Connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a 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 includes 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 part 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. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Connector

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to building surface products, for example, panels and connectors adapted to form a building surface.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0003] Building panels, for example, plasterboard, are used to construct surfaces such as walls and ceilings within a building. Such building surfaces are formed by attaching building panels to a supporting structure. In this case, the supporting structure comprises a plurality of framing members that are connected to each other and also to at least one of the permanent wall, floor, or ceiling of the building. The panels are attached to the framing members. The framing members may be rails, studs, or other profiles that include a surface configured to attach a building panel. The framing members may be c-shaped.A "c-shaped" framing member is defined as 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, the framing members are suspended from the permanent building ceiling by rods. Connectors are used to connect rails to the rods. It may also be necessary to connect two framing members together in a line, so as to effectively extend the length of the framing members. These connectors comprise two parallel plates, each plate having a slotted shape and adapted to be inserted into the hollow portion of a c-shaped rail. These two plates are joined together by a joining plate, said joining plate being arranged to secure the rod.

[0004] The installation of the connector is carried out by inserting said Connector into the hollow part of a rail. The insertion is carried out so that the parallel plates extend along the length of the rail. After this, the connector must be rotated to be placed in its final position so that the parallel plates of the connector are locked in the rail.

[0005] The disadvantage 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 them along the rail to adjust their position. This can make installation difficult because in order to avoid misalignment under suspension stress, the connector must be directly below the permanent ceiling position where the rod will connect. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a method for solving the above-mentioned drawbacks and provides a connector which is simpler to use.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a connector configured to be inserted onto the hollow portion of a framing element and to support said framing 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 portion of the framing element and a subsequent reduction in force causes the connector to adopt a second position in which the extension plates are in contact with the framing element to secure the connector to the framing element.

[0008] The frame element may be a rail.

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

[0010] According to one example, the extension plates comprise a single portion.

[0011] According to one example, the extension plates comprise at least two parts extending in opposite directions, a first portion extending from the main plate and a second portion extending from the first portion.

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

[0015] According to one example, each extension plate comprises an ear.

[0016] According to one example, said connector is a section.

[0017] According to one example, the length of the section is at least 0.5 cm.

[0018] The invention further relates to a platform comprising a common plate in which at least two connectors according to the invention are connected.

[0019] According to one example, the platform connectors are opposed two by two.

[0020] According to one example, the connectors have the same orientation.

[0021] The invention also relates to the use of the connector according to the invention for connecting two frame elements.

[0022] The invention also relates to the use of the platform according to the invention for connecting at least two frame elements.

[0023] The invention also relates to a bracing accessory for supporting a frame element comprising a rod fixed to a fixing head fixed to the frame 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.

[0024] 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 frame element, the method comprising the steps:

[0025] - supply of the connector or platform and at least one frame element

[0026] - applying a force to the connector, using the gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reduce friction between the connector and a framing member to enable the connector to be positioned within a framing member; and

[0027] - removing the force on the connector so as to allow the connector returns to the released state, thereby increasing the friction between the connector and the framing member so as to fix it in position inside the framing member. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0028] Other particular characteristics and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given for information purposes and in a completely non-limiting manner, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0029] - [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a building surface system according to the invention;

[0030] - [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a connector engaged with a frame element according to the invention;

[0031] - Figures 3 and 4 are schematic representations of a first example of connector according to the invention;

[0032] - Figures 5 and 6 are schematic representations of a particular part of a connector according to a first example;

[0033] - Figures 7 and 8 are schematic representations of a second example of connector according to the invention;

[0034] - [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the insertion of a connector according to the invention in a frame element;

[0035] - Figures 10 and 11 are schematic representations of an accessory of spacer according to the invention;

[0036] - 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

[0037] [Fig.l] 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.

[0038] This building surface system comprises at least one frame element 2 on which at least one panel 3 is fixed. The panel is fixed to this frame element 2 by means of a fixing device.

[0039] The panel 3 used is a plasterboard or gypsum board. The panel 3 includes a body comprising a front face, a back face and a thickness between the front face and the back face.

[0040] The frame element may have a C shape or other open circle or open oval type shapes. The C-shaped frame element is a frame element including a main portion from which two arms extend in parallel. The end of each arm may include a flange at its free end. This frame element 2 may form part of a frame structure.

[0041] When the frame element 2 has an open circle or open oval shape, the shape of the frame element can serve as flanges.

[0042] This frame structure comprises a plurality of frame elements 2. In this case, the frame elements 2 may extend parallel to each other. But 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The framing structure is attached using a bracing accessory 4 to the permanent ceiling or wall or to a structure attached to the permanent ceiling or wall, such as a wooden structure. The permanent ceiling or wall may be concrete. This bracing accessory 4 comprises a base 41 attached to the permanent ceiling or wall, a rod 42 and a fixing head. This fixing head is used to cooperate with the framing element 2 to hold it as seen in [Fig. 2]. The rod 42 is attached, by one of its ends, to the base and by the other ends, to the fixing head. The base 41 is attached by screws, bolts, anchors, an adhesive or other suitable fixings to the permanent ceiling or wall or to a structure fixed to the permanent ceiling or wall.

[0045] According to the invention, a connector or fitting 43 is designed to be simpler than the connector of the state of the art.

[0046] A connector 43 according to the present invention is shown in [Fig. 3]. This connector 43 comprises a main plate 430 in which the rod is fixed. In certain examples of the invention the rod 42 is screwed onto the main plate 430 via a hole 431 or via a tube having a thread. Said connector further comprises two extension plates 432 or wings. These extension plates 432 are preferably symmetrical, but alternative examples of the invention may have non-symmetrical extension plates 432. The shape of the extension plates 432 is configured so that at least one point of each extension plate is in contact with the interior of the frame member. This allows the Connector 43 to hold the frame member.

[0047] In a first example, each extension plate 432 comprises two parts. A first part 4320 extending from the main plate 430 and a second part 4321 extending from the first part. For example, see [Fig. 4], in which these parts are linear. The shape of the second part allows said part to be in contact with the frame member. The first part and the second part extend in a different direction. The extension plates are symmetrical.

[0048] The second portion may be a curved portion as seen in [Fig. 3] or a linear portion comprising an extension blade 4322 extending towards the frame member as seen in [Fig. 4]. This extension blade 4322 may be an added element as seen in [Fig. 5] or may be formed by deformation of the extension blade as seen in [Fig. 6].

[0049] In a second example, each extension plate 432 comprises only one portion, a single portion, extending from the main plate as seen in [Fig. 7]. The main plate 430 further comprises a hole 431 or a tube 433 having a thread into which the rod is inserted to be screwed. The single portion may be a curved portion as seen in [Fig. 7] or a linear portion comprising an extension blade 4322 extending toward the framing member as seen in [Fig. 8].

[0050] In the first and second examples, the extension blade 4322 is used to be in contact with the frame element 2, in particular with the flanges of the frame element C as seen in [Fig. 4]. In these first and second examples, the curved extension blades 4322 may comprise a groove or slot 4323. This groove or slot 4323 is used to cooperate with the frame element 2 to lock the Connector 43 in said frame element.

[0051] Advantageously, the connector 43 is arranged to allow elastic deformation to simplify use. To do this, the connector is made of a deformable material, this deformation being elastic. This means that an applied force will deform the connector and, when said force is reduced or removed, the connector 43 will return to its initial state. The material used for the connector includes one or more materials from the list of: plastics, polymers, metals, metal alloys, carbon fibers, natural fibers such as fibers from plants, or mixtures of one or more of these materials.

[0052] Furthermore, the connector 43 comprises gripping means 435 of the tab type 4350. These gripping means 435 are used to deform the connector. These tabs are an extension of the extension plates 432.

[0053] 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 in [Fig.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 pliers so that the two extension plates of the connector are deformed so as to be brought together. In this case, the connector becomes narrower so that said device can be inserted into the frame element.

[0054] Thus, the steps for connecting the connector to the frame element are:

[0055] - applying a force to the connector 43, using the gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reduce friction between the connector and a frame member so as to allow the connector 43 to be positioned within a frame member 2; and

[0056] - removing the force on the connector so as to allow the connector returns to the released state, thereby increasing the friction between the connector and the framing member so as to fix it in position inside the framing member.

[0057] Therefore, it is easy for the user to connect the connector with the frame member and disconnect said connector from the frame member. It is thus more convenient and easier to slide the connector into the frame member so as to find the correct position.

[0058] Once the device is inserted into the frame member, the force applied to the connector 43 is removed so that the connector returns to its released state. In this case, the extension plates of the connector come into contact with the frame member so that said connector locks in said frame member.

[0059] 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 is at least 0.5 cm.

[0060] In a second embodiment, the connectors 43 can be associated with each other to form a platform 5 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this second embodiment, the main plate 430 of several connectors are joined to a common plate 50.

[0061] In the case where the platform 5 comprises two connectors, these connectors can be arranged diametrically opposite each other. The platform connector can have the same orientation or not. But it is also possible for the platform connectors to be symmetrical.

[0062] In a case where the platform comprises more than two connectors, these connectors are arranged in a cross. This cross can have three or four or more branches. In the case of four branches, the connectors can be opposed two by two.

[0063] This arrangement makes it possible to maintain the frame elements in a perpendicular position. With a four-legged platform, it is possible for the platform 50 to maintain a first frame element by two connectors and two other frame elements perpendicular to the first frame element.

[0064] The connectors 43 of the platform 5 may have different orientations. In the case of four branches, the connectors which are opposite each other have the same orientation.

[0065] In a first use of the connector, said connector is used to connect two frame members together.

[0066] In a second use, the connector is used to support a frame element. In this case, the connector 43 according to the invention is the connector of 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.

[0067] In a building surface system, one or more connectors used to hold one or more framing members and one or more connectors used to connect two or more framing members together may be used.

[0068] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variations and modifications which will appear to the person skilled in the art.

Claims

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8. Claims 1 Connector (43) configured to be inserted into the hollow portion of a building surface framing element (2) and to support said framing 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 framing 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 framing element to secure the connector to the framing element,wherein means for elastically deforming said connector comprise at least one ear (4350) extending from the extension plate., 2 Connector according to the preceding claim, in which the extension plates (432) are symmetrical to each other. 3 A connector according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the extension plates (432) comprise a single part. 4 A connector according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the extension plates (432) comprise at least two portions extending in opposite directions, a first portion (4320) extending from the main plate and a second portion (4321) extending from the first portion. 5 A connector according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the single part or the second part is curved. 6 A 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 of claim 1, wherein each extension plate comprises an ear. 8 A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said connector is a section.

9. 9 A connector according to claim 8, wherein the length of the section is at least 0.5 cm.

10. 10 Platform comprising a common plate in which at least two connectors (43) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are connected.

11. 11 Platform according to claim 10, in which the connectors of the platform are opposed two by two.

12. 12 Platform according to claims 11 or 11, wherein the connectors have the same orientation.

13. 13 A bracing accessory for supporting a framing member (2) comprising a rod (41) secured to a fixing head secured to the framing member and secured 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 10 or the fixing head is the platform according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. 14 A method for connecting the connector according to one of claims 1 to 9 or for connecting the platform according to one of claims 10 or 12 to a framework element, the method comprising the steps of: - providing the connector or the platform and at least one framework element - applying a force to the connector, using the gripping means, so as to place the connector in an installed state, and thereby reducing a friction between the connector and a framework element to allow the connector to be positioned within a framework element; 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 framework element so as to fix it in position within the framework element.

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