LATTICE WORK

Abstract: A lattice work (5) comprises a number of first bars (1) and second bars (2) which extend at an angle to one another. The bars are interconnected by means of coupling elements (3) which are srewed to one another. The bars are interconnected by means of coupling elements (3) which are screwed to one another. The coupling elements each comprises a first coupling part (11) and a second coupling part (21) which are coupled to one another at a connecting surface (31) or connecting ring (31') by means of screw members (32). The first coupling part here comprises a first groove (12) in its connecting surface for receiving part of the first bar therein, which groove extends over the length of the coupling part. The second coupling part comprises a second groove (22) extending from a first side to a second side in its connecting surface so as to accomodate part of the second bar.

Description: Lattice work The present invention relates to a lattice work comprising at least a first bar and a second bar which enclose an angle with one another. Such a lattice work is used, for example, for windows, doors, or transparent domes in houses and other buildings against burglary and/or for decoration. It is usually a handmade, wrought-iron or welded workpiece which is made exactly to custom. Not only is this time-consuming, but such a procedure is also comparatively costly and not feasible for the average Do It Yourself amateur. The present invention has for its object to provide a lattice work of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which achieves the envisaged anti -burglary or decorative effect in a comparatively simple and inexpensive manner. To achieve the above object, a lattice work according to the invention is characterized in that the first and the second bar are interconnected by means of a coupling element which comprises a first and a second coupling part which are coupled to one another at a connecting surface by screw means, in that the first coupling part comprises a first groove at said connecting surface, which groove extends over the length of the coupling part and is designed for receiving a portion of the first bar therein, and in that the second coupling part comprises a second groove at said connecting surface, which groove extends over the length of the coupling part and is designed for receiving a portion of the second bar therein. It is not necessary to forge or weld such a lattice work. Instead, a sufficient number of as yet unconnected bars and coupling elements is taken, of which a first set of bars has a length designed to fit a length of an opening to be provided with the lattice work and of which a second set of bars has a length designed to fit a width of said opening. The bars of the two sets are subsequently screwed together by means of the coupling elements. The entire assembly may then be placed in front of the opening and fastened in a conventional manner. In a second embodiment, in which substantially round coupling parts are used, a number of symmetrical teeth and grooves are present on the circular connecting surfaces of the two coupling parts, said coupling parts assuming a certain position relative to one another owing to the fact that the teeth of the one coupling part enter the grooves of the other coupling part. To enhance the coherence of the lattice work, a special embodiment of the lattice work according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the bars from among the first and the second bar is fixedly held in the coupling element. The fixation in at least one of the two lattice directions in addition ensures that the lattice work need only be fastened in the other direction on either side of the opening to be fitted with the lattice work. Said fixation may be achieved in a plurality of ways. Thus a clamping connection between the individual parts, generated by the screw means, is capable of providing a sufficient fixation. A particular embodiment of the lattice work according to the invention, however, is characterized in that the groove in at least one of the two coupling parts comprises at least one projection for mating with a bar having a corresponding projection. When the bar is laid with its curvature in the mating groove, the desired fixation as well as an automatic positioning is achieved. A comparable result is achieved by a further special embodiment of the lattice work according to the invention, which is characterized in that at least one of the two bars has a depression with a length corresponding to the length of the groove to be associated therewith, and in that the bar lies with its depression in the groove. In this case the bars hooks itself as it were with its depression into the groove, which in this case may be linear. A mutual fixation as well as an accurate alignment is again achieved thereby. In this connection, a further embodiment of the lattice work is characterized in that at least one of the two bars comprises a flat strip in which at least one lateral indentation is provided with a length corresponding to the length of the groove to be associated therewith, and in that the bar lies with said indentation in the groove. A preferred embodiment of the lattice work according to the invention is characterized in that a first one of the two coupling parts comprises at least a first through bore for receiving therein a screw member, and in that the second coupling part comprises a second bore at the area of the first bore which extends through only part of the thickness of the second coupling part, and in that at least the second bore is internally provided with a srew thread which mates with a srew thread of the screw member. The coupling elements of the lattice work thus have a blind screw connection, the blind side of which faces towards the exterior. This is not only aesthetically more attractive, but it also enhances the burglary security effect of the construction. Although the lattice work can be manufactured from a plurality of materials, for example also from synthetic resin, a preferred embodiment of the lattice work according to the invention is characterized in that at least substantially all components thereof are manufactured from metal. The use of metal makes the entire construction stronger and more durable, while in addition it is usually only metal which will provide the desired burglary protection properties. The invention also relates to a coupling element and a bar for use in a lattice work as described above. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a number of embodiments and a drawing, in which: Fig. 1 A is a side elevation of a first bar in a first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. IB is a cross-sectional view of a first coupling part belonging to an embodiment of a coupling element for the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. 1C is a bottom elevation of the coupling part of Fig. IB; Fig. 2 A is a side elevation of a second bar in the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second coupling part belonging to the embodiment of a coupling element for the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. 2C is a bottom elevation of the coupling part of Fig. 2B; Fig. 3 A is a first cross-sectional view, partly a side elevation, of the coupling element and the bars of the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention in the state in which they are assembled together; Fig. 3B is a second cross-sectional view, partly a side elevation, of the coupling element and the bars of the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention in the state in which they are assembled together; Fig. 3C is a plan view of the coupling element and the bars of the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention in the state in which they are assembled together; Fig. 4 is an oblique front/side elevation of a first and a second coupling part belonging to an embodiment of a coupling element for a second embodiment of the lattice work according to the invention, with pictured between them the bars in the directions in which they are to be used and the connecting ring between the coupling parts; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling element and the bars of the second embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention in the state in which they are assembled together; Fig. 6 is an elevation of the first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. 7 A is a side elevation of a first bar in a third embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. 7B is a plan view of the bar of Fig. 7 A; Fig. 8 shows a coupling part belonging to a coupling element for the third embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; Fig. 9 is a plan view of a second bar from a fourth embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention; and Fig. 10 shows a coupling part belonging to a coupling element for the fourth embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention. Corresponding parts have generally been given the same reference numerals in the Figures. A first embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 A to 3 and 6. The lattice work comprises a first bar 1, see Fig. 1A, and a second bar 2, see Fig. IB, which will extend at certain angles to one another in the resulting lattice work, see Fig. 6, i.e. in the present example at substantially right angles. The bars comprise, for example, metal strips which are approximately 5 mm thick and approximately 2 cm wide and may be cut to any length desired. The invention provides coupling elements 3 for the purpose of connecting the bars 1, 2 to one another in the lattice work 1. These coupling elements 3 each comprise a first coupling part 11 and a second coupling part 21 which can be fastened to one another at a connecting surface 31 by screw means 32, thus closing in the two bars 1, 2. For this purpose, the two coupling parts 11, 21 each have a groove 12, 22 which extends from a first side 13, 23 to a second side 14, 24 of the respective coupling part 11, 21 so as to receive therein a bar 1, 2. The two coupling parts are manufactured, for example, also from metal with a length and width of, for example, 3 to 4 cm and a thickness of 16 and 8 mm for the first coupling part 11 and the second coupling part 21, respectively. The first coupling part is rounded in one direction here for a better visual effect. To fix the first bars 1 in the coupling parts 11 designed for them, the first bars 1 have been given indentations 6 at regular intervals, which indentations are approximately 3 to 4 cm long and 1 cm deep and are designed to fit the length and depth of the grooves 12 in the coupling parts 1 1. The bars thus hook themselves with shoulders 7 formed thereby around the mating coupling parts 11 , whereby a fixation and locking effect in axial direction is achieved. A similar effect could be achieved for the second bars 2 not by means of lateral indentations but by means of depressions provided in said bars at regular distances and with a length and depth designed to fit the length and depth of the grooves 22 in the second coupling parts 22. In the assembled state shown in Figs. 3 A to 3C, the two coupling parts 11, 21 are screwed to one another by means of bolts 32, for example of size M6. The first coupling part 11 for this purpose comprises four bores 33 which are each provided with an internal srew thread mating with a srew thread of the screws 32. Unlike the bores provided for the screws 32 in the second coupling parts 21, the bores 33 in the first coupling parts 11 extend only through a limited portion of the local material thickness of the first coupling parts 11. This achieves a blind fastening which is not only aesthetically more attractive but also preferable for the purpose of protection against burglary. A second embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention is shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The lattice work comprises a first bar 1 and a second bar 2, see Fig. 5, which will extend at certain angles to one another in the resulting lattice work, i.e. in the present example at substantially right angles. The invention provides coupling elements 3 for the purpose of connecting the two bars 1 , 2 to one another in the lattice work 1. These coupling elements 3 each comprise a first coupling part 11 which is substantially shaped as a hemisphere and a second coupling part 21 which is substantially shaped as a hemisphere, which parts are interconnected at a connecting ring 31 ' in that substantially symmetrically cut teeth 41, 51 and depressions 42, 52 of the two coupling parts enter one another around the connecting ring. The groove 12, 22 lies half below two mutually facing teeth such that it can receive a bar. The other coupling part, in which a bar 2 is accommodated in a similar manner, is passed over the former assembly such that the bars are mutually perpendicular. The coupling parts 11 and 21 are joined together with the screw means 32 provided in the bores 33. It is possible to make a robust lattice work which strongly protects against burglary without forging or welding work being necessary for this in that a number of first and second bars are interconnected at their points of intersection by means of such coupling elements. In principle, all this can be carried out by an average DIY amateur. The final lattice work 1 that can be realized in this manner is pictured in Fig. 6, which shows the first embodiment. Fastening openings 25 are provided in the end portions of the second bars 2, by means of which the lattice work can be screwed or otherwise mounted in front of a door, window, or light dome. The sides of the coupling elements 3 which are open to view may further be provided with decorations so as to enhance the total visual impression. A third embodiment of a lattice work according to the invention is shown in part in Figs. 7 and 8. This relates merely to an adaptation of the first bars 1 and the associated coupling parts 11 from the embodiments described above. The present embodiment is worked out further on the basis of the first embodiment here. In this third embodiment, lateral projections are provided at regular intervals in the first bars in the form of curvatures 8, as is visible in the bottom elevation of Fig. 7. The grooves 12 in the first coupling parts 11 show corresponding curvatures 18, so that a first bar 1 can be laid with a curvature 8 in the corresponding curvature of a first coupling part each time. An axial fixation is achieved thereby, which benefits not only the coherence of the resulting lattice work, but also automatically provides a regular pitch between adjoining bars. In a fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10 and representing a preferred version of the first embodiment, but limited to this embodiment, the second bars 2 are provided with a fixation in the second coupling means 21. The fixation is achieved here in that the second bars are provided at regular distances with lateral projections in the form of overhangs 9. The grooves 22 in the second coupling parts 21 have corresponding extensions 29. The second coupling parts 21 can thus automatically be laid around the second bar 2 in the correct positions and be joined to the first coupling parts 11 there. This may be based, for example, on the first, second, or third embodiment of the lattice work described above in as far as the first bars and coupling parts are concerned. A complete lattice work is again achieved thereby in a particularly simple manner which can be placed, for example, in front of a door, window, or light dome for protection against burglary or purely for decorative purposes. Although the invention was explained in detail above with reference to only four embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples given. On the contrary, many variations and designs are possible to those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention; for example, dimensions and materials may be modified as desired to fit specific applications.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A lattice work comprising at least a first bar and a second bar which enclose an angle with one another, characterized in that the first and the second bar are interconnected by means of a coupling element which comprises a first and a second coupling part which are coupled to one another at a connecting surface or a connecting ring by screw means, in that the first coupling part comprises a first groove at the connecting surface or the connecting ring, which groove extends over the length of the coupling part and is designed for receiving a portion of the first bar therein, and in that the second coupling part comprises a second groove at the connecting surface or the connecting ring, which groove extends over the length of the coupling part and is designed for receiving a portion of the second bar therein. 2. A lattice work according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first and the second coupling part are substantially hemispherical in shape and are interconnected by means of a number of substantially symmetrically interlocking teeth arranged on the edges of the two coupling parts around the connecting ring. 3. A lattice work according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the bars from among the first and the second bar is fixedly held in the coupling element. 4. A lattice work according to claim 3, characterized in that the groove in at least one of the two coupling parts comprises at least one projection for mating with a bar having a corresponding projection. 5. A lattice work according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the two bars has a depression with a length corresponding to the length of the associated groove, and in that the bar lies with said depression in the groove. 6. A lattice work according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the two bars comprises a flat strip in which at least one lateral indentation is provided with a length corresponding to the length of the groove to be associated therewith, and in that the bar lies with said indentation in the groove. 7. A lattice work according to any one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first one of the two coupling parts comprises at least a first through bore for receiving therein a screw member, and in that the second coupling part comprises a second bore at the area of the first bore which extends through only part of the thickness of the second coupling part, and in that at least the second bore is internally provided with a srew thread which mates with a srew thread of the screw member. 8. A lattice work according to any one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least substantially all components thereof are manufactured from metal. 9. A bar and a coupling element for use in the lattice work according to any one or several of the preceding claims.

Inventors: FLOOR ADRIANUS JOHANNES, FLOOR, ADRIANUS, JOHANNES
Applicants: FLOOR ADRIANUS JOHANNES, FLOOR RAMON, FLOOR VOUWHEK BV, FLOOR VOUWHEK B.V., FLOOR, ADRIANUS, JOHANNES, FLOOR, RAMON
Application year: 2001
Main classification: E06B9
IPC codes: E06B9