CH713245B1 - Attachment for display or signage panel. - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a fastener for a display or signaling panel, comprising • an elongate body (3) with through holes (11) at its longitudinal ends, intended to cooperate with screws (15) to hold the panel. , • wall sections (5a, 5b, 5c) forming a transverse bearing surface (S a), concave in the longitudinal direction and arranged in the center of the elongated body (3), oriented towards a rear face of the fastener (1). The fastener further comprises at least two through grooves (7), made on either side longitudinally of the bearing surface (S a), each forming a passage for a flexible link and a frame (9). which forms a continuous outer skirt of the elongated body (3). The invention also relates to a display or signaling panel attachment device.

Description

The present invention relates to a fastener for a display panel or signaling.

[0002] In the context of outdoor facilities such as ski, downhill or hiking trails, display or signage panels are often implemented.

[0003] Such signs can for example indicate a path to follow, a danger, or else present information as to a point of interest or the route to which the signs relate (elevation, distance to be covered, difficulty, level of track ski etc.).

[0004] The display panels are generally hung either on a dedicated pylon or pole, or on natural or already present structures, for example trees, electric pylons or ski lifts, in particular in the context of developments temporary or when the construction of a pole or pylon is impossible or would prove to be too expensive or polluting.

It is known to produce the fasteners in the form of elongated half-fasteners, with a concave bearing surface in the transverse direction and bores at the longitudinal ends. The half-fasteners are arranged on either side of a post of generally rounded section, and connected and compressed by screws, so that the concave bearing surface is held in abutment against the post. The panel is then fixed to one of the half-fasteners, and held in position by tightening the screws which compress the post between the bearing surfaces.

[0006] Such fasteners make it possible to attach a panel to a post of reduced diameter (generally less than 100 or 80mm) in a rapid, reliable and easily reversible manner. However, these fasteners do not allow the panel to be attached to posts or structures of larger diameter, for example a tree trunk.

In order to at least partially solve the previously mentioned problem, the object of the invention is a fastener for a display or signaling panel, comprising: • an elongated body with through holes at its longitudinal ends, intended to cooperate with screws to hold the panel, • wall sections forming a transverse bearing surface, concave in the longitudinal direction and arranged in the center of the elongated body, oriented towards a rear face of the fastener, characterized in that it comprises in addition at least two through grooves, made on either side longitudinally of the bearing surface, each forming a passage for a flexible link.

The fastener thus produced can both be used as part of a fastening device with two fasteners connected by two screws for a post of small dimensions, and as part of a fastening device with a clip and a flexible link such as a strap or a clamp for a post or pylon of larger dimensions.

Said fastener may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

The elongated body is made of plastic.

The bores include housings for bolts or screw heads, arranged at the rear face of the elongated body in the extension of the bores.

The bearing surface is disposed at the bottom side rear face of a central opening passing through the elongated body, that the wall sections forming the bearing surface partially close, and the grooves are made in the form of side portions of the central opening that the wall sections do not close.

The bearing surface is produced with a setback relative to a front face of the fastener corresponding at least to the thickness of the flexible link.

The bearing surface has transverse grooves.

[0015] A subject of the invention is also display or signaling panel attachment devices, associated characterized, for one in that it comprises: • two fasteners as previously described, arranged vis-a-vis. face to face with their bearing surfaces facing each other and intended to be placed on either side of a support, • two long screws, each intended to engage with the display or signaling panel and a hole in each of the two fasteners, and for the other in that it comprises: • one fastener as previously described, • two short screws intended to each engage with the display or signaling panel and a drilling of the fastener, • a flexible link intended to surround a support and to pass through the through grooves.

In the second attachment device mentioned, the flexible link can in particular be a ratchet strap or a clamp.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which: Figure 1 schematically shows a fastener according to the invention in front view, Figure 2 shows the clip of Figure 1 in cross-sectional view, Figure 3 shows the fastener of Figures 1 and 2 in back view, Figures 4 and 5 show a first fastening device using fasteners according to the invention, FIG. 6 shows another fastening device using a fastener according to the invention.

In all the figures, the same references relate to the same elements.

The embodiments described with reference to the figures are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the characteristics apply only to one embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

Figures 1 to 3 show a clip 1 for display or signaling panel according to the invention, in front view in Figure 1, in cross-sectional view in Figure 2, and back in Figure 3.

The front face of the clip 1 is that which is intended to be in contact with the signaling or display panel. The front surface of the fastener 1 here extends in the directions x and y respectively longitudinal and transverse (see Figure 1).

The clip 1 consists of an elongated body 3 in the longitudinal direction x, made of plastic, for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl (PVC), in particular by injection molding . For stronger and more durable fasteners, materials such as aluminum or steel can be used, the shaping then being done by milling. For environmentally friendly installations materials such as wood, bamboo or bio-degradable plastics can be used as an alternative.

The elongated body 3 has a central opening 5, passing through the elongated body 3 in the direction of the thickness z, and in which are arranged the sides of plates 5a, 5b, 5c carrying a bearing surface Sa (see figures 2 and 3) which crosses in the transverse direction y a central portion of the central opening 5. On either side longitudinally (in x) of the bearing surface Sa is a portion of the opening central 5 that do not close the panels 5a, 5b, 5c carrying the bearing surface Sa, which forms a through groove 7 on each side.

The bearing surface Sa is concave in top view (Figure 2), with an axial curvature along the transverse axis y. The bearing surface Sa is here produced by means of three sections 5a, 5b, 5c of transverse plates arranged in a half-hexagon in top view (FIG. 2). The sides 5a, 5b, 5c of plates forming the bearing surface Sa are set back relative to the plane of the front surface of the elongated body 3, by a setback e corresponding at least to the thickness of a flexible link such as a strap or a clamp for which the grooves 7 form a passage.

[0025] Other embodiments may include a bearing surface Sa in the form of a tube portion.

The bearing surface Sa here comprises transverse parallel grooves (in y) which improve the contact with the support against which the bearing surface Sa is maintained in the installed state of the fastener 1 at least on the two side wall sections forming the bearing surface Sa. Such grooves, when they are not directly molded, can be produced quickly and inexpensively by successive passages of a milling or sanding device, in particular when the concavity of the bearing surface Sa is obtained by removing material instead of molding.

The grooves 7 are of height h (transverse in y) corresponding at least to the width of a flexible link such as a strap or a clamp for which the grooves 7 form a passage. The slits 7 are made on the transverse major part (in y) of the elongated body 3, and the elongated body 3 comprises a frame 9 which goes around uninterruptedly, and which thus forms a continuous outer skirt of the elongated body 3.

The plate faces 5a, 5b, 5c forming the bearing surface Sa have at their upper and lower edges with the skirt 9 of the elongated body 3 a fillet or chamfer ensuring increased strength and the centering of a flexible link passing through the bleedings 7.

In the longitudinally extremal portions of the elongated body 3 are formed bores 11 which pass through the elongated body 3 in the direction of the thickness z, and which are intended to accommodate screws (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) . The bores 11 comprise housings 13 here in particular hexagonal to accommodate a bolt or a hexagonal screw head (e) and to fix it in rotation. The hexagonal housings 13 are made on the rear portion at depth z in the extension of the holes 11, at the rear face of the elongated body 3.

Such a fastener 1 is inexpensive and quick to produce. With a typical dimension of 80 to 200mm in length x, 10 to 40mm in height y, and 10 to 40mm in thickness z, these fasteners are lightweight and fit in number in a standard garment pocket or backpack. They can therefore easily be transported in large numbers by one person without special equipment for the arrangement of places that are difficult to access.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a first mode of use of the fasteners 1 according to the invention. In Figure 4 is shown in perspective an attachment device 100 for an exploded display panel. In Figure 5, the attachment device 100 is shown in Figure 4 is assembled with a display or signaling panel P.

The fastening device 100 comprises two fasteners 1, arranged vis-à-vis, with their bearing surfaces Sa facing each other. The two bearing surfaces Sa of the fasteners 1 engage with a support of small dimensions, such as a post, a rod, a branch of small diameter (dimensions less than the internal longitudinal spacing, in x, between the holes 11).

Long screws 15 are inserted into the holes 11, a long screw 15 passing through a hole 11 of each of the two fasteners 1. The long screws 15 cooperate with bolts 17 to tighten the fasteners 1 around the support via the surfaces support Sa.

To avoid breaking when tightening the elongated body 3 at the bores 11, washers 19 are arranged at the heads of the long screws 15 and bolts 17 to distribute the forces.

The panel P, shown in Figure 5 in the assembled state of the fastening device 100, engages with the long screws 15 which pass through it. The panel P rests on the front surface of the elongated body 3 of one of the fasteners 1 and is held in place by the tightening of the screws 15 and the bolts 17 by engaging either with the heads of the long screws 15 or with bolts 17.

In particular, use with two P panels is possible, one of the P panels engaging the heads of the long screws 15, the other P panel engaging the bolts 17 (like that of FIG. 5).

The attachment device 100 thus obtained makes it possible in particular to use as support pre-existing traffic signs, for example to indicate a temporary deviation or the path to a one-off event. In the context of a ski resort, fixed display panels, generally located at the bottom of the slopes, can thus be supplemented with seasonal panels, with for example a display relating to winter sports or hiking trails or downhill bike, alternating according to the season.

Figure 6 shows in section in top view another fastening device 200, indicated in the case of a support of larger dimensions, in particular greater than the longitudinal spacing between the bores 11.

In Figure 6, the fastening device 200 comprises a fastener 1, two short screws 21 cooperating with two bolts 17 and two washers 19.

The clip 1 is disposed against the support 300 with its bearing surface Sa resting on said support 300. The support 300 is for example a tree trunk or a lift pylon. Such a support 300 is generally found up to the level of the upper portions of the ski slopes, where an arrangement with earthwork such as a post with concrete anchoring represents a significant cost or may sometimes be simply impossible or undesirable so as not to distort the landscape of permanently.

The short screws 21 are arranged in the holes 11, with their hexagonal head in the hexagonal housings 13 of corresponding shape, and pass through the panel P disposed against the front surface of the elongated body of the fastener 1. The bolts 17 are arranged against the front (visible) surface of panel P, with washers 19 between each bolt 17 and panel P.

The attachment device 200 further comprises a flexible link 23, here a strap, in particular a ratchet strap. The flexible link 23 surrounds the support 300 and the wall sections 5a, 5b, 5c forming the bearing surface Sa, passing through the grooves 7 in the central opening 5.

The tightening of the flexible link 23, for example by means of a ratchet in the case of a ratchet strap, then compresses the panels 5a, 5b, 5c and therefore the bearing surface Sa against the support 300, which fixes the panel P against the support 300. As an alternative, the flexible link 23 can be a clamp, a self-tightening or elastic link, or a simple knotted strap.

Due to the withdrawal e between the front surface of the elongated body 3 and the wall sections 5a, 5b, 5c forming the bearing surface Sa, the flexible link 23 is fully inserted into the central opening 5, and not protrude at the front surface, which would cause the panel P to fail against the front surface of the elongated body 3.

The fastener 1 according to the invention can thus be used in the two embodiments of fastening devices 100, 200 as required. In particular in the case of winter sports resorts, when the panels must be implemented at the bottom of the slopes, which comprises numerous arrangements, in particular posts and permanent panels, the attachment device 100 has two fasteners 1 and screws long 15 is indicated.

In the upper portions of the tracks, where the fixed arrangements forming a support are less numerous, and generally of greater diameter (trees, ski lift pylons), the attachment device 200 has a single attachment 1 and a flexible link 23 is more indicated.

The attachment 1 can thus be used in two attachment devices 100, 200 complementary during the development of outdoor spaces.

In addition, the fasteners 1, and the screws 15, 21 and the flexible links 23 are compact and light. In particular, they can be transported by a single person, on foot and without equipment. Their installation in the context of the attachment devices 100, 200 is easily reversible and without complex tools or gluing, requiring in particular only a hexagonal type wrench (combination wrench, socket or pipe) which is also easily transportable.

Claims (10)

1. Attachment for display or signage panel, comprising: • an elongated body (3) with through holes (11) at its longitudinal ends, intended to cooperate with screws (15, 21) to hold the panel (P), • wall sections (5a, 5b, 5c) forming a transverse bearing surface (Sa), concave in the longitudinal direction and arranged in the center of the elongated body (3), oriented towards a rear face of the fastener (1 ), characterized in that the fastener further comprises at least two through grooves (7), made on either side longitudinally of the bearing surface (Sa), each forming a passage for a flexible link (23) , and a frame (9) going around uninterruptedly, and which forms a continuous outer skirt of the elongated body (3). 2. Fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongate body (3) is made of plastic. 3. Fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bores (11) comprise housings (13) for bolts or screw heads, arranged at the rear face of the elongated body (3) in the extension of the holes (11). 4. Fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing surface (Sa) is disposed at the bottom side rear face of a central opening (5) passing through the elongated body (3), that the sides of wall (5a, 5b, 5c) forming the bearing surface (Sa) partially close, and in that the grooves (7) are made in the form of side portions of the central opening (5) than the wall sections ( 5a, 5b, 5c) do not close. 5. Fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing surface (Sa) is produced with a setback (e) relative to a front face of the fastener corresponding at least to the thickness of the link. flexible (23). 6. Fastener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing surface (Sa) comprises transverse grooves. 7. Display or signaling panel attachment device, characterized in that it comprises: • two fasteners (1) according to one of the preceding claims arranged vis-à-vis with their bearing surfaces (Sa) facing each other and intended to be arranged on either side of a support, • two screws (15), each intended to engage with the display or signaling panel (P) and a hole (11) in each of the two fasteners (1). 8. Display or signaling panel attachment device, characterized in that it comprises: • a clip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6; • two screws (21) each intended to engage with the display or signaling panel (P) and a hole (11) in the clip (1), • a flexible link (23) intended to surround a support (300) and to pass through the through grooves (7). 9. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible link (23) is a ratchet strap. 10. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the flexible link (23) is a clamp.