Kit containing a plurality of metal wedges

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit comprising a plurality of metal wedges. It includes a parallelepiped-shaped transport case with a base (21), a hinged lid (20) between an open and a closed position, and within the base (21) a plurality of compartments, each compartment containing at least one group of wedges (25). Each group of wedges (25) has dimensions and a thickness different from that of another group of wedges (25), and each wedge (25) is parallelepiped-shaped. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Kit comprising a plurality of metal wedges. Technical field of the invention.

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit comprising a plurality of metal wedges.

[0002] The present invention falls within the field of metallurgy, more particularly in the metalwork, welding, steel framing and metal joinery sectors. These areas include all the processes of designing, manufacturing and assembling metal structures and components used in the construction, mechanical and infrastructure industries.

[0003] Metalwork involves the fabrication of metal components for various applications, ranging from architectural structures to functional parts and decorative works. Metalworkers perform tasks requiring high precision and specific technical skills, including cutting, shaping, and assembling various metals.

[0004] Welding is one of the fundamental assembly processes in metallurgy, allowing metal parts to be joined by fusion. It is used in the manufacture and repair of metal structures, particularly in the context of steel frame construction, where the strength of the welds is crucial to guarantee the safety and durability of the structures.

[0005] This sector concerns the design and assembly of large metal structures, such as building frames, bridges, or industrial infrastructure. Metal fabricators work on projects requiring mastery of assembly and welding techniques for large components, while respecting weight and mechanical strength constraints.

[0006] Metalwork encompasses the manufacture and installation of metal elements such as doors, windows, railings, or verandas. These products must combine robustness, aesthetics, and functionality, requiring skills in precise assembly and meticulous finishing. Previous technique

[0007] The present invention aims to improve the working conditions of welder-fitters by facilitating their tack welding operations. Tack welding is an intermediate step in the welding process, where the metal parts are temporarily fixed to ensure their correct positioning before final assembly. This can be achieved by using a surface plate (a flat reference surface) or by mounting In parallel, the fitter-welder can adjust the parts to ensure precise alignment and stability of the structures before the final weld.

[0008] Calibration is a crucial step that ensures precise positioning of the parts to be welded. However, current methods present several problems that lead to wasted time, assembly errors, and disorganization of the workspace.

[0009] One of the main problems encountered by welders is the difficulty in quickly finding suitable shims in terms of dimensions and thickness. When a metalworker starts a new project, they can spend between 20 and 40 minutes searching for and preparing the appropriate shims for each assembly step. This wasted time directly impacts productivity and increases completion times.

[0010] Traditional shims are often not suited to the specific constraints of metallurgy. To be effective, shims must support the weight of the elements to be shimmed, while ensuring sufficient strength and mechanical resistance; have a smooth surface to limit the accumulation of grease and other residues that could affect the accuracy of the shimming; be made of a material incompatible with iron or steel to prevent weld spatter from adhering to the shims; and not break under the effect of heat or prolonged stress, which requires a hard, non-brittle, and heat-resistant material.

[0011] The lack of ergonomic solutions for storing and organizing wedges often leads to clutter in the workspace. This complicates the quick identification of the wedges needed and makes it more difficult to maintain a clean and tidy workstation.

[0012] Here are some known solutions which are used to meet the shimming needs in the field of metallurgy and welding, but which have significant disadvantages.

[0013] There is the fact that shims are manufactured from scrap metal in the workshop. Manufacturing these shims from scrap metal is time-consuming and requires significant manual effort, thus slowing down the metalworker's work. The dimensions of the available scrap do not always correspond to specific needs, sometimes rendering the shims unsuitable for projects. Deburring the shims, which involves removing sharp metal burrs, is often poorly executed or omitted, increasing the risk of injury to the operator. Thicknesses are not marked, forcing the operator to measure each shim, resulting in wasted time and potential errors. The rough surface of the scrap metal retains grease, complicating cleaning and reducing the accuracy of the shims.Welding spatter adheres easily to ferrous metal or iron shims, reducing their lifespan and requiring frequent maintenance. The storage of shims made from... Falls generate clutter around or under the work surface, making the space less ergonomic and increasing the risk of accidents.

[0014] There is also the fact that shims are made of glazing plastic. The frequent use of these shims leads to high plastic consumption, raising environmental and economic concerns. The dimensions of plastic shims are too small for shimming large metal structures, which limits their usefulness in metalworking shops. The plastic, being too flexible, tends to collapse under the weight of the parts being shimmed or when vise grips are used to secure the components, thus compromising the stability of the shimming. The plastic melts under the heat generated by welding, making it incompatible with high-temperature operations in the field of metallurgy. As with ferrous metal shims or iron shims, weld spatter adheres to plastic shims, but their low heat resistance makes this problem more critical.

[0015] There is also the fact that iron shims are manufactured by machinists (precision steel shims). Machinist shims, designed for high-precision operations, are very expensive, making their use unprofitable in a metalworking shop where they can deteriorate rapidly. Since these shims are made of steel, they are subject to the same drawbacks as shims made from scrap metal. Weld spatter adheres to their surface, making maintenance more complex. Machinist shims are not always suitable in terms of length and width for shimming large workpieces in the metalworking sector. Their design is geared towards specific industrial uses, which makes them less flexible for other applications. Presentation of the invention

[0016] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0017] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a set of wedges and a storage system meeting the following criteria:

[0018] Provide a sufficient number of shims to cover all the thicknesses and dimensions necessary for shimming the elements during assembly.

[0019] The wedges must comply with standardized dimensions, adapted to the different types of metalwork and welding.

[0020] The surface of the wedges must be sufficiently smooth to limit the retention of grease and facilitate their cleaning.

[0021] The material of the shims must not interact with the weld spatter, thus allowing the latter to slide without adhering.

[0022] The material must be hard, non-brittle, and resistant to the high temperatures generated by welding operations.

[0023] The storage case must be intuitive, robust and compact, allowing the wedges to be stored in an organized manner while minimizing clutter on the workstation.

[0024] Each shim must be permanently marked to facilitate rapid identification of the thickness.

[0025] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a kit comprising a plurality of metal wedges, remarkable in that it comprises a parallelepiped-shaped transport case including a base, a hinged lid between an open position and a closed position, inside the base there is a plurality of compartments, each compartment includes at least one group of wedges, each group of wedges has dimensions whose thickness is different from another group of wedges and each wedge is parallelepiped-shaped.

[0026] The transport case is parallelepiped-shaped, with compartments dedicated to each group of wedges, allowing the wedges to be stored in an orderly fashion, facilitating their quick access. Since each compartment is specifically sized for a group of wedges of different thicknesses, this eliminates the time usually wasted searching for the appropriate wedges, thus meeting a need not addressed by traditional chocking solutions.

[0027] The kit's design, with its parallelepiped-shaped shims of varying thicknesses, provides standardization that facilitates the rapid selection of suitable shims. The fact that each group of shims has distinct dimensions allows the welder or metalworker to immediately identify the correct thickness, thus reducing fitting errors during assembly.

[0028] The case with a hinged lid provides secure transport for the wedges. Unlike conventional systems, where the wedges can be scattered or damaged, this case ensures that each wedge remains in place, limiting loss or accidental movement during transport or storage.

[0029] The design of the wedges, made of a material resistant to heat and mechanical stress, ensures their longevity, even in the most demanding working environments. This criterion is a distinguishing feature compared to traditional solutions, where the wedges degrade rapidly under the effect of high temperatures and prolonged stress.

[0030] The parallelepiped-shaped box is designed to be compact while offering optimal storage capacity. It saves space on the workstation, contributing to better organization and a cleaner working environment, which is a major asset for professionals.

[0031] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0032] In one embodiment, a handle is positioned on an outer face of the bottom.

[0033] In one embodiment, it includes, between the base and the hinged lid, an element for maintaining the closed position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the retaining element is a hand lock.

[0035] In one embodiment, between the base and the hinged lid is located at minus one hinge or pivot.

[0036] In one embodiment, a wedge group comprises between 3 and 8 wedges, preferably between 4 and 6 wedges.

[0037] In one embodiment, the dimensions of a group of wedges are between 60 mm by 60 mm and the thickness varies from 2 mm to 30 mm, preferably between 2 and 20 mm, the pitch varying between each thickness being between 1 and 5 mm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the dimensions of another group of wedges are between 20 mm by 60 mm and the thickness varies from 0.5 mm to 40 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 20 mm, the pitch of which varies between each thickness is between 0.5 and 5 mm.

[0039] In one embodiment, one group of shims is made of brass and another group of shims is made of aluminum.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hinged lid has a registration area, each wedge has a registration area corresponding to its thickness.

[0041] Each shim is marked with its thickness, ensuring quick and easy identification even after prolonged use. This represents an improvement over current solutions, where markings can disappear or be difficult to read, thus requiring additional steps to identify the shims. Brief description of the figures

[0042] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] [Fig.1] represents a perspective view of the kit's transport case comprising a plurality of metal wedges;

[0044] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the open transport case with metal wedges in front;

[0045] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of a use of the kit transport case comprising a plurality of metal wedges;

[0046] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the device that is the subject of the present invention;

[0047] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of the device that is the subject of the present invention;

[0048] [Fig.6] represents a perspective view of the device that is the subject of the present invention;

[0049] [Fig.7] represents a perspective view of the device which is the subject of the present invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0050] The invention relates to a practical and precise tool, meeting the specific needs of professionals in the metalworking sector, particularly for shimming operations during the assembly of metal structures and welding. It is a set of shims with a precision tolerance of 1 / 10th of a millimeter, ranging from 0.5 mm to 20 mm. This set comprises 10 different thicknesses in two standardized formats: 60x60 mm and 60x20 mm, for a total of twenty different types of shims. These shims are designed to be stackable, thus allowing adjustment of dimensions when specific thicknesses are required outside the dimensions provided.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the kit's transport case containing a plurality of metal wedges.

[0052] The transport case, in the closed position, is in the form of a compact and ergonomic parallelepiped, designed to facilitate transport and protect the wedges it contains.

[0053] Made from resistant materials, it is both robust and lightweight, suitable for daily use in the demanding environments of metalworking shops.

[0054] The case is equipped with a handle centered on the case's center of gravity, ensuring a comfortable and balanced grip, even when fully loaded.

[0055] This handle is designed to support the weight of the wedges without hindering their transport, thus ensuring easy handling during transport.

[0056] The case is equipped with retaining elements, which are robust clasps positioned at the front, ensuring quick and reliable closure. These locking elements are designed to prevent accidental opening while remaining easy for the user to operate. They guarantee a secure closure, protecting the wedges from shocks and dust when the case is closed.

[0057] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the open transport case with metal wedges in front.

[0059] This figure incorporates elements described above.

[0060] The perspective view shows the open transport case with its hinged lid 20 and base 21, revealing its organized interior and the metal wedges 25 carefully arranged in their compartments. In front of the case, several wedges 25 are laid out to better illustrate their diversity in terms of size and thickness.

[0061] The hinged lid 20 of the case is in the open position, revealing the twenty perfectly aligned internal compartments, each intended for a specific thickness and size of wedge 25.

[0062] The handle 24 is slightly to the left to adapt to the center of gravity.

[0063] On the inner face of the hinged lid 20, an engraved index is clearly Visible markings indicate the corresponding thickness for each compartment, facilitating quick identification of the shims 25. This is a labeling area 22. The different sizes and the materials—brass and aluminum—are shown. On the other side of the base is another labeling area. It is possible to write, for example, "the famous facet shims" or any other inscription or logo.

[0064] The internal walls of the case provide solid protection for the wedges 25 when stored inside.

[0065] The shims 25 are arranged in groups according to their thickness and size (60x60 mm and 60x20 mm). Each compartment contains a group of shims 25 of the same thickness, allowing for a clear and intuitive organization.

[0066] The twenty compartments are sized to fit the dimensions of the wedges 25, ensuring that they remain securely in place even when moving.

[0067] This figure also shows a twenty-first compartment for storing leather pieces 26.

[0068] In front of the open box, several metal wedges 25 can be seen spread out, showing their different thicknesses and their standardized dimensions.

[0069] The shims 25 are visible in the form of parallelepipeds with a smooth surface and precise markings (by stamping or laser) indicating the thickness on each piece, ensuring easy identification even when they are taken out of their compartment.

[0070] The diversity of the shims 25 is well illustrated by this view, showing a wide range of thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 20 mm, allowing one to understand their ability to meet different shimming needs.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the use of the kit's transport case comprising a plurality of 25 metal wedges.

[0072] The figure shows a work scene in a metalworking shop, where several metal wedges 25 are placed directly on a flat work surface, such as a marble or an assembly table 27, to ensure the precise positioning of the metal elements to be assembled.

[0073] The metal shims 25 of different thicknesses are placed directly on the surface of the marble. Some shims 25 are placed alone, while others are stacked to reach the exact height required to adjust the metal elements relative to the reference plane.

[0074] On the supports 25, metal parts (for example tubes or bars intended for the construction of a railing with balusters) can be seen being precisely raised above the assembly table 27, ready for tack welding or welding operations.

[0075] Clamps 28 or clamps are used to secure the metal parts directly above the spacers 25, thus preventing any unintentional movement during tack welding or welding. These clamps 28 ensure complete stability of the parts on the spacers 25 during operation, guaranteeing a secure hold.

[0076] With the shims 25 readily available, the operator can quickly adjust or change the configuration according to the specific needs of the assembly. By stacking the shims 25, they can quickly modify the height of the element to be shimed, without using a measuring device, thanks to the precise thickness of the shims 25.

[0077] The figure shows an example of work on a balustrade with bars, with the bars wedged and stabilized before tack welding. The wedges 25 hold the various metal components of the balustrade at the exact height, allowing the operator to weld them precisely, thus ensuring perfect alignment.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0079] The 25 metal shims are used as spacers for recessed assemblies, illustrating their crucial role in creating assembled compositions, particularly with laser tenons or flat joints. This shimming method ensures the squareness, parallelism, and stability of the assemblies, while offering the operator a significant advantage in terms of handling.

[0080] A press 28 is used to hold the assembly in place, locking the components and ensuring their stability. The press 28 is positioned directly above the shims 25, preventing any unwanted movement during alignment.

[0081] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0082] The metal shims 25 are used as spacers for positioning precise joinery during the installation of the hinges. This process is crucial for ensure a correct and stable assembly between the opening frame 30 and the fixed frame 31.

[0083] The shims 25 are placed between the opening frame 30 (the moving part of the window or door) and the fixed frame 31 (the fixed structure). These shims 25 are chosen for their specific thicknesses, allowing for a perfect fit that guarantees the correct alignment of the joinery.

[0084] The hinges are visible, ready to be installed on the opening frame 30 or fixed frame 31. Thanks to the use of the shims 25 as spacers, the operator can position the hinges with precision and confidence.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0086] The metal wedges 25 are used as stabilizers for mounting Rectangular profile frames, positioned on their edge. This configuration allows the frames to be locked in place, thus giving the operator free hands to position the other elements.

[0087] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0088] The metal shims 25 are used as spacers for tracing the axis of a round profile 32. This method allows the operator to ensure that the layout is accurate and conforms to the dimensions required for profiling.

[0089] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances do not render such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0090] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 Hinged lid 21 Base 22 Inscription area 23 Retaining element 24 Handle 25 Wedge 26 Piece of leather 27 Table 28 Press 29 Hinge 30 Opening frame 31 Fixed frame 32 Round profile

Claims

Demands

1. Kit comprising a plurality of metal wedges, characterized in that it comprises a parallelepiped-shaped transport case including a base (21), a hinged lid (20) between an open position and a closed position, inside the base (21) there are a plurality of compartments, each compartment includes at least one group of wedges (25), each group of wedges (25) has dimensions whose thickness is different from another group of wedges (25) and each wedge (25) is parallelepiped-shaped.

2. Kit according to claim 1, wherein a handle (24) is positioned on an outer face of the bottom (21).

3. Kit according to claim 1, wherein it comprises, between the base (21) and the hinged lid (20), a retaining element (23) for the closed position.

4. Kit according to claim 3, wherein the retaining element (23) is a hand lock.

5. Kit according to claim 1, wherein between the base (21) and the hinged lid (20) there is at least one hinge or pivot.

6. Kit according to claim 1, wherein a wedge group (25) comprises between 3 and 8 wedges, preferably between 4 and 6 wedges.

7. Kit according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of a group of shims (25) are between 60 mm by 60 mm and the thickness varies from 2 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 2 to 20 mm, the pitch varying between each thickness being between 1 and 5 mm.

8. Kit according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of another group of shims (25) are between 20 mm by 60 mm and the thickness varies from 0.5 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 20 mm, the pitch varying between each thickness being between 0.5 and 5 mm.

9. Kit according to claim 1, wherein one group of shims (25) is made of brass and another group of shims (25) is made of aluminum.

10. Kit according to claim 1, wherein the hinged cover (20) has an inscription area (22), each wedge (25) has an inscription area corresponding to its thickness.

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