Construction system

Abstract

A building system includes a profile member extending along a profile axis and having a face provided with at least one recess; a connecting member configured to be fixed on the face and to connect another member; a fastener, such as one or more of a screw, a bolt, a rivet, and a nut, is used to fasten a connecting member to the face. The connecting member comprises a mounting side for mounting to the face, at least the mounting side being elastically deformable, the mounting side being provided with a protrusion receivable in the at least one recess. The system is arranged such that when the projection is received in the at least one recess, the fastener reversibly secures the connecting member to the profile member and reversibly urges the projection outwardly against an opposing outer wall of the at least one recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A construction system comprises a profile member extending along a profile axis and having a face provided with at least one recess, a connecting member configured to be fixed on the face, and a fastener for fastening the connecting member to the face, the fastener being one or more of a screw, a bolt, a rivet and a nut. Background Art

[0002] This construction system is well known for achieving fixed construction. For example, US2004 / 0033103 A1 discloses a connector of streamlined section pillars (12, 14), which extend orthogonally to each other using a connecting member (connector 16) with a substantially rectangular base cross-section (18). The connecting member (16) is mounted to the side surface (18a) of the pillar (12, 14) having a mounting groove (18b) using a hammer nut (24). Specifically, US2004 / 033103 discloses a connector (10) of two streamlined section pillars (12, 14) extending orthogonally to each other using a connector (16) with a substantially rectangular base cross-section (18). The side surface (18a) of one (14) of the streamlined section pillars has a mounting groove (18b) and an edge flange (18c), which protrudes substantially orthogonally from the edge of the side surface (18b) at a predetermined distance (b). The connector (16) can be attached to the side surface (18a) of the one streamlined section pillar having the mounting groove (18b) and the front side of the other streamlined section pillar (12). The profile of the connector (16) is substantially completely accommodated within the base cross section (18) of the other streamlined section pillar (12). In addition, the depth of the connector (16) is substantially the same as the predetermined distance (b).

[0003] DE 35 37 135 A1 and DE 86 23 325 U1 disclose a threaded element for fastening a connecting member to a profile member. The profile member has a T-shaped longitudinal groove, and the threaded element is a fixing nut with a parallelepiped-shaped head and a neck matching the T-shape of the groove. DE 199 14 398 A1 discloses a fastening device for fastening a member to another member having an undercut groove. A fixing nut or a fixing screw can be arranged in the groove, which is provided with an electrically insulating cap.

[0004] The applicant has discovered that such a construction system based on profile elements can also be used to realize mobile constructions, for example for transporting objects and / or humans. The applicant has therefore developed several designs and kits, including profile members, construction members and fasteners of the above-mentioned type, as well as other parts, for building so-called "mounts", such as scooters, bicycles, tricycles, karts, ride-on toys, etc., including ice and snow vehicles such as sleds, snow scooters, ski chairs, etc. Such mounts can be muscle-driven and / or engine-driven. Please visit the applicant's website www.Infento.com for some examples.

[0005] Due to dynamic loads rather than static loads, the stability, robustness and reliability requirements of such mobile structures are significantly different from those of fixed structures. In addition, it is desirable to improve the ease of changing design details and / or construction details, such as adding or removing components from such structures without affecting other components. However, there is often a conflict between robustness during installation and use and flexibility in structural adaptation. Therefore, improvements are needed to address one or more of these issues.

[0006] It should be noted that DE 298 24 254 U1 discloses a fastening device for anchoring a structural member to a foundation member by means of an anchor.

[0007] - wherein the base part (19) has an elongated through-opening in the clamping surface (22) and a support (23) on the opposite side thereof,

[0008] - the structural component can be clamped to the base component (19) by means of the shank of the anchor (2), and

[0009] - wherein at least one arm (13) of the anchor head (2) of the anchor capable of being connected to the shaft is attached to the support (23), after which the anchor head (2) is pulled thereto by spring action (7) to self-lock,

[0010] It is characterized in that

[0011] - the spring element (1) has a flange (3) extending transversely to the shank, the dimensions of which are greater than the width of the through-opening,

[0012] - a leaf spring (7, 17, 18) acting in the direction of the axis is arranged on the flange (3),

[0013] - so that after turning the anchor (2), the leaf spring (7, 17, 18) acts on the clamping surface (22).

[0014] DE 42 44 396 A1 discloses a coupling for the releasable connection of two profile beams. The connector has at least one eccentric centering member (14, 15) which engages in at least one longitudinal groove (3, 4) of one of the bars (1, 2). The centering member or members at least partially match the inner contour of the groove in the bar in profile and are keyed. The two centering members can be formed integrally with the connector (11) symmetrically with respect to the center hole (10). Below the plate element (12) close to the center hole (10) is an attachment (13) which protrudes through the longitudinal groove into the interior space.

[0015] WO 2019 / 020319 A1 discloses a mounting rail with a fastening element. The document relates to a rectangular tubular mounting rail (1) having a hammer head bolt as a fastening element (6). The document proposes that the mounting rail (1) is formed with a curling edge as a recess (2), which extends in the longitudinal direction and has a perforated disc-shaped support (11) placed on the screw shank (8) of the fastening element (6). Summary of the invention

[0016] In view of the above, and in accordance with the appended claims, there is provided the following construction system.

[0017] The build system includes

[0018] a profile member extending along a profile axis and having a face provided with at least one recess;

[0019] a connecting member configured to be fixed to the surface and used to connect another member;

[0020] Fasteners, such as one or more of screws, bolts, rivets and nuts, are used to fasten the connecting member to the face.

[0021] The connecting member comprises a mounting side for mounting to the surface, at least the mounting side being elastically deformable, the mounting side being provided with a protrusion receivable in the at least one recess.

[0022] The system is arranged such that, when the projection is received in the at least one recess, the fastener reversibly secures the connecting member to the profile member and reversibly urges the projection outwardly against an opposing outer wall of the at least one recess.

[0023] In the system, further connecting members and / or profile members can be fixed to the connecting member and / or fixed by fasteners. For this purpose, the connecting member can be configured to connect another member such as an angle member, a hinge member, an axle support, etc. to the profile member. In addition or alternatively, the connecting member can be configured to be connected to another identical connecting member for connecting two profile members to each other via the connected connecting member. For this purpose, the individual connecting members can be oriented opposite to each other and face each other with their respective connecting parts, which can then engage with each other, etc., see also below.

[0024] The connecting member may be an integral member, possibly a single piece. The connecting member may be a connecting plate. The mounting side may be provided by a surface of the connecting member. The protrusion may be provided as one or more studs and / or one or more ribs.

[0025] The face is preferably planar at the portion where the connecting members (are to be) joined, the planar portions preferably being parallel, more preferably being in a single plane; effectively, the face may be a substantially flat face, e.g. flat except for at least one recess and possibly one or more bevels and / or chamfers. The at least one recess may be formed by one or more blind holes or through holes in the face and / or a slot along the face.

[0026] In the construction system, the connecting member is supported on the profile member in a fastened configuration; the connecting member is not only attached to the profile member by a fastener, but the connecting member is also stressed by the fastener so that the protrusion and the at least one recess interact. This interaction strengthens the attachment. This provides one or more of the following: accepting larger fastening tolerances, adapting to tolerances and / or tolerance stacking between (position and / or orientation) of the connecting member and the profile member, mitigating shocks, preventing fastener loosening, reducing or preventing the release of the connecting member and the profile member, and reducing or preventing the relative rotation of the connecting member and the profile member. Therefore, the structure built with the construction system is robust under both static and dynamic loads.

[0027] Furthermore, by elastic deformation of the connecting member, deformation can be substantially limited to the connecting member itself, and deformation of the profile member associated with the fastening of the connecting member can be prevented. Thus, a plurality of mounting plates can be attached to and / or removed from the profile member without affecting (fastening) the connecting member due to one or more of the presence, absence, displacement and fastening strength of another connecting member. The applicant has found that in prior art construction systems of this type, the profile member is susceptible to deformation when other elements are fastened to the profile member, so that in the case of attaching different elements to one profile member, these elements and / or their attachments interfere with each other.

[0028] The mounting side can be resiliently concave in an unfastened configuration so as to engage with the face on the opposite side of the fastener and maintain a center portion between the arranged engagement portions spaced apart from the face when the protrusion is received in the at least one recess, and by tightening the fastener to provide a fastened configuration, at least the center portion of the mounting side is resiliently flattened toward the face and the protrusion is pushed outwardly against the opposite outer wall of the at least one recess.

[0029] The flattening may be such that the central portion is pressed flat against the face by the fastener. The fastener may be configured to press the mounting side against the face.

[0030] The concave shape may be at least partially concave in one direction, such as curved in one aspect, such as cylindrical. Additionally or alternatively, the concave shape may be at least partially concave in two directions, such as curved in two aspects, such as elliptical or spherical.

[0031] Polygonal concave shapes may be used, but monotonic curvatures, such as elliptical, sinusoidal, parabolic or circular curvatures, may be preferred and may help provide well-defined deformations and / or help prevent localized stresses.

[0032] In at least one embodiment of the system, the profile member is elongated along the profile axis, preferably having a constant cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the profile axis. Additionally or alternatively, in at least one embodiment of the system; and / or the profile member has a substantially polygonal perimeter, in particular a rectangular perimeter, such as a square perimeter. In any such embodiment, the face may be a side face parallel to the profile axis, or an end face having a normal at an angle of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 or 75 degrees to the profile axis.

[0033] The profile member can be efficiently manufactured by extrusion technology. The polygonal perimeter helps to provide a flat surface. The profile member can, for example, have a rectangular perimeter, such as a square perimeter. In addition or alternatively, the normal of the end face can be at an angle of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 or 75 degrees to the profile axis. This may help in the design and / or implementation of the construction, and / or help to enhance the robustness of the construction. In particular, an end face with a normal at an angle of about 0 degrees to the profile axis, i.e., the face is perpendicular to the profile axis, can simplify the construction. The rectangular perimeter of the profile element also effectively provides a vertical surface.

[0034] Vertical faces and / or end faces perpendicular to the profile axis may contribute to providing one or more walls of the at least one recess oriented along the profile axis, in particular if the at least one recess extends along or perpendicular to the profile axis.

[0035] The face may be provided with a plurality of recesses, wherein the connecting member is arranged so that at least some of the protrusions are simultaneously receivable in several of the plurality of recesses, and in a tightening configuration, for urging at least some of the protrusions outwardly against outer walls of the several recesses.

[0036] In this case, the interaction between the protrusions and the plurality of recesses may improve the engagement and / or coupling strength, and / or may help prevent rotation when being tightened. Preferably, the plurality of recesses may be arranged in the end face. The connecting member may have a total perimeter associated with the total perimeter of the profile member, or preferably equal to the total perimeter of the profile member, for example both have a polygonal perimeter, preferably a rectangular perimeter, such as a square perimeter, and preferably both have the same size, so that the connecting member may essentially form a continuation of the profile member, possibly without one or more recesses in the side of the profile member. At least some of the protrusions may be arranged at or near the corners of the polygonal connecting member, and / or the recesses may be arranged at or near the corners of the polygonal profile member.

[0037] The (mounting side of) the connecting member may be bi-concave, with equal or different concave shapes and / or sizes; thus, the protrusions may be pushed outwardly in radial and / or two perpendicular directions relative to the fastener.

[0038] The at least one recess may be formed as an undercut-type groove defined in part by a depending flange portion, wherein the depending flange portion may provide the outer wall of the at least one recess.

[0039] The undercut profile groove provides a T-shaped recess in cross section. The overhanging flange portion may be flat on the outside and / or inside, which may reduce material consumption and / or prevent local stresses. Fastening may be achieved by clamping the flange portion. The flange portion may be part of the face and / or define at least a part of the face.

[0040] The cross section is a T-shaped recess, with a relatively narrow entrance and a wider part behind the entrance, which is convenient for retaining at least a portion of a fastener and / or a mating piece in the recess. In addition or alternatively, it is convenient to fasten by clamping on the neck.

[0041] By providing an overhanging flange portion of the outer wall of the at least one recess, the protrusion can be relatively small and does not need to reach below the flange portion to engage the wider portion of the outer wall portion. This may be one or more of facilitating production and / or use, providing robustness of the operable engagement of the protrusion and the outer wall, increasing the strength of the protrusion and / or the connecting member as a whole.

[0042] The profile member may define a C-shaped cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the face and / or perpendicular to the profile axis. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one recess may be formed in the face as an elongated slot parallel to the profile axis. The grooves along the surface may allow for selective positioning and / or displacement of the fastener, thereby allowing for selective positioning or displacement of the connecting member with the profile member.

[0043] The profile may have multiple sides having similar, possibly substantially identical shapes, for example the profile has rotational symmetry at multiple rotation angles, for example having two-fold or four-fold symmetry.

[0044] The connection member may be provided with a profiled connection portion, preferably opposite the mounting side. The profiled connection portion may then be provided with one or more protrusions and / or recesses defining a predetermined connection position and / or direction for a complementary mounting portion such as the same connection member. The profiled connection portion may define a fastener position and / or a fastener axis and comprise a plurality of protrusions such as ribs radially oriented around the fastener position and / or the fastener axis.

[0045] The connecting portion facilitates connecting a further member to the connecting portion. The profile facilitates determining and possibly maintaining a predefined relative position and / or orientation of the connecting members. In particular in case the profiled connecting portion comprises a plurality of protrusions such as a plurality of ribs radially oriented around the axis, the relative angular orientation may be well determined and / or maintained.

[0046] According to the following description, the fastener may be a threaded device, in particular a threaded bolt. The profile member may include one or more matching holes, which may be threaded and / or may be threaded by screwing the fastener into the hole and may help define the fastener position and / or the fastener axis. The fastener may include or be a threaded bolt, and the system may further include a fixing nut matching the fastener. The fixing nut may be arrangeable in at least one of the recesses, such as in an undercut groove, the fixing nut being movable, such as slidable, in the recess when in an unfastened configuration and being fixed in a fastened configuration when the fastener is fastened.

[0047] By radial directions around the fastener position and / or the fastener axis, a natural axis can be provided for the connection. The fastener axis can be associated with a fastener for fastening a connection member to a profile member and / or a fastener for fastening a connection member to another connection member and / or a profile member, for example, the profiled connection portion is at an angle to the mounting side, for example perpendicular to the mounting side.

[0048] In a system including a plurality of identical connection members, interconnection between the connection members and construction of different designs can be facilitated.

[0049] In one aspect, in connection with and possibly in conjunction with one or more other aspects of the build system discussed herein, there is provided a build system comprising

[0050] a profile component which extends along a profile axis and has a face provided with at least one recess,

[0051] a connecting member configured to be fixed to the surface and used to connect another member;

[0052] a fastener, such as one or more of a screw, a bolt, a rivet, and a nut, for fastening the connecting member to the face;

[0053] Specifically, a construction system according to any other aspect and / or embodiment disclosed herein,

[0054] wherein the at least one recess has a generally T-shaped cross-section, the profile comprising a neck portion providing the recess, the recess having a relatively narrow entrance and a wider opening portion behind the entrance, the opening portion being, for example, an undercut groove defined in part by the depending flange portion,

[0055] The fastener has a hammerhead shape for operably receiving in the recess and includes a first structure cooperating with a second structure of the connecting member for cooperatively defining a relative rotational position of the fastener and the connecting member about a fastening axis.

[0056] The T-shaped recess may be provided by or as an undercut groove defined in part by the depending flange portion.

[0057] The hammerhead shape of the fastener allows the fastener to be introduced into and / or removed from the recess, engaging with the neck, such as the flange portion, in one direction and in another direction for fastening to the neck.

[0058] By cooperating with the first and second structures, displacement of the fastener and the connecting member relative to the profile member can be facilitated without (at least partially) separating the fastener and / or the connecting member. This helps to achieve and / or adjust the configuration and / or improve the security of the fastening by reducing or preventing inadvertent reorientation of the fastener and the connecting member, which, if undetected, may result in a suboptimal fastening.

[0059] The mating structure may define a relative rotational position with respect to the fastening axis in the unfastened configuration, thereby facilitating orientation when moving the connecting member.

[0060] The cooperating first and second structures may comprise at least one guide portion for guiding the fastener and the connecting member towards a defined relative rotational position, in particular for guiding in an unfastened configuration of the fastener.

[0061] This allows improved achievement of a defined relative rotational position, which may further improve ease of use and / or safety.Guidance in the unfastened configuration may help achieve and / or maintain a defined relative rotational position during one or more of fastening, achieving and adjusting the configuration.

[0062] Both the first structure and the second structure may be configured to be arranged at least partially on opposite sides of the fastener in a direction along the profile axis.

[0063] This may improve robustness and / or reliability.

[0064] The fastener may include a torque flange and an associated torque collar defining a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, wherein the torque flange has a transverse flange side and the collar has an associated transverse collar side, wherein the transverse collar side is rotationally offset from the transverse flange side.

[0065] The longitudinal direction and the transverse direction may be associated with the hammerhead shape. The twist flange may have a rhombus shape around the fastener axis, wherein the obtuse angles may be rounded, for example, as shown in DE 35 37 135 A1, DE 86 23 325 U1 and DE 199 14 398 A1 mentioned above. This twist flange shape may increase the size and / or material of the flange while still allowing it to be introduced into the recess, thereby increasing the strength and / or robustness of the flange and the entire fastener. The twist collar may have a similar shape. At least a portion of the twist collar may provide a second mating structure.

[0066] By means of a rotational offset of the lateral flange side and the lateral collar side, the torsion flange can protrude laterally from the torsion collar. This can increase the freedom of insertion of the fastener into the recess, simplify the orientation of the fastener in the recess, and make and / or design and / or use one or more of the mating structure and / or, if present, the guide structure.

[0067] Specifically, the fastener may include a threaded portion defining a fastener axis, wherein the twist flange has a generally rhombus or parallelogram shape in cross section with respect to the fastener axis, with relatively short flange sides and relatively long lateral flange sides, with a sharper relative flange angle at a large flange radius and a more obtuse relative flange angle at a small flange radius, which may be rounded, and the collar may have a generally parallelogram shape in cross section, with a sharper relative collar angle at a large collar radius and a more obtuse relative collar angle at a small collar radius, which may be rounded. The sharp collar angle may generally be aligned toward the sharp flange angle, or pointed toward the shorter flange side.

[0068] The fastener may comprise a threaded portion defining a fastener axis, wherein the collar has at least one vertical angle, preferably two vertical angles, around the fastening axis.

[0069] The second mating structure may be included in a protrusion on the mounting side of the connection member.

[0070] This may contribute to at least one or more of the design, construction and robustness of the protrusion.

[0071] In one aspect, associated with and possibly combined with one or more other aspects of the building system described herein, and having the advantages discussed, there is provided herein a hammer head fastener for use with any embodiment of the building system described herein, comprising a twist flange for being received in a recess of a profile member of the building system and an associated twist collar, the twist flange defining a longitudinal direction for an operable direction generally transverse to the profile member of the building system and a transverse direction for an operable direction generally in an axial direction of the profile member of the building system, wherein the twist flange has a transverse flange side and the collar has an associated transverse collar side, wherein the transverse collar side is rotationally offset from the transverse flange side.

[0072] The hammer head fastener may include a threaded portion defining a fastener axis, wherein relative to the fastener axis,

[0073] The twist flange is generally rhombus or parallelogram shaped in cross-section, having relatively short flange sides and relatively long lateral flange sides, having relatively sharp relative flange angles at larger flange radii and relatively blunt relative flange angles at smaller flange radii, and

[0074] The cross-section of the collar may have a generally parallelogram shape with more acute relative collar angles at larger collar radii and more obtuse relative collar angles at smaller collar radii, which may be rounded; and

[0075] Where the sharp collar corners may generally be aligned towards the sharp flange corners, or pointed towards the shorter flange sides.

[0076] Such a hammer head fastener may comprise a threaded portion defining a fastener axis, wherein the collar has at least one vertical angle, preferably two vertical angles, about the fastening axis.

[0077] This may prevent the sharp corners of the collar from twisting, thereby increasing robustness. Additionally or alternatively, this may facilitate interaction with the second structure of the connection member and / or its guiding portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] The above aspects will be explained in more detail below with further details and benefits, with reference to the accompanying drawings which show several embodiments by way of example.

[0079] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a construction system provided herein.

[0080] Figure 2-3 shows the profile components of the component system;

[0081] 4 and 6 show a first connection member of the construction system;

[0082] FIG5A is a side view of a first connecting member with profile member markings;

[0083] 5B-5C show the assembly of a portion of the building system in cross-sectional view of the plane VV shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 ;

[0084] Figure 7-10 shows the second connection component of the construction system;

[0085] Figures 11-12 show the assembly of a portion of the build system;

[0086] Figures 13-14 show the twist nut construction system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Please note that the drawings are schematic, not necessarily drawn to scale, and may omit details not necessary for understanding the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "upward", "downward", "below", "above", etc., are all related to the embodiments in the drawings. In addition, elements that are at least substantially the same or perform at least substantially the same function are represented by the same numerals, where it is useful to distinguish them with letter suffixes.

[0088] Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the terms "detachable" and "removably connected" are intended to mean that the various components can be substantially disconnected without damaging or destroying any of the components, e.g., excluding structures where the components are unitary (e.g., welded or molded as one piece), but including structures where the components are attached by or as pairs of connectors, fasteners, releasable self-tightening features, etc. The verb "to facilitate" is intended to mean "to make something easier and / or less complicated," rather than "to make something possible."

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a building system comprising a profile member 1 having a side face 3 and an end face 3E provided with a groove 5. The building system further comprises a first connection member 100 and a second connection member 200, a first fastener 300 and a second fastener 400, wherein the second fastener 400 comprises a bolt 401 and a twist nut 402. The building system further comprises an optional corner member 500 for connecting other members (not shown) to the profile member 1 at an angle.

[0090] The first connection member 100 and the second connection member 200 each comprise a respective mounting side 101 , 201 for mounting to a face of the profile element 1 , see below.

[0091] As described below, the first connection member 100 can be fastened to the profile member 1 using a first fastener 300. A fastener axis AF100 defined by the connection member 100 is parallel to the profile axis A1 , here coincident with the profile axis A1 , and is perpendicular to the end face 3E.

[0092] The second connection member 200 can be fastened to the profile member 1 using the second fastener 400 by extending the bolt 401 through the second connection member 200 and fastening it to the twist nut 402 (see dashed line) received in the groove 5. In particular, by also extending the bolt 401 through the angle member 500, the angle member is fixed to the connection member 200, and thus the angle member 500 is fixed to the profile member 1, see also below. The fastener axis AF200 defined by the connection member 200 is perpendicular to the profile axis A1 and perpendicular to the side 3.

[0093] The connecting elements 100, 200 and each corner element 500 each comprise a respective connecting side 103, 203, 503 provided with a shaped connecting portion 105, 205, 505, which can engage with each other when two such connecting portions 105, 205, 505 face each other. Thus, a predetermined relative rotational position of the respective elements 100, 200, 500 can be provided and fixed. Note that the corner elements 500 shown are identical and comprise two connecting sides 503, each of which can optionally be provided with such a shaped connecting portion 505. Here, the connecting sides 503 of each corner element 500 are arranged perpendicular to each other, but any other relative angle can be provided. Additionally or alternatively, the corner element 500 can have more than two connecting sides 503, each of which can optionally be provided with such a shaped connecting portion 505, for example in the case of a rectangular shape, such as in the case of a cube corner element, three, four, five or six such sides.

[0094] 2-3 show a profile member 1, which is elongated along the profile axis A1 and can have any length L. The profile member 1 optionally has a constant cross-sectional shape along the profile axis A1. The profile member 1 can be efficiently manufactured by extrusion technology. The profile member 1 can be rigid, so that it has substantially no deformation and can withstand the bending stress under static load and / or dynamic load of "riding". The profile member 1 can be made of aluminum or steel.

[0095] The profile member shown has four sides 3, defining a roughly rectangular perimeter C1, here: a square with optional rounded corners, see Figure 3. The profile member 1 has an end face 3E facing perpendicular to the profile axis A1. Each side 3 is provided with an undercut groove 5, but one or more faces may be free of grooves, and / or one or more faces may include more than one groove. One or more of the faces 3 may include a profile, such as one or more protrusions, such as longitudinal ribs. Here, as an independent option, the groove 5 is located at the center of each side 3 and extends along the profile axis A1, one or both of which can improve ease of use and / or strength. As a preferred embodiment, the profile member 1 shown has a four-fold rotational symmetry about the profile axis 1A and / or a mirror symmetry about one or more planes including the profile axis (for example, in Figure 3: about the horizontal, vertical and two 45-degree diagonal planes containing the profile axis A1).

[0096] The profile member 1 comprises a central tube 7 having a hole 7R along the profile axis 1A and ribs 9 supported from the central tube 7 by spacers 11, the ribs 9 supporting depending flange portions 13 opposite to each other, thereby defining in pairs together an undercut profile groove 5. The groove 5 provides a recess 5R of generally T-shaped cross section through a neck defined by the flange portions 13, the flange portions 13 providing the recess 5T with a relatively narrow entrance 5E and a wider opening portion 5C having a groove width GW behind the entrance 5E. At the entrance 5E, the groove has an inner surface 5S. Except for the groove 5 (entrance 5E), the ribs 9 and the flange portions 13 provide the side 3 as a plane. The flanges 13 shown are plane and optionally have a constant thickness, but they may include one or more ribs (not shown) directed inwardly towards the central tube 7.

[0097] The ribs 9 and the spacers 11 may be tubular as shown. As shown, this provides a recess 9R, 11R in each end face 3E, which saves weight while maintaining strength against deformation; as shown, the spacers 11 may have a generally triangular or more precisely pear-shaped opening for accommodating the appropriate wall thickness of the central tube 7, extending substantially tangentially to the central tube 7, providing one or more of the wide-shaped recess 5R and the supporting ribs 9. The rounded corners of the profile member 1, such as shown in the recess 11 of the spacer 11, may prevent localization of stress and / or may reduce the cost of the extrusion die, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The radially outer wall of the recess 9R has an inner surface 9S.

[0098] Here, the rib 9 may define the perimeter of the profile member 1. The side surface 3 may be substantially flat by means of a flange portion 13 extending from the rib 9 in one plane.

[0099] 4-6 illustrate the first connecting member 100 and its use in assembling a portion of a system.

[0100] The connecting member 100 comprises a mounting side 101 for mounting to the end face 3E of the profile element 1 and a connecting side 103 opposite the mounting side 101. Here, the connecting side 103 is provided with a profiled connecting portion 105. The connecting member 100 also comprises an optional through hole 107, which receives a fastener, such as a bolt 300 (not shown in FIGS. 4-5 ), thereby defining a fastener position (not shown separately) and a fastener axis AF100.

[0101] The mounting side 101 is biconcave, at least in the unfastened state, forming cavities between the corners of the mounting side 101. The mounting side 101 comprises a mounting surface 101S provided with protrusions 109, which are here arranged near the corners of the generally square shape of the connecting member 100. The protrusions 109 have an outer surface 109S. As a preferred option, the connecting member 100 shown has a rotational symmetry around the fastener location and / or the fastener axis AF100 (here: four-fold rotational symmetry), and / or it can have a mirror symmetry around one or more planes including the fastener location and / or the fastener axis AF100.

[0102] The protrusion 109 can be received in the recess 9R (of the rib 9) of the end face 3E of the profile member 1. Then, the mounting surface 101S can engage the end face 3E (of the rib 9). The shapes of the protrusion 109 and the recess 9R of the rib 9 can be matched, for example, here they are formed to be rounded square in a cross section perpendicular to the profile axis A1 and / or the protruding direction. The protrusion 109 and the recess 9R can be formed to match each other.

[0103] The connection member 100 may be molded, for example, from a polymer and / or metal material, such as aluminum or a (possibly fiber-reinforced) polymer. As shown, the protrusion 109 may be provided at least partially with a groove 111 in the surrounding mounting surface 101S. This helps prevent chamfers from the protrusion 109 to the mounting surface 101S, which may otherwise prevent the definition of the contact position between the mounting surface 101S and the face 3E.

[0104] Referring also to FIGS. 1-3 , and in particular in comparison with FIGS. 5A-5C , it can be seen that, in order to fasten the connection member 100 to (the end face 3E of) the profile member 1, the protrusion 109 is received in the recess 9R (of the rib 9) of the end face 3E of the profile member 1, and a fastener such as a bolt 300 is arranged to pass through the through hole 107 and is screwed into the hole 7R of the central tube 7 of the profile member 1, thereby also fastening the corner member 500 to the profile element 1. Thus, when the fastener 300 has not yet been fully fastened, the protrusion 109 is received in the recess 9R, the mounting surface 101S engages the end face 3E on the opposite side of the through hole 107 and the fastener, and the central portion 100C of the connection member, which is arranged between the engagement portions 100E, is spaced from the end face 3E (see FIGS. 5B and the dotted lines in FIG. 5A indicating the outline of the profile member 1 in this unfastened configuration).

[0105] By tightening the fastener to provide a fastening configuration, as shown in FIG5C , at least the central portion of the mounting side 101, here the entire connection member 100, is flattened toward the end face 3E under the force of the fastener toward the end face 3E and the engagement of the mounting surface 101S with the end face 3E. As a result, the protrusion 109 is pushed outward due to the flattening of the concave shape of the connection member 100. Therefore, the protrusion 109 is pushed outward against the outer wall of the recess 9R on the opposite side of the profile axis A1, that is, the (outer side 109S of the protrusion 109) is pushed against the (inner surface 9S of the) recess 9R in the rib 9. (Note that due to the bi-concave shape, the outward push is in a radial direction relative to the fastener axis AF100, and the protrusions 109 are pushed together against the two outward inner surfaces 9S of the single recess 9R.) Thus, the connecting member 100 is fastened and supported to the profile member 1, preventing relative translation along the end surface 3E and relative rotation about the profile axis A1.

[0106] The dimensions of the profile member 1 and the connecting member 100 may preferably be selected so that when the fastener is tightened, the mounting surface 101 of the connecting member 100 engages with the end face 3E at the central portion 100C and the protrusion engages with the outer wall, preferably the protrusion 109 applies a predetermined force. The connecting member 100 may be formed so that when so tightened, the lateral side 100L of the connecting member extends parallel to the side 3 of the profile member 1, preferably also coplanar therewith; compare the inclination of the lateral side 100L relative to the side 3 (profile). In addition or alternatively, the connecting member 100 may be formed so that when so tightened, the connecting side 103 is generally flat, for example, the minimum and / or maximum values ​​of the profile, such as the ribs of the profiled connecting portion 105, are generally in a corresponding common plane.

[0107] Figures 7 to 10 show a second connection element 200. Figures 11 and 12 show (two stages of) the installation and fixing of a corner element 500 to a profile element 1 using the second connection element 200.

[0108] The second connecting member 200 comprises a mounting side 201 for mounting to the end face 3 of the profile element 1 and a connecting side 203 opposite the mounting side 201. Here, like the first connecting member 100, the connecting side 203 is provided with a profiled connecting portion 205, the connecting member 200 comprising an optional through hole 207 which accommodates a fastener such as a threaded bolt (not shown), thereby defining a fastener position (not shown separately) and a fastener axis AF200.

[0109] The mounting side 201 is concave, here recessed around an axis, forming a cavity between the sides of the mounting side 201. The mounting side 201 includes a mounting surface 201S provided with a protrusion 209, where the protrusion 209 is arranged as a rib at (or near) the central part 200C of the mounting side 201 of the connecting member 200. The protrusion 209 has an outer surface 209S and is separated by a groove 211. The protrusion 209 can be received in (the entrance 5E of) the groove 5 of the profile member 1. The mounting side 201 can be formed according to the shape of at least a part of the profile member 1, which can improve the connection and / or aesthetics. Here, along the side of the mounting side 201, a rib 213 is provided corresponding to the inclined surface (of the side 3) of the profile member 1.

[0110] As a preferred option, the illustrated connecting member 200 has a rotational symmetry around the fastener location and / or fastener axis AF200 (here: double rotational symmetry), and / or it may have a mirror symmetry around one or more planes including the fastener location and / or fastener axis AF200.

[0111] As best seen in Figures 11-12, in order to fasten the connecting member 200 to (the side 3 of) the profile member 1, the protrusion 209 is received in a recess provided by the groove in the end face 3E of the profile member 1, and a fastener such as a bolt is arranged to pass through the through hole 207 and is screwed into a hammer head fixing nut, which is, for example, a twist nut 402, received in the groove 5 of the profile member 1 (see Figures 1 and 11).

[0112] Therefore, when the fastener is not yet fully tightened, as shown in Figure 11, the protrusion 209 is received in the groove 5, the mounting surface 201S engages with the side 3 on the opposite side of the through hole 207 and the fastener, and the central portion of the connecting member 200 is arranged between the engaging portions and is separated from the side 3.

[0113] By tightening the fastener to provide a fastening configuration, as shown in FIG12 , at least the central portion of the mounting side 201, here the entire connecting member 200, is clamped on the flange 13 by the fastener and the mounting surface 201S engaging the side 3 is flattened toward the side 3. At the same time, due to the flattening of the concave shape of the connecting member 200, the protrusion 209 is pushed outward relative to the fastener axis AF200, so that (the outer side 209S of) the protrusion 209 is pushed outward against (the inner surface 5S of) the opposite flange portion of the groove 5, that is, the protrusion 209 is pushed against the opposite outer surface 5S of the recess 5. Therefore, the connecting member 200 is fastened and supported to the profile member 1, preventing the connecting member 200 from translation and rotation relative to the profile member 1.

[0114] Here, due to the ribs 213, the conformity of the connection member 200 to the profile member 1 provides for additional rotational fixation of the connection member 200 to the profile member 1 and / or prevents something from getting stuck and / or pinched between the connection member 200 and the profile member 1. Such flattening and / or any other suitable deformation of the connection member 200 for pushing the protrusion 209 outwards may be at least partially controlled by one or more grooves such as the groove 211 and / or other local deformation portions.

[0115] The dimensions of the profile member 1 and the connecting member 200 may preferably be selected so that when the fastener is tightened, the mounting surface 201 of the connecting member 200 engages with the face 3 at the central portion 200C and the protrusion engages with the outer wall of the flange 13, preferably the protrusion 209 applies a predetermined force to the flange 13. The connecting member 200 may be formed so that when so tightened, the lateral side 200L of the connecting member extends parallel to the side 3 of the profile member 1, preferably also coplanar therewith; compare the inclination of the lateral side 200L relative to the side 3. In addition or alternatively, the connecting member 200 may be formed so that when so tightened, the connecting side 203 is generally flat, for example, the minimum and / or maximum values ​​of the profile, such as the ribs of the profiled connecting portion 205, are generally in a corresponding common plane (not shown).

[0116] As best seen in FIG. 12 , in the fastened configuration, the connecting portions 205 and 505 of the connecting member 200 and the corner member 500, respectively, engage with each other and secure the respective members 200, 500 to each other, thereby securing the corner member 500 to the profile member 1. Note that the connecting portions 205 and 505 of the connecting member 200 and the corner member 500, respectively, can be adjusted to any desired relative rotation angle predetermined by (a combination of) the profiles of the connecting portions 205, 505 and then secured at that angle, whereby the corner member 500 is then rotationally secured to the profile member 1 at that angle. The securing of the connecting member 200 and the corner member 500 and / or any other member mounted to the connecting member 200 against sliding in the axial direction (along the axis A1) along the profile member 1 is provided by the clamping force of the connecting member 200 on the profile member 1 due to the fastening.

[0117] As best seen in FIG. 10 , the projecting rib 209 is provided with structure to cooperate with the retaining nut 402 , as described below.

[0118] 13-14 show a twist nut 402 in two. The twist nut 402 has a hammerhead shape for being operably received in a recess; the nut 402 comprises a flange 420 or body for being received in a recess of the profile member 1, and an associated collar 421 of smaller size, and it is provided with a threaded hole 423, which may be a through hole or a blind hole. The hole 423 defines the fastener axis AF400. The flange 420 provides a flange width FW that is smaller than the width of the entrance 5E of the recess 5 of the profile member 1, and a length FL that is greater than the width of the entrance 5E, so that the nut 402 can be inserted into the recess 5 in one direction through its entrance 5E, and can be fixed in the recess and used for tightening in a rotational direction (see FIGS. 1, 11-12).

[0119] Here, the cross-section of the twist flange 402 perpendicular to the fastener axis AF400 is generally rhombus or parallelogram shaped, with relatively short flange end sides 425 and relatively long lateral flange sides 427, with a sharper relative flange angle 429 at a larger flange radius and a blunter relative flange angle 431 at a smaller flange radius.

[0120] In association with the shape of the flange 420, the cross section of the collar 421 perpendicular to the fastener axis AF400 is generally parallelogram-shaped, with a collar end side 433 and a transverse collar side 435, with a sharp relative collar angle 437 at a larger collar radius, which angle is optionally substantially a right angle here, and a blunt relative collar angle 439 at a smaller collar radius, which angle is rounded here. The transverse collar sides 435 are each rotated away from the associated transverse flange side 427, here away from the angle α. Thus, the sharp collar angle 437 is generally directed toward the sharp flange angle 429, or toward the shorter flange side 425.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 13-14 , the sharp collar angle 437 can generally be directed from the sharp flange angle 429 to a position within the range of about 1 / 4-1 / 3 of the flange end side 425. Additionally or alternatively, the angle α can be within the range of 10-35 degrees, preferably within the range of 15-30 degrees, such as 20-25 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-14 , the angle α is about 30 degrees.

[0122] Due to the rhombus shape of the twist flange 420, when inserted into the groove 5 of the profile member 1, the twist nut 402 can be twisted to an angle, wherein the short side 425 is parallel to and / or engages with the side of the groove, providing an operating flange length OFL associated with the groove width GW, see Figures 1, 12, 14, so that the transverse flange side 427 is angled with the profile axis A1, where the angle is associated with the angle of the sharp flange angle. The collar end side 433 is parallel to the flange end side 425. However, due to the rotational offset angle α, the transverse collar side 435 generally extends perpendicularly to the collar end side 433, the flange end side 425 and the profile axis A1. Therefore, a flange portion 439 is provided which is laterally adjacent to the collar angle 437.

[0123] As best seen in FIG. 10 , the second connection member 200 includes a recess 250 extending through the protrusion 209 for receiving at least a portion of the collar 421 of the twist nut 402. Optionally, the shape of the recess 250 mates with the collar 421 (see the relatively sharp angle 451 associated with the sharp collar angle 437 and the relatively obtuse angle associated with the obtuse collar angle 439) and cooperates therewith to define the relative rotational position of (the collar 421 of) the twist nut 402 and the connection member 200. In the connection member 200, the recess 250 is partially defined by the protrusion 209 and, optionally, partially defined by the central portion of the connection member 200 from which the protrusion protrudes; this strengthens the fit and makes the definition of the rotational position more robust.

[0124] The illustrated connection member 200 also includes an inclined surface 255 in the protrusion 209 associated with the recess 250 for guiding the twist nut 402 (the collar 421 (the sharp corner 437)) into a defined rotational position defined by the combination of the shapes of the recess 250 and the collar 421. As shown, the guide surface 255 can be inclined relative to the axis to a helical direction that preferably corresponds to the direction of the threads in the threaded hole 423.

[0125] In order to fasten the connecting member 200 to the profile 1, the protrusion 209 of the connecting member 200 and the collar 421 of the twist nut 402 both protrude into the entrance 5E of the groove 5 and engage with each other, see Figure 12; through the cooperation of the fastener 401 and the twist nut 402, and through the cooperation of the protrusion 209 and the recess 250 and its guiding surface 251 with the twist nut 402 and the flange portion 13 of the profile member 1 as described above, the relative orientation of the parts (1, 200, 402) is guided into an operable engagement and robust fastening configuration.

[0126] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which can be varied in many ways within the scope of the claims. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, elements and aspects discussed for or related to a particular embodiment can be appropriately combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A construction system comprising A profile component (1) extending along a profile axis (A1) and having a face (3, 3E) provided with at least one recess (5R, 9R); a connecting member (100, 200) configured to be fixed to the surface (3, 3E) and used to connect another member (100, 200, 500); Fasteners (300, 401, 402), such as one or more of screws, bolts, rivets and nuts, for fastening the connecting member (100, 200) to the surface (3, 3E); wherein the connecting member (100, 200) comprises a mounting side (101, 201) for mounting to the surface (3, 3E), at least the mounting side (101, 201) being elastically deformable, the mounting side (101, 201) being provided with a protrusion (109, 209) receivable in the at least one recess (5R, 9R); The system is arranged such that, when the protrusion (109, 209) is received in the at least one recess (5R, 9R), the fastener (300, 401, 402) reversibly secures the connecting member (100, 200) to the profile member and reversibly pushes the protrusion outwardly against an opposing outer wall of the at least one recess (5R, 9R).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting side (101, 201) is in a resiliently concave unfastened configuration for when the protrusion (109, 209) is received in the at least one recess (5R, 9R) engaging the face (3, 3E) on opposite sides of the fastener (300, 401, 402) and maintaining the center portion (100C, 200C) disposed between the engaging portions spaced from the face (3, 3E), and By tightening the fastener (300, 401, 402) to provide a fastening configuration, at least the central portion (100C, 200C) of the mounting side (101, 201) is elastically flattened toward the surface (3, 3E) and the protrusion (109, 209) is pushed outwardly against the opposite outer wall of the at least one recess (5R, 9R).

3. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the profile member (1) is elongated along a profile axis (A1), preferably having a constant cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the profile axis (A1), and / or the profile member (1) has a substantially polygonal perimeter, in particular a rectangular perimeter, such as a square perimeter; The surface (3, 3E) is a side surface (3) parallel to the profile axis (A1), or an end surface (3E) having a normal line that forms an angle of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 or 75 degrees with the profile axis (A1).

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the face (3, 3E) is provided with a plurality of recesses (9R), wherein the connecting member is arranged so that at least some of the protrusions (109, 209) can be simultaneously received in several of the plurality of recesses (9R), and, in the fastening configuration, is used to push at least some of the protrusions (109, 209) outwardly against the outer walls of the several recesses (9R).

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one recess (5R) is formed as an undercut groove (5) partially defined by a depending flange portion (13), wherein the depending flange portion (13) can provide the outer wall of the at least one recess (5R).

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member (100, 200) defines a fastener location and / or a fastener axis (AF100, AF200), the protrusion being urged outwardly relative to the fastener location and / or fastener axis (AF100, AF200).

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member (100, 200) defines a fastener axis (AF100, AF200, AF400) perpendicular to the face (3, 3E).

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member (100, 200) is provided with a profiled connecting portion (105, 205, 505), preferably opposite the mounting side (101, 201), wherein the profiled connecting portion (105, 205) is provided with one or more protrusions and / or recesses, the one or more protrusions and / or recesses defining a predetermined connection position and / or direction for a complementary mounting portion such as the same connecting member (100, 200, 500).

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the profiled connection portion (105, 205, 505) defines a fastener location and / or a fastener axis and comprises a plurality of protrusions, such as ribs, radially oriented around the fastener location and / or the fastener axis.

10. A construction system comprising A profile component (1) extending along a profile axis and having a face (3, 3E) provided with at least one recess (5R, 9R), a connecting member (100, 200) configured to be fixed to the surface (3, 3E) and used to connect another member; Fasteners (300, 401, 402), such as one or more of screws, bolts, rivets and nuts, for fastening the connecting member (100, 200) to the surface (3, 3E); In particular, a building system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one recess (5R) has a generally T-shaped cross-section, the profile comprising a neck providing the recess, the recess having a relatively narrow entrance (5E) and a wider opening portion behind the entrance, such as an undercut profile groove (5) defined in part by an overhanging flange portion (13); The fastener (402) has a hammer head shape for being operably received in the recess (5R, 9R), and includes a first structure that cooperates with a second structure of the connecting member (100) to cooperatively define the relative rotational position of the fastener and the connecting member around the fastening axis.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the mating first and second structures include at least one guide portion, which is used to guide the fastener (300, 401, 402) and the connecting member toward the defined relative rotational position, in particular for guiding in an unfastened configuration of the fastener (300, 401, 402).

12. System according to claim 11, wherein the guide portion comprises at least one guide surface (255) which is inclined, in particular helically oriented, relative to the fastener axis.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the first structure and the second structure are configured to be arranged at least partially on opposite sides of the fastener (300, 401, 402) in a direction along the profile axis (A1).

14. A system according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the fastener (400) includes a torsion flange (420) and an associated torsion collar, defining a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, wherein the torsion flange (420) has a transverse flange side (427), and the collar has an associated transverse collar side (435), wherein the transverse collar side (435) is rotationally offset (α) from the transverse flange side (427).

15. The system of claim 1 and any one of claims 10-14 and possibly any other preceding claim, wherein the second mating structure is comprised in the protrusion (109, 209) of the mounting side of the connection member.

16. A hammer head fastener (402) for a building system according to any preceding claim, comprising a torsion flange (402) for being received in a recess (5) of a profile member (1) of the building system and an associated torsion collar, the torsion flange (402) defining a longitudinal direction (FL) for an operable direction substantially transverse to the profile member (1) of the building system and a transverse direction for an operable direction substantially in the axial direction (A1) of the profile member (1) of the building system, wherein the torsion flange (402) has a transverse flange side (427) and the collar has an associated transverse collar side (435), wherein the transverse collar side (435) is rotationally offset (α) from the transverse flange side (427). The hammer head fastener (402) includes a threaded portion defining a fastener axis (AF), wherein relative to the fastener axis (AF), The twist flange (402) has a generally rhombus or parallelogram cross-section with relatively short flange sides (425) and relatively long transverse flange sides (427), with a relatively sharp relative flange angle (429) at a larger flange radius and a relatively blunt relative flange angle (431) at a smaller flange radius, and The collar has a generally parallelogram shape in cross-section, with a more acute relative collar angle (437) at a larger collar radius and a more obtuse relative collar angle (431) at a smaller collar radius, which may be rounded.

17. The hammer head fastener (402) of claim 16, wherein the sharp collar corner (437) is generally aligned toward the sharp flange corner (429), or points toward the shorter flange side (425).

18. A hammer head fastener (402) according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a threaded portion defining a fastener axis (AF), wherein the collar has at least one vertical angle, preferably two vertical angles, around the fastening axis (AF).

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