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

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

[0002] 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.

[0003] The connector is installed by inserting it into the recessed section of a rail. The insertion is performed so that the parallel plates extend along the length of the rail. Afterward, the connector must be rotated into its final position, locking the parallel plates of the connector into place within the rail.

[0004] 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.

[0005] DE19829127A1 describes a connector according to prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a method to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and provides a connector that is simpler to use.

[0007] 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.

[0008] The structural element can be a rail.

[0009] In one example, the extension plates are symmetrical to each other.

[0010] As an example, extension plates comprise a single part.

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to one example, the single part or the second part is curved.

[0013] According to one example, the single part or the second part is a straight plate having an extension blade.

[0014] In one example, each extension blade includes a slot cooperating with the frame element.

[0015] According to one example, means for elastically deforming said connector include at least one ear extending from the extension plate.

[0016] In one example, each extension plate includes one ear.

[0017] In one example, the main plate is arranged to be attached to a rod so that the connector is suspended

[0018] According to an example, the said connector is a section, a profile.

[0019] In one example, the length of the section is at least 0.5 cm.

[0020] The invention further relates to a platform comprising a common plate in which at least two connectors according to the invention are connected.

[0021] In one example, the platform connectors are opposite each other in pairs.

[0022] In one example, the connectors have the same orientation.

[0023] The invention also relates to the use of the connector according to the invention to connect two frame elements.

[0024] The invention also relates to the use of the platform according to the invention to connect at least two structural elements.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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: supplying 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 reducing 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 released state, thereby increasing friction between the connector and the structural element in order to fix it in position inside the structural element. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] 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: there Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a building surface system according to the invention; the Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a connector engaged with a structural element according to the invention; the Figures 3 et 4 Figures 1 and 14 are schematic representations of a first example of a connector according to the invention; Figures 5 et 6 are schematic representations of a particular part of a connector based on a first example; Figures 7 et 8 are schematic representations of a second example of a connector according to the invention; the Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the insertion of a connector according to the invention into a structural element; the Figures 10 And 11 are schematic representations of a bracing accessory according to the invention; the Figures 12 And 13 are schematic representations of a connector using the connector as a profile according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] There 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] When the frame element 2 has an open circle or open oval shape, the shape of the frame element can serve as flanges.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 means of screws, nails, fastening systems or any other suitable fixing method.

[0035] The frame structure is fixed to the ceiling or permanent wall, or to a structure fixed 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 fixed to the ceiling or permanent wall, a rod 42, and a fixing head. This fixing head is used to cooperate with the frame element 2 to hold it in place, as shown in the diagram. figure 2 The rod 42 is fixed, at one end, to the base and at the other ends, to the fixing head. The base 41 is fixed by screws, bolts, anchors, adhesive or other suitable fixings to the permanent ceiling or wall or to a structure fixed to the permanent ceiling or wall.

[0036] According to the invention, a connector or fitting 43 is designed to be simpler than the prior art connector.

[0037] A connector 43 according to the present invention is shown on the 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.

[0038] 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 the figure 4 in which these parts are linear. The shape of the second part allows it to be in contact with the structural element. The first and second parts extend in different directions. The extension plates are symmetrical.

[0039] The second part can be a curved section, as seen on the figure 3 or a linear portion comprising an extension blade 4322 extending towards the structural element as seen on the figure 4 This 4322 extension blade can be an added element, as seen on the figure 5 or can be formed by deformation of the extension blade as seen on the figure 6 .

[0040] In a second example, each extension plate 432 comprises only one part, a single part, extending from the main plate as seen on the 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 may be a curved part as seen in the figure 7 or a linear portion comprising an extension blade 4322 extending towards the framing element as seen on the figure 8 .

[0041] In the first and second examples, the extension blade 4322 is used to be in contact with the framing element 2, in particular with the flanges of the C-shaped framing element as seen on the 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 within said frame element. This slot may take different shapes depending on the connector configuration.

[0042] In the first version, the slit is open as visible to the 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.

[0043] In a second embodiment, the slot has a C-shaped profile as seen in the figure 14 This C-shaped profile includes a space allowing a portion of the profile to be inserted. Since each extension blade has a C-shaped slot, the connector is attached to the profile via these C-shaped slots. This second design eliminates the need for a connector sized to bear against the profile via the main plate.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] With these tabs and the connector's ability to deform elastically, it is possible for the connector to have at least two positions or states, as seen on the figure 9 In a first state, called the release state, the connector is not subjected to any force. In a 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 so that the two extension plates of the connector are deformed and brought closer together. It is understood that the operator is then directly applying 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.

[0047] Thus, the steps to connect the connector to the frame element are: applying a force to the connector 43, using the gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reduce the friction between the connector and a frame element so as to allow the connector 43 to be positioned inside a frame element 2; and removing the force on the connector so as to allow the connector to return to the released state, thereby increasing the friction between the connector and the frame element so as to fix it in position inside the frame element.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In a first implementation mode, connector 43 is designed to be a profile as seen on the figures 12 And 13 In this first embodiment, the length of this connector as a section, profile is at least 0.5 cm.

[0051] In a second embodiment, the connectors 43 can be joined together to form a platform 5 as shown in the figures 10 And 11 . In this second mode, the main plate 430 of several connectors are joined to a common plate 50.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In cases where the platform includes more than two connectors, these connectors are arranged in a cross. This cross can have three, four, or more arms. In the case of four arms, the connectors can be arranged in opposing pairs.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In its first use, the connector is used to connect two structural elements together.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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

1. A connector (43) configured to be inserted into the hollow part of a construction surface framework element (2) and to support said framework element, 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 in order to be closer to each other 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 to attach the connector to the framework element, wherein means for elastically deforming said connector comprise lugs (4350) extending from the free end of each extension plate, characterized in that the lugs of the extension plates diverge from each other.

2. The connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the extension plates (432) are symmetrical to each other.

3. The connector according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the extension plates (432) comprise a single part.

4. The 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. The connector according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the single part or the second part is curved.

6. The 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. The connector according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each extension blade comprises a slot engaging with the framework element.

8. The connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each extension plate comprises a lug.

9. The connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said main plate (430) is arranged to be attached to a rod so that the connector is suspended.

10. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connector is a section.

11. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the length of the section is at least 0.5 cm.

12. A platform comprising a common plate wherein at least two connectors (43) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are connected.

13. The platform according to claim 12, wherein the connectors of the platform are opposite each other in pairs.

14. The platform according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the connectors have the same orientation.

15. A bracing accessory for supporting a framework element (2) comprising a rod (41) attached to an attachment head attached to the framework element and attached to a permanent ceiling or wall by means of a base, wherein the attachment head is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the attachment head is the platform according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

16. A method of connecting the connector according to one of claims 1 to 11 or for connecting the platform according to one of claims 12 to 14 to a framework element, the method comprising the steps: - of supplying the connector or platform and at least one framework element - of applying force to the connector directly by an operator, using the gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installation state, and thereby reduce friction between the connector and a framework element in order to allow the connector to be positioned inside a framework element; and - of 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 framework element so as to attach it in position inside the framework element.

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