EP3119961A1

EP3119961A1 - Connection device

Info

Publication number: EP3119961A1
Application number: EP14867113.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dag Nordin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-12-03
Filing date: 2014-12-03
Publication date: 2017-01-25
Also published as: CN105051297B; CN105051297A; AU2014357774A1; HK1211067A1; SE1300746A1; JP2017509811A; SE540389C2; EP3119961A4; WO2015084228A1

Abstract

Connection device (1), suitable for connecting at least one first object (2) to at least one second object (3), comprised of at least one first connecting part (4) and at least one second connecting part (5) and at least one first locking element with which at least one of the objects (2, 3) may be temporarily locked to the connection device (1). The connection device (1) includes a release mechanism (27) which automatically releases the connection between the first object (2) and the second object (3) at a mutual load, force, exceeding a predetermined level. At least one replaceable insert (18) is connectable to the connection device, with which the dimensions and shape of the connection device's (1) contact surface against at least one of the objects may be altered.

Description

Connection Device Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a connection device in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention In many different situations, there is a need to connect one object or the like to one or more other objects. Several different types of connection devices, intended for use in several different applications, have been developed over the years to satisfy this need. For example, connection devices suitable to be used to connect noise-dampening components and different types of weather (climate) protection to scaffolding and the like have been developed.

Furthermore, connection devices have been designed for attaching signs, hardware (lighting fixtures, alarms, cameras, etc.), equipment used in entertainment settings (speakers, lamps, stage sets, etc.) and similar to various types of pipes, tubes, poles, profiles and more.

One problem when connecting layers of material, such as weather protection sheeting and the like, to a scaffold is that the material layer in strong winds causes a heavy load (drag) on the scaffold (and indirectly on the building). Typically, these types of sheeting are designed to loosen from the scaffold if wind speeds surpass a certain level. These types of sheeting are usually made of a lightweight material with very little noise-dampening effects. Injuries caused by these types of loosened material layers to people and objects on the ground that are hit by the sheeting are therefore usually minor. Heavier material layers, such as found in the present noise-dampening units, require other technology so that they do not cause serious damage to persons and property on the ground that are struck by the noise-dampening units.

Another problem when connecting an object, for example, to a scaffold is that the dimensions and shape of the cross-section of pipes and profiles, to which the object is to be connected, varies. For example, there are pipes and profiles that have a round shape and various types of angular shapes such as quadrangular or other angular shape. The different shapes of pipes, poles and profiles result in the need for a wide variety of specially designed connection devices.

A further problem with known designs of connection devices, suitable for attaching layers of sheeting material to the outside of scaffolds, is that known connection devices include loose parts which during assembly and disassembly may be dropped. If dropped these parts may fall down and injure persons under and/or in close proximity of the scaffolding. These loose parts also complicate the work of the installers.

Prior Art

The use of a connection device for connecting at least one object to another object is already known. For example, WO2012060759 describes the use of connection device for connecting a noise-dampening unit to scaffolding or the like. The connection device in the described noise- dampening system is used to connect the noise-dampening units to pipes, poles and the like in scaffolding or other similar structures. The connection device in accordance with its description differs from the design in accordance with the present patent application. The design according to its description does not, for example, include a function by which the noise-dampening units may be released when wind speeds exceed a certain predetermined strength.

Another problem with the design in accordance with WO2012060759 consists of the problem caused by the different range of forms and dimensions of the pipe included in the scaffolds. It is for instance not uncommon for scaffolding components to have for example a

quadrangular cross-section. The connection device of WO2012060579 is especially suited for use with pipes and profiles with a circular cross-section. Even though this connection device functions adequately, difficulties arise when connecting the connection device to profiles and the like with a cross-section of another shape than a circular such as a square cross-section. A further problem with the connection device in accordance with WO2012060759 is that it, under certain conditions, may be difficult to connect to pipes of circular cross-section in scaffolding. This problem is resolved with the design in accordance with the present patent application.

US5387250 describes a variant of a connection device which is suitable for connecting a layer of material to a pipe in a scaffold. The design is a variant of a cable tie-like design. The design is further comprised of a variant of a simple variant of a trigger mechanism which consists of a thinner section of the tie. The design differs substantially from the design in accordance with the present patent application. For example, the design in accordance with its description is intended for single use. Further, the design also lacks an insert with which the connection device may be adapted to the shape and dimension of the pipe or profile to which the connection device is to be connected. With reference to the described problems and the known designs it is evident that there is a need for a substantially improved connection device in accordance with the present patent application.

Purpose of the Invention The main purpose of the present invention is to create an improved connection device which solves or lessens at least one of the above mentioned problems.

Another purpose of the present invention is to create an improved connection device with which a noise-dampening structure may for example be connected to pipes, poles and profiles included in structures such as scaffolding, and which have different cross-sectional shapes. A further purpose of the present invention is to create a noise-dampening system which automatically partially releases from a structure (such as scaffolding), when wind speeds exceed predetermined levels.

The purpose is solved by a device in accordance with claims. Brief Description of the Drawings In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. Each figure is briefly described in the following figure list. Note that the figures are schematic and details may thus be omitted in these. The exemplifying embodiments in the figures are not limiting for the scope of protection of the present patent application. Figs. 1A and IB show an exemplifying variant of the present connection device, viewed in perspective.

Figs. 2A and 2B show an exemplifying variant of the present connection device from a side view.

Fig. 2C shows a connection device which has a bracket with an alternative placement. Figs. 3A-3D show schematically the function of a connection device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows connection devices adapted for objects having cross-sections that deviate from a circular cross-section. Fig. 5 shows schematically the function of an insert, adapter part, suitable for connection to the connection device.

Figs. 6A and 6B show an exemplifying embodiment of the insert.

Figs. 6C and 6D show an exemplifying alternative embodiment of the insert. Fig. 7 shows a first exemplifying technology for achieving a connection device with a release function.

Fig. 8 shows a second exemplifying technology for achieving a connection device with a release function.

Fig. 9 shows a third exemplifying technology for achieving a connection device with a release function.

Fig. 10 shows a fourth exemplifying technology for achieving a connection device with a release function.

Figs. 11A and 1 IB show the use of the device in a noise-dampening unit more in detail, as seen in perspective from the front side and in perspective from the back side. Figs. 12A and 12B show a noise-dampening unit that is connected to a structure.

Fig. 13 shows an exemplifying stratification of material layers in a noise-dampening unit.

Fig. 14 shows a reinforcement connected to the connection device.

Fig. 15 shows, in more detail from the inside, four interconnected noise-dampening units connected to a scaffold. Figs. 16A-16C show alternative areas of use for the connection device.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, a connection device 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The connection device 1 is suitable for connecting at least one first object 2 to at least one second object 3. The connection device may be used in several different applications of which only a few are described or referred to in this patent application. The objects that are connected to each other by the connection device may vary within the scope of the invention. In the exemplifying embodiment, the connection device 1 is suitable for use when connecting object 2 to object 3, such as pipes, poles, tubes, profiles and the like.

The connection device 1 is comprised of at least one first connecting part (connector) 4 which is suitable to connect to one of the objects. The design is further comprised of at least one second connecting part (connector) 5 with which the connection device 1 is connected to the second object. The connecting part refers to a part that connects to, connects at, connects with and/or completely or partially encompasses the object.

Referring to Figs. 1 A and 2B, an exemplifying embodiment of the present connection device 1 is shown. The connection device's 1 , first connecting part 4 in the exemplifying

embodiment consists of at least one bracket 6 with which the connection device 1 is suitably attached (connected) to one of the objects. In the exemplifying embodiment, the first connecting part includes at least one first bracket 6 and at least one second bracket 6. Further, the bracket 6 is comprised of at least one surface (plane) 7 (shown in Fig. 3) which forms the contact surface against object 2. The connection device 1 is further comprised of at least one connecting part 5 for the second object 3 such as a pipe, pole, tube, profile or the like. The connecting part 5 in the exemplifying embodiment is essentially U-shaped and is comprised of at least one first segment 8, at least one second segment 9 and at least one third segment 10. The U-shaped connecting part 5 has a spring effect causing the connecting part 5 to clamp against the pipe, tube or profile of the scaffold by this springy effect. The springy (elastic, resilient) effect may be increased by the U-shaped connecting part 5, in the open end's proximity, being comprised of a section with a smaller distance between the first segment 8 and the second segment 9. The connection device 1 is further comprised of at least one locking element 11 with which the connecting part 5, included in the connection device 1 , may be temporarily fixed (attached) to an object such as a pipe, a pole, a tube, a profile or the like. The locking element 1 1 is rotatably arranged around a center of rotation 12 in an axle, screw, rivet or the like. The locking element 1 1 is connected to and operated by at least one control element 13 which is connected to at least one first bracket 14. The control element 13 may consist of a number of different variants of control elements with different shapes. In the exemplifying embodiment, the control element 13 has a first arm 15. The first arm 15 is pivotally arranged around a first axis of rotation 16 by for example a screw, rivet, axle or the like. In the exemplifying embodiment of the connecting part, the first bracket 6, the connecting part 5 and the bracket 14 are integrated into one unit. The first bracket 6, the connecting part 5 and the bracket 14 may in alternative embodiments be comprised of two or more parts which are joined together in a manner suitable for the purpose. In alternative embodiments, the control element and the locking element may be of another for the purpose suitable design. Referring to Fig. 2C, a connection device with an alternative placement of the bracket 6, or the brackets 6 is shown. In further alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the bracket 6, or the brackets 6 be connected to the connecting part 5 at another for the purpose suitable position. In further alternative embodiments, the bracket 6 may consist of any other type of previously known bracket (than the exemplified) which is suitable for the purpose. In further variants of the present invention, a first connection device 1 may be connected to a second connection device 1. It is further conceivable that the first connecting part 4 consist of a similar design such as the complete or parts of the connecting part 5.

Referring to Figs. 3 A to 3F, it is shown schematically how the connection device 1 is connected to a pipe, pole, tube, profile or the like in for example a scaffold. In Fig. 3A, the connecting part is in an open position at a position around the pipe. In Fig. 3D, the connecting part is attached to the pipe.

In alternative embodiments, the connecting part includes a locking function by which the connection device 1 is locked in a locked position to the pipe of a scaffold. In Fig. 3F, this is shown by a lock being used to secure together at least two parts included in the connection device.

Referring to Fig. 4, a variant of a connection device 1 which is suitable to be used for objects having shapes other than those with circular cross-sections is shown. In the exemplifying embodiment, the connection device is suitable for connection to an object with a quadrangular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the connection device is suitable for use with objects of other shapes of cross-sections such as rectangular, triangular, square, pentagonal hexagonal and so on. It is further conceivable that the objects have oval-shaped cross-sections or other types of shapes of their cross sections.

To enable what is mentioned above, the form of the connection device's 1 first part 8, second part 9 and third part 10 (see Figs. 1 to 3) adjust according to the shape of the object, such as a pipe, pole, tube, profile, which is to be clamped (attached) with the connection device 1. Preferably, the form of the locking element 11 is also adapted according to the shape of the cross-section of the object to be connected to the connection device 1.

Referring to Fig. 5, an alternative embodiment of the connection device, where it includes at least one insert 18, appendage or the like which is suitable for connection to the connection part 5 is shown. The insert 18 covers whole or part of the connection device's normal

(without insert) contact surface against the pipe, pole, tube, profile, or like. With the aid of the insert, a contact surface 19 with a different shape and/or dimension than the connection device has without the insert is achieved. In the exemplifying embodiment of the invention, it is comprised of at least one insert 18 which encloses parts of the pipe or profile (the insert includes at least one opening in one direction).

Referring to Figs. 6A-6D, exemplifying embodiments of the shape of the insert are shown. Fig. 6 shows a variant of insert 18 which is comprised of at least one first part 20 and at least one second part 21.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the present insert shown in Figs. 6 A and 6B, the first part 20 and the second part 21 are connected to each other via at least one joint/hinge 22 or the like. In the exemplifying embodiment, the joint/hinge 22 consists of, in relation to the first part and second part, one relatively thinner layer of material 23 that connects the first part 20 and the second part 21. This design achieves a more functional insert and an insert whose parts are held together in one unit. In the exemplifying embodiment, the insert 18 includes at least one attaching element 24 with which the insert 18, or alternatively the appendage, is connected to the connection device 1. The attaching element 24 in the exemplifying embodiment is integrated with the connection device's first part 20 or second part 21. In the exemplifying embodiment, the attaching element is comprised of a tongue of material. In order to allow for connection of the attaching element 24 to the connection device 1, it is provided with an aperture 25, slot, hole or the like. The aperture is suitable for a locking member 26 to be inserted into. By using the insert in accordance with the present invention, it allows for the adaptation (adjustment) of the connection device against the contact surface of the object according to the shape of the object to which it is to be clamped together with. A further advantage of the insert, in accordance with this embodiment is that it consists of one piece, which enables the insert to be secured in relation to the attaching element (so that it will not be lost or dropped). In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the insert be comprised of fewer or more parts than two such as three or more.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 6C and 6D, the first part 20 and the second part 21 may consist of separate parts. The parts may be centered relative to each other by using devices suitable for the purpose, such as at least one guide pin with associated holes.

In the figures, an embodiment of the insert which is suitable for use when connecting to objects with an angular shape such as the exemplifying quadrangular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the insert may be suitable for reducing the same shape such as circular to a smaller diameter. In alternative embodiments, the insert consists of or includes a resilient (springy) material.

In alternative embodiments of the present connection device 1 , it includes at least one release mechanism (detaching mechanism) 27 or the like with a function that disconnects (releases) the interconnected objects when the mutual force between the objects exceeds a

predetermined level. The release mechanism's 27 design and form may vary within the scope of the present invention. The release mechanism 27 may be a variant of a quick coupling or another type of trigger coupling which disconnects when a force exceeds a predetermined level. The quick coupling (or other type of coupling or triggering device) may for example be connected between the connecting part and the one of the objects. A number of exemplifying technologies for achieving this technical function and technical affect are described in the following text with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. The exemplifying designs and technologies are not limiting for the inventive scope of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 7, a further embodiment of the present release mechanism 27, where the release function is achieved by at least one break-pin 28 is shown. The break-pin 28 connects the first connecting part 4 and the second connecting part 5. The break-pin 28 is designed to shear off when the force between the first connecting part 4 and the second connecting part 5 exceeds a predetermined value. By choosing different materials or material combinations that make up the break-pin 28, the force required to shear it off may be varied. It is thus possible to select a break-pin 28 that shears off at a force that is deemed relevant for releasing the first object from the second object. In alternative embodiments of the release mechanism, the triggering force is determined by spring force. Several different designs are possible, of which a few are described in this patent application. The common denominator for these is that when the spring force is less than the force between objects, it triggers the release mechanism.

In a principle solution shown in Fig. 8 (the figure shows the principle of detachment and not the connecting device as a whole) this effect is achieved by a female part 29 and a male part 30 in which the male part wholly or partially is inserted into the female part. The male part includes at least one first locking member 31 which may temporarily be locked with a second locking member 32 in the female part.

In this embodiment of the release mechanism, the first locking member 31 in the male part 30 consists of at least one first recess 33 in the radial direction in which the at least one spring 34 and at least one ball 35 is inserted. The female part 29 includes at least one second locking member 32. In the exemplifying embodiment, the locking member 32 consists of at least one second recess 36 or similar. During coupling the male part's ball 35 is inserted by the spring force into the second locking member 32 in the female part 29. The spring force affects the ball to be inserted wholly or partly in the recess 36 in the female part 29. The design of the release mechanism means that the locking members are connected together until the relative force which affects the ball to compress the spring exceeds a certain predetermined level. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the spring force may be adjusted by at least one adjusting device (not shown in figures). The adjustment of the spring force may be arranged to be non-variable (incremental, stepwise, gradual) or variable (stepless). A gradual adjustment of the spring force may be achieved by one or more washers or other spacers (not shown) being placed at the bottom of the recess (bottom hole). The washer, or washers thickness may vary accordingly. A gradual adjustment of the spring force may also be accomplished by replacing the spring. A variable adjustment of the spring force may also be achieved by an adjustment screw (not shown in figures) or the like with which the spring may be compressed.

In alternative variants (not shown in the figures) of the release mechanism 27 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the first recess 33, the spring 34 and the ball 35 are placed in the female part and that the second recess 36 is included in the male part. In alternative embodiments, the design includes at least one first release mechanism and at least one second release mechanism. In a second alternative embodiment of the release mechanism 27, as shown in Fig. 9 (the figure shows the principle of detachment and not the connection device in its entirety), the release mechanism 27 includes at least one first locking member 31 and at least one second locking member 32. In the exemplifying embodiment, the first locking member 31 consists of a first hook (catch) 37 or the like, and the second locking member consists of a second hook (catch) 38 or the like, which engage with each other. At least one of these hooks is spring loaded with at least one spring 34. When the relative force between the hooks 37 and 38 exceeds a certain predetermined level, the first locking member 31 is released from the second locking member 32. Referring to Fig. 10 (the figure shows the principle of detachment and not the connection device in its entirety), technology is shown where the release mechanism 27 includes some variant of a ball and socket coupling 39 where a ball (male) 40 engages with a socket (female) 41 or the like. The socket 41 is comprised of a partially resilient (elastic) material. The connection is made by the ball (male) 40 being inserted into the socket (female) 41. The resilient (elastic) material causes the socket (female) 41 to engage the ball (male) 40 with a certain force. If the force between the ball (male) and the socket (female) is below a certain predetermined level, the connection between these stays connected. If the force between the ball (male) and the socket (female) exceeds this level, there is a decoupling of the ball and socket coupling's female 41 and male 40 parts from each other. In alternative embodiments of the design, the force required to disengage the coupling members from each other is adjustable. This may be achieved by the ball (male) 40 being comprised of at least one first part 42 and at least one second part 43. The parts may be affected by at least one adjustment device 44 with which the part's 42 and the part's 43 relative positions may be adjusted (pushed apart from each other). It is further conceivable that the socket's (female's) 41 inner dimension is able to be adjusted by at least one adjustment device (not shown in the figures).

Exemplifying applications of the device - system for the use of the connection device

The connection device 1 may be used in a variety of applications where the need of at least one connection device 1 including a release function and/or adjustment function in accordance with the present patent application is present. For example, the connection device, the connection devices 1 , may be used to connect the components included in noise- dampening systems to each other or to the structures that the system is connected to. The present connection device may be used in, or defined as part of the said noise-dampening system.

The noise-dampening system is comprised of at least one connection device 1 which includes a release mechanism 27 in accordance with the present patent application and/or at least one connection device which includes an insert in accordance with the present patent application. The release function may for example be used to reduce the wind load on scaffolding during high winds and the like. The release function is achieved with at least one release mechanism which, for example, releases the connection device from the noise-dampening unit's noise- dampening part or releases the connection device from the scaffold at a force above a predetermined level. The insert is used to adjust the shape of the connection device's contact surface against pipes, poles and profiles included in structures such as scaffolding.

The connection device may be used in noise-dampening systems 45 in accordance with the following exemplifying embodiment, but not limited to this embodiment.

The noise-dampening system in the exemplifying embodiment consists of at least one first noise-dampening unit 46 which is connected to at least one structure 47. In the shown embodiment, the noise-dampening system 45 consists of a plurality of different noise- dampening units 46 which are connected to at least one structure 47 in proximity of a building, facility or site whose emitted sound is to be reduced. The structure 47 may be permanent (stationary) or temporarily erected. Referring to Figs. 11 A and 1 IB, an exemplifying embodiment of a noise-dampening unit (wall segment) 46, in accordance with the present invention, is shown in more detail. Each noise-dampening unit's 46 shape may vary within the scope of the present patent application. The embodiment shown in the figures is therefore not limiting for the noise-dampening unit's 46 design and shape. In the exemplifying embodiment of the noise-dampening unit 46, shown in the figures, the noise-dampening unit's 46 outer shape is preferably of an essentially square shape. It is conceivable that the noise-damping unit 46 has another shape such as rectangular or another shape suitable for the purpose. The noise-dampening units 46 each include an inner side 47 and an outer side 48. Further, the square units 46 have at least one first edge (a first short side in the shown embodiment) 49 with one first opposite edge 50 and at least one second edge 51 with at least one second opposite edge 52. Referring to Figs. 12A and 12B, several noise-dampening units which are connected to a structure are shown. The structure of the exemplifying embodiment consists of a scaffold.

Referring to Fig. 13, an exemplifying assembly of the noise-damping units 46 is shown. Each respective noise-dampening unit is comprised of at least one first material layer 53.

Preferably, each noise-dampening unit 46 consists of at least one first material layer 53 and at least one second material layer 54. Material layer 53 may for example consist of a reducing heavy foil or other for the purpose suitable material. The first material layer 53 and the second material layer 54 are preferably of a noise-damping material. Between the first material layer 53 and the second material layer 54 is placed at least one first noise-dampening material layer 55.

Referring again to Figs. 1 1 A and 1 IB, it is shown that the noise-dampening material layer 55 is preferably divided into at least one first part 56 and at least one second part 57. Between the first part 56 and second part 57 is an intermediate part 58 without a noise-dampening material layer 55. As shown in the figures, the noise-dampening material layer 55 is divided into at least one first part 56, at least one second part 57, at least one third part 59 and at least one fourth part 60. Between parts 56 and 57, 57 and 59 and 59 and 60 are placed intermediate parts 58, without a noise-dampening material layer 55. Preferably, the first material layer 53 and the second material layer 54 are joined by the intermediate part 60 and at the edges 49 to 52. The joining of the material layers may be accomplished by welding or another method suitable for the purpose. Preferably, the noise-dampening unit even includes at least one third material layer (not shown in the figures) which is placed on the inner side of the second material layer. The third material layer may consist of a foil which forms a moisture barrier or the like which reduces (or eliminates) moisture penetration into the noise-dampening material.

The connection device 1 is preferably riveted, bolted (screwed) or otherwise suitably connected to the noise-dampening unit at one of the edges 49-52 on the noise-dampening unit. Referring to Fig. 14, the connection device 1 is shown connected to a stiffener 17. The stiffener's 17 shape and dimensions may vary within the scope of the present patent application.

Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, a connection device 1 with a displacement between the bracket's 6 contact surface 7 and the connecting part's 5 first segment 8 is shown. This design allows for a unique function to be achieved by the connection device 1. With this design it is possible to achieve an overlap of two adjacent noise-dampening units' 46 edges. By way of this design, fixation of each respective noise-dampening unit's 46 edges to nearby noise- dampening unit's 46 edges may be accomplished. This overlap is shown in Fig 15. Further, the design also results in the attainment of a more tightly sealed structure. Furthermore, the risk of the noise-dampening units' edges fluttering in windy conditions is reduced. Each noise-dampening unit 46 includes at least one connection device 1 with which the noise- dampening unit 46 may be connected to a structure 47 such as a scaffold. Preferably, the noise-dampening unit includes at least one connection device at each edge, or near each edge. In the preferred embodiment, at least two connection devices and preferably several connection devices are connected to each edge 49 to 52 of the noise-dampening unit. The connection devices 1 on the first edge 49 are offset relative to the connection device 1 on the first opposite edge 50. The connection devices along the second edge 51 are further offset relative to the connection devices along the second opposite edge 52. This design results in that the connection devices along the first edge 49, on a first noise-dampening unit, do not collide with the connection devices 1 along the opposite edge 50, of the second noise- dampening unit, when the first noise-dampening unit and the second noise-dampening unit are connected to the same pipe in the scaffolding (or other type of structure). The design also means that the connection devices along the second edge 51 , on the first noise-dampening unit, do not collide with the connection devices along the second opposite edge 52, of the second noise-dampening unit, when the first noise-dampening unit and the second noise- dampening unit are connected to the same pipe in the scaffolding (or other type of structure).

The noise-dampening units' edges 49-52 may be provided with recesses 61 for the scaffold's rings or other construction components of the scaffold. Preferably, the material layers are joined (such as by welding or the like) to each other adjacent to the recesses.

Each noise-dampening unit 46 includes at least one reinforcement/stiffener 62 which stiffens all or part of the material adjacent to at least one of the noise-dampening unit's edges 50 to 52. The reinforcement/stiffener also reinforces the edges and the material adjacent to the edges. Preferably, each respective edge includes at least one first reinforcement 17 and at least one second reinforcement 63. In the exemplifying embodiment, the first reinforcement is placed at the outside of the edge and the second reinforcement on the inside. The

reinforcements' 62 and 63 form (shape) may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that at least one of the reinforcements is integrated into at least one of (any of) the material layers. It is further conceivable that at least one of the reinforcements is placed between the material layers.

The entire noise-dampening unit is preferably not released from the scaffolding by some of the connection devices preferably not being equipped with a release function. The connection device in the middle of the edges 49 and 52 may for example be of a non-release type. At high wind speeds, the upper connection devices of the noise-dampening unit may for example release whereby the noise-dampening unit's uppermost part automatically folds down.

Referring to Figs. 16A to 16C, an exemplifying alternative use for the present connection device is shown. The Figs. 16A and 16B show how the connection device is used for connecting at least one sign 64 or the like to a pipe. The signs may for example be suitably used to convey information to a user. The signs are of previously known designs and are as such not described in more detail in this patent application. In alternative embodiments, the sign may consist of a banner or another for the purpose suitable information-transmitting object. Referring to Fig. 16C, use of the connection device where it is used to connect an item belonging to stage scene equipment to a pipe, tube, profile or the like is shown. The item may for example consist of any type of lamp, camera, audio equipment part or the like.

The above applications represent only exemplifying applications of the present connection device. These should not be regarded as limiting for the conceivable areas that the present connection device may be used within. In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art of the invention. Such obvious design details are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the present invention is achieved.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations, modifications and other uses within the scope of the invention may become apparent for specialists in the field. All such are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims.

Advantages of the Invention

The present invention achieves several advantages. The most important advantage is that at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages is eliminated or in the least reduced.

Claims

1. Connection device (1) suitable for connecting at least one object to at least one second object (2) in the form of a noise-dampening design, weather protection or similar to at least one pipe or at least one profile in a scaffold, in which the connection device (1) is comprised of at least one first connecting part (4) and at least one second connecting part (5) and at least one first locking element with which at least one pipe or profile may be temporarily locked to the connection device (1) characterized by that the connection device (1) is comprised of a release mechanism (27) which releases the connection between the first object (2) and the pipe (3) or the profile at a mutual load or force above a certain predetermined level, and that the connection device (1) is comprised of at least one insert (18), with which the connection device's contact surface against the pipes or the profiles may be altered, said insert (18) being comprised of at least one first part (20) and at least one second part (21) which are connected to each other via at least one joint/hinge design (22).

2. Connection device (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the joint/hinge design (22) consists of at least one material layer (23) that connects the first part (20) and the second (21).

3. Connection device (1) according to one of the previous claims characterized by that the insert (18) consists of at least one attaching element (24) which is integrated to the attaching element's first part (20) alternatively the second part (21).

4. Connection device (1) according to one of the previous claims characterized by that the attaching element (24) consists of a tongue of material which is connected to at least one aperture (25) in the connection device (1).

5. Connection device (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the release mechanism (27) consists of a female part (29) and a male part (30) which are connected together and held together by spring force.

6. Connection device (1) according to claim 5 characterized by that the female part (29) and a male part (30) are connected together and released when a mutual force exceeds a predetermined level.

7. Connection device (1) according to claim 5 characterized by that the spring force is obtained with at least one spring.

8. Connection device (1) according to claim 5 characterized by that the male part (30) consists of a ball-shaped part comprised of at least one first part (42) and at least one second part (43) having a mutual distance which may be varied by which the ball's diameter may be altered.

9. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterized by that the release mechanism (27) includes a first locking member (31) that consists of a first hook (37) and second locking member that consists of a second hook (38).