FR3088661A1 - SINGLE CLIP FOR FIXING A GLASS PANEL - Google Patents

Abstract

A point clamp intended to fix a panel (P), such as a glass panel, which is capable of resting on a support surface (S), such as a balcony, a platform, a floor or the like. The point clamp comprises at least one base element (10) and at least a couple of covering members (20, 20 '). The at least one base member (10) includes a bottom surface (12) capable of coming into reciprocal contact with the support surface (S), a cradle (13) capable of seating the panel and two opposite side surfaces (11 , 11 ') substantially perpendicular to the lower surface (12) capable of remaining on opposite sides with respect to the panel (P) once inserted in the cradle (13). Each covering member (20, 20 ') is capable of covering a respective lateral surface (11, 11'). There is further provided a means (30) for fixing the panel (P) within said cradle (13). The covering members (20, 20 ') and said base member (10) include means (15, 16; 25, 26) for reciprocal detachable coupling to each other.

Description

SINGLE CLIP FOR FIXING A GLASS PANEL

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention is generally applicable to the field of glass architecture, and it relates in particular to a fixing structure in the form of a point clamp intended for fixing a panel, in particular a glass panel.

State of the art

Fixing structures are generally known for fixing a panel, in particular a glass panel, to a support structure, such as a balcony, a floor, a platform or the like. For example, such fastening structures are widely used in railings or railing systems, for example for stairs, in the form of point clamps or longitudinal rails.

For example, according to French application FR3017909, there is known a fixing structure for a balustrade including a basic element comprising a U-shaped cradle, means for fixing the panel within the cradle and a couple of covering members. suitable for covering the basic element.

Generally, the covering members are fixed to the base element by means of an adhesive, so that it is very difficult or even impossible to remove or replace them without damaging the covering elements and / or the base element. .

In addition, these fixing structures have a poor aesthetic appeal.

In addition, the only possibility of customizing the covering members is to apply stickers or the like. Also in this case, it is difficult or even impossible to remove or replace them without damaging the covering members and / or the base element.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing a fastening structure having high functionality and low cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fixing structure which allows easy and quick coupling / decoupling of the covering members and the base element.

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Another object of the invention is to provide a fixing structure which is simple and quick to install.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fixing structure having a good aesthetic appeal.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fixing structure which is easily and quickly customizable.

These objects, as well as others which will emerge below, are produced by a point clamp intended to fix a glass panel which is likely to rest on a support surface, such as a balcony, a platform, a floor or similar, the point clamp comprising:

at least one basic element including:

a lower surface capable of coming into reciprocal contact with the support surface;

a cradle capable of seating the panel;

two opposite side surfaces substantially perpendicular to said lower surface capable of remaining on opposite sides with respect to the panel once inserted in the cradle;

means for fixing the panel within said cradle;

at least a couple of covering members, each covering member being capable of covering a respective lateral surface;

wherein said covering members and said base member include means for reciprocal detachable coupling to each other;

wherein said base member includes a plurality of ribs extending between said side and bottom surfaces and said cradle, a plurality of hollow spaces remaining between said ribs.

Advantageously, during coupling of said base element and said covering members, the latter are inserted on the first and during their decoupling, the covering members are decoupled from the base element.

Advantageously, said basic element is manufactured by extruding a metal or a plastic material.

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Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the invention will emerge when reading the detailed description of certain preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the invention, shown by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the appended drawings, in which :

Figure 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a first embodiment of a fixing structure 1;

Figures 2a to 2d are sectional views of the insertion of a covering member 20 'on a base member 10 in the embodiment of the fixing structure 1 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of certain features of Figure 2c;

Figures 4a to 4b are enlarged views of certain features of Figure 2d;

Figures 5a to 5b are schematic views of the removal of the covering member 20 'from the base member 10 in the embodiment of the fixing structure 1 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an axonometric exploded view of another embodiment of a fixing structure 1;

Figure 7 is an axonometric view of a fixing structure 1 in the form of a point clamp;

Figure 8 is an axonometric view of a fixing structure 1 in the form of a longitudinal rail, which is not part of the invention;

Figure 9a is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a fastening structure 1;

Figure 9b is an axonometric sectional view of the embodiment of a fastening structure 1 of Figure 9a;

Figure 9c is an enlarged view of certain features of Figure 9b;

Figure 10a is an axonometric sectional view of a further embodiment of a fixing structure 1;

Figure 10b is a sectional view of the embodiment of the fixing structure 1 of Figure 10a;

40.333 Figures 10c and 10d are enlarged views of certain features of Figure 10b;

Figures 11a and 11b are axonometric views of additional embodiments of a fixing structure 1;

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a fixing structure 1;

Figures 13a and 13b are enlarged views of certain features of Figure 12;

FIG. 14a is an axonometric exploded view of another embodiment of a fixing structure 1;

Figure 14b is a side view of the embodiment of the fixing structure 1 of Figure 14a;

Figures 14c and 14d are enlarged sectional views of certain features of Figure 14b.

Detailed description of certain preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a fixing structure 1 is described intended to fix a panel P on a support surface S.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the fixing structure 1 can be used in architectural glass applications, for example a balustrade or a railing system of a staircase.

In general, the fixing structure 1 according to the present invention may be in the form of a point clamp, for example as shown in Figure 7, or in the form of a longitudinal rail, for example as shown in Figure 8.

More particularly, the fixing structure 1 can be used to fix a glass panel P, preferably a safety glass, on a balcony, a platform, a floor or the like.

The fixing structure 1 generally includes a base element 10, a pair of covering members 20, 20 ′ and a means 30 for fixing the panel P to the base element 10.

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The base element 10 can be stowed on the support surface S in a manner known per se, and can generally have a parallelepiped or cylindrical shape.

The base support can be made in one piece, for example as shown in Figure 6, or made up of two superimposed pieces, for example as shown in Figures 1 and 10a.

More generally, the base element 10 includes a pair of lateral surfaces 11, 11 ', designed to remain at opposite sides with respect to the panel P, a lower surface 12 designed to come into contact with the support surface and a cradle U-shaped 13.

In the case of a cylindrical-shaped fixing structure, which can advantageously take the form of a point clamp, the lateral surfaces 11, 11 ′ can be curved. On the other hand, in the case of a parallelepipedic fixing structure, such as that shown in the appended figures, the base element 10 can also include a front portion 11 and a back portion 1Γ, the side surfaces 11, 11 'extending between them.

Advantageously, the base element 10 can be manufactured by extrusion, with a plurality of ribs 14 extending between the surfaces 11, 1Γ, 12 and the cradle 13.

In this way, a fastening structure 1 is proposed at very low cost. This is also advantageous since it is possible to use the same basic element both for longitudinal rails and for point clamps, only the length differing between them.

Once the panel P is mounted on the base element 10, each lateral surface 11, 11 'remains at opposite sides with respect to the panel P, each in correspondence with a respective face F1, F2 thereof.

The fixing means 30 is suitable for fixing the panel P within the cradle 13. To this end, the fixing means 30 can be designed according to the teachings of French patent FR3017909 or French application FR3058743, in the name of the same applicant, and to which one refers for an adequate consultation.

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In the embodiments shown in the appended figures, the fixing means 30 can include a pair of fixing shims 31 ′, 31 ”to be moved vertically by acting on the screws 32 ′, 32”.

Each covering member 20, 20 ′ may be of the laminar type, for example consisting of a folded or stamped metal sheet or a molded plastic sheet having a thickness of 0.5 mm.

In general, the thickness and more generally the mechanical properties of the covering members 20, 20 ′ may be such that they allow deformation during insertion / removal from / on the base element 10, as is explains it better below.

Once mounted on the base element 10, the covering members 20, 20 ′ are designed to remain reciprocally opposite the side surfaces 11, 1Γ.

To this end, each covering member 20, 20 'may include a side wall 20 ”, 20” which may remain reciprocally facing the side surfaces 11, 11' and if necessary, two front and back walls 28, 28 'to remain opposite the 11 ”front and back portions, 1 portions.

Advantageously, the side walls 20 ”, 20 '” may include or may be formed by two superimposed flat portions 2Γ, 21 ”and 22', 22”, which are angularly spaced from one another.

More specifically, once the covering members 20, 20 'are mounted on the base element 10, the lower portions 2Γ, 22' remain facing the latter and substantially parallel to the lateral surfaces 11, 1Γ, while the portions upper 21 ”, 22” remain opposite the panel P and inclined with respect to the side surfaces 11,1Γ.

Advantageously, each covering member 20, 20 ′ may have a lower edge 23 ′, 23 ”capable of facing the surface of the supports and an upper edge 24 ′, 24” capable of coming into contact with a face F1, F2 panel P or stay slightly away from it.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the invention, the lower portions 2Γ, 22 'and the upper portions 21 ”, 22” of the covering members 20, 20'

40,333 can be reciprocally consecutive. In other words, the covering members 20, 20 'can consist only of the lower portions 2Γ, 22' and the upper portions 21, 22.

Advantageously, the lower portions 21 ′, 22 ′ of the covering members 20, 20 ′ can be coextensive with the lateral surfaces 11,11 ′ of the base element 10.

In general, the covering members 20, 20 ′ and the base element 10 can be reciprocally coupled in a removable manner, that is to say that they can be coupled and uncoupled without damage.

To this end, a suitable removable coupling means can be used, by means of which the covering members 20, 20 ′ can be inserted / removed on / from the base element 10 to achieve reciprocal coupling / decoupling.

Preferably, the removable coupling means can be of the snap-on type. More specifically, the removable coupling means to be snapped on can be designed in such a way that during the insertion of the covering members 20, 20 ′ on the base element 10, the former remain coupled to the latter thanks to one or more male members. engaging each other with one or more corresponding female members, while during the removal of the covering members 20, 20 'from the base element 10, the one or more male and female members disengage reciprocally.

To this end, the one or more male and female organs can be of reciprocal counterform.

Consequently, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 2d, 6, 10a and 10b, the covering members 20, 20 'may include male members 25 and 26 projecting substantially perpendicularly from internal surfaces 27, 27' for snap-fit into corresponding female slots 15 and 16 extending longitudinally along the side surfaces 11, 11 'of the base member 10. More specifically, each male member 25, 26 may include a base portion 25 ', 26' and a stepped portion 25, 26.

Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9a to 9c, the covering members 20, 20 ′ may include two pairs of male bulges 25, 26 protruding from the facing front and back walls 28, 28 ′ for s' snap into

40.333 of the corresponding female seats 15 and 16 defined by the spacings between ribs 14.

Advantageously, the bulges 25, 26 can be produced by pushing back a metal sheet and subsequent folding of the latter so that the pushed back part is located within the internal part of the covering members 20, 20 ′ facing the element. base 10. In this way, it is possible to obtain covering members 20, 20 'of very low cost provided with male members.

In all cases, during engagement by snap-fastening and disengaging of the male and female organs, the wall supporting the male organ can deform elastically and return to its original shape thanks to its elasticity.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 9a to 9c, the covering members 20, 20 'can be inserted / removed on / from the base element 10 by sliding along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the lateral surfaces 11 , 11 '.

Thanks to the fact that the distance d between the opposite male members 25, 26 is slightly less than the length I of the lateral surfaces 11, 1Γ, during insertion, the front and back walls 28, 28 'deform and return elastically to force the male organs 25, 26 within the seats 15,16, the reverse occurring during removal.

It is understood that the embodiment shown in Figures 9a to 9c is preferable in the case of the fixing structure 1 in the form of a point clamp.

On the other hand, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 2d, 6, 10a and 10b, the covering members 20, 20 'can be inserted / removed on / from the base element 10 by rotation of the first on the latter, and more precisely around the upper edge portions 17, 17 ′ of the lateral surfaces 11, 11 ′ of the base element 10.

Consequently, the covering members 20, 20 ′ may include a hook-shaped portion 29, 29 ′ protruding from the internal surfaces 27, 27 ′ to come into reciprocal engagement with counter-shape courses 18,18 ′ of the portions upper edge 17, 17 '. More specifically, the counterforms 18, 18 'can extend in the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the side surfaces 11, 11' and can be finally rounded, so as to define rotational surfaces around which the covering members 20 , 20 'can turn.

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Consequently, in order to insert the covering members 20, 20 ′ on the base element 10, it is first necessary to mutually engage the hook-shaped portions 29, 29 ′ with the counter-form seats. 18, 18 '(Figures 2b and 2c) then rotate the covering members 20, 20' (Figure 3) so as to allow the insertion of the male members 25, 26 within the longitudinal slots 15,16.

When the stepped portions 25, 26 of the male members 25, 26 come into contact with the protruding portions 15 ', 16' of the slots 15, 16, the base portions 25 ', 26' deform, returning to their shape original when released. When removing the covering members 20, 20 'from the base member 10, the reverse occurs.

During the above rotation, the upper edges 24 ', 24 of the covering members 20, 20' can come into contact with the panel P. Thanks to its elasticity, during this contact, each upper portion 2Γ, 21 could deform ( Figure 3) and later return to its original shape when the male members 25, 26 and the slots 15, 16 are mutually engaged.

Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the removal of the covering members 20, 20 ′ from the base element 10 can occur by pulling the first ones along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the lateral surfaces 11, 11 'by means of a suitable removal tool 40.

More specifically, the removal tool 40 can include a handle 41 and a step head 42 to be placed in correspondence with the lower edges 23 ′, 23 of the covering members 20, 20 ′ (FIG. 5b). From this position, a user, in order to encourage the removal of the covering members 20, 20 'from the base element 10, just has to remove the removal tool 40 by acting on the handle 41.

To allow the correct placement of the step head 42 in correspondence with the lower edges 23 ′, 23, the latter may have a distance from the lower surface 12 which is greater than, or equal to or slightly less than the maximum height h removal tool 40.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, shown for example in Figures 10a to 10d, the fixing structure 1 may include a supply means

40.333 electrical 50, for example one or more electrical cables, and an electrical device 51 which is electrically connected thereto.

As a non-limiting example, the electrical device 51 could be a solar panel or an LED light, for example an LED strip.

Advantageously, the covering members 20, 20 ′ and / or the base element 10 may include a channel 52 extending from the lower surface 12 to the electrical device 51 to allow the insertion of the electrical supply means 50 to through this one.

In FIGS. 10a to 10d, an embodiment is shown in which the covering members 20, 20 ′ include a through opening defining the spacing 52. Equivalently, the latter can be defined by a hole passing through the element base 10 or by a spacing between the covering members 20, 20 ′ and the base element 10, the latter being adequately spaced from each other.

In order to allow the electrical connection between the electrical supply means 50 and the electrical device 51, the covering members 20, 20 ′ may include a through opening 53.

In this way, it is possible to keep the supply means 50 completely hidden within the covering members 20, 20 ', only the electrical device 51 remaining exposed. In fact, the latter may be located on the external surface 27, TT of the covering members 20, 20 ', preferably in correspondence with the upper portions 21, 22 thereof.

The supply means 50 can pass through the support surface S, as shown in FIG. 10d.

Preferably, the electrical device 51 may have a generally flat shape and dimensions not exceeding the upper portions 21, 22, so as to extend along the latter. This can be particularly advantageous in the case of an electrical device 51 in the form of a solar panel or an LED light.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, shown for example in Figures 11a to 14d, the covering members 20, 20 'may include a decorative member 60 located on the external surfaces 27, 27'.

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In general, the decorative member 60 can be interchangeable, so as to allow the customization of the fixing structure 1.

To this end, in a first embodiment shown for example in Figures 11a and 11b, the decorative member 60 may be a sticker or the like applied to the external surfaces 27, 27 'of the covering members 20, 20'. Equivalently, the decorative member 60 can also be painted, engraved or the like on the external surfaces 27, TT of the covering members 20, 20 '.

In this case, in order to exchange the decorative members 60, it is necessary to exchange all of the covering members 20, 20 '.

Furthermore, in other embodiments shown for example in Figures 12 to 14d, the decorative member 60 may be a laminar element removably coupled to the external surfaces 27, TT of the covering members 20, 20 '.

In this way, in order to exchange the laminar decorative members 60, it is not necessary to exchange all of the covering members 20, 20 ′, but simply to remove a laminar decorative member 60 from a covering member and replace it with a new one.

Advantageously, the laminar decorative member 60 may have the upper or lower end 61, 62 which can be engaged with a pivot portion 63 of the covering member 20, 20 'corresponding to turn thereon, the other upper end or lower 61, 62 which can be coupled by push-fit on the covering member 20, 20 '.

In a first embodiment, shown for example in FIGS. 12 to 13b, the pivot portion 63 can be defined by the upper edge 24 ′, 24, the upper end 61 of the laminar decorative member 60 rotating on it to allow the pressure fitting of the opposite lower end 62 with the lower edge 23 ′, 23 of the covering members 20, 20 ′.

In another embodiment, shown for example in FIGS. 14a to 14d, the pivot portion 63 can be defined by a slot 64 in the external surface 27, TT of the covering members 20, 20 ', in which the lower end 62 of the laminar decorative member 60 must be inserted.

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To allow the rotational movement, the lower end 62 of the laminar decorative member 60 can be formed in the form of a folding portion, so that the rotation occurs along the fold line 65.

Consequently, the remaining portion 66 of the laminar decorative member 60 is turned around the fold line 65 to allow the nesting by pressure of the opposite upper end 61 on the upper edge 24 ′, 24 of the covering members 20, 20 '.

Thanks to the above feature, it is possible to personalize and improve the aesthetic appeal of the fixing device 1 in a simple and rapid manner.

In view of the above, it appears that the invention meets the intended objects.

The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations. All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A point clamp intended to fix a glass panel (P) which is capable of resting on a support surface (S), such as a balcony, a platform, a floor or the like, the point clamp comprising: at least one basic element (10) including: a lower surface (12) capable of coming into reciprocal contact with the support surface (S); a cradle (13) capable of seating the panel; two opposite side surfaces (11, 11 ') substantially perpendicular to said lower surface (12) capable of remaining on opposite sides with respect to the panel (P) once inserted in the cradle (13); means (30) for fixing the panel (P) within said cradle (13); at least one pair of covering members (20, 20 '), each covering member (20, 20') being capable of covering a respective lateral surface (11,1Γ); wherein said covering members (20, 20 ') and said base member (10) include means (15, 16; 25, 26) for reciprocal detachable coupling to each other; wherein said base member (10) includes a plurality of ribs (14) extending between said side and bottom surfaces (11, 11 ', 12) and said cradle (13), a plurality of hollow spaces remaining between said ribs (14). 2. point pliers according to claim 1, in which during coupling of said base element (10) and said covering members (20, 20 '), the latter are inserted on the first and during their decoupling, the covering members (20, 20 ') are decoupled from the base element (10). 3. point clamp according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said base member (10) is manufactured by extruding a metal or a plastic. 4. point clamp according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said removable coupling means (15,16; 25, 26) is of the snap-on type. 5. Point clamp according to one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said removable coupling means (15, 16; 25, 26) comprises at least one male member (15, 40.333 16) and at least one female member (25, 26) cooperating with each other, one of said covering members (20, 20 ') and basic element (10) including one of said at least one member male or female (15, 16; 25, 26), the other of said covering members (20, 20 ') and base element (10) including the other of said at least one male or female member (15,16; 25 , 26). 6. point pliers according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one male member (25, 26) includes or consists of at least one male projection capable of being engaged by snap-fastening in at least one seat of counter-form (15, 16) defining said at least one female organ. 7. point pliers according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein each of said covering members (20, 20 ') includes at least one respective male member (25, 26), said base element (10) including said at least a female organ (15,16). 8. Point pliers according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one female member (15, 16) is defined by said spacings between said ribs (14), the internal surface of said covering members (20, 20 ') including at least one bulge defining said at least one male organ (25, 26). 9. point pliers according to the preceding claim, in which said covering members (20, 20 ′) consist of a metal sheet, said at least one bulge (25, 26) being produced by pushing back said metal sheet and folding subsequent to it so that the repelled part is located within the internal part of the covering members (20, 20 ') opposite the base element (10). 10. Point pliers according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which each lateral surface (11, 11 ') includes a respective upper edge portion (17, 17') which is opposite to said lower surface (12), said cradle ( 13) extending between said upper edge portions (17, 17 '), each covering member (20, 20') including an internal surface (27, 27 ') having at least one male member (25, 26) which projects substantially perpendicularly to be engaged by snap-fastening in corresponding female slots (15, 16) extending longitudinally along the lateral surfaces (11, 1Γ) of the base element (10), said each covering member (20, 20 ') further including a respective hook-shaped portion (29, 29') projecting from said internal surfaces (27, 27 ') to intermesh with counter-struts 40.333 shapes (18, 18 ') at the level of the respective upper edge portion (17, 17') for turning thereon between a position distal to the base element (10) in which said at least one male member ( 25, 26) and the corresponding female slot (15, 16) are reciprocally released and a position proximal thereof in which said at least one male organ (25, 26) and the corresponding female slot (15, 16) are reciprocally engaged.