EP2470730B1

EP2470730B1 - Construction element

Info

Publication number: EP2470730B1
Application number: EP10747532.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wilhelmus Jan Reinier Karel Snel
Original assignee: UNDA MARIS HOLDING NV
Current assignee: UNDA MARIS HOLDING NV
Priority date: 2009-08-28
Filing date: 2010-08-26
Publication date: 2014-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2030-08-26
Also published as: WO2011025373A1; EP2470730A1; NL2003407C2

Description

The invention relates to a construction element, in particular a wall element, comprising two outer layers extending at least substantially parallel to each other and an intermediate layer connected thereto, which element can be moved between a collapsed position, in which the outer layers face each other, and an extended position, in which the outer layers are spaced further from each other, and which intermediate layer comprises first parts, which are connected to a respective outer layer, as well as second parts, which extend between said first parts, said first (4) and second (5) parts forming a continuous sheet.
A construction element is known, for example from Australian patent No. AU 511833 , which discusses an insulation panel comprising two outer layers and intermediate strips connected thereto, which outer layers are movable between a first position, in which said outer layers closely juxtaposed, and a second position, in which they are in spaced relation. A drawback of the known element is that it can unintentionally collapse from the second position to the first position.
Both patents EP-A-1 424 452 and WO-A-01/94710 disclose construction elements according to the preamble of claim 1.
The object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to provide a construction element which can be collapsed or extended in a simple and/or efficient manner, whilst said collapsing/extending cannot take place unintentionally.
In order to accomplish that object, a construction element of the kind described in the introduction is characterised in that the intermediate layer comprises fixing means for fixing the element in the collapsed position or the extended position or in a position therebetween, wherein the fixing means comprise at least one folding lip, and wherein said lip can be folded out, when the element is in the extended position, to fix the element in the extended position, or can be folded in for collapsing the element, said first (4) and second (5) parts alternating consecutively in a direction of extension of the outer layers, with consecutive first parts (4) being connected to alternate outer layers (2).
By fixing the construction element in the collapsed position or the extended position or in a position therebetween, the construction element cannot unintentionally collapse, for example when a force is exerted thereon. This is important, for example, when several construction elements are used as wall elements for forming a wall, which wall elements are connected together, since the connecting of wall elements can only take place when the wall elements take up identical positions. Another advantage of such fixing means is that the thickness of the element is variable, because the element can be fixed in the collapsed position or the extended position and/or in any desired position therebetween. As a result, it is possible to make a simple and/or efficient use of a standard element for forming a wall, for example, of any desired thickness, the maximum thickness being the sum of the length of the second parts and the thickness of the outer layers. Fixing the construction element in the collapsed position is also possible, in which position a construction element takes up less space, so that the construction elements can be stored and/or transported in an efficient manner. This saves costs and reduces the burden on the environment. An advantage of the fixing means according to the invention is that the intermediate layer comprises said fixing means. As a result, separate fixing means are not needed and need not be separately supplied, therefore, so that a further saving in transport and storage costs can be realised. The outer layers may be made of any desired material, preferably selected from the group consisting of compressed wood fibres, plastic, metal and gypsum. It is noted that the construction element is in particular, but not exclusively, a wall element, since the construction element is also suitable for use as a ceiling element and/or as an insulation element.
The advantage of using a folding lip is that when the element is in the extended position, said lip can be extended so as to fix the element in the first position, or, on the contrary, can be collapsed for collapsing the construction element. As a result, the construction element can be collapsed or be fixed in the extended position in a simple and/or quick manner. It is noted that the construction element is in particular, but not exclusively, a wall element, since the construction element is also suitable for use as a ceiling element and/or as an insulation element.
In a preferred embodiment of a construction element according to the invention, the intermediate layer is made of a metal and/or a plastic, which metal and/or plastic is preferably plate-shaped. An advantage of using a plate-shaped metal and/or plastic as the intermediate layer is that such an intermediate layer allows movement between the collapsed position and the extended position upon exertion of sufficient force, for example by a person, whilst the intermediate layer offers sufficient resistance against unintentional collapsing when said force is released. As a result, the element can be simply and/or firmly fixed in the collapsed position and/or the extended position and/or in any desired position therebetween. Preferably, a weakening line is formed in the intermediate layer at the boundary between the first and the second parts so as to facilitate movement of the element between the collapsed position and the extended position. Furthermore, the plate-shaped metal and/or plastic of the intermediate layer is preferably provided with a profile, the profile of the first parts extending parallel to the outer layers, in the direction of the second parts, and the profile of the second parts extending perpendicularly to the outer layers. The advantage of using such a profile is that it enhances the fixation of the construction element in a particular position, since it offers resistance against movement perpendicular thereto.
In a first embodiment of a construction element according to the invention, the folding lip can be moved between a first position, in which the lip extends in the plane of the first parts of the intermediate layer, and a second position, in which the lip extends at least perpendicularly to the outer layer. When the lip is in the first position, the construction element can be collapsed or extended, whereas the construction element is fixed in the extended position when the lip is in the second position. Preferably, the lip extends perpendicularly to the plane of the second parts of the intermediate layer and the second position, so that the lip efficiently and/or firmly fixes the construction element in the extended position.
In a second embodiment of the construction element according to the invention, the folding lip can be moved between a first position, in which the lip extends in the plane of the second parts, and a second position, in which the lip extends at least at an angle to the plane of the second parts, which angle preferably ranges between 45° and 90°. In this embodiment the construction element can be collapsed or extended when the lip is in the first position, whereas the construction element is fixed in the extended position when the lip is in the second position. The construction element preferably comprises two first folding lips, one lip extending from a first second part and the other lip extending from a second second part.
In a third embodiment of a construction element according to the invention, the folding lip can be moved between a first position, in which the lip extends from the second parts and abuts against one outer layer, and a second position, in which the lip extends obliquely between the two outer layers. In this embodiment, the construction element can be collapsed or extended when the lip is in the first position, whereas the construction element is fixed in the extended position when the lip is in the second position. The construction element preferably comprises two first folding lips, one lip extending from a first second part and the other lip extending from a second second part.
In another preferred embodiment of a construction element according to the invention, the folding lip comprises at least one weakening line. Said weakening line forms a pivot axis about which the folding lip pivots upon movement between the first and the second position. The folding lip preferably comprises a second weakening line for forming a second folding lip, which second folding lip can be moved between a first position, in which the lip extends in the plane of the first folding lip, and a second position, in which the lip extends at least at an angle to the first folding lip, said angle preferably ranging between 45° and 160°, more preferably between 90° and 135°. One advantage of using said second folding lip is that it can be easily engaged when the first lip is in the second position, so that the first lip can be easily moved to the second position and the construction element can be easily collapsed. Another advantage of using said second folding lip is that it can optionally be connected to a first part of the intermediate layer or to an outer layer, so that the construction element will be fixed more firmly in the extended position.
In another preferred embodiment of a construction element according to the invention, the first parts extend parallel to the outer layers, whilst the second parts extend parallel to the outer layers in the collapsed position and perpendicularly thereto in the extended position. As a result, the outer layers face each other in the collapsed position, preferably being located close together, more preferably being separated only by the intermediate layer, which extends parallel to the outer layers. In the extended position, on the other hand, the outer layers extend away from each other, preferably being spaced some distance apart, said distance equalling the length of the second part.
United States patent publication no. 7, 051, 489 (Swiszcz ) relates to a panel (108) for use in a drop ceiling system (100), wherein each panel (108) includes an upper planar sheet (110), a lower planar sheet (112), as well as a reinforcement layer including a plurality of parallel reinforcement members (114) of substantially S-shaped cross-section. The upper and lower planar sheets (110,112), as well as the reinforcement members (114) are made of a somewhat rigid material that can be flexed, for example fibreglass fibers embedded in an acrylic resin. The reinforcement members (114) can be adhesively bonded to the upper and lower planar sheets (110,112). Use is made of diagonal support strips (130) of a more rigid plastic material, for example, to prevent collapsing of the panel (108) . These diagonal support strips (13) are inserted diagonally into each cell (132) defined by the upper and lower planar sheets (110,112) and the reinforcement members (114). By removing the support strips (130) from each cell (132) the panel (108) can be collapsed by folding the reinforcement members (114) along their creases (122,) so that the reinforcement members (114) are flattened and extend in parallel relationship with the upper and lower planar sheets (110,112).
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures illustrated in a drawing, in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of the construction element according to the invention in the extended position thereof; and
Figure 1B is a perspective view of the construction element of figure 1A in a position between the collapsed position and the extended position; and
Figure 1C is a perspective view of the construction element of figure 1A in the collapsed position thereof; and
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a construction element in the extended position thereof; and
Figure 2B is a perspective view of the construction element of figure 2A in the collapsed position thereof; and
Figure 3A is a detail view of fixing means of figure 2 in the first position thereof; and
Figure 3B is a detail view of the fixing means of figure 3A in the second position thereof;
Figure 4A is a detail view of fixing means according to a second embodiment of the invention in the first position thereof; and
Figure 5A is a detail view of fixing means according to a further embodiment of the invention in the first position thereof; and
Figure 5B is a detail view of the fixing means of figure 5A in the second position thereof; and
Figure 6A is a detail view of fixing means according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in that first position thereof; and
Figure 6B is a detail view of the fixing means of figure 6A in the second position thereof.

Figures 1A, B, C show a wall element 1 comprising two outer layers 2 and an intermediate layer 3. The intermediate layer 3 comprises first parts 4, which extend parallel to the outer layers 3, and second parts 5, which extend between the first parts 4. The intermediate layer 3 is preferably made of a metal and/or a plastic, and the outer layers 2 are preferably made of compressed wood fibres, plastic, metal or gypsum. As shown in figure 1A, the second parts 5 extend perpendicularly between the outer layers 2 in the extended position of the wall element. As a result, the outer layers 2 extend away from each other and are held spaced apart, the spacing between said layers being equal to the length 6 of the second parts 5. The spacing between the two outer layers 2 can thus be selected by selecting the length 6 of the second parts 5. As figure 1C shows, the second parts 5 extend parallel to the outer layers 2 and the wall element is in the collapsed position. As a result, the outer layers 2 are moved together with a small spacing remaining therebetween. In this collapsed position, the wall element 1 takes up less space than in the extended position, and this position is in particular suitable for transporting or storing the wall elements 1. In this way a saving on fuel costs can be realised, because several wall elements can be transported at a time. Likewise, a saving on storage costs can be realised, since less storage space is needed for the wall elements. Figure 1B shows a position of the wall element 1 between the collapsed position shown in figure 1C and the extended position shown in figure 1A. Making the intermediate layer 3 of a plate-shaped metal or plastic makes it possible to fix the wall element 1 in any desired position between the collapsed position and the extended position, because such an intermediate layer 3 allows movement between the collapsed position and the extended position upon exertion of sufficient force, for example by a person, whilst the intermediate layer offers sufficient resistance against unintentional collapsing when said force is released. As a result, the wall element 1 will move between the collapsed position and the extended position upon exertion of sufficient force and be fixed in the position it is in at the moment said force is released. Preferably, a weakening line (not shown) is formed in the intermediate layer at the boundary between the first and the second parts so as to facilitate movement of the element between the collapsed position and the extended position. More preferably, the plate-shaped metal and/or the plastic is provided with a profile (not shown), for example a wave profile, the profile of the first parts extending parallel to the outer layers and in the direction of the second parts and the profile of the second parts extending perpendicularly to the outer layers. Such a profile imparts additional resistance to the element 1 against unintentional collapsing, because the movements involved in said collapsing and extending are directed perpendicularly to the profile.
In figures 2A, B and 3A,B there is shown a wall element 1 according to a first embodiment, in which the intermediate layer 3 comprises a folding lip 8. The folding lip 8 comprises a weakening line 9, about which the lip 8 can be pivoted between a first position and a second position. As shown in figure 3A, the lip 8 extends in the plane of the first parts 4 of the intermediate layer 3 when in its first position. When the lip 8 is in said first position, the wall element 1 can be easily collapsed, as is shown in figure 2B. In figure 3B the lip 8 is in its second position, in which it extends perpendicularly between the outer layers 2 and the second parts 5. As a result, the wall element 1 is fixed in the extended position, as shown in figure 2A, and cannot be collapsed. Such a folding lip 8 imparts additional resistance against collapsing, therefore, in addition to the intermediate layer itself. It is also possible to use a (piano) hinge instead of a weakening line. This can for example be done if the intermediate layer is made of a material in which a weakening line for pivoting the folding lip is difficult to provide, as is the case with a very strong metal, for example. In the case of an intermediate layer 3 provided with a profile as described in the foregoing, the weakening line 9 will extend parallel to the profile, so that the folding lip 8 can be easily moved, since such a profile offers resistance mainly against movements perpendicular to the profile.
Figures 3A,B further show that the folding lip 8 comprises a second folding lip 10. Said second slip 10 comprises a weakening line 11, about which the second slip 10 can pivot for moving between a first position, in which the second lip 10 extends in the plane of the first lip 8, see figure 2A, and a second position, in which the lip 10 extends perpendicularly to the first lip 8, as is shown in figure 3B. As figure 3B shows, said second lip 10 can be easily engaged when the first lip 8 is in the second position for the purpose of moving the first lip 8 from the second position to the first position.
Figures 4A, B show fixing means according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the intermediate layer 3 comprises two first folding lips 8, which can be moved between a first position, in which the first lips 8 extend in the plane of the second parts 5, see figure 4A, and a second position, in which the first lips 8 extend at least perpendicularly to the plane of the second parts 5. In this embodiment, one lip 8 extends from a first second part 5 and the other lip 8 extends from a second second part 5. As figure 4 furthermore shows, the wall element 1 is fixed in the extended position when the folding lips 8 are in the second position.
Figures 5A,B show fixing means according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the intermediate layer 3 comprises two first folding lips 8, which can be moved between a first position, in which the first lips 8 extend in the plane of the second parts 5, see figure 5A, and a second position, in which the first lips 8 extend at an angle of 60° to the plane of the second parts 5. As figure 5B shows, each first folding lip 8 comprises a second folding lip 10, which likewise extends at an angle of 60° to the plane of the second parts 5 in the second position. The folding lips 10 comprise a third folding lip 12, which extends in the plane of the second parts 5 in the second position. The folding lips 10, 12 extend in the plane of the second parts 5 in the first position thereof. In this position, one lip 8 extends from a first second part 5 and the other lip 8 extends from a second second part 5. As figure 3 furthermore shows, the wall element 1 is fixed in the extended position when the folding lips 8, 10, 12 are in the second position.
Figures 6A,B show fixing means according to a third embodiment of the invention, in which the intermediate layer 3 comprises two first folding lips 8, which can be moved between a first position, in which a first lip 8 extends from the second parts 5 and abuts against one outer layer 2, and a second position, in which the first lip 8 extends obliquely between the two outer layers 2. In this embodiment, one lip 8 extends from a first second part 5 and the other lip 8 extends from a second second part 5. As figures 6A,B furthermore show, each first folding lip 8 comprises a second folding lip 10. Said second lip 10 is provided with a weakening line 11, about which the second lip 10 can pivot so as to move between a first position, in which the second lip 10 extends in the plane of the first lip 8, see figure 4A, and a second position, in which the lip 10 extends at an angle of approximately 135° from the first lip 8, as is shown in figure 4B. Said second lip 10 may be connected to a first part 4 of the intermediate layer 3 or to an outer layer 2, resulting in a strong fixation of the wall element 1.
It is noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but that it also extends to other variants that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Thus it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the folding lips may also extend from other planes for fixing the wall element in the extended position, and that the four embodiments shown herein merely serve as examples.

Claims

A construction element (1), in particular a wall element, comprising two outer layers (2) extending at least substantially parallel to each other and an intermediate layer (3) connected thereto, which element (1) can be moved between a collapsed position, in which the outer layers (2) face each other, and an extended position, in which the outer layers (2) are spaced further from each other, and which intermediate layer (3) comprises first parts (4), which are connected to a respective outer layer (2), as well as second parts (5), which extend between said first parts (4), said first (4) and second (5) parts forming a continuous sheet, characterised in that the intermediate layer (3) comprises fixing means for fixing the element (1) in the collapsed position or the extended position or in a position therebetween, wherein the fixing means comprise at least one folding lip (8), and wherein said lip (8) can be folded out, when the element (1) is in the extended position, to fix the element (1) in the extended position, or can be folded in for collapsing the element, said first (4) and second (5) parts alternating consecutively in a direction of extension of the outer layers (2), with consecutive first parts (4) being connected to alternate outer layers (2).
A construction element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer (3) is made of a metal and/or a plastic.
A construction element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding lip (8) can be moved between a first position, in which the lip (8) extends in the plane of the first parts (4) of the intermediate layer (3), and a second position, in which the lip (8) extends at least perpendicularly to the outer layer.
A construction element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding lip (8) can be moved between a first position, in which the lip (8) extends in the plane of the second parts (5), and a second position, in which the lip (8) extends at least at an angle to the plane of the second parts (5).
A construction element (1) according to claim 4, wherein said angle ranges between 45° and 90°.
A construction element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding lip (8) can be moved between a first position, in which the lip (8) extends from the second parts (5) and abuts against one outer layer (2), and a second position, in which the lip (8) extends obliquely between the two outer layers (2).
A construction element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein the first parts (4) extend parallel to the outer layers (2), whilst the second parts (5) extend parallel to the outer layers (2) in the collapsed position and perpendicularly thereto in the extended position.
A construction element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2-6, wherein the folding lip (8) comprises at least one weakening line (9).
A construction element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8, further comprising a second folding lip (10) which can be moved between a first position, in which the lip (10) extends in the plane of the first folding lip (8), and a second position, in which the lip (10) extends at least at an angle to the first folding lip (8).
A construction element (1) according to claim 9, wherein said angle ranges between wherein said angle ranges between 45° and 160°, preferably between 90° and 135°.