provide a solution facilitating the fixing of a tunnel box to a lintel. Statement of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tunnel box which is simple and quick to fix to a lintel.

[0006] For this purpose, a tunnel box is proposed intended to house a blind and to be fixed to a lintel comprising a metal chain. Said tunnel box comprises a body and a metal frame at least partly embedded in said body, said metal frame metal sheet comprising: a plurality of arches extending parallel to each other and being generally regularly spaced along a length of said tunnel box and warp threads extending generally parallel to each other and to the length and securing said arches together.

[0007] According to the invention, the tunnel box comprises fixing means intended to ensure the fixing of said metal frame to said metal chaining of said lintel, said fixing means passing through said body and comprising at least one part fixed to an arch of said metal frame of said tunnel box.

[0008] In this way, the mason no longer wastes time looking for a metal wire since the tunnel box 1 is here directly provided with fixing means 14. These fixing means pass through the body and are therefore easily accessible for the mason. He can thus use them directly, without tools and without having to look for the metal frame of the tunnel box. The fixing of such a tunnel box is therefore relatively simple and quick.

[0009] According to a first embodiment of the invention, said fixing means are in the form of a plurality of flexible wires, where each wire is linked at a central part to an arch and has a strand on each side of said central part.

[0010] Preferably, a wire is tied at least every three consecutive arches.

[0011] According to a particular aspect of this first embodiment, said wires are produced by cutting a single wire linked to each arch and cut in such a way that each strand of said wires has a length at least equal to a distance separating said arches from the metal frame and said chaining of said lintel.

[0012] According to a second embodiment of the invention, said fixing means comprise a plurality of fixing pieces, each fixing piece comprising a first end fixed to an arch and a second end intended to be fixed to said chaining of said lintel.

[0013] According to a particular aspect of this second embodiment, said fixing part is mounted to move in rotation on said arch at the first end.

[0014] According to another particular aspect of this second embodiment, said fixing part is movable between a retracted position in which said fixing part extends generally parallel to a horizontal plane of said tunnel box, and a position of use in which said fixing part extends upwards.

[0015] According to yet another particular aspect of this second embodiment, said fixing piece has a length at least equal to the distance separating said arches from the metal frame and said chaining of said lintel.

[0016] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said arches have a U shape. inverted, C-shaped, or inverted L-shaped.

[0017] The invention also relates to a building comprising a lintel to which a tunnel box as described above is fixed. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] The above-mentioned features of the invention, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of two embodiments and their variants, said description being made in relation to the attached drawings, among which:

[0019] [Fig.1a] is a side and cross-sectional view of a facade of a building comprising a lintel and a tunnel box according to the invention, the tunnel box being in the shape of an inverted U;

[0020] [Fig. 1b] is a side and cross-sectional view of a facade of a building comprising a lintel and a tunnel box according to the invention, the tunnel box being C-shaped;

[0021] [Fig. 1e] is a side and cross-sectional view of a facade of a building comprising a lintel and a tunnel box according to the invention, the tunnel box being in the shape of an inverted L;

[0022] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a metal frame of the tunnel box of [Fig.1a] according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0023] [Fig.3] is another perspective view of the metal frame of [Fig.2];

[0024] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a metal frame of the tunnel box of the [Fig.1a] according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0025] [Fig.5] is another perspective view of the metal frame of [Fig.4].

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF EMBODIMENT

[0027] Figs. 1a to 1c show from the side and in cross-section a part of a facade of a building. This facade comprises a lintel 2 below which is fixed a tunnel box 1. The lintel 2 comprises a metal chain 22 located generally in the center of the lintel 2. The metal chain 22 extends generally over the entire length of the lintel 2, and generally parallel to the horizontal longitudinal axis X. The chain 22 is generally obtained from reinforcing bars which are then embedded in concrete 24 so as to form the lintel 2.

[0028] The lintel 2 is preferably placed horizontally, that is to say parallel to the axis X, and the tunnel box 1 is arranged below and against the lintel 2. More precisely, the upper face 100 of the tunnel box 1 is generally flat and comes to bear against the lintel 2. The upper face 100 of the tunnel box 1 therefore extends in a horizontal plane which is generally parallel to the horizontal plane XY. Thus, by convention, the longitudinal direction of the tunnel box 1 is called X, and the transverse direction of the tunnel box 1 which is horizontal when tunnel box 1 is fixed to lintel 2, and Z the vertical direction or vertical height when tunnel box 1 is fixed to lintel 2, these three directions X, Y and Z being orthogonal to each other.

[0029] The tunnel box 1 is intended to house a blind (not shown) and to be fixed to the lintel 2. The tunnel box 1 comprises a body 10 which can be made of foam, such as polystyrene, for example. As illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5 which correspond to a tunnel box 1 in the shape of an inverted U according to [Fig.1a], the tunnel box 1 also comprises a metal frame 12 which is at least partly embedded in the body 10. The metal frame 12 comprises a plurality of arches 122 which extend parallel to each other and which are generally spaced regularly over the length L1 of the tunnel box 1. More precisely, the length L1 extends parallel to the winding axis of the blind or to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel box 1, i.e. generally parallel to the axis X.

[0030] The metal frame 12 also comprises warp threads 124 extending generally parallel to each other and to the length L1 and which make it possible to fix the arches 122 together.

[0031] Preferably, the arches 122 and the warp wires 124 are not deformable so as to form the structure of the tunnel box 1 and ensure that the shape and rigidity of the latter are maintained. For example, the metal arches 122 and the warp wires 124 are obtained from reinforcing steel.

[0032] It is obviously understood that a tunnel box in the shape of a C (as illustrated in [Fig.lb]) or an inverted L (as illustrated in [Fig.le]) includes a generally similar frame and therefore has the same technical characteristics.

[0033] According to the invention, the tunnel box 1 comprises fixing means 14 intended to ensure the fixing of the metal frame 12 to the metal chaining 22 of the lintel 2. More precisely, the fixing means 14 pass through the body 10 and comprise at least one part 140 fixed to an arch 122 of the metal frame 12 of the tunnel box 1.

[0034] In this way, the tunnel box 1 directly carries means 14 for fixing the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2. In fact, the metal frame 12 carries means 14 for fixing which pass through the body 10 of the tunnel box 1 and which can be fixed to the chaining 22 of the lintel 2.

[0035] In this way, the mason does not have to look for (on site) or bring with him metal wires to fix the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2. The tunnel box 1 is here directly provided with the fixing means 14. In addition, the fixing means 14 pass through the body 10 and are therefore easily accessible for the mason. He can thus use them directly without having to look for the metal frame 12 of the tunnel box 1. The fixing of a tunnel box 1 according to the invention is therefore relatively simple and fast.

[0036] The fixing means 14 may for example be supplied with the tunnel box 1. Optionally, the fixing means 14 may be mounted on the tunnel box 1 during the manufacture of the latter, that is to say that the fixing means 14 are arranged in the factory on the tunnel box 1.

[0037] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 (referring to the inverted U-shaped tunnel box 1 of [Fig. la] but which can also be applied to C-shaped tunnel boxes (see [Fig. lb]), inverted C-shaped (not illustrated) or inverted L-shaped (see [Fig. le]), the fixing means 14 are in the form of a plurality of flexible wires 142, i.e. wires which can be deformed or manipulated by the mason. Preferably, the wires 142 are made of metal and comprise annealed iron, steel, or any other metal capable of resisting the alkalis (i.e. the PH) of the concrete. It is also conceivable to manufacture the wires 142 from fiberglass or a composite or any other material suitable for resisting the alkalis of the concrete.

[0038] Each wire 142 is connected at a central portion 140 to an arch 122 and has a strand 142a, 142b on each side of the central portion 140. Preferably, the central portion 140 of the wire 142 is connected by winding the wire 142 around the arch 122, and more precisely by winding around an upper portion 122a of the arch 122. Generally, the upper portion 122a is the portion closest to the lintel 1. In this example, relating to the inverted U-shaped tunnel box 1 illustrated in [Fig.1a], the upper portion 122a is constituted by the central portion of the arch 122.

[0039] The strands 142a, 142b which extend on either side of the central part 140 of the wire 142 are intended to cooperate with the chaining 22 of the lintel 2 so as to fix the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2. To do this, the strands 142a, 142b can be twisted together above the chaining 22 or twisted with the chaining 22 by the mason, for example.

[0040] This is therefore a relatively simple and inexpensive solution to implement but which greatly facilitates the installation and fixing of the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2.

[0041] Preferably, said wires 142 are produced by cutting a single wire linked to each arch 122 and cut in such a way that each strand 142a, 142b of the wires 142 has a length L2 at least equal to a distance dl separating the arches 122 from the chaining 22.

[0042] More precisely, the single wire can be cut before using the tunnel box 1 on the construction site, for example directly in the factory or upon arrival at the construction site when the distance dl is known. This avoids the mason having to cut the wires 142 during the operation of installing the tunnel box 1. This cutting can be carried out manually by the mason or the manufacturer of the tunnel box 1, for example using simple cutting pliers or a specific tool.

[0043] Depending on the distance dl separating the arches 122 of the chaining 22, the single wire can be cut between all the arches 122 or every two or three arches 122. Preferably, a wire 142 is linked at least every three consecutive arches 122 in order to ensure optimal support of the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2.

[0044] The wires 142 have sufficient mechanical strength to allow the tunnel box 1 to be reliably fixed to the lintel 2. The wires 142 must also be sufficiently flexible to be able to be twisted into the desired shape, and preferably without tools. For information purposes, the wires 142 may have a diameter of between 0.5 and 2.5 mm.

[0045] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 (referring to the inverted U-shaped tunnel box 1 of [Fig. la] but which can also be applied to C-shaped tunnel boxes (see [Fig. lb]), inverted C-shaped (not illustrated) or inverted L-shaped (see [Fig. le]), the fixing means 14 comprise a plurality of fixing parts 144. Preferably, the fixing parts 144 are made of metal and comprise annealed iron, steel, or any other metal capable of resisting the alkalis (i.e. the PH) of the concrete. It is also conceivable to manufacture the parts 144 from fiberglass or a composite or any other material suitable for resisting the alkalis of the concrete.

[0046] Each fixing piece 144 comprises a first end 144a fixed to an arch 122 and a second end 144b intended to be fixed to the chaining 22 of the lintel 2.

[0047] For example, the fixing parts 144 are each in the form of a wire or a hook. This type of part constitutes a simple and inexpensive solution to implement but which greatly facilitates the installation and fixing of the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2.

[0048] More particularly, each fixing part 144 is here mounted to be able to rotate on the arch 122 at the level of the first end 144a.

[0049] More particularly still, each fixing part 144 is movable between a retracted position in which it extends generally parallel to the horizontal plane XY of the tunnel box 1, and a position of use in which it extends upwards.

[0050] More precisely, in the retracted position, the fixing part 144 is lowered and extends generally parallel to the horizontal plane XY which, in this example, extends generally parallel to the plane of the upper parts 122a of the arches 122. In all cases, in the retracted position, it can be considered that the fixing parts 144 extend generally parallel to the upper surface 100 of the trunk. tunnel 1. Preferably, the fixing part 144 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X or to the transverse axis Y in order to facilitate the use of the fixing means 14 for the mason. Optionally, the fixing part 144 can extend in any other orientation in the horizontal plane XY.

[0051] In the position of use, the fixing part 144 is considered to extend upwards. This means that the fixing part 144 projects relative to the upper surface 100 of the tunnel box 1. In other words, the fixing part 144 extends generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane XY and in the direction of the lintel 2 which is arranged above the tunnel box 1.

[0052] In this way, before using the tunnel box 1, the fixing part 144 is flush, that is to say that it does not protrude relative to the upper surface 100 of the tunnel box 1. The storage and transport of the tunnel box 1 are therefore facilitated and optimized.

[0053] The transition from the retracted position to the use position is simple and does not require any tools. The mason can therefore easily straighten, that is to say raise, the fixing part 144 when he needs to fix the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2, and this without tools. The fixing of the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2 is therefore made simpler and faster.

[0054] Preferably, the fixing part 144 has a length L3 at least equal to the distance dl separating the arches 122 from the chaining 22. In this way, the fixing part 144 can easily cooperate with the chaining 22 of the lintel 2 so as to fix the tunnel box 1 to the lintel 2.

[0055] Regardless of the first and second embodiments of the attachment means 14, the arches 122 may have different shapes. For example, the arches may have an inverted U shape (as illustrated), a C shape, or an inverted L shape. The shape of the arches 122 generally dictates the shape of the body 100 and therefore of the tunnel box 1.

Claims

Claims

1. Tunnel box (1) intended to house a blind and to be fixed to a lintel (2) comprising a metal chain (22), said tunnel box (1) comprising a body (10) and a metal frame (12) at least partly embedded in said body (10), said metal frame (12) comprising: a plurality of arches (122) extending parallel to each other and being generally spaced regularly over a length (L1) of said tunnel box (1) and, warp threads (124) extending generally parallel to each other and to the length (L1) and fixing said arches (122) together, characterized in that said tunnel box (1) comprises fixing means (14) intended to ensure the fixing of said metal frame (12) to said metal chain (22) of said lintel (2),said fixing means (14) passing through said body (10) and comprising at least one part (140) fixed to an arch (122) of said metal frame (12) of said tunnel box (1).,

2. Tunnel box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fixing means (14) are in the form of a plurality of flexible wires (142), where each wire (142) is linked at a central part (140) to an arch (122) and has a strand (142a, 142b) on each side of said central part (140).

3. Tunnel box (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said wires (142) come from the cutting of a single wire linked to each arch (122) and cut in such a way that each strand (142a, 142b) of said wires (142) has a length (L2) at least equal to a distance (dl) separating said arches (122) from the metal frame (12) and said chaining (22) of said lintel (2).

4. Tunnel box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fixing means (14) comprise a plurality of fixing parts (144), each fixing part (144) comprising a first end (144a) fixed to an arch (122) and a second end (144b) intended to be fixed to said chaining (22) of said lintel (2).

5. Tunnel box (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said fixing part (144) is mounted to be able to rotate on said arch (122) at the first end (144a).

6. Tunnel box (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said

7.

8.

9. fixing part (144) is movable between a retracted position in which said fixing part (144) extends generally parallel to a horizontal plane (XY) of said trunk (1), and a position of use in which said fixing part (144) extends upwards. Tunnel box (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said fixing part (144) has a length (L3) at least equal to the distance (dl) separating said arches (122) from the metal frame (12) and said chaining (22) of said lintel (2). Tunnel box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said arches (122) have an inverted U, C, or inverted L shape. Building comprising a lintel (2) to which is fixed a tunnel box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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