Support elements for spacers, as well as sets of support elements for spacers and sets of spacers.

Abstract

To provide a support element for spacers which enables enlarging choice of geometry of a slab ro be applied.SOLUTION: In a support element (1) for spacers comprising a base (5) provided for being placed on a surface elevation pedestal, at least a first window (10-1) and a second window (10-2) having a curved shape are provided on the base, and each window is provided so as to mount one of the spacers in such a manner that the spacer can be freely moved in the window to which the spacer is mounted and can be guided by that window when being moved. The first and second windows each have a start section and a final section. The final section (10-1b) of the first window and the start section (10-2a) of the second window are juxtaposed to each other in such a manner that a linear axis starting from a center of the base and extending in a direction toward an outer boundary of the base crosses successively the final section of the first window and the start section of the second window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support element for spacers provided to be arranged on a surface lift pedestal or a joist, the base of which is provided with at least first and second windows each having a curved shape, and each window is provided to receive one of the spacers The spacer is located between two adjacent slabs that are placed on a spacer support element, and is designed to maintain the distance between the two adjacent slabs. inside, and the first and second windows each have a starting section and a final section, and the windows are provided so that the spacers can move freely within the windows in which they are mounted and be guided by those windows when being moved.

Background Art

[0002] Such a support element for spacers is known from Patent Document 1. The known support element for spacers is formed by a circular base with two windows mounted according to a semi-circle near the outer boundary of the base. The known support element for spacers is intended to be arranged on the head of the pedestal. This serves to mount spacers that can extend between two adjacent slabs arranged on or along the beam on the spacer support element. These spacers thereby make it possible to maintain the distance between two adjacent slabs.

[0003] The disadvantage of the known support element for spacers is that, despite the presence of the windows, the distance between the spacer and the center of the spacer support always remains the same, limiting the possibility of mounting the spacers on the support. As a result, with the known support element for spacers, only slabs with straight and equal dimensions can be used, greatly restricting the choice of slabs to be arranged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a support element for spacers that allows for greater possibilities for mounting spacers on a support element, and thus expands the selection of the geometric shape of the slab to which the spacers are mounted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] For this purpose, the spacer support element according to the present invention is characterized in that the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window are juxtaposed with each other such that a linear axis, starting from the center of the base and moving toward the outer boundary of the base, continuously crosses the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window. The ability to freely move the spacers within each window, which are further curved so that the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window are juxtaposed with each other, provides great possibilities for fitting spacers within each window. The curvature of each window and the arrangement of the first and second windows allow the spacers to be brought closer to the center of the base and therefore do not restrict the position of the spacers to a fixed distance from the center. Thus, since it is sufficient to move the spacers within the window to fit spacers between two adjacent slabs, a wide selection of slab shapes is possible, even if the slabs are not linear or of equal dimensions.

[0007] It should be noted that International Publication WO2020 / 127397 describes a spacer support element in which the final section of the first window is juxtaposed with the starting section of the second window. Nevertheless, the combination of German Patent Application Publication DE102013113267 and International Publication WO2020 / 127397 does not result in the present invention. Starting from the specification of German Patent Application Publication DE102013113267, those skilled in the art will obtain teachings on the application of a circular window having a certain radius. International Publication WO2020 / 127397 teaches the use of a single circular window in combination with two linear windows. The combination of German Patent Application Publication DE102013113267 and International Publication WO2020 / 127397 leads to the addition of two linear windows to the support element of German Patent Application Publication DE102013113267. This solution is not considered by those skilled in the art because, in addition to there being no place to do so on the elements of German Patent Application Publication DE102013113267, it would require reducing the dimensions of the circular window, thereby limiting the position of the spacer. Furthermore, the aforementioned combination still does not yield two windows having a curved shape in which the final section of the first window is juxtaposed with the starting section of the second window. Thus, the gist of the present invention lies in partially juxtaposing two windows having a curved shape.

[0008] A first preferred embodiment of the spacer support element according to the present invention is characterized in that each window has an inner curve and an outer curve, and the inner and outer curves are equidistant from each other along their entire length. In this way, the opening width of the window remains the same along its entire length, and it is possible to hold and guide the spacer along its entire length.

[0009] A second preferred embodiment of the spacer support element according to the present invention is characterized in that the starting point of the inner curve located at the height of the starting section is located at a distance from the aforementioned center that is at least 25% higher than the distance at which the ending point of the inner curve located at the height of the final section is located relative to the aforementioned center. This allows for a greater number of spacer positions while maintaining good rigidity of the base.

[0010] A third preferred embodiment of the spacer support element according to the present invention is characterized in that the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window are juxtaposed with each other over at least 15% of their lengths. This allows for a number of possible positions for mounting the spacer, despite the reduction in surface area.

[0011] Preferably, at least two longitudinal openings are assumed in the base around the aforementioned center, the openings extending parallel to each other. They are provided to cooperate with mounting elements provided for connecting the spacer support element to a pedestal or joist.

[0012] Preferably, a circular opening is assumed to be spaced apart from the extension of the final section of at least one window. This circular opening provides more mounting points for spacers.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a set of support elements for spacers and a set of spacers. Such a set comprises at least several spacers divided according to category, each spacer having a mounting member provided for connecting the spacer to a window and a head extending above the base when the spacer is connected to the window, each category having a predetermined head width and different head thicknesses being different from each other. This makes it not necessary to always keep the distance between slabs the same.

[0014] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings showing an example of an embodiment of a support element for a spacer according to the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows a support element for a spacer according to the present invention, mounted on a surface lifting base. [Figure 2] This figure shows a support element for a spacer according to the present invention, mounted on a joist. [Figure 3] Upper view of the support element for the spacer according to the present invention. [Figure 4] A diagram showing in more detail an embodiment of how the window is curved. [Figure 5] Top view of the support element for the spacer according to the present invention, mounted on a pedestal and provided with a spacer. [Figure 6] Top view of the support element for the spacer according to the present invention, where the point located between four adjacent slabs is offset with respect to the center of the pedestal. [Figure 7] Diagram of the spacer.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding elements.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an overall view of the support element 1 for the spacer according to the present invention mounted on the surface lifting pedestal 2. The pedestal functions to be mounted on a slab or floor spaced from the ground or to be mounted on the ground so as to compensate for an inclined ground. The support element for the spacer includes a base 5 provided with at least two longitudinal openings 3 assumed in the base around its center. Preferably, the base includes two longitudinal openings extending in pairs parallel to each other. The support element 1 for the spacer is connected to the pedestal 2 by a mounting element 4 that grips at least one of the longitudinal openings 3. The mounting element is rotatable with respect to the pedestal and is thus connected to the pedestal so as to enable rotation of the support element for the spacer with respect to the pedestal. Preferably, the base is circular, which is advantageous for the rotation of the support element for the spacer.

[0018] Figure 2 is distinguished from Figure 1 by the mounting of the support element 1 for the spacer on the joist 6. The support element for the spacer is also connected to the joist by a mounting element. Preferably, the mounting element is rotatable relative to the joist and is thus connected to the joist so as to allow rotation of the support element for the spacer relative to the joist.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an upper view of the support element 1 for the spacer according to the invention. This support element is preferably manufactured from a plastic material such as, for example, polypropylene. At least a first window 10-1 and a second window 10-2 having a curved shape are provided in the base of the support element for the spacer. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a third window 10-3 and a fourth window 10-4 also exist. Each of the windows 10-1 to 10-4 is provided for mounting at least one spacer 13 thereon, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Each window has a starting section 10-1a, 10-2a, 10-3a and 10-4a, and a final section 10-1b, 10-2b, 10-3b and 10-4b. The spacer(s) 13 can move freely within the window in which they are mounted and can be guided by the window when being moved. The windows are applied such that the final section 10-1b of the first window and the starting section 10-2a of the second window are juxtaposed with each other such that a straight axis l starting from the center of the base and going in the direction towards the outer boundary of the base continuously crosses the final section 10-1b of the first window and the starting section 10-2a of the second window. The final sections 10-2b, 10-3b and 10-4b and the starting sections 10-3a, 10-4a and 10-1a are applied in a similar manner.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, preferably, the starting point of the starting section of each window is located at the same distance r1 from the center, and the final point of the final section of each window is located at the same distance r2 from the center, and r1 is greater than r2.

[0021] Each window has inner curves 10⁻¹i, 10⁻²i, 10⁻³i, and 10⁴i, as well as outer curves 10⁻¹e, 10⁻²e, 10⁻³e, and 10⁴e. The inner and outer curves are equidistant from each other along their entire length. This equidistant distance allows spacers introduced into the window to be guided and held along their entire path within the window.

[0022] The curved shape of the window is such that the starting points of the inner curves 10-1i, 10-2i, 10-3i, and 10-4i, located at the height of the starting section, are at a distance from the center of the base described above that is at least 25% higher (particularly 25-40% higher) than the distance at which the final point of the inner curve at the height of the final section is located relative to the aforementioned center. Therefore, the window curve does not follow a circular path where the radius of the curve remains constant, but rather slopes continuously toward the center of the base. Thus, both the inner and outer curves slope toward the center. This makes it possible to attach spacers to the window at locations that are not the same distance from the center of the base, and therefore makes it possible to attach spacers continuously at different distances from the center.

[0023] Preferably, the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window are juxtaposed with each other over at least 15% of their length (particularly over 15-25%). This also applies to the final sections of the second, third, and fourth windows, as well as the starting sections of the third, fourth, and first windows. This allows for increased space-saving placement of spacers.

[0024] Figure 4 shows in more detail an embodiment of how the windows are curved. It will be clear that the present invention is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4 and other curved shapes can be applied. The first windows 10-1 each have a predetermined curve radius r a and r bIt consists of two subsections having a starting section 10-1a, and a second subsection having a final section 10-1b. The circular portion forming the first subsection has its center corresponding to the center C of the base, while the circular portion forming the second subsection has its center C' offset relative to center C. This offset is directed to the left, as is the height relative to center C. The leftward offsets are, for example, 12.89 mm and 16.39 mm upward for a circular base with a radius of 92.58 mm. In the same example, the curve radius r a It is 72mm, r b The length is 51.352 mm. By using two different radii of the curve for the same window and using a different center for each curve, it is possible to precisely ensure that the final section remains below the starting section of the subsequent window. The first subsection extends over approximately one-quarter of the window.

[0025] Preferably, circular openings 14 (see Figure 3) are assumed to be spaced apart from the extension of the final section of at least one window. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, there are four circular openings 14, such that each window has a circular opening associated with it. These circular openings serve to accommodate spacers 13, increasing the likelihood of spacer installation. The circular openings are positioned in the extension of the curve formed by the windows to which they are associated. The windows associated with circular openings also have the advantage of rigidifying the base. In fact, the windows could be enlarged, but in that case there is a risk of overly weakening the structure of the base, leading to overly fragile breakage during use. Thus, the use of windows associated with circular openings provides a good compromise between sufficient possibility for spacer installation on the one hand and a sufficiently rigid base on the other.

[0026] Preferably, each window is surrounded by a boundary (border) 16 assumed on the base. This is also true for each circular opening. The boundary forms the perimeter of each window and circular opening and is positioned offset toward the bottom relative to the top surface of the base. The distance between this boundary and the top surface corresponds to the thickness of the support disc 23 of the spacer (see Figure 7), and the support disc forms a passage between the head 24 and the mounting member 19 of the spacer. Thus, when the spacer is mounted in the window or circular opening, the mounting member extends beneath the window, circular opening, and the head above it, respectively. The support disc 23 rests on the boundary 16. The cooperation between the mounting member, the support disc and the boundary allows the spacer to be kept within the window of the opening, and nevertheless move within it; that is, it can rotate within the circular opening and rotate and slide within the window. This provides a large degree of freedom for positioning and orientation of the spacer's head.

[0027] To facilitate the securing of the spacer support element on the base or joist after it has been positioned, the support element is preferably equipped with a set (group) of holes 20 applied along a circle whose radius is smaller than one of the bases.

[0028] A spacer support element according to the present invention is part of a set that also includes a set of spacers 13. The set of spacers includes a plurality of spacers 13. As shown in Figure 7, each spacer 13 has a mounting member 19 and a head 24 that extends above the base of the support element when the spacer is connected to a window. The spacers in the set are divided into several categories, each category having a distinct (specified) head thickness. Thus, the head thickness of the first category 13-1 spacers is smaller than the head thickness of the second category 13-2 spacers. Preferably, the set includes seven categories of spacers 13-1 to 13-7. The heads of the spacers in the first category 13-1 have a thickness equal to 2 mm, the heads of the spacers in the second category 13-2 have a thickness equal to 3 mm, and the heads of the spacers in the third to seventh categories 13-3 to 13-7 have thicknesses equal to 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm, respectively. By using a set of spacers with heads of different thicknesses, it becomes possible to select the spacer that best fits the distance between the two slabs to be placed. As can be seen in Figure 5, the slabs are not in a straight line. Where the distance between slabs 21 is smaller, the second category 13-2 spacers are used. Where the distance between slabs is substantially larger, the seventh category 13-7 spacers are used, where they are between the fourth category 13-4 spacers. Thus, the slabs are sufficiently blocked between them, and the risk of slab movement is substantially reduced.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the point where the end corners of four adjacent slabs meet does not need to correspond to the center of the spacer's support element. Figure 6 shows a situation where this point (the meeting point) is offset from the center. What makes this possible is the presence of a window with its geometric shape. In fact, since the window does not have a constant curve radius, the spacers do not always need to be at the same distance from the center. In Figure 6, it can be seen that spacer 13-a is closer to the center than spacer 13-b, and they are not in the same location in their respective windows. This therefore provides greater flexibility to the person installing the slabs, as the center of the base does not necessarily need to correspond to the aforementioned point between the corners of the slabs. Thus, for example, if it is impossible to install the base at the location of the aforementioned point due to the presence of an obstacle, it is sufficient to simply offset the base to position the spacer within a window, or possibly a circular opening, and rotate the support of the spacer.

[0030] Preferably, a spacer support element according to the present invention includes a marking 22, for example by applying a striated or corrugated profile, that indicates a zone where the aforementioned offset relative to the center can be made while maintaining the stability of the base, the spacer support element, and the slab mounted thereon. Preferably, this marking extends on a surface equal to one-quarter of the surface of the spacer support element, starting from a line crossing the center and then progressing in a direction toward the boundary of the spacer support element. This makes it easy for the person mounting the slab to see the limit to which the offset can be made.

[0031] When arranging the slabs, the slabs are installed one by one after the spacer support elements are attached, and the spacers are fitted between the slabs by sliding them within the window. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1. Support element 2 Surface lifting platform 5 Base 6. Joist 10-1,2,3,4 windows 13 Spacers 16. Boundary 19. Mounting component for spacer 20 perforation 22 displays 24 Spacer heads

Claims

1. A support element (1) for a spacer (13) having a base (5) provided to be placed on a surface lifting platform (2) or joist (6), The base is provided with at least a first window (10-1) and a second window (10-2), each having a curved shape, and each window is provided to accommodate one of the spacers (13) inside such that the spacer is located between two adjacent slabs on a spacer support element and maintains the distance between the two adjacent slabs, and the first and second windows each have a starting section and a ending section, and the windows are provided so that the spacer can move freely within the window and be guided by the window when moved. The lines of curvature of the first and second windows having the curved shape are continuously inclined toward the center of the base (5), A spacer support element characterized in that the final section (10-1b) of the first window and the starting section (10-2a) of the second window are juxtaposed with respect to each other such that a linear axis extending from the center of the base toward the outer boundary of the base continuously crosses the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window.

2. The spacer support element according to claim 1, characterized in that each window comprises an inner curve (10-i) and an outer curve (10-e), and the inner curve and the outer curve are equidistant from each other over their entire length.

3. The spacer support element according to claim 2, characterized in that the starting point of the inner curve, located at the height of the starting section, is located at a distance from the center that is at least 25% higher than the distance at which the ending point of the inner curve, located at the height of the final section, is located relative to the center.

4. The spacer support element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the inner and outer curves are inclined toward the center.

5. A spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the final section of the first window and the starting section of the second window are juxtaposed with each other over at least 15% of their lengths.

6. A spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by being circular in shape.

7. A spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a circular opening is provided spaced apart from the extension of the final section of at least one window.

8. The spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base is provided with at least two longitudinal openings around the center, and the longitudinal openings extend parallel to each other.

9. A spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each window is surrounded by a boundary (16).

10. A spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by comprising a set of perforations (20) applied along two mutually orthogonal lines.

11. The spacer support element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base is provided with an indicator (22) showing a zone offset with respect to the center.

12. A set of spacer support elements and a set of spacers according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The set of spacers comprises at least a plurality of spacers divided according to categories (13-1, 13-2, ...), each spacer having a mounting member (19) provided for connecting the spacer to a window, and a head (24) extending above the base when the spacer is connected to the window, wherein each category has a predetermined head width, and the thickness of the heads in different categories differs from one another. A set of support elements for spacers, and a set of spacers.

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