FI125904B - L-profile shaped element, its use and method of mounting it - Google Patents

Description

L-PROFILE SHAPE ELEMENT, ITS USE AND METHOD FOR ITS INSTALLATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an L-profile shaped element as defined in the preamble of claim 1, to the uses defined in the preamble of claims 12 and 13, and to a method for mounting an L-shaped element as defined in the preamble of claims 14 and 17.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various floor, ceiling and wall elements made of composite material for both indoor and outdoor use are known in the art. Composite materials have recently become more common in the manufacture of various surface elements due to their ease of maintenance, customized weather resistance and new color scheme.

It is further known to use various edge moldings in connection with floor or terrace structures made of composite material to complete the visual appearance. However, the problem with using known edge moldings is that they easily detach and rarely withstand heavy wear and use.

In addition, various porous structures are known in the art. The stairs are mainly made of wood, concrete or metal. US 4951434 discloses a stair structure made of plastic or carbon fiber having more than one stair structure. The structure is formed by injection molding.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a new type of L-profile element suitable for a variety of applications. It is a further object of the invention to provide a new way of forming staircases and terrace structures. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of mounting L-shaped elements to one another, e.g. to form stair structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The L-profile element according to the invention, its uses and its mounting methods are characterized by what is stated in the claims.

The invention is based on an L-shaped element formed by a heat and compression molding process from a starting material containing fiber-based and plastic-based ingredients. According to the invention, the L-shaped element comprises a first and a second blade, the flaps being arranged in substantially the same thickness, the element being formed into a continuous piece by extrusion, and the element being rotatable to a desired position.

An L-shaped element is used herein to mean any length of profile having an L-shaped cross-section. With an L-shaped element, dimensions such as length and width and thickness of the flaps can vary depending on the application. Preferably, the thicknesses of the L-profile blades and the widths of the inner and outer surfaces are predefined and depend on the intended use of the L-profile elements.

In one embodiment, the blade thickness of the L-shaped element is between 12 and 50 mm, in one embodiment between 25 and 35 mm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the L-shaped element comprises first and second flaps arranged in substantially different widths but substantially the same thickness, the element being formed into an integral body by extrusion, and the element being rotatable to a desired position.

In one embodiment, the L-shaped element includes a first and a second blade, the flaps being arranged to be substantially the same width and substantially the same thickness, the element being formed into a continuous piece by extrusion, and the element being rotatable to a desired position.

In one embodiment of the invention, all the faces of the blades of the L-shaped element, i.e. wide surfaces, are arranged in a similar manner, which facilitates the reversibility of the element. No matter how or how the element is mounted, similar surfaces provide a uniform look. The end faces of the patches do not need to be the same as the other faces of the patches. In one embodiment, the surface of the at least one blade is shaped, e.g., by grooving. In one embodiment, the top surface of the lap is substantially smooth.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one cavity structure is provided inside at least one flap. The cavity structure may consist of one or more cavities, and the cavity may be a channel, orifice, or other cavity structure. If desired, the cavities may be filled with a suitable material, such as lightweight, elastic, insulating or otherwise suitable material. In one embodiment, the cavity is arranged elongated in the longitudinal direction of the blade. The cavities allow the weight of the L-shaped element to be controlled. The amount or proportion of the cavities relative to the rest of the structure will depend on the starting material used and the desired durability and / or load-bearing capacity of the element.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one longitudinal edge of the at least one blade is provided with a border. The longitudinal edge may be the outer longitudinal edge of the blade or the inner longitudinal edge of the blade, i.e.. a longitudinal edge forming an angle with the other lap. Thus, in a stairway application, the up and / or forward edge of the step of the element and the step may be covered.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one widthwise edge of the at least one blade is provided. In one embodiment, a profile of the desired shape is used as a border. The border may be a border of the same material or of different material. The border may be integral with the element of the invention, or it may be loose, which is attached to the element. The border can act as a decorative part.

In one embodiment of the invention, the element is arranged to be connected from the thickness end of at least one slab to at least one other element, which may be e.g. another L-shaped element or auxiliary element to be connected to an L-profile element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the thickness-oriented end of the at least one blade is shaped for a connecting member to facilitate connection with, for example, another L-shaped element or other element.

In one embodiment, the L-shaped element is formed by extrusion of a composite material containing fiber-based ingredients and / or plastic-based ingredients and used as a starting material. The composite material is composed of one or more raw materials or raw materials. The raw material or raw material may include any fiber based, e.g. vegetable fiber based, such as wood fiber, straw, cane or flax based, or other fiber based ingredients and / or plastic based ingredients. The composite material may be in the form of chips, granules, agglomerates, crushed stone or the like.

In one embodiment, the composite material is a wood plastic composite material. Preferably, the wood-plastic composite material is formed from raw materials which mainly comprise a fiber-based, e.g. paper-based, material, and a plastic-based material such as thermoplastic or thermoplastic.

By paper-based material is meant herein any paper-based material that is preferably composed mainly of vegetable fibers. The paper-based material may be formed from de-ligninated pulp fibers and / or fibers containing lignin. In a preferred embodiment, the paper-based material contains more than 50% by weight of plant fibers.

In one embodiment, the proportions of the fiber-based ingredients may range from 0 to 80% and the proportions of the plastic-based ingredients may range from 0 to 100% in the composite material.

In one embodiment, the composite material contains an adhesive, preferably derived from the raw materials of the composite material.

In one embodiment, the raw material or raw materials contain a siliconized material, e.g., a siliconized film or paper material. The silicone material may be a silicone-based or silicone compound-based material or a silicone-containing compound which may be part of or arranged on the surface of another material such as plastic-based and / or fiber-based material.

In one embodiment, the L-shaped element is formed at least in part from recycled material. In one embodiment, the L-shaped element is formed mainly of recycled material.

In one embodiment, the L-shaped element is formed, at least in part, of labelstock waste, in one preferred embodiment, substantially, more than 50% by weight, of labelstock waste. In one embodiment, the L-shaped element comprises at least one labelstock waste component. In one embodiment, the L-shaped element includes more than one labelstock waste component.

In one embodiment, the label laminate waste includes a label material on which an adhesive layer is disposed, and a release material that is easily removable on the application of the label is provided on the adhesive layer as a protective paper. In a preferred embodiment, the label material and / or release material contains a fiber-based ingredient and / or a plastic or polymer-based or other organic ingredient. The use of various inorganic materials is also possible. In one embodiment, the adhesive and / or release material is wood-based paper, board or the like. In one embodiment, the fibrous paper, board or the like contains or is treated with a plastic or polymer based material. In one embodiment, the sticker and / or release material may be formed of a material substantially based on plastic or polymer. In one embodiment, the release material is mainly made of a plastic-based material including, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the release material comprises a silicone material, e.g., a siliconized film or fiber based material. In one embodiment, the release material is coated with a silicone-based material or compound.

In one embodiment, ready-to-use self-adhesive label product waste, the waste material generated therefrom and / or resulting from the manufacture thereof may be used as the labelstock waste in the manufacture of the composite material. In addition, production waste materials and recycled material from the downstream processing or end-use applications of labelstock products can be used. In one embodiment, the labelstock waste is derived from labelstock production, which mainly becomes production debris, roll cut edge strips and reel bottoms, a labelstock printing plant that mainly produces reel bottles and sticker remnants and labels, which affixes printed labels and labels or matches their products. End-user waste mainly consists of release material, reel soles and waste from the finished product.

In one embodiment, the labelstock waste may contain a variable amount of different labelstock waste components, such as label material, adhesive, and release material. Preferably, the adhesive may be in association with the adhesive material and / or the release material. In one embodiment, the labelstock waste contains from 0% to 70% of the label material, from 0% to 100% of the release material and from 0% to 40% of the adhesive.

In one embodiment, the starting material, e.g., composite material, may contain, in addition to fiber-based and / or plastic-based ingredients, various additives and / or plastics to improve the mechanical properties, weather resistance, or processability of the product.

In one embodiment, at least one additive is added to the starting material, e.g., to the composite material in the manufacture of the composite material or in the manufacture of the L-shaped element. Additives which may be used are, for example, a dye, a lubricant, a fire retardant, an adhesion promoter, an antifouling agent, an antioxidant and a UV stabilizer. Advantageously, fibrous materials, organic fillers, inorganic fillers, powder reinforcements, powdered additives, talc, wood fibers, pulp fibers, paper and combinations thereof may be added to the composite material.

In one embodiment, additional plastic is added to the starting material, e.g., to the composite material during the manufacture of the composite material or to the manufacture of the L-shaped element. As additional plastic, virgin or recycled plastic may be used. The L-shaped element can be manufactured without or with additional plastic. In one embodiment, additional materials such as polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) or other suitable plastics or a mixture thereof are added to the labelstock waste material to form a wood composite material.

Preferably, the L-shaped element is formed by extrusion. In one embodiment, the L-shaped element is cooled after being molded during or after extrusion. The extrusion can be carried out in any manner and apparatus known per se.

In one embodiment of the invention, the L-shaped element is used in connection with a stair structure to form a stair, the L-shaped element forming both the ascending portion of the stair and the stair itself so that they are one piece. Preferably, one edge of the L-shaped element forms a raised portion and the other edge a step. In one embodiment, the L-profile element is used in combination with another L-profile element to form a stair in connection with the stair structure, where the L-profile elements together form both the step ascend and the stair itself.

In one embodiment of the invention, the L-shaped element is used as an edge strip for the terrace structure.

The invention further relates to a method for mounting L-shaped elements. According to the invention, at least two L-shaped elements according to any of the foregoing are arranged and joined in a position required for use.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one additional element is fitted and connected between elements which are L-shaped.

By auxiliary element is meant an elongated element, such as a plank, board or similar element, or a tile element or other element. The additional element may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The planar element may take the form of, for example, a rectangle, an elongated parallelepiped, a square or the like. The size of the extension element may be any, depending on the intended use. Preferably, the dimensions of the additional element are such that it is compatible with the L-shaped element of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the additional element is substantially the same as the thickness of the blades of the L-shaped element. In one embodiment, the additional element is substantially the length of an L-shaped element.

In one embodiment, the additional element is formed from one of the composite materials described above. Alternatively, the additional element is formed of other suitable material.

In one embodiment of the invention, an L-shaped element of any one of the foregoing is fitted and joined at least one other L-shaped element and / or at least one additional element from the thickness end of at least one blade.

The invention further relates to a method for mounting an L-shaped element. According to the invention, at least one L-shaped element according to any of the above described is fitted and joined to the edge of the terrace structure in the position required for its intended use. In this case, the edge of the terrace becomes neat, and the L-shaped element covers the structures below the terrace element, such as supporting structures, collapses or similar structures.

In one embodiment, the L-profile-shaped elements are connectable to one another and the L-profile-shaped element and the auxiliary element or other element can be interconnected by means of various connecting members, e.g., T-connecting members or connecting profiles. Connecting means as used herein means a connecting and / or fastening means. The connecting member may be any suitable connecting member or connection profile known per se. The joint profile may be, for example, the joint profile disclosed in applications FI 20096413 and EN 20105296. Preferably, the L-shaped elements, the auxiliary elements, or other elements used are made compatible with the connecting elements used. In one embodiment, the end of at least one flap of the L-shaped element is shaped such that a concealed fastening is provided by the connecting member.

In one embodiment, the L-shaped element can be secured, e.g., to a substrate, by nailing or screwing, or the like. In one embodiment, the L-shaped element is provided with a position or alignment to facilitate, for example, possible through-nailing or through-screwing.

In one embodiment, the surface of the L-shaped element and / or the auxiliary element is arranged to be rough or grooved to provide friction. In one embodiment, the surface of the L-shaped element and / or the auxiliary element is arranged substantially smooth. The L-shaped element or its surface can be shaped so that it also serves as a decorative part.

The L-profile element according to the invention can be used in connection with staircases or terrace structures for both indoor and outdoor applications. In addition, the L-profile element according to the invention can be used, for example, to form benches or similar structures. The L-profile element according to the invention can be used in prefabricated and disassembled structures or in solid structures.

Thanks to the L-shaped element according to the invention, the desired porch or terrace structure can be formed either simply by using L-shaped elements or in combination with various additional elements. By using different colors on additional elements and / or L-shaped elements, different patterns can be created on the surface.

The invention provides a hard wearing and ecological element for various uses. An advantage of the L-shaped element according to the invention is its free pivotability and thus the provision of, for example, different climbing heights and advances in stair structures.

The L-shaped element can be easily and quickly fabricated in one manufacturing step, i.e.. extrusion. With the same extrusion set, a wide range of different L-shaped elements can be produced.

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an L-shaped element according to the invention,

Figure 2a illustrates an L-shaped element according to the invention,

Figure 2b shows another L-shaped element according to the invention,

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a structure formed of L-shaped elements according to the invention,

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a structure formed of another L-shaped element according to the invention,

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a structure formed of a third L-shaped element according to the invention, with additional elements arranged between the L-shaped elements, and

Fig. 6 shows a structure with joints formed from an L-shaped element according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the L-profile elements and auxiliary elements are not completely scaled.

Example 1

The L-shaped element 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2a was formed from a wood-plastic composite material. The wood-plastic composite material was mainly composed of labelstock waste. Polypropylene was added to the labelstock waste. The L-profile shaped element was formed into a solid body by extrusion.

The L-shaped element 1 according to Figures 1 and 2a comprises a first blade 2 and a second blade 3 arranged in different widths 6 but of the same thickness 7. The thickness 7 of the blades 2 and 3 in this embodiment is 28 mm. In this embodiment, the outer flap b of the first flap 2 has a width of 68 mm and an inner surface d of 40 mm. The outer flap a of the second flap 3 has a width of 110 mm and an inner surface c of 82 mm. The length 5 of the L-shaped element 1 may vary depending on the intended use of the element.

Inside the flaps 2 and 3 there are provided elongated cavity structures 4 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flaps 5. The cavity structure consists of a plurality of channel-shaped cavities 4. The cavities can be used to lighten the weight of the L-shaped element. The thickness of the structures between the cavities 4 and the structures over the cavities 4 depends on the intended use of the element. The thickness of the structures between the cavities 4 and the structures on top of the cavities 4 is dimensioned so that the structures can withstand sufficient load in use of the element and do not sink. In this embodiment, the structures between the cavities 4 and the structures on top of the cavities 4 have a thickness of at least 2 mm.

The thickness 7 ends of the flaps are shaped for the connecting member. The ends have a groove-like structure. This provides easy attachment of the connecting member to the L-shaped element and concealed attachment by the connecting member to provide a finished appearance.

The first 2 and the second 3 flaps of the L-shaped element 1 have all the cover surfaces, i.e. the widthwise 6 outer and inner surfaces a, b, c and d are profiled by grooving, which facilitates the reversibility of the element. In addition, the grooves improve the frictional properties of the element. The L-shaped element 1 can be rotated to the desired position when the element is used, for example, in a staircase structure or in connection with a terrace structure, as shown in Figures 3-6.

If desired, an edge can be provided on at least one longitudinal edge 5 of at least one tab 5 of the L-shaped element 1. Any suitable profile can be used as a border. Alternatively, the rim may be formed by extrusion at the same time as manufacturing the L-profile element as an integral part of the L-profile element.

Fig. 2b shows a corresponding element as in Figs. 1 and 2a with the difference that the element in Fig. 2b has a first 2 and a second 3 blade, the flaps being arranged in substantially the same width 6 and the same thickness 7.

Example 2

Fig. 3 shows a stair structure formed of the L-profile elements 1 according to Example 1.

The L-profile elements 1 according to Example 1 are arranged in predetermined positions, in this case alternately in each case, in order to achieve optimum ascent and optimization of the steps of the stair structure in this embodiment. The L-shaped element 1, together with the second L-shaped element 1, forms the step-up portion 11 and the stair step 12.

Each L-shaped element is arranged to be connected from at least one flap thickness end 7 to at least one flap thickness end of another L-shaped element.

Example 3

Fig. 4 shows a stair structure formed of the L-profile elements 1 according to Example 1.

The L-profile elements 1 according to Example 1 are arranged in predetermined positions, in this case alternately in each case, in order to achieve optimum ascent and optimization of the steps of the stair structure in this embodiment. The L-shaped element 1, together with the second L-shaped element 1, forms the step-up portion 11 and the stair step 12.

Each L-shaped element is arranged to be connected from at least one end of the blade thickness direction to at least one end of the second L-shaped element of thickness.

Example 4

Fig. 5 shows a stair structure formed of the L-profile-shaped elements 1 according to Example 1, in which additional elements 8 are arranged between the L-profile-shaped elements 1.

The additional elements used herein are elongated planks 8 made of substantially the same wood plastic composite material as the L-shaped elements 1.

The board 8 has the same thickness as the first 2 and second 3 flaps of the L-shaped element 1. The length of the board is the same as the length of the L-shaped element. The width of the plank in this application is 150 mm.

The L-profile-shaped elements 1 according to Example 1 are arranged in predetermined positions and are connected to at least one end of a second element, which is either another L-profile-shaped element 1 or auxiliary element 8, from at least one blade-thickness end. The L-shaped element 1, together with the second L-shaped element 1, forms a step step 11 and, together with a plank 8, a stair step 12.

Example 5

Fig. 6 shows a terrace structure made of the L-shaped element 1 according to Example 1 and the planks 8 according to Example 4 with the connections between the elements.

The L-shaped element 1 and the planks 8 are joined together by means of connecting members 9. Any suitable connecting member may be used as the connecting member. The connecting members of Fig. 6 have a tongue-like structure which is compatible with the groove-like structures of the L-shaped element 1 and the plank 8. In the structure of Figure 6, a base element 10 may be used to support the L-shaped element 1 and the entire assembly. In addition, the L-shaped element 1 can, if desired, be attached to the base element 10 by means of screws or nails, for example.

The L-shaped element 1 can cover the edge of the terrace structure made of planks 8, thereby providing a neat appearance to the terrace structure.

The L-profile element according to the invention is suitable as a variety of applications for use in a wide variety of applications and structural solutions, preferably in stair structure solutions, alone or in combination with various additional elements.

The invention is not limited to the above examples only, but many modifications are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined by the claims.

Claims (17)

An L-shaped element, characterized in that it is formed by a heat and compression molding process from a starting material comprising fiber-based and plastic-based components, wherein the L-shaped element (1) comprises first (2) and second (3) a blade, wherein the blades of the L-shaped element (1) have length, width and thickness, the blades (2,3) being arranged to be of substantially the same thickness and of substantially different width, wherein at least one edge of each blade (2, 3) is provided (9), and wherein the L-shaped element (1) is formed as an integral piece by extrusion and the element (1) can be rotated to the desired position when the L-shaped element (1) is used as part of a stair or terrace structure. L-shaped element according to claim 1, characterized in that all the surfaces of the flaps (2,3) of the L-shaped element (1) are arranged in the same way. L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the surface of the at least one blade (2,3) is formed. L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one cavity structure (4) is arranged inside the at least one flap (2,3). L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one longitudinal edge (5) of the at least one flap (2,3) is provided with a border. L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one width (6) of the at least one flap (2,3) is provided with a flange. L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the element (1) is arranged to be connected to at least one other element (1,8) from the thickness-oriented end (7) of at least one plate (2,3). L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the thickness-oriented end (7) of the at least one flap (2,3) is shaped for the connecting element (9). L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the L-shaped element (1) is formed at least in part from a labelstock waste. L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the L-shaped element (1) is mainly formed from a labelstock waste. L-shaped element according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the L-shaped element (1) is formed from a starting material to which an additive and / or additional plastics have been added. Use of an L-shaped element according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in connection with a stair structure to form a stair. Use of an L-shaped element according to any one of claims 1 to 11 as an edge strip for a terrace structure. A method for mounting L-shaped elements, characterized in that at least two L-shaped elements (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 are fitted and joined, wherein each element (1) has a first (2) and a second (3). a sheet of flaps (2,3) arranged to be substantially the same thickness, and the elements (1) formed as a unit by extrusion, in the position required for use relative to one another. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that at least one additional element (8) is fitted and connected between the elements (1) in the form of an L-profile. Method according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that an L-shaped element (1) is fitted and joined from at least one other L-shaped element (1) and / or at least one additional element (1) 8). Method for mounting an L-shaped element, characterized in that at least one L-shaped element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, formed by extrusion, is fitted and joined, the element (1) including a first (2) and a second (3) flap, the flaps (2,3) being arranged to be substantially the same thickness, at the edge of the terrace structure in the position required for its intended use.