Connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector (43) configured to be inserted into the hollow part of a construction surface framework element (2) and to support the framework element, characterized in that the connector comprises a main plate (430) from which two extension plates (432) extend, the extension plates comprising an elastically deformable material, the connector additionally comprising means (435) for elastically deforming the connector, whereby an application of force causes the connector to adopt a first position, in which the extension plates are deformed in order to be closer to each other and so as to allow the connector to be inserted into the hollow part of a framework element, and a subsequent reduction of the force causes the connector to adopt a second position, in which the extension plates are farther away from each other than in the first position, so as to allow the connector to come into contact with the framework element in order to fix the connector to the framework element.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Connector

[0001] This description generally relates to building surface products, for example, panels and connectors suitable for forming a building surface.

[0002] DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND

[0003] Construction panels, such as plasterboard, are used to build surfaces like walls and ceilings inside a building. These surfaces are formed by attaching construction panels to a supporting structure. In this case, the supporting structure comprises multiple framing members connected to each other and also to at least one of the building's permanent walls, floors, or ceilings. The panels are then attached to these framing members. The framing members can be rails, studs, or other profiles with a surface designed to hold a construction panel. The framing members can be C-shaped.A C-shaped framing member is defined as one formed to comprise a pair of flanges substantially parallel to each other and connected substantially perpendicularly at their base by a web, with the pair of flanges having inwardly directed return edges substantially parallel to the web. For ceilings, framing members are suspended from the building's permanent ceiling by rods. Connectors are used to connect the rails to the rods. It may also be necessary to connect two framing members together in line to efficiently extend the length of the framing members. These connectors comprise two parallel plates, each plate having a slotted shape designed to fit into the hollow portion of a C-shaped rail. These two plates are joined together by a connecting plate, said connecting plate being arranged to secure the rod.

[0004] The connector is installed by inserting it into the recessed section of the rail. The insertion is performed so that the parallel plates extend along the length of the rail. After this, the connector must be positioned rotating to be placed in its final position so that the parallel plates of the connector are locked in the rail.

[0005] The drawback of this embodiment is that significant force is required to position the connectors in the rails, and current connectors have a very low tolerance for error. This is because once the connector has been positioned inside the rail, it is difficult to slide it along the rail to adjust its position. This can complicate installation because, to avoid stressing the suspension, the connector must be directly below the permanent ceiling position where the rod will connect.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a method to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and provides a connector that is simpler to use.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a connector configured to be inserted into the hollow part of a frame element and to support said frame element, characterized in that the connector comprises a main plate from which two extension plates extend, said extension plates comprising an elastically deformable material, the connector further comprises means for elastically deforming said connector whereby an application of force causes said connector to adopt a first position in which the extension plates are deformed to be closer to each other so as to allow the connector to be inserted into the hollow part of the frame element and a subsequent reduction of the force causes the connector to adopt a second position in which the extension plates are in contact with the frame element to fix the connector to the frame element.

[0009] The structural element can be a rail.

[0010] In one example, the extension plates are symmetrical to each other.

[0011] As an example, extension plates comprise a single part.

[0012] According to one example, the extension plates comprise at least two parts extending in opposite directions, a first part extending from the main plate and a second part extending from the first part.

[0013] According to one example, the single part or the second part is curved.

[0014] According to one example, the single part or the second part is a straight plate having an extension blade.

[0015] In one example, each extension blade includes a slot cooperating with the frame element.

[0016] According to one example, means for elastically deforming said connector include at least one ear extending from the extension plate.

[0017] In one example, each extension plate includes one ear.

[0018] In one example, the main plate is arranged to be attached to a rod so that the connector is suspended

[0019] According to one example, the said connector is a section, a profile.

[0020] In one example, the length of the section is at least 0.5 cm.

[0021] The invention further relates to a platform comprising a common plate in which at least two connectors according to the invention are connected.

[0022] In one example, the platform connectors are opposite each other in pairs.

[0023] In one example, the connectors have the same orientation.

[0024] The invention also relates to the use of the connector according to the invention to connect two frame elements.

[0025] The invention also relates to the use of the platform according to the invention to connect at least two structural elements.

[0026] The invention also relates to a bracing accessory for supporting, carrying a structural element comprising a rod fixed to a fixing head fixed to the structural element and fixed to the ceiling by means of a base, in which the fixing head is the connector according to the invention or the fixing head is the platform according to the invention.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for connecting the connector according to the invention or for connecting the platform according to the invention to a structural element, the method comprising the steps: - supply of the connector or platform and at least one structural element - applying a force to the connector, using gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reduce friction between the connector and a structural element in order to allow the connector to be positioned inside a structural element; and - removing the force on the connector so as to allow the connector to return to the release state, thereby increasing the friction between the connector and the structural element so as to fix it in position inside the structural element.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Other specific features and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, which is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive, with reference to the attached drawings on which:

[0030] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a building surface system according to the invention;

[0031] - Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a connector engaged with a structural element according to the invention;

[0032] - Figures 3 and 4 and 14 are schematic representations of a first example of a connector according to the invention;

[0033] - Figures 5 and 6 are schematic representations of a particular part of a connector according to a first example;

[0034] - Figures 7 and 8 are schematic representations of a second example of a connector according to the invention;

[0035] - Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the insertion of a connector according to the invention into a structural element;

[0036] - Figures 10 and 11 are schematic representations of a bracing accessory according to the invention;

[0037] - Figures 12 and 13 are schematic representations of a connector using the connector as a profile according to the invention;

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Figure 1 shows a building surface system 1 according to the invention. This building surface system is used vertically to cover a wall or horizontally to form a ceiling.

[0040] This building surface system comprises at least one framing element 2 to which at least one panel 3 is fixed. The panel is fixed to this framing element 2 by means of a fixing device.

[0041] The panel 3 used is a plasterboard or gypsum board. Panel 3 includes a body comprising a front face, a back face, and a thickness between the front and back faces.

[0042] The framing element can be C-shaped or other shapes such as an open circle or open oval. A C-shaped framing element is a framing element comprising a main section from which two arms extend in parallel. The end of each arm may include a flange at its free end. This framing element can form part of a framing structure.

[0043] When the frame element 2 has an open circle or open oval shape, the shape of the frame element can serve as flanges.

[0044] This frame structure comprises a plurality of frame elements 2. In this case, the frame elements 2 can extend parallel to each other. However, it is possible to have a first set of frame elements 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of frame elements 2 extending perpendicular to the first set of frame elements so as to form a net.

[0045] The frame elements 2 are used to fix the panels 3, said panels being fixed to said frame element. The fixing can be done by the through screws, nails, fastening systems or any other suitable fastening method.

[0046] The frame structure is attached to the ceiling or permanent wall, or to a structure attached to the ceiling or permanent wall, such as a timber frame, using a bracing accessory 4. The ceiling or permanent wall may be concrete. This bracing accessory 4 comprises a base 41 attached to the ceiling or permanent wall, a rod 42, and a fixing head. This fixing head is used to support the frame element 2, as shown in Figure 2. The rod 42 is attached at one end to the base and at the other ends to the fixing head. The base 41 is attached to the ceiling or permanent wall, or to a structure attached to the ceiling or permanent wall, using screws, bolts, anchors, adhesive, or other suitable fasteners.

[0047] According to the invention, a connector or fitting 43 is designed to be simpler than the prior art connector.

[0048] A connector 43 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 3. This connector 43 comprises a main plate 430 into which the rod is fixed. In some embodiments of the invention, the rod 42 is screwed onto the main plate 430 through a hole 431 or through a threaded tube. The connector further comprises two extension plates 432 or wings. These extension plates 432 are preferably symmetrical, but alternative embodiments of the invention may have asymmetrical extension plates 432. The shape of the extension plates 432 is configured such that at least one point of each extension plate is in contact with the interior of the frame element. This enables the connector 43 to hold the frame element in place.

[0049] In a first example, each extension plate 432 comprises two parts. A first part 4320 extends from the main plate 430, and a second part 4321 extends from the first part. For example, see Figure 4, in which these parts are linear. The shape of the second part allows it to be in contact with the framing element. The first The first part and the second part extend in different directions. The extension plates are symmetrical.

[0050] The second part can be a curved part as seen in Figure 3 or a linear part including an extension blade 4322 extending towards the frame element as seen in Figure 4. This extension blade 4322 can be an added element as seen in Figure 5 or can be formed by deformation of the extension blade as seen in Figure 6.

[0051] In a second example, each extension plate 432 comprises only one part, a single part, extending from the main plate as shown in Figure 7. The main plate 430 further includes a hole 431 or a tube 433 having a thread into which the rod is inserted for screwing. The main plate 430 is thus arranged to be suspended by said rod. The single part can be a curved part as shown in Figure 7 or a linear part comprising an extension blade 4322 extending towards the frame element as shown in Figure 8.

[0052] In the first and second examples, the extension blade 4322 is used to contact the frame element 2, specifically the flanges of the C-shaped frame element, as shown in Figure 4. In these first and second examples, the curved extension blades 4322 may include a groove or slot 4323. This groove or slot 4323 is used to cooperate with the frame element 2 to lock the connector 43 into said frame element. This slot can take different forms depending on the connector configuration.

[0053] In a first embodiment, the slot is open as shown in Figure 4. This open slot is preferably used for a connector sized so that the main plate rests against the profile. In this case, the connector is then sandwiched within the profile by the main plate and the slots 4323.

[0054] In a second embodiment, the slot has a C-shaped profile as seen in Figure 14. This C-shaped profile includes a space allowing a portion of the profile to slide into it. Since each extension blade includes a slot In C, the connector is fixed to the profile by these C-shaped slots. This second design makes it unnecessary to have a connector sized to bear on the profile by the main plate.

[0055] Advantageously, the 43 connector is designed to allow elastic deformation for ease of use. To achieve this, the connector is made of a deformable material, and this deformation is elastic. This means that an applied force will deform the connector, and when that force is reduced or removed, the 43 connector will return to its original state. The material used for the connector includes one or more of the following: plastics, polymers, metals, metal alloys, carbon fibers, natural fibers such as plant fibers, or mixtures of one or more of these materials.

[0056] Furthermore, the connector 43 includes gripping means 435 of the type of tabs or ears 4350. These gripping means 435 are used to deform the connector. These tabs are extensions of the extension plates 432. These tabs are arranged at the free ends of the extension plates 432. These tabs or ears extend from the free ends of the extension plates 432. The tabs of the two extension plates extend to diverge from each other.

[0057] With these tabs and the connector's elastic deformation capacity, the connector can be in at least two positions or states, as shown in Figure 9. In the first state, called the release state, the connector is not subjected to any force. In the second state, called the installation state, the connector is subjected to a force. In this state, the operator uses the tabs of the gripping means as a clamp, deforming the two extension plates of the connector so that they are brought closer together. It is then understood that the operator directly applies a force to the gripping means, the tabs 4350. In this case, the connector becomes narrower so that the device can be inserted into the structural element.

[0058] Thus, the steps to connect the connector to the frame element are: - applying a force to connector 43, using gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reduce friction between the connector and a structural element so as to allow connector 43 to be positioned inside a structural element 2; and - the removal of force on the connector so as to allow the connector to return to the release state, thereby increasing the friction between the connector and the structural element so as to fix it in position inside the structural element.

[0059] Therefore, it is easy for the user to connect connector 43 to the frame element and to disconnect said connector from the frame element. This makes it more convenient and easier to slide the connector into the frame element to find the correct position.

[0060] Once the device is inserted into the frame element, the force applied to connector 43 is released, causing the connector to return to its unengaged state. At this point, the connector's extension plates come into contact with the frame element, locking the connector into place.

[0061] In a first embodiment, the connector 43 is designed to be a profile as seen in figures 12 and 13. In this first embodiment, the length of this connector as a section, profile is at least 0.5 cm.

[0062] In a second embodiment, the connectors 43 can be associated together to form a platform 5 as shown in Figures 10 and 11. In this second embodiment, the main plate 430 of several connectors are joined to a common plate 50.

[0063] If platform 5 has two connectors, these connectors can be arranged diametrically opposite each other. The platform connectors may or may not have the same orientation. However, it is also possible for the platform connectors to be symmetrical.

[0064] In cases where the platform includes more than two connectors, these connectors are arranged in a cross. This cross can have three or four branches or more. In the case of four branches, the connectors can be opposite each other in pairs.

[0065] This arrangement allows the frame elements to be held in a perpendicular position. With a four-pronged platform, it is possible for platform 50 to hold a first frame element with two connectors and two other frame elements perpendicular to the first frame element.

[0066] The 43 connectors of platform 5 can have different orientations. In the case of four branches, the connectors that are opposite each other have the same orientation.

[0067] In its first use, the connector is used to connect two structural elements together.

[0068] In a second application, the connector is used to support a structural element. In this case, the connector 43 according to the invention is the connector for the bracing accessory 4. In this case, the rod 42 is fixed to the main plate 430 of the connector 4 or fixed to the common plate 50 of the platform 5.

[0069] In a building surface system, one or more connectors used to hold one or more framing elements and one or more connectors used to connect at least two framing elements together may be used.

[0070] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to the person competent in the art.

Claims

Claims Connector (43) configured to be inserted into the hollow part of a building surface frame element (2) and to support said frame element, characterized in that the connector comprises a main plate (430) from which two extension plates (432) extend, said extension plates comprising an elastically deformable material,The connector further comprises means (435) for elastically deforming said connector, whereby an application of force causes said connector to adopt a first position in which the extension plates are deformed to be closer together so as to allow the connector to be inserted into the hollow portion of a frame element, and a subsequent reduction of the force causes the connector to adopt a second position in which the extension plates are further apart than in the first position so as to allow the connector to come into contact with the frame element to fix the connector to the frame element, wherein the means for elastically deforming said connector comprise lugs (4350) extending from the free end of each extension plate, the lugs of the extension plates diverging from each other. Connector according to the preceding claim,wherein the extension plates (432) are symmetrical to each other. Connector according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the extension plates (432) comprise a single part. Connector according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the extension plates (432) comprise at least two parts extending in opposite directions, a first part (4320) extending from the main plate and a second part (4321) extending from the first part. 5 Connector according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the single part or the second part is curved. 6 Connector according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the single part or the second part is a straight plate having an extension blade (4322).

7. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which each extension blade includes a slot cooperating with the frame element. 8 Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each extension plate comprises an ear. 9 Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main plate (430) is arranged to be fixed to a rod so that the connector is suspended.

10. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connector is a section. 11 Connector according to claim 8, wherein the length of the section is at least 0.5 cm. 12 Platform comprising a common plate in which at least two connectors (43) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are connected. 13 Platform according to claim 12, wherein the connectors of the platform are opposed in pairs. 14 Platform according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the connectors have the same orientation. 15 Bracing accessory for supporting a framing element (2) comprising a rod (41) attached to a fixing head fixed to the framing element and fixed to a permanent ceiling or wall by means of a base, wherein the fixing head is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the fixing head is the platform according to any one of claims 12 to 13. 16 Method for connecting the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or for connecting the platform according to any one of the Claims 12 to 14 relate to a structural element, the method comprising the following steps: - supplying the connector or platform and at least one frame element - applying a force directly to the connector by an operator, using gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reduce friction between the connector and a frame element in order to allow the connector to be positioned inside a frame element; and - removing the force on the connector so as to allow the connector to return to the released state, thereby increasing friction between the connector and the frame element so as to fix it in position inside the frame element.

Images