Connectors for joining bar stock

Abstract

Connectors (10) for connecting three rod materials (14) extending along a longitudinal axis (22), wherein the connector (10) has three fastening sections (12) for receiving and fastening longitudinal sides (40) of the three rod materials (14), wherein the fastening sections (12) are designed such that when a rod material (14) is received and / or fastened to at least two of the fastening sections (12), the longitudinal axes (22) of the rod materials (14) do not intersect and the rod materials (14) cannot collide with each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for joining three rod materials, each extending along a longitudinal axis.

[0002] The joining of timber components, especially in wooden structures, is a crucial aspect for their stability and longevity. Various methods exist for joining timber components, such as angle brackets, connecting plates, pergola connectors, and others.

[0003] Angle brackets offer a stable solution, but require precise alignment of the rods to ensure a secure connection. This can be challenging with larger structures and heavy materials. Positioning them can be particularly difficult for DIY enthusiasts.

[0004] Connecting plates are another option, but like angle brackets, they require precise positioning of the rods. They can limit project design because they are often thick and inflexible.

[0005] Pergola connectors are specifically designed for joining poles in pergola structures. If they are made of metal, there is a risk of rust, which not only detracts from the aesthetics but can also compromise stability.

[0006] In addition to these specific components, there are traditional woodworking joint techniques such as mortise and tenon joints, tongue and groove joints, and dowels. These require advanced craftsmanship but are extremely strong and can be used in many applications. However, these methods usually also require specialized tools.

[0007] Wood adhesives are another way to join rod material, but they require time to cure and can make disassembly more difficult. Screws and nails are often simple solutions, but can weaken the rod material.

[0008] The choice of the aforementioned connectors for joining bar stock depends on various factors, including the type of project, the craftsmanship requirements, and the precision of material positioning. In some cases, combining several joining techniques that yield good results can be advantageous. However, all the connectors mentioned so far share the disadvantage that when joining three pieces of bar stock, at least two of the bars must be butted together at their ends. This limits design freedom and makes precise cutting of the bar stock essential.

[0009] The underlying object of the present invention is to provide a simple way to join rod material and to overcome the disadvantages of previous connectors.

[0010] To solve the problem, a connector for joining three rod materials, each extending along a longitudinal axis, is proposed according to claim 1. In particular, the connector is provided to have three fastening sections for receiving and securing the longitudinal sides of the three rod materials. The fastening sections are further designed such that when a rod material is received and / or secured to at least two of the fastening sections, the longitudinal axes of the rod materials do not intersect and the rod materials cannot collide with each other.

[0011] The rod sections are no longer positioned and joined primarily at their free ends, as was previously the custom. Instead, all, and in particular all three, rod sections rest with their longitudinal sides against the fastening sections on the connector. If at least two rod sections rest against any two fastening sections, they can extend further along their longitudinal axes over the connector without the rod sections colliding. However, the rod sections can still touch each other along their longitudinal sides.

[0012] It is advantageous if each fastening section is designed so that the rod material can be received and secured at any position along its length within that section. This allows the rod material to be freely positioned along its longitudinal axis. The positioning of the rod materials relative to each other can therefore be completely flexible, enabling DIY enthusiasts without extensive carpentry skills to easily construct three-dimensional structures such as carports or pergolas. Precise cutting of the rod material to be joined is no longer necessary. The rod material can be attached to the connector using various common fasteners such as screws, nails, clamps, or even adhesive.With regard to the materials used from which a connector according to the invention can be constructed, there are few restrictions, with a metal version being preferred.

[0013] It is conceivable that the fastening sections could each be at a 90° angle to each other. This is particularly advantageous for common structures such as a carport. Furthermore, connectors are also conceivable where the fastening sections have different angles to each other. This is especially advantageous for roof constructions.

[0014] For securing the rod material, it is advantageous if each of the three fastening sections has at least one opening for a fastener. This ensures a secure and also releasable fastening of the rod material. The opening can also serve as a drilling template for drilling a hole in the rod material for a screw.

[0015] It is conceivable that the three fastening sections are largely identical in design. This would simplify handling for the tradesperson, as the connector can be used in any orientation. Furthermore, it would allow for simple manufacturing of the connector from identical parts.

[0016] Preferably, the three fastening sections are each formed from bent sheet metal, an extruded profile, or forged steel. In particular, the fastening sections can be formed from a U-profile or U-shaped steel. This allows, in particular, bar stock with a square or rectangular cross-section to be connected to the connector. These semi-finished products are readily available and, due to their tight manufacturing tolerances, are easy to further process to produce a connector according to the invention. It is also conceivable to provide a profile for bar stock with a round cross-section.

[0017] It is advantageous if the respective fastening section has a length along the longitudinal axis, a height perpendicular to it, and a width perpendicular to it, with the length being as close as possible to the sum of the width and height. This allows for simple manufacturing of the connector. It is also advantageous if the width is greater than the height, particularly if the width is at least twice the height. These proportions result in a cube-like shape for the connector. This facilitates handling and also contributes to an aesthetically pleasing appearance of a structure using the connector.

[0018] It is conceivable that the individual fastening sections are materially bonded to one another. This can be achieved, for example, by welding, which contributes to high stability and durability, especially when using U-steel or other profiles. It is also conceivable that the connector is formed in one piece. This would allow the connector to be a cast metal part or a plastic part.

[0019] Advantageously, the three mounting sections are each L-shaped with a base section and a side, or U-shaped with a base section and a first and second side, with each base section and side having an inner and an outer surface. This results in advantageous support properties and stops for the bar stock, allowing for both simple and precise positioning. Easy positioning is particularly beneficial for DIY enthusiasts, who often lack the necessary skills and specialized tools. However, this also benefits professionals, as it saves time when assembling structures from bar stock. Forces exerted by the bar stock can be effectively absorbed by the support surfaces provided in this way.

[0020] It is also conceivable that each outer surface of each basic section is connected to only one outer surface of a cheek.

[0021] It is also conceivable that the fastening sections are arranged in such a way that a front edge of the respective base section running transversely to the respective longitudinal axis is at least largely flush with an upper edge of the cheek of another fastening section running parallel to the respective longitudinal axis.

[0022] Advantageously, the fastening sections are each arranged such that a rear edge of the base section is flush with a side edge of the first cheek section of the previous fastening section. This arrangement of the fastening sections results in a cube-shaped external form for the connector, the advantages of which have already been mentioned.

[0023] It is conceivable that fastening sections are provided for bar stock with a square cross-section and / or fastening sections for bar stock with a round cross-section. Hybrid configurations are also conceivable, in which fastening sections of a connector are provided for different bar stock materials with varying dimensions and / or cross-sections.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one additional fastening area for the attachment and securing of a free end of at least one bar stock is formed by the three fastening sections. Furthermore, this at least one additional fastening area is advantageously formed by the outer surfaces of the base sections and / or the outer surfaces of the cheeks. This allows at least one additional bar stock to be arranged and fastened parallel to a longitudinal axis in one of the fastening areas. This is also referred to as doubling. Along one of the longitudinal axes, this results in increased stability of a subsequent structure using the connector. It is also conceivable that the additional bar stock is arranged along an axis different from the other three longitudinal axes, thus opening up further application possibilities for the connector.

[0025] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, which provides further description and explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2: A connector in different perspective views; Fig. 3 to 5: the connector according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in different non-perspective top-down shots Fig. 6: one by means of several connectors according to the Fig. 1 to 5 erected carports.

[0027] A connector 10 with three fastening sections 12 is in the Fig. 1 to 5 shown in different views. Fig. Figure 1 shows connector 10 in a perspective front view and Fig. Figure 2 shows connector 10 in a perspective rear view. Fig. Figure 3 shows connector 10 from direction III according to Fig. 2 in a top view. The Fig. Figure 4 shows connector 10 from direction IV according to Fig. 2 in a top view. The Fig. Figure 5 shows connector 10 from the direction V according to Fig. 1.

[0028] The connector 10 is used to connect rod material 14. In the Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a wooden construction in the form of a carport 16.

[0029] The fastening sections 12 in the Fig. Sections 1 to 5 are largely identical and constructed from a U-profile or U-shaped steel. Each fastening section 12 comprises a base section 18 and two carriage sections 20. The base sections 18 each have a base surface 19 on one side for receiving and supporting one longitudinal side of the bar stock 14. The carriage sections 20 each have a carriage surface 21 on one side facing the other carriage section 20 of a fastening section 12 for receiving and supporting one longitudinal side of the bar stock 14. The fastening sections 12 extend along indicated longitudinal axes 22, with the bar stock 14 extending along these longitudinal axes 22 when it is received in the respective fastening section 12. An L-shape of the fastening sections 12 with one base section 18 and only one carriage section 20 is also conceivable, but is not shown.

[0030] The longitudinal axes 22 of the fastening sections 12 are each arranged at a 90° angle to one another. Furthermore, the fastening sections 12 are arranged and designed such that the longitudinal axes 22 do not intersect, and furthermore, that the bar materials 14 do not intersect if bar materials 14 are held in at least two fastening sections 12. The bar materials 14 do not collide with each other, as is the case in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0031] To fasten the rod material 14 to the fastening sections 12 using fasteners (not shown), openings 24, in particular in the form of a bore, are provided in the base section 18. Screws or nails, for example, can be inserted through the openings 24 to fasten the rod material 14. Furthermore, the openings 24 can be used as a drilling template for drilling holes in the rod material 14. The size of the openings 24 corresponds to the width B of the fastening section 12.

[0032] The base sections 18 each have an outer surface 28 facing away from the base side 19. The outer surface 28 rests on an outer surface 30 of a cheek 20 of another fastening section 12 and is metallurgically connected to it by welds 26. A one-piece connector without welds 26, for example designed as a casting, is conceivable, but not shown.

[0033] The Fig. Figures 3 to 5 show the connector 10 in various non-perspective views, explaining the arrangement of the fastening sections 12 relative to each other. For the sake of clarity, the representation of the longitudinal axes 22 from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 largely dispensed with.

[0034] In Fig. 3. The arrangement of the fastening sections 12 relative to each other will be explained in more detail using the right fastening section 12.1 and the left upper fastening section 12.2 as examples. A front edge 32 of the base section 18 of the right fastening section 12.1, running transversely to the drawn longitudinal axis 22, is flush with an upper edge 34 of the cheek 20 of the left upper fastening section 12.2, which runs parallel to the drawn longitudinal axis 22. This arrangement is the same for all fastening sections 12 of the connector 10. Furthermore, the arrangement is such that a lower edge 35, running transversely to the drawn longitudinal axis 22 of the fastening section 12.1, is parallel and flush with the outer surface 30 of a cheek 20 of the lower left fastening section 12.3.

[0035] The respective fastening section 12, as in particular in Fig. Figure 5 shows a length L in the direction of its associated longitudinal axis 22, a height H perpendicular to it, and a width B perpendicular to both length L and height H. The length L corresponds almost exactly to the sum of the width B and height H. In the Fig. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the width B is approximately or at least twice as large as the height H.

[0036] Another advantage of the connector 12 shown is described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Clearly: The arrangement of the fastening sections 12 creates two further fastening areas 36, 38 for the attachment and securing of a free end of at least one bar stock 14 by the three fastening sections 12. One further fastening area 36 is formed by the outer sides 28 of the three base sections 18, and the other further fastening area 38 is formed by the three outer sides 30 of the cheeks 20. Both fastening areas 36, 38 are therefore closed on three sides and open on three sides.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 6 shows carport 16, which is constructed from bar stock 14 in the form of wooden beams using a total of 4 connectors 10. Instead of the wooden beams 14 shown, any bar stock extending along a longitudinal axis 22 is conceivable. The use and connection of different beams with different cross-sections using a single connector 10 is conceivable, but not shown. The advantages of using one or more connectors 10 for such a construction are illustrated using carport 16 as an example.

[0038] Such a carport 16 can be easily erected using the connectors 10, especially by DIY enthusiasts without extensive carpentry skills. The fastening sections 12 of the connectors 10 are designed so that the wooden beams 14, i.e., the pole material 14, can be received and fastened at any position along the long sides 40 in the respective fastening section 12. As before, butt jointing at the free end 42 of the wooden beams 14 is not required. This eliminates the need for precise cutting of the beams. The beams 14 can project to any side along the longitudinal axis 22 of their respective fastening section. This is clearly visible in the front right vertical beam 14 with its overhang 44. This overhang 44 is also cleverly used here for mounting a roof 46. Any unwanted overhang can also be removed after the carport has been erected.

[0039] Furthermore, the required installation space is small due to the cube-shaped design of the connectors 10, while the connectors 10 simultaneously provide a large contact surface, ensuring high stability between the beams 14 and the entire carport 16. For increased stability, an additional vertical beam could be attached to the connector 10 via the further fastening section 38; however, this is not shown.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 6 further shows that there are two versions 10 and 10.1 of the connector 10. These versions differ in the arrangement of the fastening sections 12 relative to each other, in that in the first version 10 the cheeks 20 are attached to the base section 18 as described above. Fig. 3 described the issue and in a second version 10.1 that the one in the Fig. 3 non-adhering cheeks 20 abut the base section 18. The first version 10, as in the Fig.Versions 1 to 5, shown in Figure 1, are located at the front left and rear right corners of carport 16. Version 10.1 is located at the front right and rear left corners of carport 16. The two connector versions, 10 and 10.1, allow for symmetrical and therefore more visually appealing constructions.

[0041] With connectors 10, three-dimensional constructions, such as a carport 16, can be easily erected from bar material 14 by DIY enthusiasts without much preparation or special tools.

Claims

[1] Connector (10) for connecting three rod materials (14) each extending along a longitudinal axis (22), wherein the connector (10) has three fastening sections (12) for receiving and fastening longitudinal sides (40) of the three rod materials (14), wherein the fastening sections (12) are designed such that when a rod material (14) is received and / or fastened to at least two of the fastening sections (12), the longitudinal axes (22) of the rod materials (14) do not diverge and the rod materials (14) cannot collide with one another. [2] Connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein each fastening section (12) is designed such that the rod material (14) can be received and fastened at any position of the longitudinal side (40) in the respective fastening section (12). [3] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, fastening sections (12) each have an angle of 90° to one another. [4] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the three fastening sections (12) each have at least one opening (24) for a fastening means for fastening the rod material (14). [5] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the three fastening sections (12) are each substantially identical. [6] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the three fastening sections (12) are each formed from a bent sheet metal, an extruded profile or forged steel. [7] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective fastening section (12) has a length (L) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (22), a height (H) running perpendicular thereto and a width (B) running perpendicular thereto, wherein the length (L) corresponds largely to the sum of the width (B) and height (H). [8] Connector (10) according to claim 7, wherein the width (B) is greater than the height (H), in particular wherein the width (B) is at least twice as large as the height (H). [9] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual fastening sections (12) are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner. [10] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (10) is formed in one piece. [11] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the three fastening sections (12) are each L-shaped with a base section (18) and a cheek (20) or U-shaped with a base section (20) and a first cheek (20) and second cheek (20), wherein the respective base section and the respective cheeks (20) each have an inner side (19, 21) and an outer side (28, 30). [12] Connector (10) according to claim 11, wherein each outer side (28) of each base portion (18) is connected only to an outer side (30) of a cheek (20). [13] Connector (10) according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the fastening sections (12) are each arranged such that a front edge (32) of the respective base section (18) extending transversely to the respective longitudinal axis (22) is at least largely flush with an upper edge (34) of the cheek (20) of another fastening section (12) extending parallel to the respective longitudinal axis (22). [14] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one further fastening region (36, 38) for abutting and fastening a free end (42) of at least one rod material (14) is formed by the three fastening sections (12). [15] Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one further fastening region (36, 38) is formed by the outer sides (28) of the base sections (18) and / or outer sides (30) of the cheeks (21).

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