Length adjustable profile apparatus for a sliding ceiling connection and adjustable ceiling connection apparatus

Abstract

A length adjustable profile apparatus for use in drywall construction, comprising: - a ceiling anchor (101) comprising a ceiling connection plate (101c) for connection to a ceiling, and a side plate (101 d) extending from an end of the ceiling connection plate, the side plate (101 d) comprising at least one elongated hole (101a); - a ceiling anchor connection element (102) comprising a connection plate (102c) with a top edge (102e), side flanges (102d) extending from the connection plate (102c) and a connection point (102a); - a profile (200), comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the side plate (101 d) and the ceiling anchor connection element (102) are suitable for insertion into a first end opening (200a) of the profile (200), - wherein the elongated hole (101a) preferably has a length that is equal to or greater than twice the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102), - wherein preferably the upper end of the elongated hole (101a) is positioned in the side plate (101 d) at a distance from the end of the ceiling connection plate (101c) from which the side plate (101 d) extends equal to or less than the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102), and an adjustable ceiling connection apparatus as well as an anchor.

Description

Background art

[0001] Drywalls are often installed in buildings, thereby allowing building floors to be easily partitioned, such that the space on each floor of a building may be segmented based on intended use of said building floor. These drywalls provide no vertical load-bearing function and generally serve only to divide the space on a floor.

[0002] An important advantage of using drywalls is that they allow for relatively cheap and simple construction, due in part to the thin-walled sheet metal used for stud profiles, and may be erected quickly and efficiently. It is a primary aim for any drywall apparatus that it allows for a timely installation.

[0003] The ceilings of buildings, in particular multi-story buildings, can rise or fall due to a number of factors such as a change of weight on the floor above, or thermal influences such as expansion or contraction of building elements during the hotter / colder seasons respectively, or sudden movements caused by earthquakes.

[0004] In an effort to compensate for the above-mentioned rise and fall of ceilings in a building, an upper connection of a drywall to the ceiling may provide an expansion / contraction element, thereby ensuring that the rise or fall of a ceiling does not put the stud profiles of a drywall under undue stress by compressing or stretching the stud profile. The expansion / contraction element may be an expansion joint with overlapping paneling or a sliding ceiling connection providing a sliding connection to the ceiling.

[0005] Furthermore, stud profiles used in drywall construction typically have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section. These cross-section profiles have an open side, with an opening which extends along the length of the profile, through which insulating material may be inserted into the profile after planking the stud profile, i.e. securing a flat building element such as a plasterboard to one side of the profile.

[0006] These plasterboards are often secured to the stud profiles using fastenings such as self-tapping screws, i.e. a screw that can tap its own hole as it's driven into the stud profile. Self-tapping screw allow for quicker installation as drilling is not required prior to insertion of the screw, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the installation process. It is preferable to ensure that a fastening is only required to penetrate a single layer of sheet metal, i.e. the profile, to ensure a simple and quick installation, preferably without prior drilling. Any deviation from a standard stud profile apparatus into which fastenings such as self-tapping screws may be installed can significantly reduce the efficiency of the drywall installation.

[0007] As drywall plasterboards are often applied to cover the entire length of the stud profile, it is a significant advantage if fastenings can be inserted at as many points along a stud profile as possible, preferably at points along the entire length of the stud profile, i.e. at points from the top to the bottom. This ensures that during installation, fastenings may be placed at a height deemed necessary by the installer, and thus the installer does not have to take time to ensure that certain areas, in a length direction of the profile, are avoided. Furthermore, the maximization of area in which fastenings may be placed is a constant objective in drywall construction.

[0008] In the apparatus of US 5,040, 345, a sliding connection is made by sliding stud profiles between components of a counter profile. However, fastenings may not be applied to the profile or counter profile at the area in which they interact as this would impede the mobility of the sliding connection. Whilst a high screwing point is made available by an additional profile section, said section is laterally offset from the screwing area of the profile beneath it. This non-uniformity thus requires further consideration by the installer, and efficiency and flexibility of the installation process is reduced.

[0009] An arrangement is provided in WO 2019 / 197052 A1 in which a bracket is adapted to the dimensions of the profile such that the profile may slot into it and provide a sliding connection with a fastening area that allows a high screwing point on the profile.

[0010] As outlined above, drywalls provide no vertical load-bearing function. Due to the thin-walled sheet metal and the sliding slot connection of WO 2019 / 197052 A1 said arrangement is also not suitable for absorbing heavy loads in a non-vertical direction, e.g. in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis (which extends vertically upon installation) of the profile. This makes said arrangement unsuitable for use as a supporting element in further wall elements such as a door, or a window, in particular wall elements wherein a heavy load may be applied, such as a fire door or a heavy window.

[0011] DE 20 2017 002584 U1 discloses a length adjustable profile apparatus for use in drywall construction with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] It is thus an aim of the present invention to provide a length adjustable profile apparatus and adjustable ceiling connection apparatus which maximizes potential fastening area along the length of the profile, and thus improves installation efficiency, whilst providing increased support and stability in a transverse plane.Summary

[0013] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a length adjustable profile apparatus for use in drywall construction, comprising the features of claim 1.Technical advantages

[0014] The present invention provides a sliding connection between a ceiling and a profile for drywall installation. The elongated hole ensures that when secured via a fastening, the ceiling anchor can move relative to the profile and ceiling anchor connection element, such that rise or fall of the ceiling does not apply stress to the profile by stretching or compressing.

[0015] The connection point and its distance from the top edge of the ceiling anchor connection element ensure that upon installation it is clear where the fastening is to be installed, thereby ensuring the installation procedure is efficient and ensuring that length adjustability in not impaired / prevented by a fastening means.

[0016] The connection plate and side flanges of the ceiling anchor connection element ensure that a connection between the profile and the ceiling anchor, has stability in a transverse plane, such that the profile may be used as a supporting element in wall elements, providing increased support and stability in a traverse plane.

[0017] It is further disclosed an anchor, preferably a ground anchor for anchoring (fixation / fastening) of a profile having preferably a C-shaped cross section to a floor, a wall or a ceiling.

[0018] The anchor comprises an anchor base for connection and an anchor upright element for insertion into an end opening of a profile, wherein the profile, which preferably has C-shaped cross section, has open side profile lips which extend from the ends of the flange sides of the profile at least partly into the open side opening of the profile, and a first end opening and a second end opening, wherein the anchor upright element is suitable for insertion into the first end opening and / or the second end opening of the profile, wherein the anchor base comprises at least one recess into which at least part of a ground side edge of the second end opening may be inserted, wherein the width of the anchor upright element corresponds to the distance between the flanges of the profile to be anchored.

[0019] This insertion of parts of the ground side edge of the profile into the at least one recess enables to secure a profile in a lateral plane wherein the respective edge of the profile is in direct contact with the ground or the ceiling, respectively with a wall in case the anchor is applied to fasten a profile in a horizontal position, and in addition to stabilize the connection between the anchor and the profile mechanically, since the width of the anchor upright element corresponds almost to the distance between the flanges of the profile.

[0020] The direct contact between the edge of the profile and the anchoring position (ground, ceiling or wall) in combination with the direct contact between anchor upright element and the flanges of the profile provides an unexpected increase in stabilization of the profile when the same is fixed by using the present anchor.

[0021] Thus the anchor element is characterized in that the bottom-side angular portion of the anchor (anchor base) is at least partially dimensioned in its width such that the anchor element can be positioned closely between the limbs of the profile, and the complete anchor upright element is dimensioned in its width such that the anchor element can be positioned at its full length closely between the limbs of the profile.

[0022] The stabilizing effect of the second feature named in the previous paragraph can be increased by elongating the length of the anchor upright element.

[0023] The insertable profile preferably has a C-shaped cross section (C-profile) with open side profile lips which extend from the ends of the flange sides of the profile at least partly into the open side opening of the profile.

[0024] However, the insertable profile could have even a U-shaped cross section with parallel flanges (U-profile), e.g. without profile lips, provided that profile-segment having C-shaped cross section is applied to embrace the U-shaped cross section of the profile at least in the area of the anchor upright element.

[0025] Embracement of the U-profile by a shorter profile-segment having C-shaped cross section provides fixation of the C-profile at the anchor in a way as described above once the lips which extend from the ends of the flange sides of the C-profile segment are inserted into the recesses of the anchor base.

[0026] The preferred angle between anchor base and anchor upright element is 90°. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that angle between anchor base and anchor upright element is between 1° and 179°. In this case, e.g. if the angle is not 90°, the profile to be fixed is inclined with respect to the anchor base.Brief description of figures

[0027] Figure 1aprovides an exploded view of the components of a length adjustable profile apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1bprovides a view of a length adjustable profile apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a fully compressed state. Figure 2illustrates a number of adjustable ceiling connection apparatus' further comprising a ground anchor in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Detailed description of embodiments

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention may be seen in figures 1a and 1b, displaying a length adjustable profile apparatus for use in drywall construction. The apparatus comprises of ceiling anchor (101) and a ceiling anchor connection element (102) forming an adjustable ceiling connection apparatus (100) for insertion into a profile (200).

[0029] The ceiling anchor (101) comprises a ceiling connection plate (101c) for connection to a ceiling, and a side plate (101d) extending from an end of the ceiling connection plate, the side plate (101d) comprising at least one elongated hole (101a).

[0030] The ceiling anchor connection plate (101c) preferably comprises one or more ceiling connection holes (101b) through which a ceiling fastening means such as a screw may pass to connect the ceiling anchor (101) to a ceiling. The side plate (101d) preferably extends perpendicular to the ceiling connection plate (101c) to ensure that when connected the profile (200) extends vertically. The side plate (101d) may be narrower than, or may have a width approximately equal to, preferably equal to, the width of the internal surface on the rear side of the profile (200).

[0031] The ceiling anchor connection element (102) comprises a connection plate (102c) with a top edge (102e), side flanges (102d) extending from the connection plate (102c) and a connection point (102a).

[0032] The connection point (102a) is preferably either a hole through which a fastening means may pass or a marking indicating a point at which a fastening hole may be produced.

[0033] The length adjustable profile apparatus preferably also comprises the fastening means (not pictured). Said fastening may be a self-tapping screw which does not require a hole, or a screw which requires a hole through which it may be inserted.

[0034] The profile (200), comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the side plate (101d) and the ceiling anchor connection element (102) are suitable for insertion into a first end opening (200a) of the profile (200).

[0035] Preferably the profile has either a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section. The profile (200) may have a rear side, two flange sides, and an open side, wherein the open side comprises an open side opening (200d) extending along the length of the profile (200). The profile (200) is preferably a stud profile made of sheet metal. The other components of the length adjustable profile apparatus are preferably also made of metal, or similarly rigid material.

[0036] The ceiling anchor connection element (102) may connect to the rear side of the profile (200) via the fastening passing through the connection point (102a), the elongated hole (101a) and the rear side of the profile (200). Preferably the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is connected to the inner surface of the rear side of the profile (200).

[0037] Preferably the side flanges (102d) contact, and run parallel to, the flange sides of the profile (200) when the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is inserted into the profile (200). Said side flanges (102d) preferably extend from the connection plate (102c) along less than the entire surface of the two flange sides of the profile, further preferably less than or equal to half way along the flange sides of the profile. This allows part of the internal surface of each flange side to not be in contact with the side flanges (102d) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

[0038] This ensures that the corresponding outer surface of each flange side can have fastenings applied to it for connecting a flat building element such as plasterboard, or a wall or door element, to the profile, at points along the entire length of the profile, i.e. from the first end to the second end of the profile. This may be referred to as a profile fixing area through which a fastening may penetrate without penetrating a connection element side flange (102d) when the connection anchor connection element (102) is secured to the rear side of the profile (200). The profile fixing area marker (210) shows the fitter the upper border (ceiling side border) of the profile fixing area.

[0039] The flanges (102d) and connection plate (102c) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) also ensure that movement of the ceiling anchor (101) and profile (200) relative to one another in a transverse plane is minimized. Said movement may refer to rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the profile (200), but is not limited to such. The arrangement minimizes movement in all directions, except the extension and retraction of the ceiling anchor (101) in the longitudinal direction of the profile (200).

[0040] For example a door frame or window frame may be installed to an outer surface of the rear side of the profile (200). The present invention allows the profile (200) to be suitable as a supporting element in further wall elements such as a door or window, preferably a fire door or heavy window frame. These wall elements can apply a large load to the profile, in non-longitudinal directions. The present arrangement ensures that such a load does not damage the profile (200), or the length adjustable profile apparatus itself.

[0041] The ceiling anchor connection element (102) preferably has a U-shaped cross-section. The ceiling anchor connection element is preferably adapted to ensure that the ceiling anchor connection element is held in place in the longitudinal direction once installed in the profile. This allows the user to place the ceiling anchor connection element (102) into the first end opening (200a) of the profile (200) during installation, and ensure that it is held in the intended position whilst the fastening means is installed, thereby relieving the user of the need to hold the ceiling anchor connection element (102) in place with their hand.

[0042] This function may be provided in a number of different ways. Firstly, the ceiling anchor connection element (102) may comprise a suspension element (102b) for holding the ceiling anchor connection element (102) relative to the profile when inserted into the first end opening (200a) of the profile (200). The suspension element (102b) may comprise a protrusion (102b) on one or both of the side flanges (102d) such that the maximum width of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is greater than the maximum width of the first end opening (200a).

[0043] The protrusion (102b) may thus prevent the ceiling anchor connection element (102) from being fully inserted into the profile (200), thereby ensuring that the ceiling anchor connection element (102) protrudes slightly from the profile (200) when installed.

[0044] Alternatively, or in addition, to the suspension element (102b) the side flanges (102d) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) may extend from the connection plate (102c) outwards from one another, wherein the maximum distance between the side flanges (102d) is greater than the maximum width of the first end opening (200a).

[0045] The ceiling anchor connection element (102) may thus provide a clamping action against one or more of the inner surfaces of the profile (200) when inserted in to the profile (200) sufficient to hold the ceiling anchor connection element (102) relative to the profile (200).

[0046] It should be noted that the clamping action provided prevents the ceiling anchor connection element (102) from falling down the inside of the profile (200) when the ceiling anchor connection element is inserted therein.

[0047] If no suspension element (102b) is present then the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is preferably held with its top edge flush to, i.e. level with, the ceiling side edge (200b) of the profile (200) around the first end opening (200a).

[0048] The elongated hole (101a) has a length that is equal to or greater than, preferably equal to, twice (double) the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

[0049] The upper end of the elongated hole (101a) is positioned in the side plate (101d) at a distance from the end of the ceiling connection plate (101c) from which the side plate (101d) extends equal to or less than, preferably equal to, the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

[0050] By this arrangement, when installed such that the fastening passes through the connection point (102a) and through the center of the elongated hole (101a) the ceiling anchor (101) may descend to contact the top of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) when the ceiling is lowered, or may ascend by an equal amount when the ceiling is raised.

[0051] The distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) may provide an indication of the length of the profile (200) to be used, as the profile shall be at least this distance shorter than the height of the room into which the length adjustable profile apparatus is to be installed. Expressed in another way, the profile may be selected, or cut to size, such that when installed, a gap between the ceiling side edge (200b) and the ceiling is equal in length to the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102). Preferably said distance is indicated on the ceiling anchor connection element (102) and / or the ceiling anchor (101).

[0052] This ensures that the user may easily select, or prepare, a profile of appropriate height of the room into which it is to be installed. By ensuring this, the user can easily install the ceiling anchor connection plate (102) and ensure that the connection point is arranged at approximately the mid-point along the elongated hole (101a).

[0053] Before the installation of the adjustable connection apparatus (100) the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) and the ceiling side edge (200b) are coplanar, e.g. the edges are flush aligned, respectively almost flush aligned with respect to suspension element (102b).

[0054] After the installation of the adjustable connection apparatus (100) using a fastening means (preferably a self-tapping screw) which is positioned at connection point (102a) before it penetrates the elongated hole (101a) of anchor element (101) the fasting means hits the web of profile (200) at a point where the fastening means is positioned approx. at half of the length of elongated hole (101a) of anchor element (101).

[0055] The elongated hole (101a) of anchor element (101) in the dimension of its length is provided in correlation with the position of connection point (102a) on the ceiling anchor connection element (102), respectively in correlation with the intended dimension of the gap between the ceiling side edge (200b) and the ceiling.

[0056] Accordingly, the length of the elongated hole (101a) can indicate double the maximum distance between the profile and the height of the room into which it is to be installed.

[0057] When a suspension element (102b) is utilized causing the ceiling anchor connection element (102) to protrude above the profile, the upper end of the elongated hole (101a) may be positioned in the side plate (101d) at a distance from the end of the ceiling connection plate (101c) from which the side plate (101d) extends equal to the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102), minus the length of which the ceiling anchor connection element (102) protrudes. The positioning of the elongated hole (101a) may thus be offset by the protrusion amount and thus ensure the connection point (102a) is arranged at approximately the mid-point along the elongated hole (101a).

[0058] The present invention may further comprise a secondary elongated hole in the side plate (101d) of the ceiling anchor (101), and the ceiling anchor connection element (102) may respectively comprise a secondary connection point, as seen in figure 2.

[0059] The secondary elongated hole may extend parallel to the elongated hole (101a) and the distance between the secondary connection point and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) may be equal to the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102). The elongated holes and connection points may thus be aligned horizontally.

[0060] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to one or two elongated holes and connection points, but may comprise three or more elongated holes and connection points.

[0061] As shown in figures 1a, 1b, and 2, the length adjustable profile apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a ground anchor (300) comprising a ground anchor base (302) for connection to a floor and a ground anchor upright element (301) for insertion into a second end opening (200f) at the second end of the profile (200).

[0062] The ground anchor base (302) may comprise one or more ground connection holes (302a) for securing the ground anchor base (302) to the floor of the room which the profile is to be installed.

[0063] The ground anchor base (302) may comprise at least one recess (303a), preferably two recesses, into which at least part of a ground side edge (200e) of the second end opening (200f) may be inserted and secured in a lateral plane. The ground anchor (300) may thus ensure that lateral movement may be prevented by contact of the ground side edge (200e) with the at least one recess. The ground anchor upright element (301) may also be secured to the rear side of the profile (200) by a further fastening means.

[0064] The profile may have a C-shaped cross section and open side profile lips (200c) which extend from the ends of the flange sides of the profile (200) at least partly into the open side opening (200d). The at least one recess (303a) may be a plurality of recesses (303a) extending inwardly from the side of the ground anchor base (302), into which the open side profile lips (200c) may be inserted.

[0065] As will be appreciated, a wider profile (200) provides increased stability and is better suited for use as a supporting element in further wall elements such as a fire door or heavy window frame.

[0066] As is shown in figure 2, the width of the ceiling anchor (101), the ceiling anchor connection element (102) and the ground anchor (300) may be increased depending on the width of the profile (200) with which they are used. Further elongated holes and connection points may be used, whilst a plurality of ceiling connection holes offset from one another laterally may also be utilized. Furthermore, additional anchor connection holes (302a) may be provided to obtain an improved fastening of the anchor (300).

[0067] Furthermore, additional recesses (303a) may be provided to consider variable length of profile flanges. To achieve this purpose a plurality of recesses (303a) extending inwardly from the side of the ground anchor base (302), into which the open side profile lips (200c) of a profile having variable flange length is insertable, is considered, wherein in each case two recesses (303a) are positioned at the end of a line which line runs parallel to the line marking the connection, respectively the angle or the chamfer, connecting the anchor base (302) and the anchor upright element (301). Two to the anchors (300) shown in figure 2 illustrate such a preferred embodiment.

[0068] An example of a method of installation of the length adjustable profile apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, is outlined herein. The room into which the apparatus is to be installed is measure in height, and the profile (200) either selected, or cut, to the appropriate length, such that it is shorter than the room height by the amount indicated by the apparatus, i.e. the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

[0069] The ground anchor (300) is secured to the ground via ground connection holes (302a) and respective fastening means. The ceiling anchor (101) is secured to the ceiling above via ceiling connection holes (101b) and respective fastening means, such that the side plate (101d) and the ground anchor upright element (301) extend through the same plane.

[0070] The side plate (101d) and the ground anchor upright element (301) are inserted into the profile (200) by moving the profile (200) to allow the side plate (101d) and ground anchor upright element (301) to pass through the open side opening (200d). The profile (200) may then be rotated such that the side plate (101d) and ground anchor upright element (301) rest against the internal surface of the rear side of the profile (200). The profile (200) may be lowered such that the ground side edge (200e) is inserted into the recess (303a).

[0071] It will be appreciated that whilst it is outlined that the side plate (101d) and ground anchor upright element (301) are "inserted" into the profile, these features are fixed in position and thus the profile is installed around said features.

[0072] The ceiling anchor connection element (102) is then inserted into the profile (200), preferably via the open side opening (200d) and then rotated such that the connection plate (102c) rests against the side plate (101d). Alternatively, the ceiling anchor connection element (102) may be held against the side plate (101d) once the ceiling anchor (101) is secured to the ceiling such that the profile may be installed around the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

[0073] The ceiling anchor connection element (102) may be positioned such that the connection element top edge (102e) is flush against, i.e. in line with, the profile ceiling side edge (200b). A fastening may then be inserted through the connection point (102a) such that it passes through the approximate mid-point of the elongated hole (101a) and through the rear side of the profile (200).

[0074] In this manner, the profile may be efficiently installed and ensure that the fastening is correctly placed so as to allow the range of movement between the ceiling anchor (101) and the profile (200) respectively.

[0075] It should also be noted the ceiling anchor may alternately be secured to the ceiling of the room into which the profile is to be installed, after the profile (200) has been provided in the recess (303a) of the ground anchor (300).

[0076] Another embodiment relates to just the adjustable ceiling connection apparatus (100) comprising ceiling anchor (101) and a ceiling anchor connection element (102) for insertion into a profile (200). It will be appreciated that the adjustable ceiling connection apparatus (100) may be utilized with a profile (200) selected by the user, wherein the adjustable ceiling connection (100) indicates the length of the profile with which it is to be used. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the profile itself is not included as the profile (200) may be a standard profile (200) which fits the adjustable ceiling connection apparatus (100).

[0077] In a further embodiment , the ceiling anchor (101) and ceiling anchor connection element (102) may be suitable for an arrangement in which the indicated length of the profile (200) to be used, i.e. the distance shorter than the height of the room into which the length adjustable profile apparatus is to be installed, may be multiple different potential distances.

[0078] In such an arrangement, the elongated hole (101a) may have a length that is equal to or greater than twice the longest potential distance between the ceiling side edge (200b) of the profile (200) and the ceiling of the room into which it is to be installed. The upper end of the elongated hole (101a) may be positioned in the side plate (101d) at a distance from the end of the ceiling connection plate (101c) from which the side plate (101d) extends, equal to or less than, preferably equal to, the shortest potential distance between the ceiling side edge (200b) of the profile (200) and the ceiling of the room into which it is to be installed.

[0079] This thereby allows the embodiment to provide a range of suitable potential distances between the ceiling side edge (200b) of the profile (200) and the ceiling of the room into which it is to be installed. For example, should profiles 2cm shorter than the room height, profiles 3cm shorter than the room height, and profiles 4cm shorter than the room height be of interest, the elongated hole may be at least 8cm in length and begin at most 2 cm below the ceiling connection plate (101c), with the connection point (102a) similarly being placed 2cm below the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element.

[0080] In a further alternate embodiment, multiple ceiling anchors (101) each with a differing elongated hole length (101a) and distance between the upper end of the elongated hole (101a) and the ceiling connection plate (101c) (and thus the suitable height difference between the profile and room into which it is to be installed) are provided.

[0081] A single ceiling anchor connection element (102) may thus also be provided, comprising multiple connection points (102a) each suitable for a different ceiling anchor, wherein the distances between the connection points (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) shall be equal to the distances from the upper end of the elongated hole (101a) to the ceiling connection plate (101c), of the respective ceiling anchors (101). Therefore, the connection point and ceiling anchor (101) may be selected based on the difference in height between the profile and room into which it is to be installed.

[0082] A further alternate embodiment may utilize both the multiple connection points (102a) and the single ceiling anchor (101) with an elongated hole (101a) suitable for the respective multiple connection points (102a) and thus the potential differences in height between the profile and room into which it is to be installed.

[0083] It should be noted in figure 1b that a fastening means has not yet been applied to the length adjustable profile apparatus. Furthermore, the components are in a fully compressed state, merely to display how the components of the length adjustable profile apparatus may fit together. The compression state in figure 1b is not intended to display the state in which a fastening means is to be installed; when a fastening means is installed the connection point of the ceiling anchor connection element will preferably be aligned with the midpoint of the elongated hole. The ceiling anchor may thus descend to the fully compressed state as seen in figure 1b, or ascend to a fully extended state.

[0084] Whilst reference to the vertical arrangement of a profile between the floor and ceiling of a room has been outlined herein, it will be appreciated that the present invention is suitable for arrangement between any two opposing surfaces. For example, the present invention may be utilized in a horizontal direction as a horizontal profile apparatus, providing slidable connection between a plurality of walls.Reference numerals

[0085] 100 -Adjustable ceiling connection apparatus 101 -Ceiling anchor 101a -Elongated hole 101b -Ceiling connection hole 101c -Ceiling connection plate 101d -Side plate 102 -Ceiling anchor connection element 102a -Connection point (Screw point marker) 102b -Suspension element (Protrusion) 102c -Connection plate 102d -Connection element side flange 102e -Connection element top edge 200 -Profile 200a -Ceiling side opening (First end opening) 200b -Ceiling side edge 200c -Open side profile lip 200d -Open side opening 200e -Ground side edge 200f -Ground side opening (Second end opening) 210 -Profile fixing area marker 300 -Anchor (Ground anchor) 301 -Anchor upright element (Ground anchor upright element) 302 -Anchor base (Ground anchor base) 302a -Anchor connection hole (Ground anchor connection hole) 303a -Recess

Claims

1. A length adjustable profile apparatus for use in drywall construction, comprising: - a ceiling anchor (101) comprising a ceiling connection plate (101c) for connection to a ceiling, and a side plate (101d) extending from an end of the ceiling connection plate, the side plate (101d) comprising at least one elongated hole (101a); - a ceiling anchor connection element (102) comprising a connection plate (102c) with a top edge (102e), side flanges (102d) extending from the connection plate (102c) and a connection point (102a); - a profile (200), having a rear side, two flange sides, and an open side, wherein the open side comprises an open side opening (200d) extending along the length of the profile (200), and comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the side plate (101d) and the ceiling anchor connection element (102) are suitable for insertion into a first end opening (200a) of the profile (200), wherein the profile (200) has either a C-shaped cross section or a U-shaped cross section, characterized in that - the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is inserted into the profile and is connected to the rear side of the profile (200) via a fastening passing through the connection point (102a), the elongated hole (101a) and the rear side of the profile (200), wherein the side flanges (102d) of the ceiling anchor connection element contact, and run parallel to, the flange sides of the profile (200), - wherein the elongated hole (101a) is elongated parallel to the profile and has a length that is equal to or greater than twice the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102),and wherein the upper end of the elongated hole (101a) is positioned in the side plate (101d) at a distance from the end of the ceiling connection plate (101c) from which the side plate (101d) extends equal to or less than the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

2. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: - the ceiling anchor connection element (102) comprises a suspension element (102b) for holding the ceiling anchor connection element (102) relative to the profile when inserted into the first end opening (200a) of the profile (200).

3. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: - the suspension element (102b) comprises a protrusion (102b) on one or both of the side flanges (102d) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) such that the maximum width of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is greater than the maximum width of the first end opening (200a).

4. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: - the side flanges (102d) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) extend from the connection plate (102c) outwards from one another, wherein the maximum distance between the side flange (102d) is greater than the maximum width of the first end opening (200a).

5. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: - the side flanges (102d) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) extend from the connection plate (102c) along less than the entire surface of the two flange sides of the profile (200), preferably less than or equal to half the flange sides of the profile (200).

6. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: - the ceiling anchor (101) comprises at least a secondary elongated hole in the side plate (101d), - the ceiling anchor connection element (102) comprises at least a secondary connection point - and the secondary elongated hole extends parallel to the elongated hole (101a) and the distance between the secondary connection point and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102) is equal to the distance between the connection point (102a) and the top edge (102e) of the ceiling anchor connection element (102).

7. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: - the side plate (101d) has a width approximately equal to, preferably equal to, the width of the internal surface on the rear side of the profile (200).

8. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a ground anchor (300) comprising a ground anchor base (302) for connection to a floor and a ground anchor upright element (301) for insertion into a second end opening (200f) at the second end of the profile (200).

9. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: - the ground anchor base (302) comprises at least one recess (303a) into which at least part of a ground side edge (200e) of the second end opening (200f) of the profile (200) is inserted and secured in a lateral plane.

10. The length adjustable profile apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: - the profile has a C-shaped cross section and open side profile lips (200c) extend from the ends of the flange sides of the profile (200) at least partly into the open side opening (200d), and - the at least one recess (303a) is a plurality of recesses (303a) extending inwardly from the side of the ground anchor base (302), into which the open side profile lips (200c) are inserted.

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