Clamping element for gripping a flat, flexible material, as well as weighting element, gripping element, and panel carriage.

Abstract

Clamping element (1) for gripping a flat, flexible material, comprising: Clamping parts (4, 5) that can be hinged to one another, wherein at least one of the clamping parts (4, 5) comprises a pin part (7), and wherein at least one other of the clamping parts (4, 5) comprises an attack part (8) that is shaped to fit the pin part (7) in order to form a hinge (10); wherein the clamping parts (4, 5) comprise a first (4) and a second clamping part (5), wherein each of the clamping parts (4, 5) comprises an elongated plate part (13, 14), wherein the elongated plate part (13, 14) of each clamping part (4, 5) is linearly shaped in its longitudinal direction and spatially shaped in its width direction, such that the plate parts (13, 14) of the two clamping parts (4, 5) together enclose an interior space (15) when the mutually hinged clamping parts (4, 5) are closed; wherein the first clamping part (4) comprises a first clamping edge (18) extending from the plate part (13) to the interior (15) and the second clamping part (5) comprises a second clamping edge (19) extending from the plate part (14) to the interior (15), which cooperates with the first clamping edge (18) when in use; wherein the first and second clamping edges (18, 19) are shaped accordingly to form a clamp (20) between them for clamping the flat, flexible material when the mutually hinged clamping parts (4, 5) are used in the closed state; wherein the clamping edges (18, 19) are provided with narrowings (55, 56) to increase the flexibility of the clamping edges (18, 19); wherein the hinge (10) and the clamp (20) in the clamping element (1) are located in or in the extension of a surface of the flat, flexible material when used in or in the extension of, and the weight of the clamping element (1) is distributed on both sides of the surface such that the clamping element (1) is in equilibrium.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the clamping element for clamping a flat, flexible material, e.g. a curtain, a poster, a sheet, a leaf, a panel strip, fabric, textile, a screen, a flexible plastic or a sunshade, the clamping element comprising mutually hinged clamping parts, wherein at least one of the clamping parts comprises a pin part and wherein at least another of the clamping parts comprises an engagement part shaped to match the pin part to form a hinge. background

[0002] A clamping element as described above is known, among other things, from the German usage model DE202009010313. The device described therein is particularly suitable for clamping, for example, slats and panel strips made of similar flexible materials in order to suspend them from a wall or ceiling. In the described device, a clamping action between mutually hinged clamping parts is achieved by means of a first leaf spring.

[0003] The aforementioned device has several disadvantages. Among other things, because the device is equipped with internal leaf springs that are clamped at fixed positions between the two clamping parts in the clamping element, it is difficult for the user to shorten the clamping element to any suitable length. This is because the shortening of the element is limited by the presence of the leaf springs. Shortening might be possible by dismantling the clamping device and, after shortening, reinstalling the leaf springs clamped between the clamping parts. Experience has shown that this is a very cumbersome procedure, with the risk of reassembly failing and the clamping parts no longer clamping properly.

[0004] Another disadvantage of the described device is that, due to the leaf spring, it snaps shut with high speed and a hard impact when closing. This not only poses a risk of injury to the user during installation, but also increases the possibility of the curtain shifting during installation.

[0005] Furthermore, an adhesive layer is used to adequately clamp the trapped curtain or material. This appears necessary because the leaf spring-based design provides insufficient clamping force.

[0006] The complicated assembly and the various components of the clamping element described in the German usage model mentioned above also make this element a relatively expensive component.

[0007] Another disadvantage of similar conventional clamping elements is that the element will hang crookedly under its own weight. Furthermore, in such clamping elements, usually only one side can be used as the front. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping element for clamping a flat, flexible material, e.g., a cloth, a sheet, or a bow, in which the above-mentioned disadvantages have been eliminated. The invention further intends to provide a clamping element with a simple design, whose production costs are relatively low, whose length can be easily shortened, and which is as aesthetically acceptable as possible.

[0009] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention provides a clamping element for clamping a flat, flexible material, e.g., a cloth, a sheet, or a bow, the clamping element comprising mutually hinged clamping parts, at least one of the clamping parts comprising a pin part and at least another of the clamping parts comprising an engagement part shaped to match the pin part to form a hinge; the clamping parts comprising first and second clamping parts, each of the clamping parts comprising an elongated plate part, the elongated plate part of each clamping element being shaped linearly in its longitudinal direction and spatially in its width direction, such that the plate parts of the two clamping parts together enclose an interior space when the mutually hinged clamping parts are in the closed position; the first clamping part comprising a first clamping edge extending from the plate part to the interior space;and the second clamping part comprises a second clamping edge extending from the plate part to the interior space, which second clamping edge cooperates with the first clamping edge in use; wherein the first and second clamping edges are shaped to form a clamp therebetween, when in use in the closed position of the mutually hinged clamping parts, for clamping the flat, flexible material; wherein the hinge and the clamp are located in the surface or in the extension thereof of the flat, flexible material in use, and the weight of the clamping element is distributed on both sides of the surface in such a way that the clamping element is more or less balanced.

[0010] By arranging the hinge and clamp in the clamping element according to the invention almost in line with the surface (or extension thereof) of the flat, flexible material that is clamped in use, it is achieved that the relatively heavy hinge lies practically directly below the center of gravity of the clamping element. As a result, the weight of the clamping element can be kept low on both sides of the center of gravity (from the surface of the flexible material); in other words, the clamping element can be easily designed to be balanced and more or less balanced regardless of the material being clamped. Such a clamping element will therefore not hang crookedly during use.Furthermore, by keeping the overhanging weight of the clamping element relatively low on both sides of the center of gravity (the largest weight formed by the hinge hangs below the center of gravity), a narrow and rigid, and thus aesthetically attractive, clamping element can be obtained, which can be used, for example, as a weighting element for a curtain, a poster, or a panel strip. The clamping device according to the invention also offers the advantage that the alignment of the various functions and components results in a symmetrical profile on the outside for the observer. Such a clamping element can also be designed as a suspension element or as a gripping element for such materials.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the clamping element, the hinge formed by the pin part and the engagement part forms a first long side of the clamping element. In this embodiment, the elongated plate parts of the clamping parts lie against one another in the closed state, whereby the connection on one side is thus formed by the hinge. According to a further embodiment, the second long side of the clamping element, opposite the first long side, can form an insertion part for inserting the flat, flexible material into the clamping element during use. When the hinge forms the connection between the elongated plate parts on the first long side, the clamping element, in the open state, creates a large V-shaped insertion opening for inserting the flat, flexible material.

[0012] When inserting a curtain or a large poster, for example, it's important that the weighting element is mounted exactly straight. By creating a large opening for inserting the curtain when open, the clamping element allows the user to install the weighting element precisely because they have a clear view of the inside of the clamping element.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the first and second clamping edges are each provided with a first and a second supporting edge. These first and second supporting edges are shaped to align the flat, flexible material when used in the closed position of the hinge. The flat, flexible material can, for example, be aligned towards the insertion part of the clamping element according to a further embodiment. By aligning the flat, flexible material in this way in the clamping element, it is avoided that, with stiffer materials to be clamped, the clamping element can still hang crooked due to curling of the material in the interior. By aligning the flat, flexible material towards the insertion part, it can be guaranteed that the insertion part, the clamp, and the hinge of the clamping element always lie in the plane (or the extension thereof) of the flat, flexible material.

[0014] According to further embodiments, the edges of the clamping element near the insertion part, in particular the edge of each of the elongated plate parts on the second longitudinal side of the clamping element, can be shaped to form a closing edge of the insertion part. In particular, the edges of one or more of the elongated plate parts of the first or second clamping part can be bent at the side or shaped at an angle toward the interior.

[0015] According to yet another embodiment, one or more of the elongated plate parts can be bent obliquely inward at this closing edge to form an operating edge for opening the clamping element. This creates a V-shaped groove between the clamping parts, where the user has a grip for opening or disassembling the clamping element.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the first and second clamping edges are shaped such that when the clamping element is operated they move towards each other in opposite directions and only come into contact and clamp together at the end of the rotational movement, shortly before the clamping element closes. This ensures that when the clamping element is closed to clamp the flat, flexible material, this material is not pushed outwards. A further disadvantage of some conventional clamping devices is that the hinge function and the clamping direction interact in such a way that the material is partially pushed outwards during clamping. The risk here is that the clamping element is not attached correctly (crooked, folded) to the flat, flexible material.In the clamping element according to the present invention, this is avoided by ensuring that the clamping parts only come into contact with each other shortly before the clamp is closed. The clamping parts are folded toward each other with the hinge and close at the location of the flat, flexible material, thus securing it in place.

[0017] According to further embodiments of the clamping element of the invention, at least one of the clamping parts is provided on the first longitudinal side (the side where the hinge is located) with at least one functional element, such as a suspension element or a weighting element. The suspension element, when in use, lies in the extension of the plane of the flat, flexible material. This suspension element therefore lies in the same plane as the hinge, the clamp, and the insertion opening, so that all of these parts are aligned in the plane (or its extension) of the flat, flexible material. This ensures that the clamping element does not generate any moment with respect to gravity when in use. The material to be suspended therefore always hangs vertically, just like the clamping element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the functional element can be one of a group comprising a curtain track runner, a hook, an eyelet, a screw element, a cord, a chain, and a strand. Those skilled in the art will understand that the suspension element can also be designed in a different way. Furthermore, the clamping element can be provided with an end cap or end cap on its narrow sides.

[0019] According to the second aspect, the invention provides a weighting element for a flat, flexible material, e.g., a curtain, a poster, a sheet, a leaf, a panel strip, a fabric, a textile, a screen, a flexible plastic, or a sunshade, the weighting element comprising a clamping element as described above.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, the invention provides a gripping element for a flat, flexible material, e.g. a curtain, a poster, a bow, a sheet, a panel strip, fabric, textiles, a screen, a flexible plastic or a sunshade, the gripping element comprising a clamping element as described above. Short description of the characters

[0021] The invention is described below by way of non-limiting specific embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shows a cross-section of a clamping element according to the present invention in open and closed states; Fig. 2 a detail from Fig. Figure 1b shows the clamp formed by the clamping edges of the clamping element according to the invention; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of a clamping element according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a clamping element according to the present invention, provided with a suspension element. Detailed description

[0022] Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shows a cross-section of a clamping element according to an embodiment of the invention. The clamping element 1 is provided with a first clamping part 4 and a second clamping part 5. The clamping parts 4 and 5 are hingedly connected to each other by means of a hinge 10. The hinge 10 is formed by a pin part 7 located at the end 51 of the clamping part 5. An engagement element 8 formed at the end 53 of the clamping part 4 encloses the pin part 7 to establish a rotatable connection between the clamping parts 4 and 5.

[0023] In the closed state of clamping element 1 in Fig. 1b, the two clamping parts 4 and 5 together enclose an interior space 15. The clamping parts 4 and 5 are spatially shaped in a suitable manner, for example, sectional or continuously bent. A first clamping edge 18 extends from the first clamping part 4 towards the interior space, which corresponds to a second clamping edge 19 extending from the clamping part 5. The clamping edges 18 and 19 are shaped accordingly so that in the closed state, as Fig. 1b, together form a clamp 20 to clamp the flat, flexible material between them. The clamping edges 18 and 19 also extend sufficiently from the clamping parts 4 and 5 to provide them with the desired flexibility to clamp the flat, flexible material in use. Due to the flexibility, furthermore, as Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, narrowings 55 and 56 may be provided, for example not far from the attachment with the clamping parts 4 and 5.

[0024] When closing the clamping parts 4 and 5 from the Fig. 1a shown open position to the one in Fig. 1b, the clamping edges 18 and 19 rotate towards each other. Contact between the clamping edges 18 and 19 only occurs at the end of the rotational movement, shortly before the clamping element 1 closes to clamp the material 22. An enlargement of the clamp 20 is shown in Fig. 2. This shows the clamp 20 and the clamping edges 18 and 19. On the clamping side of the clamping edge 18, at the location of the clamp 20 to be formed, a relief 21 is provided to increase the sliding resistance for securing the material to be clamped. Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b also shows that, when attaching clamping edges 18 and 19 to the corresponding clamping parts 4 and 5, narrowings 55 and 56 are provided. These ensure the necessary flexibility at the clamping edges 18 and 19 to clamp the flexible material of the desired thickness. Depending on their design and dimensions, the material thickness can be any desired thickness, for example, up to 2 mm (although thicker is also possible). Preferably, the material thickness is less than 1 mm. The thickness of the materials, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, is related to the distance between the clamping edges 18 and 19 at the location of the clamp 20 in the closed state.

[0025] The first clamping edge 18 further comprises the supporting edge 28, which, in the closed state, cooperates with the supporting edge 39 arranged on the second clamping edge 19. In the closed state, the two supporting edges 38 and 39 align the flat, flexible material toward the insertion opening 25 formed between the edges 40 and 41 (28 and 29) of the first and second clamping parts 4 and 5. In this way, it is achieved that the flat, flexible material runs in a nice straight line from the clamping position to the insertion opening 25 and that the hinge 10 lies in the extension of the clamp 20 and the insertion opening in the surface of the flat, flexible material.

[0026] The edges 28 and 29 are bent at their ends (40 and 41, respectively) toward the interior space 15. Not only are the clamping parts aesthetically pleasing to the eye in this way, but the inwardly bent ends 40 and 41 each guide the material to be clamped and also have a pressing function. Furthermore, it can be seen that the bending of the ends of the edges 28 and 29 in the embodiment shown is designed such that they are initially bent obliquely inward to form an operating edge 43. The V-groove thus created between the first and second clamping parts 4 and 5 can be used by the user to open the clamping element by hand, without the need for tools such as a screwdriver. The use of screwdrivers and other tools can damage a clamping element according to the invention.Edge 41 is also slightly curved so that this edge always touches edge 40 at the same point.

[0027] In Fig. 1b also shows a possible guiding and clamping direction of the material 22 to be clamped with a dotted line as an example. The clamping element 1 grips the material in the insertion opening 25 between the edges 40 and 41. The material runs from the insertion opening 25 to the clamp 20 and bends in the direction of the clamping part 5. The guiding edge 9 guides the material in the desired direction. The direction indicated by the dotted line 22 is not intended to be restrictive, and it is also possible, for example, for the material to bend under the clamp 20 in the direction of the clamping part 4. This makes little difference to the functioning of the clamp 20, but during insertion, the user can consider it an advantage as a simple assembly to first bend the material in the direction of the clamping part 5 over the clamp 20 and then close the clamp 20.The space under the clamp can be used, for example, to conceal any irregularities in the cut material.

[0028] A perspective view of the clamping device according to the invention in closed and open state is shown in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. In the perspective view shown, the elongated plate parts 13 and 14 of the clamping parts 4 and 5 are primarily visible. Furthermore, it can be seen that the ends 30 and 31 and the hinge 10 together form a first longitudinal side 36 of the clamping element. The edges 28 and 29 form a second longitudinal side 35 of this clamping element 1.

[0029] In Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a clamping device 60 according to the invention. Fig. The reference numerals used in Figure 4 refer to corresponding parts in the embodiments, insofar as these correspond to the reference numerals in the other figures. Therefore, 4 refers to the first clamping part and 5 to the second clamping part. The insertion opening is represented by reference numeral 25, the clamping edges 18 and 19 together form the clamp 20, and hinge 10 is visibly formed by the pin part 7 and the engagement element 8. The clamping edges 18 and 19 are provided with support edges 38 and 39. In the embodiment of clamping element 60 in Fig. 4, the second clamping part 5 comprises a suspension element 50 at its end. The suspension element 50 can, for example, be intended to receive a curtain track runner or can form a panel carrier as a whole. Thus, the clamping element 60 can be used, for example, to hang a curtain, a poster, a sheet, a leaf, a panel strip, a slat, fabric, textiles, a screen, a flexible plastic, or a sunshade. Those skilled in the art will understand that the suspension element 50 is not limited to curtain track runners, but can also provide a hook or eyelet, a cord, a clamp, or a screw element. Instead of a suspension element 50, another functional element, such as a weight, can be provided. This suspension element or functional element can also be used to attach an end cap.

[0030] In the embodiment in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, it would also be possible to attach an end cap. Such an end cap could, for example, be provided with a fastening pin that fits into the closed clamping element 1 of Fig. 1b in the space between clamping edge 18, clamping part 4 and engagement part 8 on the left side of guide edge 9. A second fixing pin of the end cap could, for example, be in the space between edge 40 and clamping part 4 on the top side in Fig. 1b.

[0031] The clamping element according to the invention, consisting of two (or more) interlocking clamping parts, can be easily assembled by sliding the clamping parts into each other longitudinally (with the engaging part over the pin part). Furthermore, a user can mount the clamping device precisely and quickly on, for example, a curtain or a poster.

[0032] The clamping element can be made of any suitable material, for example, a metal (e.g., extruded aluminum, steel, or another alloy) or an extruded plastic. The components—clamping parts—of the element can be easily manufactured by extrusion, but those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] The specific embodiments of the invention described above are intended to illustrate the inventive principle. The invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Clamping element (1) for clamping a flat, flexible material, comprising: Clamping parts (4, 5) which can be hinged against one another, wherein at least one of the clamping parts (4, 5) comprises a pin part (7), and wherein at least one other of the clamping parts (4, 5) comprises an engagement part (8) which is shaped to match the pin part (7) in order to form a hinge (10); wherein the clamping parts (4, 5) comprise a first (4) and a second clamping part (5), wherein each of the clamping parts (4, 5) comprises an elongated plate part (13, 14), wherein the elongated plate part (13, 14) of each clamping part (4, 5) is linear in its longitudinal direction and spatially shaped in its width direction, so that the plate parts (13, 14) of the two clamping parts (4, 5) together enclose an interior space (15) when the mutually hinged clamping parts (4, 5) are in the closed state; wherein the first clamping part (4) comprises a first clamping edge (18) extending from the plate part (13) to the interior space (15) and the second clamping part (5) comprises a second clamping edge (19) extending from the plate part (14) to the interior space (15) and cooperating with the first clamping edge (18) in use; wherein the first and second clamping edges (18, 19) are shaped accordingly to form a clamp (20) for clamping the flat, flexible material therebetween when used in the closed state of the mutually hinged clamping parts (4, 5); wherein the clamping edges (18, 19) are provided with narrowings (55, 56) to increase the flexibility of the clamping edges (18, 19); wherein the hinge (10) and the clamp (20) in the clamping element (1) lie in or in the extension of a surface of the flat, flexible material when in use and the weight of the clamping element (1) is distributed on both sides of the surface so that the clamping element (1) is in balance. [2] Clamping element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the elongated plate parts (13, 14) of the clamping parts (4, 5) are symmetrical to one another in the closed state of the hinge (10) to form two longitudinal sides (35, 36) of the clamping element (1), and wherein the hinge (10) is formed on a first longitudinal side (36). [3] Clamping element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second longitudinal side (35) opposite the first longitudinal side (36) forms an insertion part (25) for inserting the flat, flexible material into the clamping element (1) in use. [4] Clamping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamping edge (18) is provided at one end with a first supporting edge (38), and wherein the second clamping edge (19) is provided at one end with a second supporting edge (39), the first and second supporting edges (38, 39) being arranged to cooperate to align the hinge (10) with the flat, flexible material when in use in the closed state. [5] Clamping element (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the first and second support edges (38, 39) are arranged in the closed state to align the flat, flexible material in the direction of the insertion part (25). [6] Clamping element (1) according to claim 3, wherein an edge (28, 29) of each of the elongated plate parts (13, 14) on the second longitudinal side (35) of the clamping element (1) is suitably shaped to form a closing edge (40, 41) of the insertion part (25). [7] Clamping element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the closing edge (40, 41) of at least one of the elongated plate parts (13, 14) is shaped so as to be bent on the second longitudinal side (35) in the direction of the interior space (15). [8] Clamping element (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the closing edge (40, 41) of at least one of the elongated plate parts (13, 14) on the second longitudinal side (35) is shaped to be bent obliquely inwards in order to form an operating edge (43) for opening the clamping element (1) when used in the closed state of the hinge (10). [9] Clamping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second clamping edges (18, 19) rotate in opposite directions to each other during operation of the clamping element (1). [10] A clamping element (1) according to claim 3, or according to any one of the preceding claims dependent on claim 3, wherein the insertion part (25), the clamp (20) and the hinge (10) are in use in line with a center of gravity of the clamping element (1). [11] Clamping element (1) according to claim 2, or according to any one of the preceding claims dependent on claim 2, wherein at least one of the clamping parts (4, 5) is provided on the first longitudinal side (36) with at least one functional element (50), wherein the functional element (50) lies in the surface of the flat, flexible material in use. [12] Clamping element according to claim 11, wherein the functional element (50) comprises at least one element selected from a group comprising: a curtain rail runner, a hook, an eyelet, a screw element, a cord, a strand, a panel carriage or a weighting element, or is suitable for attaching an end cap. [13] A weighting element for a flat, flexible material, e.g. a curtain, a poster, a sheet, a leaf, a panel strip, a slat, fabric, textiles, a screen, a flexible plastic or a sunshade, the weighting element comprising a clamping element (1) according to any one of claims 1-12. [14] A gripping element for a flat, flexible material, e.g. a curtain, a poster, a sheet, a leaf, a panel strip, a slat, fabric, textiles, a screen, a flexible plastic or a sunshade, the gripping element comprising a clamping element (1) according to any one of claims 1-12.

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