Separation holding device

Abstract

Device (1) for holding a partition (2), comprising a first profile (4) which is essentially U-shaped and can be attached to a wall, and a second profile (6) which is essentially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile (4) and the second profile (6) are nested within each other and have a releasable locking mechanism, wherein an adjustment device (30, 40) is provided with which the resulting width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, wherein an anchor element (10) is provided on one profile (4, 6) which can be pivoted out of and into the profile (4, 6), wherein a fastening element (16) which can preferably be detachably attached is provided on the other profile (4, 6) and which can be detachably connected to the anchor element (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for holding a partition, comprising a first profile which is substantially U-shaped and can be fastened to a wall, and a second profile which is substantially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile and the second profile are nested one inside the other and have a releasable lock, wherein an adjustment device is provided with which the width of the nested profiles can be changed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising such a device and a partition. Finally, the invention relates to a method for fastening a partition to a wall using a device of the aforementioned type. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Attaching partitions – such as shower enclosures or shower walls – to a wall is often difficult, as the installer is usually faced with two problems during installation. Firstly, the wall to which the partition is to be attached is often not completely vertical or has uneven surfaces. These inclinations and unevenness must be compensated for during installation. Secondly, the actual installation situation on site, i.e., the area to be partitioned off, often does not match the overall width of the partition, so these deviations must also be compensated for.

[0003] To solve these problems, the state of the art describes various solutions, which usually involve a U-shaped profile that is attached to the wall, into which a second, also usually U-shaped, profile is inserted. The second profile serves to hold the partition. If the wall-side profile deviates from the vertical, the angled installation of the wall-side profile can be compensated for by tilting the second profile accordingly. Furthermore, by shifting the second profile relative to the first wall-side profile, a deviation between the overall width of the partition and the installation situation can be compensated.

[0004] EP 2 294 957 A2 describes a generic device in which a first U-shaped profile and a second U-shaped profile are pushed into one another and nested, wherein an adjustment device for positioning the second profile is provided, which can be actuated without tools.

[0005] A solution that also relies on two nested profiles is described in DE 10 2006 016 045 B4. In this solution, the width of two nested profiles is adjusted using an adjustment device, although tools are required for relative adjustment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The devices described in EP 2 294 957 A2 and DE 10 2006 016 045 B4 essentially solve the problem of attaching partitions to a wall and compensating for unevenness in the wall and deviations in the dimensions of the partition and the construction situation. However, the installation of these devices is very complex. The second profile must be nested with the first profile, which is already attached to the wall, and can only then be aligned and secured. Since the profiles are often more than two meters long, positioning by a single person is difficult because the person installing them cannot check the alignment of the profiles at the bottom end (or vice versa) while aligning the profiles at the top end. This often results in the second profile slipping or falling over. This problem has often been solved by having two people involved in the installation.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned above, which avoid these disadvantages. In particular, the device should be able to be installed by just one person, without the risk of the second profile slipping or falling over. This task is solved by a

[0008] Device for holding a partition, comprising a first profile which is substantially U-shaped and can be fastened to a wall and a second profile which is substantially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile and the second profile are nested one inside the other and have a releasable lock, wherein an adjustment device is provided with which the resulting width of the nested profiles can be changed, characterized in that an anchor element is provided on one profile which can be pivoted out of the profile and pivoted into the profile, wherein a preferably releasably fastenable fastening element is provided on the other profile which can be releasably connected to the anchor element.

[0009] An anchor element on one profile and a fastening element on the other profile allow for pre-fixing of one profile relative to the other, after which the two profiles can be moved into their final position using the adjustment device. Since the anchor element can be swung in and out, pre-fixing occurs with the anchor element swung out; however, when positioned using the adjustment device, the anchor element is swung back in – at least partially. The two profiles are then secured with the actual locking mechanism.

[0010] The anchor element can be pivoted out of the profile and into the profile via a swivel joint. For example, the anchor element can be mounted on a hinge so that it can be pivoted in and out. The releasable locking can then be formed, for example, by the anchor element, the fastening element and the hinge. In this case, the fastening element in the anchor element represents a first type of fastening which enables movement and, in a second type of fastening, completely locks the fastening element in the anchor element. This can be achieved, for example, using screw connections of different strengths. The hinge can also mount the anchor element so that it can be pivoted in and out in a first state and, in a locked state, block the rotation of the hinge joint of the hinge. This can also be achieved, for example, using screw connections of different strengths.

[0011] The releasably attachable fastening element can be linearly movable along a pair of rails.

[0012] The anchor element can have a through-hole, and the fastening element can have a projection that can be inserted into the through-hole. This allows for the pre-fixing of the second profile to the first profile to be achieved in a simple manner. In this case, the rail pair is formed via the through-hole. The projection of the fastening element can be a pin, for example. The pin can be inserted into the through-hole and, if necessary, screwed in place.

[0013] It is advantageous if the through hole is designed as an elongated hole. This gives the person performing the assembly two degrees of freedom when attaching the second profile to the first profile: The combination of the pivoting ability of the anchor and the elongated hole means that the second profile can be moved left and right, as well as up and down, with the projection inserted into the elongated hole and brought into the correct position. The elongated hole, like the rail pair, serves as a guide element, allowing linear movement of the fastening element (e.g. screw, bolt, or axle). In combination with the swivel joint, relative movement of the profiles to one another is only possible along one axis (horizontal).

[0014] The easiest way to fix the second profile to the first profile is if the anchor element is attached to the second profile and the fastening element is attached to the first profile.

[0015] In principle, one anchor element and one fastening element are sufficient for pre-fixing, with the anchor element and fastening element usually being located at the upper end of each profile. This prevents lateral tipping. Occasionally, however, two anchor elements and corresponding fastening elements are also advantageous. This allows the profiles to be installed regardless of the installation direction. In this case, too, it is advantageous if the two anchor elements and two corresponding fastening elements are located at the end of each profile.

[0016] The second profile has a holder for the partition.

[0017] Common partitions, such as wall elements, door elements, or similar, can be considered. Shower cubicle wall elements or shower cubicle door elements are an important example.

[0018] Accordingly, the invention also relates to a system comprising a device of the aforementioned type with a partition. The partition can be a wall element or a door element, in particular a shower cubicle wall element or a shower cubicle door element.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a device of the aforementioned type and a system of the aforementioned type.

[0020] The method for assembling a device of the aforementioned type comprises the steps: Fastening the first profile (4) to a wall, nesting the second profile (6) with the first profile, fastening the anchor element (10) with the fastening element (16), adjusting the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6), locking the profiles (4, 6). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] They show: Fig. 1a to 1c a side view, an oblique view and an exploded view of an embodiment of the device Fig. 2a, 2b Detailed views of section A of Fig. 1a or Fig. 1c Fig. 3a, 3bDetail views of section C of Fig. 1a or Fig. 1c Fig. 4a, 4bDetail views of section B of Fig. 1a or Fig. 1c

[0022] In Fig. 1a bis 1c a device 1 according to the invention or a system 3 according to the invention is shown in the assembled state. Fig. 2a bis 4b only represent detailed views, reference is made to these as well.

[0023] The figures show the device 1 for holding a partition 2 together with the partition 2. This is thus a system 3 according to the invention. The device 1 has a first profile 4, which can be attached to a wall.

[0024] The first profile 4 is approximately U-shaped and is attached to the wall such that the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped profile protrude from the wall. The section 22 connecting the two free legs 21 is attached to the wall. For attaching the first profile 4 to the wall, screws 23 and dowels 24, for example, are provided. Openings 25 or drilled holes can be provided for this purpose in the connecting section 22. Additionally or alternatively, the first profile 4 can of course also be glued to the wall at the back of the connecting section 22.

[0025] Furthermore, a second profile 6 is provided. In the example shown, this is also essentially U-shaped with two legs 7, but can also be H-shaped. The two profiles 4, 6 are nested, meaning that one profile 4, 6 is pushed into the other profile 4, 6 with legs 7, 21 aligned with each other. When the two profiles 4, 6 are nested, they have a width B. This width B can be changed depending on how deeply the profiles are nested. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0026] For example, with two U-shaped profiles 4, 6, the second profile 6 can be nested within the first profile 4 (shown here) or vice versa. With an H-shaped second profile 6, it is advantageous to nest the second profile 6 over the first profile 4.

[0027] An anchor element 10 is provided for pre-fixing the second profile 6 to the first profile 4. This anchor element can be pivoted out of the second profile 6 and has a hinge joint 12 for this purpose. The anchor element 10 also has a through-hole 14 in the form of an elongated hole. A fastening element 16 is provided on the first profile 4. This has a pin 17 which can be inserted into the through-hole 14 in the form of an elongated hole. The fastening element 16 can be fastened by means of a screw connection to the nut 15 at one end and a screw head at the other end in two parallel tabs 18 of a support element 19. The two tabs 18, which are arranged on a support element 19, prevent displacement perpendicular to the width B. However, sliding of the pin along the through-hole 14 along the width B is possible. The support element 19 is attached to the first profile 4.

[0028] The hinge joint 12 has a hinge support 13 in which the anchor element 10 is rotatably mounted. This rotatable mounting is achieved by the anchor element 10 having a bore 11 into which a stud 8 engages, which is secured with the nut 9. The anchor element 10 is thus pivotally mounted along the stud 8 on the hinge support 13 between two tabs.

[0029] Once the first profile 4 and the second profile 6 are pre-fixed to one another via the anchor element 10 and the fastening element 16, the second profile 6 is prevented from falling over or slipping. Even if the second profile 6 is moved against the first profile 4, the second profile 6 can still be moved up or down, or left or right. Via the hinge joint 12 and the fastening element 16 including the anchor element 10, the pin-shaped projection 17 in the through-hole 14, in the form of an elongated hole, follows the movements of the second profile 6 in two dimensions relative to the first profile 4.

[0030] The fastening element 16 is detachably connected to the first profile 4. In the Fig. 2a, 2b , 3a und 3b It can be seen that anchor elements 10 including fastening elements 16 are provided at one end of the profiles 4, 6 as well as at the other end of the profiles 4, 6.

[0031] After the two profiles 4, 6 are connected to each other via anchor element(s) 10 and fastening element(s) 16, the fine adjustment is performed using the adjustment devices 30, 40. The resulting width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 is changed using the adjustment devices 30, 40.

[0032] A possible first type for a first type of adjustment device 30 is described, for example, in EP 2 294 957 A2. In this case, the alignment is carried out first without tools.

[0033] In the Fig. 2a, 2b , 3a und 3b A preferred first type of first adjustment device 30 is shown. With this adjustment device, the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 can be changed. The first type of adjustment device 30 has a pin-shaped section 31 which extends in the direction of the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6. The pin-shaped section 31 is fastened to the first profile 4 via the holder 33 and a corresponding screw section. The pin-shaped section 31 is designed as an adjusting screw and has a thread which extends in the direction of the width of the nested profiles 4, 6. On the other profile 6, a receiving part 38 is provided which receives the pin-shaped section 39 and has a corresponding counter-thread for the pin-shaped section 31. Consequently, the corresponding counter-thread also extends in the direction of the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6.

[0034] The receiving part 38 and the pin-shaped section 31 are moved by an adjusting element 32 via threads and counter-threads, which are rotatable relative to one another. This changes the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6, with the width B becoming larger or smaller depending on the direction of rotation. For this purpose, the receiving part 38 of the adjusting device 30 is connected to the adjusting element 32 and the pin-shaped section 31 in a distance-adjustable manner, preferably by screwing. The pin-shaped section 31 projects into the opening 35. The adjusting element 32 is therefore designed as an adjusting wheel. The adjusting element 32 can have an annular groove at one end, which is inserted between the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped first profile 4. The adjusting element 32 is thus fixed horizontally and can be used to adjust the width B of the profiles 4, 6.In order to prevent the adjusting element 32 from falling out of the space between the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped first profile 4, the holder 33 is fastened and thereby the connecting section 22 between the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped first profile 4 is closed for the adjusting element 32, whereby no vertical movement of the adjusting element 32 is any longer possible.

[0035] In total, the device 1 in this embodiment has three adjustment devices 30, 40, of which two adjustment devices 30 are arranged near the ends of the profiles 4 and 6 and one adjustment device 40 is arranged in the middle.

[0036] The second profile 6 is placed onto the receiving part 38 of the adjustment devices 30. Each receiving part 38 has four lugs 34 that engage in the space between the two free legs 7 of the U-shaped second profile 6. This secures the receiving parts 38 against vertical and horizontal rotation. This would also be possible with the partition 2 already mounted on the second profile 6. Preferably, the partition 2 is now hung. The partition 2 can be - as here - a door 2' with a wall element, a convertible element, or just a door 2'. The door 2' here is designed to be hinged.

[0037] The door 2' is inserted into the lower hinge part, then the upper hinge part 13 is placed over the hinge part of the door 2' and subsequently the upper hinge part 13 is fastened by means of the two screws 44.

[0038] The adjusting device 30 thus creates a rigid connection between the wall and the second profile 6 and subsequently the partition 2 (door 2').

[0039] After the profile 6 has been attached to the receiving part 38, the device 1 can be aligned by turning the adjustment device 30. By turning the adjusting element 32, the profile 6 is moved forwards or backwards essentially horizontally along the axis of the pin-shaped section 31. Thus, the distance between the door 2 and the first profile 4 or the wall can be changed and adjusted. By arranging at least two adjustment devices 30, optimal compensation for unevenness in the wall or the position of the shower tray, support surface, or floor can be ensured.

[0040] In the Fig. 4a und 4b The second type of adjustment device 40 is shown. The second type of adjustment device 40 also serves to change the resulting width B of the nested profiles 4, 6. While the first type of adjustment device 40 carries the risk of generating tension between the profiles 4, 6 when the adjusting element 32 is actuated, this problem does not exist with the second type of adjustment device 40.

[0041] The second-type adjustment device 40 has a bolt-shaped portion 52. The bolt-shaped portion 52 extends along the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 and is attached to one profile 4, 6. The bolt-shaped portion 52 is attached to the first profile 4 via the bracket 53 and a corresponding screw portion.

[0042] This bolt-shaped section 52 has no thread. The bolt-shaped section 52 can be inserted into a positive-locking recess 56 of a retaining element 54. The retaining element 54 is arranged on the second profile 6. The retaining element 54 has four lugs 55 that engage in the space between the two free legs 7 of the U-shaped second profile 6. This secures the retaining elements 54 vertically and horizontally against twisting.

[0043] The bolt-shaped section 52, when inserted into the recess 56, can slide along this recess 56 of the holding element 54 and is displaceable 56 in the recess, so that the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 can be varied. Due to this relative displaceability of the holding element 54 relative to the bolt-shaped section 52, a rough adjustment can be performed via this adjustment element 40. However, a fine adjustment is provided via the adjustment devices 30 of the first type. To hold the holding element 54, a locking element 58 is provided, with which the bolt-shaped section 52 can be locked in the recess 56. The locking element 58 engages laterally on the bolt-shaped section 52 - in the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 58 is designed as a screw, namely a grub screw, which has an external thread. A corresponding internal thread is present in the holding element 54.The thread of this external thread of the screw is arranged perpendicular to the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6.

[0044] The profiles 4,6 have a recess 60 to facilitate access to the locking element 58.

[0045] The second-type adjustment device 40 is spaced apart from the first-type adjustment device 30 by a distance d, d'. Typically, the second-type adjustment device 40 is arranged in the center of the profiles 4, 6, and the first-type adjustment device 30 is arranged at the ends of the profiles. Optionally, the first-type adjustment device 30 can be arranged at one end of the profiles 4, 6, and the second-type adjustment device 40 can be arranged at the other end of the profiles 4, 6. In the illustrated embodiment, two first-type adjustment devices 30 are provided. The second-type adjustment device 40 is arranged between the two first-type adjustment devices 30.

[0046] If the second type of adjustment device 40 is locked with the locking element 58, the profiles 4, 6 are also securely connected to one another via a locking mechanism. However, the locking connection is preferably detachable to allow adjustment. Nevertheless, the locking mechanism is sufficiently stable that a separation—if necessary with the door element 2' as shown in Fig. 1 - is maintained permanently even during use.

[0047] The fixation with anchor element 10 and fastening element 16 is initially only a loose pre-fixation, which merely prevents the second profile 6 from falling sideways but allows movement of the profiles 4, 6 relative to one another to change the width B. By locking the fastening element 16 and the hinge joint 12, however, a locking of the profiles 4, 6 is achieved. In the present case, the fastening element 16 is firmly tightened by means of the screw connection on the nut 15 and the stud screw 8 on the hinge support 13 is tightened so that the anchor element 10 undergoes neither a pivoting nor a translational movement. The required locking of the profiles 4, 6 is achieved in this way, whereby this locking represents a detachable connection.

[0048] According to the invention, the second type of adjustment device 40 has the additional function of a first locking device and the anchor element 10 in conjunction with the hinge 12 and the fastening element 16 has the additional function of a second locking device.

[0049] After completion of the adjustment and assembly, covers can be pushed or plugged over the long side of the profiles 4, 6 and covers can be plugged over the hinge part and its fastening screws.

Claims

1. Device (1) for holding a partition (2), comprising a first profile (4) which is substantially U-shaped and can be fastened to a wall and a second profile (6) which is substantially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile (4) and the second profile (6) are nested one inside the other and have a releasable locking device, wherein an adjusting device (30, 40) is provided with which the resulting width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, characterized in that an anchor element (10) is provided on one profile (4, 6) which can be pivoted out of the profile (4, 6) and pivoted into the profile (4, 6), wherein a preferably detachably attachable fastening element (16) is provided on the other profile (4, 6) which can be detachably connected to the anchor element (10).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe anchor element (10) on one of the profiles (4, 6) can be pivoted out of the profile (4, 6) and pivoted into the profile (4, 6) via a pivot joint.

3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the releasably attachable fastening element (16) is linearly movable along a pair of rails.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the anchor element (10) has a through-bore (14) and that the fastening element (14) has a pin-shaped projection (17) which can be inserted into the through-bore (14).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the through hole (14) is designed as an elongated hole.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the anchor element (10) is attached to the second profile (6) and the fastening element (16) is attached to the first profile (4).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thattwo anchor elements (10) and two corresponding fastening elements (16) are provided, wherein one anchor element (10) is arranged at one end of the profile (4, 6) and one anchor element (10) is arranged at the other end of the profile (4, 6).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the anchor element (10) can be pivoted in and out by means of a hinge (12).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the releasable locking is formed by the anchor element (10), fastening element (16) and hinge (12).

10. System (3) comprising a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a partition.

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the partition (2) is a wall element or a door element (2`), in particular a shower cubicle wall element or a shower cubicle door element.

12. A method for mounting a device according to one of claims 1 to 9 on a wall, comprising the steps of: • fastening the first profile (4) to a wall, • nesting the second profile (6) with the first profile • fastening the anchor element (10) with the fastening element (16) • adjusting the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) • locking the profiles (4, 6).

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