Patent ID: 12234651

The elements of the apparatus according to the invention are now described using the references contained in the annexed figures. It should be noted that any dimensional and spatial term (such as “lower”, “upper”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like) refers, unless otherwise indicated, to the position according to which the object of the invention is shown in the drawings which not necessarily coincides with the position of the finding in operating conditions. With the purpose of highlighting some features instead of others, not necessarily what described in the annexed drawings is perfectly to scale.

For the sake of simplicity and without any restrictive intent, the term, “panel” is henceforth to be understood as any substantially slab-shaped structural element capable of creating and establishing a technical structure for protection and/or boundaries and/or furnishing, such as: parapets, railings, banisters, fences, partitions, glazed windows, cantilever roofs, roofs or the like.

In general, said panel may include metal sheets, polycarbonate sheets, glass panels, wood, etc., of various thicknesses and finishes.

As clearly shown in the accompanying figures, shown by way of example and by no means an exhaustive list,FIG.1shows, in its entirety, an apparatus for connecting one or more panels3to a building element and equipped with means for adjusting their laying set-up.

Said connecting apparatus1comprises a support profile2, capable of supporting and retaining at least part of a panel3.

Said support profile2can be made of any suitable metal alloy (aluminium alloys, in general) but there is nothing to prevent it being made from other materials, e.g. wood or PVC, if structural requirements allow for this.

The support profile2may have a substantially U-shaped section with an anchor base20fixed, through known means6, to an installation surface of said building element, and a first21and second22wing, opposite and parallel to each other. Between said wings21,22and the base20, a cavity23is defined acting as a seat for at least a portion or edge30of the panel3, which projects outwards for its remaining part.

In general, said edge30cooperates with a suitable support surface inside of said cavity23.

Preferably, said edge30is supported by at least one rib24made on each of the two wings21and22of the support profile2, projecting inwards from the cavity23and advantageously positioned close to the base20of said profile, parallel to it.

As will be seen, between said edge30and said rib24there may be a specific means of support, for example a tab or plate411, which will be described in greater depth over the course of the discussion with reference to the other functions which it is capable of performing.

Of course, nothing prevents that said edge30of the panel3could be supported directly by the base20of the profile2.

The connecting apparatus1according to this invention further comprises a system to adjust the laying set-up of the panel3with respect to the support profile2, which makes it possible to:retain the edge30within the cavity23of the profile2; and/oradjust the inclination of said panel3with respect to the building element of installation and/or other panels3adjacent thereto.

For this purpose, said laying set-up adjustment system comprises an adjustment assembly4suitably designed to:act reciprocally on the opposed sides of the panel3so as to lock it in said cavity23,impart to the edge30of the panel3a controllable rotation around a fulcrum F so as to adjust its inclination and compensate for any dimensional and/or planarity defects of the building element of installation.

More specifically, said adjusting can be achieved by rotating the edge30of the panel3around said fulcrum F and within the cavity23of the support profile2, between its first21and second22wings.

According to a preferred form of the invention, said adjustment assembly4may preferably comprise:a “adjuster support”40provided with at least two actuators400, preferably similar to each other, which can operate on the opposite face of the panel3and rotate at least its edge30, said support40being preferably disposed in proximity to said first wing21of the profile2;a “stop plate”41, preferably positioned in proximity to the second wing22of said profile2and provided with abutment surface410capable of associating in front coupling with the other face of the same panel3and suitably shaped to define and identify said fulcrum F for the rotation of, at least, the edge30of said panel3.

According to the invention, a temporary coupling is provided between the adjuster support40and the stop plate41in order to join the parts and facilitate the insertion and installation of the adjustment assembly4inside the cavity23of the profile2.

This coupling, in accordance with a possible manufacturing variant, can however be released or altered so as to disconnect the parts and allow, as will be seen, the free movement/translation of the adjuster support40inside the profile2and the consequent adjustment of the inclination of the panel3.

As illustrated inFIG.1and without any restrictive intent, said coupling is achieved via one or more joints.

For this purpose, the stop plate41may be provided with at least one tab or plate411:provided with at least one hole420which cooperates with a corresponding interlocking pin42provided on the adjuster support40,capable of resting on the aforementioned ribs24of the profile2or directly on its base20, said plate411therefore also serving, as already partly described above, as a support surface for the edge30of the panel3.

Said interlocking pin42may have a weakened section so as to facilitate its breaking during the adjustment procedure. We will return to this aspect in greater detail in the course of this discussion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, said adjuster support40should preferably be made of an elastically deformable material.

In this way, as will be seen, by operating the aforementioned actuators400, said support40is suitably deformed so as to allow a crosswise translation of at least a portion thereof inside the cavity23of said profile2and a consequent interaction of the same with the opposite face of the panel3, thereby allowing a rotation of at least its edge30.

Preferably, said at least two actuators400include:at least one first actuator401, which will be henceforth referred to as “proximal actuator” as it is positioned substantially near the base20of said profile2;at least one second actuator402, which will be henceforth referred to as “distal actuator” as it is positioned in the upper area25of said profile2, preferably near the “mouth” of the cavity23,
said proximal actuator401and distal actuator402being therefore spaced apart from each other by a suitably distance H selected and defined in order to allow, in the manner which will be shown, an effective rotation of at least the edge30of said panel3.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.5, since said actuators401and402can be operated from the outside of the support profile2by inserting a manoeuvring tool8(e.g. a spanner, a screwdriver or the like), through the “mouth” of its cavity23, it is necessary that each proximal actuator401is misaligned and offset by a distance L with respect to each distal actuator402, so that they are all indifferently and easily accessible by said manoeuvring tool8(seeFIG.9).

In other words, the distal actuator402must not be an obstacle that prevents the manoeuvring tool8from interacting with the proximal actuator401.

As clearly shown inFIG.1, the actuators400,401,402may consist of adjusting screws comprising:a first head140retained in a seat406of the adjuster support40, prevented from being rotated due to interference or shape coupling, said seat406being preferably a blind seat suitable to also prevent free movements/translation of said first head140towards the inside of the cavity23;a threaded pin141, integral to said first head140, which projects transversely from said seat406;a second head142, coaxial to said pin141, whereon it is screwed/unscrewed by means of a manoeuvring tool8, and cooperating with the inner wall of said first wing21, which acts substantially as a stop.

According to said arrangement, when the second head142rotates on the threaded pin141, which is fixed and locked to the adjuster support40via the first head140, there is a corresponding crosswise translation, inside the cavity23of the profile2, of the part of the adjuster support40to which it is constrained, said translation, as already partly described, causing a consequent rotation around the fulcrum F of at least the edge30of the panel3.

In fact, said second head142is substantially in contact with the internal wall of the first wing21and when it is activated using the tool8, it transfers the rotation movement to the first head140via the threaded pin141.

Said first head140, which is placed and locked inside the blind seat406, unable to rotate or translate, “releases” the movement generated by the second head142on the adjuster support40, elastically deforming at least the area surrounding said seat406.

Therefore, the adjuster support40transfers the movement of the actuators401and402to the edge30of the panel3, via a controlled deformation of its parts surrounding the blind seats406on which the respective heads140are positioned.

Said movement of the actuators401and402, in combination with the abutment surface410, allows the panel3to rotate around the fulcrum F and therefore to adjust its inclination with respect to the building element.

For this reason, the aforementioned abutment surface410of the stop plate41is fixed and preferably convex so that each of its points can act as a fulcrum F during the rotation of the edge30of the panel3.

To ensure that said rotation occurs, the projection of the fulcrum F on the opposed first wing11should preferably “fall” in the space H between the proximal actuator401and the distal actuator402.

There is, of course, nothing to prevent the abutment surface410from being substantially flat but equipped with at least one suitable abutment element (not shown in the figures) from which it protrudes to act as a fulcrum F.

Therefore, as shown in the attached figures, by screwing/unscrewing each of the actuators401and402with the aid of a tool8, the adjuster support40can be translated, by deformation of the latter, transversely within the cavity23of the profile2to the most suitable extent for adjustment.

More precisely, by suitably acting on the actuators401and402, it is possible to translate the part of the adjuster support40surrounding the distal actuator402against the panel3and, at the same time, it is possible to retract the part of the support40surrounding the proximal actuator401in the opposite direction, thereby causing a clockwise rotation of the panel3; vice versa, the panel3can rotate counter-clockwise if actuators401and402are operated in the opposite manner.

In essence, the adjuster support40is deformed by changing the reciprocal position of at least the portions comprising the blind seats406in which the respective actuators401,402are located.

Such translations will naturally be prolonged until the desired inclination of the panel3is reached.

The results of the rotation of the panel3in the respective support profile2are clearly visible inFIGS.12a,12band12c, which show different inclinations of the panel3with respect to its vertical position, that compensate for inclines and defects in the flatness of the installation surfaces for the building element. Following completion of this adjustment, the adjustment assembly4also acts as locking means4for the panel3, which is firmly and definitively retained in the desired set-up, clamped between the actuators401and402and the opposing abutment surface410.

In accordance with a possible manufacturing variant of this invention, the adjuster support40may comprise a plurality of proximal401and/or distal402actuators so as to adapt the adjustment assembly4to different types of loads and to effectively improve the distribution of the stresses along the edge30of the panel3.

For example, in the case of a banister, if it is possible to predict in advance the type and direction of the load the banister must respond to, the adjuster support may provide:a greater number of proximal actuators401than distal actuators402, for example two proximal actuators401and one distal actuator402, said arrangement being better suited to respond to loads coming from the side of the first wing21(FIG.2); ora greater number of distal actuators402than proximal actuators401, for example two distal actuators402and one proximal actuator401, said arrangement being better suited to respond to loads coming from the side of the second wing22(FIG.3).

In accordance with a possible manufacturing variant of the invention, this can be advantageously achieved by making a T-shaped adjuster support40comprising a plurality of said blind seats406(e.g., blind holes), suitably and variably shaped to accommodate the actuators401,402.

In this case, by inverting the “T”, i.e. by changing the orientation of the adjuster support40inside the profile2where it is mounted, it is possible to counteract and respond adequately to the different types of load that are expected to act on the panel3when in use and operational (FIGS.2and3).

In addition, the adjuster support40can be fitted with a lightening central cavity or opening405and adapted to make it more deformable during the aforementioned adjustment phase.

A possible adjustment procedure for the inclination of the panel3, illustrated inFIG.8, may comprise the following steps:a) operate the proximal actuators401and/or distal actuators402to tilt the panel3, bring it towards a set-up of greater inclination and break the interlocking pin42, said “break” uncoupling and disengaging the adjuster support40from the stop plate,41making it free to move and deform during the adjustment;b) proceed with said adjustment of the inclination by operating actuators401and/or402;c) if necessary, further tighten said proximal401and distal402actuators at least until the panel3is finally locked in the desired setup.

In general, depending on the actuator operated and the translation exerted, the interlocking pin42can be broken:by the movement of the edge30of the panel3if the distal actuator402is moved/translated towards the inside of the cavity23and the proximal actuator401is moved/translated towards the first wing21;by the deformation and movement of the adjuster support40if the distal actuator402is moved/translated towards the first wing21and the proximal actuator401is moved/translated towards the inside of the cavity23.

As already mentioned several times, the apparatus for the connection of one or more panels3to a building element according to this invention can be used to make parapets, railings, banisters, fences, partitions, glazed windows or similar frames, as illustrated inFIGS.12a,12band12c, or to define cantilever roofs, roofs or the like as illustrated inFIGS.13a,13band13c.

In these figures, the deformation of the adjuster support40is clearly visible and it is also clearly understandable how this deformation is dependent on and varies according to the adjustment made.

In order to facilitate the aforementioned operations of adjusting the inclination and locking the panel3, the wing21upon which the adjuster support40is placed should preferably be the one which can be reached by the installer without the need to lean out dangerously or to use aerial or suspension equipment.

In this way, the installer can always install and adjust the set-up of the panel3in a completely safe and comfortable manner.

For example, in the case of fitting banisters, parapets or the like, said first wing21is the one facing the inside of the building element of installation, while the opposite wing22which holds the stop plate41is the external one.

Similarly, in the case of cantilever roofs and roofs, the first wing21is the one normally directed towards the ground or a walkway accessible to users, while the second wing22is the one directed upwards, e.g. towards the sky.

It is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, numerous modifications and further variants may be possible, all falling within the same inventive concept; moreover, all the various components and details described above may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

For example, there is nothing to prevent the adjuster support40from being equipped with one or more spacers9that allow the adjustment assembly4to cooperate with panels3of different thicknesses.

Said spacers9may be positioned on the side of the adjuster support40in direct contact with the edge30of the panel3and, depending on the type of application, may have different thicknesses.

FIGS.11a,11band11cshow different profiles2having the same width D of the cavity23, but varying distances S between the stop plate41and the adjuster support40depending on the different types of spacers9used.

Each distance S can therefore be suitably adapted to accommodate panels3of different thicknesses, making the support profile2adaptable to many applications and types of panels3.

Furthermore, according to a possible manufacturing variant, there is nothing to prevent the above-mentioned stop plate41from being integrated to and part of the wing22of the profile2.

Although, inFIGS.4to13c, the U-shaped supporting profile2of the apparatus1for the connection of one or more panels3to a building element is shown as a “solid” profile, there is nothing to prevent its wings21,22, and possibly its anchor base20, from featuring one or more internal cavities26, as shown inFIG.14and/orFIGS.15ato15c.

In fact, it has been found that having a hollow structure in the support profile2, in particular in its wings21,22, substantially reduces the weight of the connection apparatus1and the risk of breaking the panel3, especially if it is made of glass, both during the adjustment of its inclination, as illustrated, and, under operating conditions, when subjected to heavy loads, such as accidental impacts, strong wind, or other occasional atmospheric disturbances.

More precisely, the presence of one or more of said cavities26makes the wings21,22more elastic and/or flexible, thus offering less resistance when adjusting the inclination of the panel3or in the presence of said accidental and/or occasional loads, and reducing, as a consequence, the risk of its breakage.

Without any restrictive intent, said cavities26may be formed according to a predetermined arrangement, for example such as to form a substantially reticular and/or honeycomb structure, or, alternatively, they may be located only in certain points of said wings21,22, for example in areas which are most likely to offer resistance to the adjustment of the panel3or to said loads.

It has also been found to be particularly useful to use one or more of said cavities26to house at least one light source5, for example an LED light, with the purpose of illuminating the panel3.

For example, said light source5can be inserted into a cavity26of said wings21,22preferably located close to the base20of said support profile2, so as to allow illumination from below of said panel3. From an inventive point of view, however, alternative locations for said light source5are completely indifferent and technically equivalent; for example, the light source5can be located inside the seat23of the support profile2, which is normally suitable for retaining and accommodating a portion or edge30of the panel3, and substantially supported by the base20of said profile2, and/or in a specific housing located on said base20.

Finally, it should be pointed out that, like the “solid” support profiles2, the “hollow” ones inFIGS.14to15ccan be installed in any building element to form parapets, railings, banisters, fences, partitions, glazed windows, cantilever roofs, roofs or the like.

By way of example, the support profiles2ofFIGS.14,15aand15ballow, by means of known fastening systems6(e.g. a combination: threaded screw60, possible nut61and washer62, gaskets63, or similar) an installation on the floor/ceiling (or on the wall in the case of a cantilever roof/roof), either in a projecting manner or “drowned” in it, while those shown inFIG.15care particularly suitable for a “lateral” application, i.e. on a vertical shoulder or wall of the floor itself and/or of a balcony (in this regard, see the essentially horizontal arrangement of the screw60for fixing the support profile2to a building element).

With specific reference to the variant of the support profile2shown inFIG.15b, it is noted that its base20comprises at least one attachment20.a, which is substantially coplanar, to offer an alternative method of installation on a building element to that shown inFIGS.14and/or15a.

For example, said attachment20.acan allow greater freedom of installation, depending on the dimensional and surface characteristics of the building element and, at the same time, provides an additional surface for the fastening system6of the supporting profile2on the building element itself. This allows access to said fastening system6, for example for maintenance and/or adjustments, without first having to remove the panel3from the relevant profile2(as is the case with the variants inFIGS.14and/or15a).

Furthermore, it is possible to provide said support profiles2, both “hollow” and “solid”, with specific covers or casings7applicable, e.g, in a “Snap-on”, or interlocking manner or similar, for aesthetic purposes or for protection of the profiles2of the invention or parts thereof.

Finally, there is nothing to prevent appropriate and well-known gaskets70being provided for the cavity23of the support profile2adapted to retain the portion or edge30of the panel3, said gaskets may cooperate with the covers7themselves and/or with the distal ends of the wings21and/or22of the profile2itself.

In conclusion, the apparatus for connecting one or more panels3to a building element according to this invention facilitates:the use of standard support profiles or simple geometric profiles, thereby making them easy to manufacture;ease of transport as, thanks to the reduced number of components and to their dimensions, it is possible to conceivably use boxes for the support profiles and envelopes or small boxes for the components of the adjustment assembly;simple and safe installation of the panels.