A screwless cover plate assembly

Abstract

It is described a screwless cover plate assembly that represents an improved cover plate assembly, such that the assembly work is reduced and simplified overall compared to the know solutions. The cover plate assembly described in the present application is comprised by two rosette sets, each set comprising a rosette element (1) with fitting means (2) and an anchoring element (3) having screwless fixation means (5) to provide fixation to an installation surface on a door or window, and receiving elements (4) adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A SCREWLESS COVER PLATE ASSEMBLY

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is enclosed in the field of cover plates for key cylinder or knob handle openings.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] Cover plate assemblies are known to be applied to doors or windows, with the purpose of giving a more sophisticated finish, hiding the opening made on the respective surfaces to fit the cylinder key or knob handle.

[0007] In order to provide the desired sophisticated finish, the installation of these devices is a complex procedure, not only because of the multiple elements that form such assembly, but also because each of said elements shall be installed in order to ensure that screws or other more complex fastening means used for this purpose are not visible.

[0008] In this context, document DE2837614 discloses a door plate and rosette support that has features for ready attachment on the door. More particularly, projecting plugs of the support are at free ends reduced in diameter and slotted. The door lock above the lock nut within the lock housing and below the lock nut between the lock nut and key hole is penetrated by these plugs. The reduced diameter part of the plugs has bores for screws and the greater outside diameter of the plug matches the outside diameter of the hollow plugs on another lock part. The latter clamp the screws either against the penetrating lock walls or against the inner wall of the bore of the hollow plug with expansion.

[0009] Document DE9413608 discloses a fitting for doors and windows in the form of a plate or rosette, consisting of a lower part that can be fixed to a door or window, with a bearing part made of plastic with a bearing bore for a handle and a cover cap that completely covers the lower part and has an opening arranged coaxially to the bearing bore.

[0010] In its turn, document GB1291990 discloses a furniture fitting for securement to a wooden component such as a door, drawer or window frame, the fitting being moulded in one piece from a synthetic plastics material and includes two or more dowels, each dowel having at least two annular frusto-conical protuberances and each dowel projecting from a circular boss of the fitting of larger diameter than the dowel and adapted to limit the depth of penetration of the dowel into a preformed hole into which the dowel is to be pressed to secure the fitting.

[0011] Therefore, state-of-the-art discloses fitting mechanisms that are generally complex and require installation of cover plates assemblies to be carried out by a skilled handyman.

[0012] The present solution intended to innovatively overcome such issues.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention an improved cover plate assembly, such that the assembly work is reduced and simplified overall compared to the know solutions. In an advantageous configuration of the cover plate assembly, it comprises two rosette sets, each set comprising a rosette element with fitting means and an anchoring element having screwless fixation means to provide fixation to an installation surface, and receiving elements of an elastic material that are provided with retention filaments.

[0015] It therefore provides a simplified way to install a rosette set, since the anchoring element is fixed to the installation surface without using screws and the rosette element is, in its turn, fixed to said installation surface through its fitting to the anchoring element.

[0016] Additionally, the material making up the receiving means and the use of retention filaments ensure a secure and strong fixation between the anchoring element and the rosette element.

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1 - representation of an embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly object of the present application. The reference signs represent:

[0019] 1 - rosette element;

[0020] 2 - fitting means of the rosette element;

[0021] 3 - anchoring element;

[0022] 4 - receiving means of the anchoring element;

[0023] 5 - fixing means of the anchoring element.

[0024] Figure 2 - representation of an embodiment of the rosette element, part of the cover plate assembly object of the present application. The reference signs represent:

[0025] 1 - rosette element;

[0026] 2 - fitting means of the rosette element; 7 - opening to be aligned with the door or window frame opening, where a key cylinder or knob handle are to be inserted.

[0027] Figure 3 - representation of an embodiment of the anchoring element, part of the cover plate assembly object of the present application. The reference signs represent:

[0028] 3 - anchoring element;

[0029] 4 - receiving means of the anchoring element;

[0030] 5 - fixing means of the anchoring element;

[0031] 7 - opening to be aligned with the door or window frame opening, where a key cylinder or knob handle are to be inserted.

[0032] Figure 4 - representation of an embodiment of the anchoring element, part of the cover plate assembly object of the present application. The reference signs represent:

[0033] 3 - anchoring element;

[0034] 4 - receiving means of the anchoring element;

[0035] 6 - retention filaments.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The more general and advantageous configurations of the present invention are described in the Summary of the invention. Such configurations are detailed below in accordance with other advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of implementation of the present invention.

[0038] The screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention is adapted to be used in doors or windows, to cover the cylinder key or knob handle opening. Such assembly is projected to be installed in an installation surface of a door or window in a same manner, and it is comprised by two rosette sets arranged on opposite sides of said installation surface, in order to be aligned with the respective key cylinder or knob handle opening. In a preferred aspect of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, each rosette set comprises a rosette element (1) and an anchoring element (2). Both elements are provided with an opening (7) that is aligned with the key cylinder or knob handle opening.

[0039] The rosette element (1) has a first face, defining the external appearance of the set, and a second face, opposite to the first face, comprising fitting means (2) adapted to fit into an anchoring element (3).

[0040] In its turn, the anchoring element (3) has a first face facing the rosette element (1), provided with at least one perforation through which receiving means (4) are formed in a protruding manner on a second face, opposite to the first face. Additionally, in order to fix the anchoring element (3) to the installation surface, it is provided with screwless fixing means (5) provided in the second face.

[0041] More particularly, the receiving means (4) are adapted to fit into corresponding matching cavities in the installation surface so that the screwless fixing means (5) are in contact with the installation surface to fix the anchoring element (3).

[0042] The cavities are pre-installed in the installation surface and may serve as a guide in the positioning and installation of each set of rosettes.

[0043] In a preferred aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present invention, the screwless fixing means (5) are of an adhesive type, such as a double-sided adhesive strip.

[0044] In another preferred aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present application, the receiving means (4) of the anchoring element (3) are adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1), so that the rosette element (1) is fixed to the installation surface through its fitting to the anchoring element (3).

[0045] Consequently, a simple way of installing a set of rosettes is achieved, without the use of screws and only through a fitting mechanism.

[0046] Additionally, in another preferred aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present application, the receiving means (4) of the anchoring element (3) are made of an elastic material and are further comprised by a plurality of retention filaments (6) adapted to expand to favour the insertion of the fitting means (2) and to contract to favour the retention of said fitting means (2) inside the receiving means (4). More particularly, the receiving means (4) being made of an elastic material, such as polyamide 6, have controlled deformation properties that allow its expansion when the fitting means (2) are inserted, and its subsequent retraction to retain the fitting means (2) inside it. Additionally, the anchoring element (3) may also be made of an elastic material, and the anchoring element (3) and the receiving means (4) may form a single piece which facilitates the manufacturing process of this element (3) and, consequently, makes it possible to further simplify the process of installing the assembly.

[0047] In another preferred aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present application, the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1) are in the form of protuberances, more preferably being spherical pins. Additionally, the receiving means (4) are projections of the second face of the anchoring element (3), that are specially designed to define an interior space adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1). More preferably such projections have a cylindrical shape adapted to encompass the spherical pins that form the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1).

[0048] The shape of the pin (2) is of particular relevance since, being spherical, it not only allows the coupling between the rosette (1) and the anchoring (3) elements to be carried out smoothly and easily, but also makes the area of contact with the receiving means (4) to be larger, allowing to achieve a more secure fit.

[0049] In connection with the preferred aspects already mentioned, in another preferred aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present application, the retention filaments (6) are positioned in an inner surface of the projections forming the receiving means (4) of the anchoring element (3). More preferably, said retention filaments (6) are arranged symmetrically with one another and configured in such a way as to adapt to the spherical profile of the fitting means (2), allowing the coupling of the rosette element (1) and blocking its movement in the opposite direction. The filaments (6) are made of an elastic material that is able to expand as the pin (2) enters into the receiving means (4) and to contract as the pin (2) settles into said means (4), keeping the rosette set securely in place.

[0050] In an alternative aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present invention, the number of retention filaments (6) is 3. In this way it is possible to obtain a uniform distribution of filaments (6) in the receiving means (4) along the contact surface of the fitting means (2), which favours the retention effect.

[0051] In another alternative aspect of the cover plate assembly of the present invention, the number of fitting means (2) in the rosette element (1) is equal to the number of receiving means (4) in the anchoring element (3). More particularly, the number of fitting means and receiving means is 2, providing the assembly with the appropriate dimensions for its installation in a door or window frame.

[0052] EMBODIMENTS

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, it comprises two rosette sets arranged on opposite sides of an installation surface and aligned with the key cylinder or knob handle opening; each rosette set comprising: - a rosette element (1) having a first face defining the external appearance of the set, and a second face, opposite to the first face, comprising fitting means (2) adapted to fit into an anchoring element (3);

[0054] - an anchoring element (3) having a first face facing the rosette element (1), provided with at least one perforation through which receiving means (4) are formed in a protruding manner on a second face, opposite to the first face; the anchoring element (3) further comprising screwless fixing means (5) provided in the second face; wherein, the receiving means (4) are adapted to fit into matching cavities in the installation surface so that the screwless fixing means (5) are in contact with the installation surface to fix the anchoring element (3); and the receiving means (4) are further adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1), so that the rosette element (1) is fixed to the installation surface through its fitting to the anchoring element (3); and the receiving means (4) are made of an elastic material and are further comprised by a plurality of retention filaments (6) adapted to expand to favour the insertion of the fitting means (2) and to contract to favour the retention of said fitting means (2) inside the receiving means (3).

[0055] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with above described, the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1) are in the form of protuberances.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the receiving means (4) are projections of the second face of the anchoring element (3), said projections being designed to define an interior space adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1). In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the protuberances defining the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1) are spherical pins and the projections defining the receiving means (4) of the anchoring element (3) have a cylindrical shape.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the retention filaments (6) are positioned in inner surface of the projections.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the retention filaments (6) are arranged symmetrically with one another.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the number of retention filaments (6) is 3.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the number of fitting means (2) in the rosette element (1) is equal to the number of receiving means (4) in the anchoring element (3).

[0061] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the number of fitting means (2) and receiving means (4) is 2.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the anchoring element (3) is made of an elastic material, preferably polyamide 6. In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the anchoring element (3) and the receiving means (4) form a single piece.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment of the screwless cover plate assembly of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the screwless fixing means (5) of the anchoring element (3) is a double-sided adhesive strip. As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and a number of changes are possible which remain within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] Of course, the preferred embodiments shown above are combinable, in the different possible forms, being herein avoided the repetition all such combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A screwless cover plate assembly for a key cylinder or a knob handle spindle of a door or window, comprising two rosette sets arranged on opposite sides of an installation surface and aligned with a key cylinder or knob handle opening; each rosette set comprising:- a rosette element (1) having a first face defining the external appearance of the set, and a second face, opposite to the first face, comprising fitting means (2) adapted to fit into an anchoring element (3);- an anchoring element (3) having a first face facing the rosette element(1), provided with at least one perforation through which receiving means (4) are formed in a protruding manner on a second face, opposite to the first face; the anchoring element (3) further comprising screwless fixing means (5) provided in the second face; wherein, the receiving means (4) are adapted to fit into matching cavities in the installation surface so that the screwless fixing means (5) are in contact with the installation surface to fix the anchoring element (3); and the receiving means (4) are further adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1), so that the rosette element (1) is fixed to the installation surface through its fitting to the anchoring element (3); and the receiving means (4) are made of an elastic material and are further comprised by a plurality of retention filaments (6) adapted to expand to favour the insertion of the fitting means (2) and to contract to favour the retention of said fitting means (2).

2. Cover plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fitting means(2) of the rosette element (1) are in the form of protuberances.

3. Cover plate assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the receiving means (4) are projections of the second face of the anchoring element (3), saidprojections being designed to define an interior space adapted to receive the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1).

4. Cover plate assembly according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the protuberances defining the fitting means (2) of the rosette element (1) are spherical pins; and the projections definingthe receiving means (4) of the anchoring element (3) have a cylindrical shape.

5. Cover plate assembly according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the retention filaments (6) are positioned in inner surface of the projections.

6. Cover plate assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the retention filaments (6) are arranged symmetrically with one another.

7. Cover plate assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the number of retention filaments (6) is 3.

8. Cover plate assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the number of fitting means (2) in the rosette element (1) is equal to the number of receiving means (4) in the anchoring element (3).

9. Cover plate assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the number of fitting means (2) and receiving means (4) is 2.

10. Cover plate assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the anchoring element (3) is made of an elastic material.

11. Cover plate assembly according to claim 10, wherein the anchoring element (3) and the receiving means (4) form a single piece.

12. Cover plate assembly according to claim 10 and 11, wherein the elastic material is polyamide 6.

13. Cover plate assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the screwless fixing means (5) of the anchoring element (5) is a double-sided adhesive strip.

14. Use of the cover plate assembly of any of claims 1 to 13 on a door or on a window.

Images