CA2822763C - Coupler - Google Patents

Coupler Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2822763C
CA2822763C CA2822763A CA2822763A CA2822763C CA 2822763 C CA2822763 C CA 2822763C CA 2822763 A CA2822763 A CA 2822763A CA 2822763 A CA2822763 A CA 2822763A CA 2822763 C CA2822763 C CA 2822763C
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Canada
Prior art keywords
parts
frame
extension part
coupler
coupling
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Active
Application number
CA2822763A
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French (fr)
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CA2822763A1 (en
Inventor
Kuei-Yung Chen Wang
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Nan Ya Plastics Corp
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Nan Ya Plastics Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of CA2822763A1 publication Critical patent/CA2822763A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2822763C publication Critical patent/CA2822763C/en
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  • Securing Of Glass Panes Or The Like (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

A coupler (100) for coupling a frame (10) with at least two parts for holding a piece of glass (11) to an opening on a panel or a door (20), comprising first and second parts (101 and 102) for incorporating with respective parts of the frame (10), the first and second parts (101 and 102) each having a lock member (200 or 300), an extension part (103) for coupling the first part (101) to the second part (102), wherein the extension part (103) has a pair of retaining members (103A and 103B) for engaging the lock members (200 or 300) of the first and second parts (101 and 102) to secure the first and second part (101 and 102) in position.

Description

COUPLER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a coupler suitable for coupling a two-part frame.
More particularly the coupler is suitable for coupling a two-part frame that holds a piece of glass to an opening on a panel such as a door or a window.
2. Description of the Prior Art FIGS. 2 and 3 show a two-part glass frame for mounting a piece of glass in an opening of a door or window. The glass is sandwiched between inner edges of the parts of the frame. The outer edges of the parts of the frame are mounted on respective sides of the edges of the opening on the door or window.
The glass frame has a number of conventional connectors distributed along the inner sides of the frame. Each of the connectors includes male and female connection parts. The male connector includes a plate with an enlarged free end for snap fastening into the slot of the female connector.
As the dimensions of the male and female connection parts are predetermined and they are irremovably connected to the respective parts of the glass frame.
The distance between the two parts of the glass frame is confined by the dimensions of the male and female connection parts. As the parts of the frame are mounted on the respective sides of the edge of the opening of the door or window, the thickness of the edge of the opening and the glass are confined by the distance between the two parts of the glass frame, and hence the dimensions of the male and female connection parts.
One problem of this conventional connection parts is that they delimits the thickness of the edge of the opening of the door or window on which the glass frame is to be mounted and the thickness of the glass sandwiched between the parts of the frame.
The invention seeks to mitigate or at least alleviate such problem by providing an improved coupling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a coupler for coupling a frame with at least two parts for holding a piece of glass to an opening on a panel (or a door), comprising first and second parts for incorporating with respective parts of the frame, the first and second parts each having a lock member, an extension part for coupling the first part to the second part, wherein the extension part has retaining members for engaging the lock members of the first and second parts respectively to secure the first and second part in position.
Advantageously, the first part is integrally formed with the one part of the frame and projects therefrom.
It is preferable that, the second part is integrally formed with the another one part of the frame.
Preferably, shape of the lock members of the first and second parts complement that of the respective retaining members of the extension part.
Advantageously, the first and second parts comprise at least one projection for engagement with the respective retaining members of the extension part.
More advantageously, the lock members of the first and second parts further comprise at least one detent for detaining a part of the respective retaining members of the extension part.
Yet more advantageously, the retaining members comprise at lease one protrusion and detent for engaging the detent and projection of the first and second parts.
It is more advantageous that, the first part and the retaining members are shaped to flush with one another when assembled.
Preferably, one of the retaining members of the extension part comprises an extension for engaging part of the frame when assembled.
More preferably, the extension includes an abutment member for abutting the frame when the coupler is assembled.
Yet more preferably, the extension comprises a pair of opposite abutment members directing away from one another.
It is advantageous that, the abutment members extend substantially perpendicular to the extension of the retaining member.
It is preferable that, the abutment members are vertically displaced from one another.
Advantageously, the extension defines a hollow interior, the second part is embedded substantially therein when assembled.
More advantageously, the retaining member is provided adjacent opposite ends of the extension part.
Yet more advantageously, the projections and protrusions are in the form of hooks for hooking onto respective detents.
Preferably, the first and second parts are substantially the same.
More preferably, the extension part is snap fastened to the first and second parts.
Yet more preferably, the extension part is pre-assembled to one of the first and second parts.
In one particular embodiment the invention provides a coupler for coupling a frame with at least two frame parts for holding a piece of glass to an opening on a panel or a door, comprising first and second parts integrally formed with and projected from each respective frame parts thereof, and an extension part pre-assembled to one of the first and second parts for coupling the first part to the second part in position by snap fastened connection; characterized in that, the extension part has two opposite coupling ends, one formed as a first coupling end and the other formed as a second coupling end respectively; wherein the first coupling end has a first retaining member comprising a plate extended from the coupling end, a tongue extended from and perpendicular to the plate and a space defined by the tongue and the first coupling end; and wherein the second coupling end has a second retaining member at least comprising two opposite extending legs vertically displaced from one another and a flange formed on the extending leg, and the first and second parts substantially constructed with the same in construction each has a lock member formed as an engagement means comprising a base integrally formed with each respective frame parts, a projection when assembled for either engagement with the flange of the second retaining member of the extension part or engagement with the space of the first retaining member of the extension part, and a detent sandwiched between the base and the projection for detaining the tongue of the first retaining member of the extension part when assembled.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a coupler substantially described in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a two-part glass frame mounted on an opening of a door or a window;
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 shows a conventional connector for connecting parts of the glass frame of FIG. 1 together;
FIG. 4 is a part perspective view of a two-part glass frame incorporated with a coupler in accordance with the invention, having a part of the frame and the coupler being cut away showing a cross-section of the couple;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the two-part glass frame and the coupler of FIG.
4;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the coupler in FIGS. 4 and 5; and FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the coupler in FIGS. 4 and 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, there is shown a portion of a door (20) with a glass frame (10) embedded therein, and the glass frame (10) is a two-part glass frame constituted by two frame parts (10A and 10B) to sandwich a piece of glass (11) between inner sides (30A) of the parts (10A and 10B) of the frame (10).
As shown in FIG. 4, inner edges (30A) of respective parts (10A and 10B) cooperate with each other to sandwich between them a piece of glass (11).
Outer edges (30B) of respective parts (10A and 10B) cooperate with each other to mount onto the edges of an opening of the door (20).
3a Preferably, the frame (10) is generally rectangular in shape and the shape of the frame (10) corresponds to that of the opening on the door (20).
An embodiment of coupler (100) is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6B. The coupler (100) includes a first part (101) and a second part (102) coupled to one another through an extension part (103). The first and second parts (101 and 102) both comprise an engagement means in the form of lock member (200 or 300).
In the preferred embodiment, the first part (101) has one end integrally formed with the frame parts (10B) while the second part (102) has one end integrally formed with the frame part (10A). The orientation of the first and second parts (101 and 102) on the respective frame parts (10B and 10A) are the same with the lock members (200 and 300) both facing away from the glass (11) and towards the door (20).
Alternately, the first part (101) may have its lock member (200) faces a direction opposite that of the lock member (300) of the second part (102).
In the preferred embodiment, the first and second parts (101 and 102) are substantially the same in construction; both have a generally rectangular body supporting the lock member (200 or 300). The lock member (200 or 300) has a base (201 or 301) and projection (203 or 303) sandwiching a detent (202 or 302). It also has a further projection (204 or 304) extending from a free end of the first and second parts (101 and 102). These features together define an engagement surface of the lock member (200 or 300).
The base (201 or 301), the projection (203 or 303) and the detent (202 or 302) are useful in and mainly for preventing movement of the first and second parts (101 and 102) relative to the extension part (103) along axis X which is substantially perpendicular to a neutral axis Z of the frame (10). The further projection (204) is useful in and mainly for preventing movement of the first and second parts (101 and 102) relative to the extension part (103) along axis Y which is substantially perpendicular to the neutral axis Z and the axis X.
In a preferred embodiment, there is at least one coupler on each side of the frame (10) for coupling the frame parts (10A and 10B). Once coupling has been established by each of the couplers (100), relative movement of the first and second parts (101 and 102) relative to the extension part (103) along axis Z will not be an issue. Of course, the first and second parts (101 and 102) and the extension (103) may have features that cooperate and prevent such relative movement. For example they may be a pair of protrusions extending from the free end in a direction generally perpendicular to and sandwiching the projection (204 or 304).
The extension part (103) is generally rectangular with two opposite coupling ends provided with a first retaining member (103A) and a second retaining member (103B). In the preferred embodiment, the first retaining member (103A) and the second retaining member (103B) are structurally different making them distinguishable from one another. The first retaining member (103A) includes a plate (401) extending from one of the coupling end and a tongue (402) extending perpendicular to the plate (401) at its lower end. This tongue (402) is insertable into the detent (202) of the first part (101). The projection (203) is retained in the space (403) defined by the tongue (402) and lower end of the extension part (103).
At the lower end of the extension part (103), there is a groove (404) digging into the lower end. This groove (404) accommodates the further projection (204) of the first part (101). The plate (401), the tongue (402), the space (403) and the groove (404) together defines a retaining surface of the first retaining member (103A).
To save costs and to minimize weight, the main body of the extension part (103) is hollow. Adjacent the other coupling end, on which the second retaining member (103B) is formed, there is a partitioning wall (405) that helps to maintain the shape of the extension part (103). The second retaining member (103B) has two oppositely extending legs (406 and 407). Each of the legs (406 and 407) has a foot part (406A
and 407A) that extends generally or substantially perpendicular to the legs (406 and 407). These foot parts (406A and 407A) abut an inner side of the frame part (10A) and fit inside grooves (50 and 51) of the frame part (10A) to lock themselves in. This prevents movement of the first part (101) in the direction along the axis Y
relative to the extension part (103). The leg (407) has a flange (407B) that abuts the projection (303) of the second part (102) which prevents the movement of the second part (102) in the direction along axis X relative to the extension part (103).
Preferably, the foot parts (406A and 407A) are vertically displaced.
In an alternative embodiment, the coupling ends of the extension part (103) have the same structure. In a further embodiment, the second part (102) does not have a base (301) or a projection (304).
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when assembled, the tongue (402) of the extension part (103) is inserted into the detent (202) and the space (403) accommodates the projection (203). The projection (204) of the first part (101) is inserted into the groove (404). The flange (407B) is accommodated in the detent (302) , and abuts the projection (303) to lock the first part (101) and the extension part (103) together. Also the foot parts (406A and 407A) are inserted into the grooves (50 and 51) which helps locks the extension part (103) to the second part (102).
The invention has been given by way of example only, and various other modifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiment may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as specified in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

1. A coupler for coupling a frame with at least two frame parts for holding a piece of glass to an opening on a panel or a door, comprising first and second parts integrally formed with and projected from each respective frame parts thereof, and an extension part pre-assembled to one of the first and second parts for coupling the first part to the second part in position by snap fastened connection;
characterized in that, the extension part has two opposite coupling ends, one formed as a first coupling end and the other formed as a second coupling end respectively;
wherein the first coupling end has a first retaining member comprising a plate extended from the coupling end, a tongue extended from and perpendicular to the plate and a space defined by the tongue and the first coupling end; and wherein the second coupling end has a second retaining member at least comprising two opposite extending legs vertically displaced from one another and a flange formed on the extending leg, and the first and second parts substantially constructed with the same in construction each has a lock member formed as an engagement means comprising a base integrally formed with each respective frame parts, a projection when assembled for either engagement with the flange of the second retaining member of the extension part or engagement with the space of the first retaining member of the extension part, and a detent sandwiched between the base and the projection for detaining the tongue of the first retaining member of the extension part when assembled.
2. The coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock member of the first and second parts further comprises a further projection extending from a free end of the lock member, and the first retaining member of the extension part further comprising a groove for accommodation with the further projection of the first and second parts when assembled.
3. The coupler as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the extending leg of the extension part further includes an abutment member respectively for abutting the frame part of the frame when assembled.
4. The coupler as claimed in claim 3, wherein the abutment members of the extension part are received in respective grooves of the frame part of the frame.
5. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extending legs of the extension part defines a hollow interior for the second part embedded substantially therein when assembled.
CA2822763A 2012-08-06 2013-08-02 Coupler Active CA2822763C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW101215032U TWM448549U (en) 2012-08-06 2012-08-06 Improved assembling structure of half-lapped glass frame
TW101215032 2012-08-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2822763A1 CA2822763A1 (en) 2014-02-06
CA2822763C true CA2822763C (en) 2016-03-29

Family

ID=48472045

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2822763A Active CA2822763C (en) 2012-08-06 2013-08-02 Coupler

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2822763C (en)
TW (1) TWM448549U (en)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2822763A1 (en) 2014-02-06
TWM448549U (en) 2013-03-11

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