GB2189290A - Connecting means for panels - Google Patents
Connecting means for panels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2189290A GB2189290A GB08706375A GB8706375A GB2189290A GB 2189290 A GB2189290 A GB 2189290A GB 08706375 A GB08706375 A GB 08706375A GB 8706375 A GB8706375 A GB 8706375A GB 2189290 A GB2189290 A GB 2189290A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- members
- assemblies
- ofthe
- flexible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000969130 Atthis Species 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007688 edging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005496 tempering Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D1/00—Pinless hinges; Substitutes for hinges
- E05D1/02—Pinless hinges; Substitutes for hinges made of one piece
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
- E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
- E04B2/7427—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels
- E04B2/7429—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels using flexible hinges
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D3/00—Hinges with pins
- E05D3/06—Hinges with pins with two or more pins
- E05D3/08—Hinges with pins with two or more pins for swing-doors, i.e. openable by pushing from either side
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2999/00—Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
Abstract
Items such as screen panels (19) are connected by assemblies attached to adjacent edges thereof, each assembly comprising a first member with a longitudinal web (7) and snap-fitted to a second member having a part-cylindrical shape (35), and a flexible connecting strip (37), the said strip being used to interconnect one assembly with another with the part-cylindrical shapes in rolling contact, so as to form a hinge. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Connecting means and method
Field ofthe invention
The present invention relates to means and a method for connecting articles together, such as panels and screens.
Background to the invention
Arrangements are known in which two longitudinallyextending members are arranged adjacentoneanotherand, if the members are generally planar, end to end, and are connected by flexible strips which extend from a point of attachment to one member over the surface ofthe membertothe linewherethe members meet and then pass between the members and then overthe surface ofthe other member to a point where the strip is fastened to the other member. There are two possible orientations for such a flexible strip. It may pass over a first side of a first member and a second side of a second member or it may pass overthe second side ofthe first member and the first side of the second member.The members would in practice be connected together by a plurality of such strips, some of which have one orientation and the others of which have the other orientation. Typically, the orientations will alternate but other patterns are known. Each flexible strip may be separate from all the others, orflexible members may be provided which comprise several flexible strips. Examples of such connectors are shown in British Patent
Specifications 1267189 and 2115478.
Such connecting arrangements are used as hinges, since the manner in which each flexible strip passes between the two members to cross from one side of the assembly to the other enables a rolling type of movement of one member relative to the other.
The present invention seeks to provide improvements in connection arrangements ofthis type.
Summary ofthe invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a first longitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending web, a second longitudinally extending member having a generally part-cylindrical outer surface, and a plurality of flexible third members, the first and second members having complementary interlocking attachment portions whereby they may be securely attached together to form an assembly the outer surface of which includes at least part of the said web ofthe first member and at least part ofthe said part-cylindrical surface of the second member and the assembly and the third members having complementary interlocking attachment means so thatthethird members may be securely attached to the assembly to extend in the circumferential direction partway around the said part-cylindrical surface, whereby the said assembly may be connected to another like assembly arranged with its part-circumferential surface opposed to the part-circumferential surface ofthe first assembly by passing the said flexible third members partially around the part-circumferential surface of the first assembly and partially around the part-circumferential surface ofthe second assembly and attaching the said third members to both said assemblies by the said interlocking attachment means ofthe respective said assemblies.
According to a second aspect to the present invention there is provided connecting apparatus for connecting items together comprising two or more assemblies connected by a plurality offlexible members, each assembly comprising a first longitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending web and a second longitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending part-cylindrical surface, the first and second members being attached to each other by complementary interlocking attachment means so that the external surface of the assembly comprises at least a part ofthe said web and at least a part of the said part-cylindrical surface, each said assembly being positioned adjacent at least one other said assembly with its part-cylindrical surface opposed to the part-cylindrical surface of the other assembly, and said flexible members connecting the assemblies by being securely attached to a first said assembly by a complementary interlocking attachment means and extending from the attachment means partially around the part-cylindrical surface of the first assembly to the line of closest approach between the two part-cylindrical surfaces, between the two assemblies at this line and partially around the part-cylindrical surface ofthe second assembly to complementary interlocking attachment means attaching the flexible member two the second assembly, at least one said flexible means extending from a firstside ofthe first assemblythrough the iine of closest approach to a second side of the second assembly and at least one ofthe said flexible members extending from the second side of the first assembly through the said lineofclosestapproach to the first side ofthe second assembly.
Items to be connected together by the connecting apparatus may be attached to respective assemblies so as to extend away from the respective webs.
The present invention also provides a construction of items such as screen panels connected together by means of connecting apparatus as set out in the preceding paragraph.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting items together comprising the steps of attaching the items to respective longitudinally extending first members each comprising a web, attaching to each said first member on the side of the web remote from the said item to be connected a respective second member having a longitudinally extending part-cylindrical surface, the said first and second members being attached to each other by complementary interlocking attachment means, arranging the part-cylindrical surfaces associated with the respective items alongside one another and attaching at least one flexible connecting memberto a first side ofthe assembly of first and second members of one item and to a second side of the said assembly of a second item so that the connecting member extends partially around the part-circumferential surface ofthe assembly of the first member, between the assemblies at the line of closest approach therebetween, and partially around the part-circumferential surface of the assembly of the second item, and attaching at least one connecting member in like mannerto the first connecting member but to the second side ofthe assembly of the first item and to the first side of the assembly atthe second item.
The order in which the steps ofthe method are carried out may be varied. For instance, iftheflexible connecting members are attachable to the said second members of the assemblies, this may be done before the said second members are attached tothefirstmembersofthe respective assemblies.
However, it is generally preferred that in any case the respective items are attached to the respective first members before the first members are attached to the second members, as this enables attachment means such as screws to be passed through the webs of the first members to attach them to the items to be connected, and forthese attachment members subsequently to be hidden from view bythe assemblytogether of the first and second members.
The phrase "part-circumferential surface" is intended to encompass surfaces which are not strictly speaking part-cylindrical since their transverse cross-section is a curve otherthan an arc of a circle. The transverse cross-section may not be a smooth curve but may be a part of a polygon and may include small protrusions or recesses. However, the surface should be generally convex.
Where two assemblies are connected together, the connection will act as a hinge as the two part-cylindrical surfaces roll over one another, moving the line of closest approach across their surfaces and altering the proportion of each flexible connecting member which extends partially around a particular part-cylindrical surface.
Three or more assemblies may be connected together, with one or more said assemblies being connected in the manner described to two adjacent assemblies. The ends ofthe string of assemblies thus connected together may be connected to each otherto form a closed loop of assemblies, each assembly being connected to two others- one in each direction around the loop.
If three assemblies are connected together in a loop as described above, the structure is rigid. Iffour or more assemblies are connected in a loop, hinging action is possible between adjacent assemblies but this will tend to influence the position and/or orientation of at least some of the other assemblies around the loop.
Assemblies of the first and second members may be attached as edging strips to one or more edges of a panel remote from a connection between the panel and another panel by means of the apparatus ofthe present invention. This provides a uniformity of appearance between those edges of the panels where they are connected together and the "free" edges.
It may be advantageous to provide a series of holes, hooks or other attachment means along the length of the first member at a point on its cross-section which remains exposed following assembly with the second member and attachment to a panel. In this way the first member provides the panel with a means by which further items may be attached. For instance, if the panels are to act as office partitioning then shelving, racks and the like may be supported on the panels in this manner.
The ease with which the connecting apparatus is assembled may be improved by enabling the first and second members to be joined buy a "snapfit". In some circumstances it may also be convenient if the flexible connecting members are also attached by a snap fit, but the attachment points ofthethird members normally have to withstand considerable forces during use and so it may be difficult to produce a snap fit attachment of sufficient strength.
The parts of the connecting apparatus will normally be manufactured by extrusion, and may be of metal or of a plastics material. Forexample,the first member may be made of aluminium and the second member and the flexible connecting members of polyvinyl chloride.
The attachment means will normally take the form of continuous longitudinal grooves and protrusions with the resultthatthe members may slide longitudinally with respect to each other if the frictional forces at the points of attachment are overcome. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide end caps to the connecting apparatus, to restrict such longitudinal sliding.
Embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limitative example, will no be described with reference to the drawings in which Figure 1 shows a first member of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure2shows a second memberofthe embodiment of Figure 1; Figure3shows a connecting strip memberofthe embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows the members of Figures 1,2 and 3 connected together, togetherwith a part of a panel;
Figure 5shows a first member of a second embodimentofthe present invention;
Figure 6shows a second memberofthe embodiment of Figure 5; Figure 7shows a flexible connecting member of the embodiment of Figure 5; ;
Figure 8shows two assemblies of the members of
Figures 5 and 6 connected by members of Figure 7, with part of a panel connected to one ofthe assemblies;
Figure 9shows a partial side view of a connection between two panels made with the embodiment of
Figures 5 and 7; and
Figures lOto 12 show schematically howvarying numbers of assemblies may be connected together.
Description ofthe illustrated embodiments
Apparatus for connecting itemstogether comprises a first longitudinally extending member 1, a second longitudinally extending member3 and flexibleconnecting members 5. Figures 1 to3show the cross-sectional shapes of these members.
The first member has a web portion 7, from which extend side portions 9. The side portions 9terminate in attachment grooves 11.
The second member3 has a part-cylindrical convex surface 13, which terminates in attachment ridges 15. The attachment grooves 11 and attachment 15 have complementary shapes and the first and second members may be assembled together with the ridges 15 of the second member received in the grooves 11 ofthe first member. The periphery of the resulting assembly is made up from the part-cylindrical surface 13 of the second member and the web 7 and sides 9 of the first member. The arrangement of the first and second members when assembled together can be seen in Figure 4.
Two arms 17 extend rearwardly from the part-cylindrical portion of the second member 3, passing the ridges 15 with a slight spacing. As can be seen in Figure 4, when the first and second members are assembled togetherthe arms 17 extend inside the assembly and pass inwardly of the portion ofthe first member 1 which provides the grooves 11. Thus the arms 17 tend to restrain possible outward movement of the ridges 15 even if the second member is made from slightly flexible material. This helps to ensure that the first and second members are securely attached to each other when arranged as shown in Figure 4.
In use, the assembly ofthe first and second members is attached to an item such as a panel at 19, with the web 7 ofthe assembly towards the item and the part-cylindrical surface 13 facing awayfrom it.
The assembly of the first and second members may be used merely to provide decorative and protective edging for the panel 19. However, it may also be used to connect two panels together if they each carry such an assembly.
When two panels are to be connected together they are arranged with the part-cylindrical surfaces 13 oftheir respective connecting assemblies closely adjacent, and flexible connectors 5 are connected between them, in a mannerwhich will now be described.
The ridges 15 of the second members of the connector assembly have reduced height portions 21 adjacent the part-cylindrical surface 13, recesses 23 next to the reduced height portions, and full height portions 25 next to the recesses 23. When the first and second members are attached to one another, the full height portions 25 ofthe ridges 15 extend over the fu I I width of the grooves 11.
However, the part height portions 21 and recesses 23 result in a longitudinal gap between the first and second members. The gap has a relatively narrow opening provided by the part height portions 21 of the ridges 15, and a wider internal space. The gap can be seen best in Figure 4.
The flexible connectors Sterminate in short transversewalls 27 at either end.Thetransverse walls 27 in turn terminate in enlarged proportions 29.
The transverse walls 27 can be received in the gap formed between the ridges 15 of the second member 3 and the grooves 11 of the first member 1. The enlarged ends 29 of the walls 27 fitwithin thewider internal portions ofthe gaps, provided by the recesses 23, but cannot pass through the relatively narrow opening of the gap pastthepart-height portions 21 ofthe ridges 15. In this manner a flexible connector may be securely connected at either end to the assembly formed by the first and second members.
In order to connect two assemblies together, and thus connect two panels 19 together, a flexible connector 5 is attached to one of the assemblies by one of its transverse walls 27, and extends partially around the part-cylindrical surface 13 ofthat assembly to pass between the two assemblies at their line of closest approach. After passing between the two assemblies, the flexible connector 5 leaves the part-cylindrical surface 13 ofthe first assembly and follows the part-cylindrical surface of the second assembly, and the transverse wall 27 at the second end of the connector5 is received in a gap between the first and second members of the second assembly. The path followed by a connector 5 is shown in Figure 4, although the second assembly is not shown.It will be notedthatin orderforthe transverse walls 27 of the connector 5 to enter the gapsofthe respective assemblies,the walls 27 extend from the opposite ends of the connector 5 in opposite directions.
ltwillbenotedfrom Figure4thataconnectorS extends only along a first side of the first assembly, and having passed between the two assemblies passes over only the second side of the second assembly. However, the assemblies have gaps for the attachment flexible connectors 5 on either side. If the arrangement ofthe flexible connector 5 shown in Figure 4 is taken as a first orientation, a furtherflexible connector 5 may be connected in a second orientation starting from the second side of thefirst assembly (at the empty gap shown in (Figure 4), passing between the two assemblies at the line of closest approach, and extending over the first side of the second assembly. Since the paths followed by connectors Sin the two orientations cross, the connectors must be spaced longitudinally along the assemblies.Two connected assemblies, and connectors extending in both orientations, can be seen in Figure 8, which relates to the second embodiment.
In order to connect two assemblies and two panels 19 together, at least one connector 5 should be provided in each orientation. Normally, there will be several flexible connectors in each orientation. If only two flexible connectors are used, the fact that the connections in two orientations are spaced longitudinally may promote an undesirable twisting movement between the two assemblies. In order to inhibitthistwisting, it is desirableto provide two flexible connectors Sin the same orientation longitudinally spaced apart with a third flexible connector 5 in the other orientation between them.If a large number of flexible connectors are used, their orientations may alternate along the length ofthe connector assemblies or all the connectors in one orientation may be placed nearthe middle of the length ofthe assemblies and halfoftheconnectors in the other orientation placed at either end ofthe assemblies. Various other arrangements are possible, but in all cases the arrangement should be chosen sothatthere are at leasttwo spaced apart connectors 5 in the same orientation with at least one connector Sin the other orientation between them.
In use, the first member 1 will normally be secured initiallytothepanel 19, and the second mem ber 3 will then be slid lengthwise along itto form the connector assembly. In this way, the second member3will hide any fixing members which pass through the web 7 to attach the first member 1 to the panel 19. If it is desired to connect two panels together, the ends to be connected will then be brought together and the flexible connectors 5 each arrangedinturn in the correctorientation between the two panels and then slid down the assemblies between the panels with the transverse walls 27 entering into the gaps between the ridges 15 and grooves 11.When the assembly and connection process is complete, end caps may be fitted to either end ofthe assemblies to prevent the parts sliding longitudinally relative to one another and becoming disconnected again.
Slots, hooks or other attachment means may be formed in or on the sides 9 of the first member 1, so as to provide the panel 19 with means bywhich shelving, racks, lighting etc., may be mounted to it.
This is useful if the panels 19 are to act as walls or space dividers.
Theassemblyformed bythefirstandsecond members has a central space 31, and this may be used to carry power and telephone cables etc.
The first and second members and the flexible connectors 5 may be formed as continuous extrusions and cut to length as desired. The first and second members should be relatively strong and rigid and may be formed of metal or a plastics material. Preferably, the first member is an aluminium extrusion. The second member, which is more exposed to impact and wear than the first member, is preferably formed of a relatively hard plastics material showed as PVC. The flexible connectors 5may be formed of a relatively flexible metal such as spring steel, but are more preferably formed of a flexible plastics material which is more easily extruded and does not require tempering.It should be noted that while the material ofthefirst and second members is relatively thick (for example 2 to 3mm) to provide rigidity, the flexible connectors should be as thin as possible consistent with ensuring that they have adequate strength. Aflexible
PVC extrusion of about 1 mm thickness is presently believed to be suitable.
Figures 5,6 and 7 show respectively a first member 33, a second member 35 and a flexible connector 37 of a second embodimentofthe present invention. In general construction and operation,the first and second embodiments are similar. The first member 33 of Figure 5 has a web 7, sides 9 and grooves 11, and the second member 35 of Figure 6 has a part-cylindrical surface 13 and ridges 15, although it does not have arms 17. The flexible connector 37 of
Figure 7 has transverse walls 27 with enlarged end portions 29. Accordingly, much ofthe description of
Figures 1 to 4 appliesto the second embodiment mutatis mutandis, and will not be repeated.
However, there are some differences between the embodiments, as will now be described.
The portions of the first member33 of Figure 5 which extend from the groove 11 inwardly of the assembly towards the part-cylindrical surface 13 of the second member 35 when the members are assembled together have angled'camming surfaces 39. The ridges 15 on the second member 35 of Figure 6 have complementary camming surfaces41.The second member 35 has a slight resilience. The first and second members 33,35 may be arranged with theircammingsurfaces39,41 incontactandthen pressed together. The surfaces 39,41 will slide over one another as the second member 35 straightens out slightly against its resilience, until the ridges 15 on the second member 35 have passed the camming surfaces 39 on the first member 33 and can snap into the grooves 11.This "snap fit" method of assembly may be considerably more convenient than the longitudinal sliding of the second member along the first member which is necessary with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4.
The ridges 15 of the second member 35 are so shaped that the transverse walls 27 of the flexible connectors 37 are not received in gaps formed between the ridges 15 and the grooves 11 ofthefirst member33,butinsteadarereceived in narrow-mouthed channels 43 formed entirelywithin the ridges 15.
The use ofthe channels 43, togetherwith the "snap fit" facility described above, enables a more convenient method ofassemblyto be adopted when two panels are to be connected together. The second members 35 ofthe connector assembliesforthe panels are brought together before they are attached to the first members 33. The flexible connectors 37 are arranged in the desired orientations and the transverse walls 27 with their enlarged end portions 29 areslid along the channels43to connectthe second members 35 together. in the meantime, the first members 33 of the respective assemblies are attached to the respective panels 19.The panels 19 are then brought up to each other and the respective second members 35, already connected together by flexible connectors 37, are snapped onto the first member 33 to connect the panels.
The flexible connectors 37 can also be arranged to make a snapfit in the channels 43, but care must be taken to ensure that they cannotsubsequently pull out.
Figure 8 shows two assemblies each comprising a first member 33 and a second member 35, connected by flexible connectors 37. The Figure shows howa screw 45 which passes through the web 7 to connect an assembly to a panel 19 is entirely hidden from view afterthefirst and second members have been attached to each other.
Figure 9 provides a partial side view of the edges of two panels 19 connected together by the apparatus of Figures 5 to 7. The Figure shows how flexible connectors 37 may be attached with alternating orientations.
Figure lOshows schematically the relative positions of two connector assemblies embodying the present invention connected together. As will be apparent from Figure 8, the part-cylindrical surfaces 13 of the two assemblies can roll over one another so that the connection may act as a hinge between the two panels 19 which are connected by them. Thus the relative orientation shown in Figure 10(a) may be changed to the orientation shown in Figure 10(b).
As shown in Figures 11 and 12, more than two connector assemblies and their respective panels 19 may be connected together at a single point. In this case, the part-cylindrical surface 13 of one assembly will be adjacent the part-cylindrical surfaces 13 of two other assemblies. Flexible connectors 5, 37 should be connected in both orientations between thefirst-mentioned assembly and both of the others to either side of it, making four possible paths forthe flexible connectors attached to one particular assembly. In this manner, a line of connected assemblies is formed and, as shown in Figures 11 and 12,the ends ofthe line may be connected to each other so as to form a closed loop of assemblies, each connected to another assembly on either side.
A closed loop ofthree assemblies as shown in Figures 11 is rigid ifflexible connectors are provided in both orientations between each pair of assemblies.
However, if four or more assemblies are connected in a closed loop with flexible connectors extending in each orientation between each assembly and the two adjacent assemblies, rolling relative rotation between adjacent assemblies is possible and the orientation shown in Figure 12(a) may be altered to the orientation shown in Figure 12(b). However, it should be notedthatthe relative movement between two adjacent assemblies also affects other assemblies around the loop, so that the angle between two adjacent panels connected by such a loop of connectors cannot be varied without affecting the other panels.
Where the connector assembly of the present invention is used to join two wall panels or space dividers, the flexible connectors may conveniently bel0to20cm in the longitudinal direction ofthe assembly, so that two typical part-height vertical space dividing screens 1.5 metres high might be connected by ten flexible connectors each extending for 15cm and arranged with alternating orientations.
Furthervariations and optional features will be apparenttothoseskilled in the art.
Claims (20)
1. Apparatus in the form of a kit of parts for use in connecting items together, comprising a first longitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending web, a second longitudinally extending member having a generally part-cylindrical outer surface, and a plurality of flexiblethird members,thefirstand second members having complementary interlocking attachment portionswherebythey may be securely attached togetherto form an assembly the outer surface of which includes at least part of the said web ofthefirst member and at least part ofthe said part-cylindrical surface of the second member and the assembly and the third members having complementary interlocking attachment means so that the third members may be securely attached to the assemblyto extend in the circumferential direction partwayaround the said part-cylindrical surface, whereby the said assembly may be connected to another like assembly arranged with its part-circumferential surface opposed to the part-circumferential surface of the first assembly by passing the said flexible third members partially aroundthepart-circumferentialsurfaceofthefirst assembly and partially around the part-circumferential surface of the second assembly and attaching the said third members to both said assemblies by the said interlocking attachment means ofthe respective said assemblies.
2. Apparatus for connecting items together comprising two or more assemblies connected by a plurality offlexible members, each assembly comprising a first longitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending web and a second longitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending part-cylindrical surface, the first and second members being attached to each other by complementary interlocking attachment means so thatthe external surface of the assembly comprises at least a part ofthe said web and at least a part of the said part-cylindrical surface, each said assembly being positioned adjacent at least one other said assembly with its part-cylindrical surface opposed to the part-cylindrical surface of the other assembly, and said flexible members connecting the assemblies by being securely attached to a firstsaid assembly by a complementary interlocking attachment means and extending from the attachment means partially around the part-cylindrical surface ofthe first assembly to the line of closest approach between the two part-cylindrical surfaces, between the two assemblies atthis line and partially around the part-cylindrical surface ofthe second assembly to complementary interlocking attachment means attaching the flexible member to the second assembly, at least one said flexible means extending from afirstside of the first assemblythrough the line of closest approach to a second side of the second assembly and at least one of the said flexible members extending from the second side ofthefirst assembly th rough the said line of closest approach to the first side ofthesecond assembly.
3. Amethodofconnecting itemstogether comprising the steps of attaching the items to respective longitudinally extending first members each comprising a web, attaching to each said first member on the side ofthe web remote from the said item to be connected a respective second member having a longitudinally extending part-cylindrical surface,the said first and second members being attached to each other by complementary interlocking attachment means, arranging the part-cylindrical surfaces associated with the respective items alongside one another and attaching at least one flexible connecting memberto a first side of the assembly of first and second members of one item and to a second side of the said assembly of a second item so that the connecting member extends partially around the part-circumferential surface ofthe assembly ofthe first member, between the assemblies at the line of closest approach therebetween, and partially around the part-circumferential surface ofthe assembly of the second item, and attaching at least one connecting member in like mannertothefirst connecting member butto the second side of the assembly of the first item and to the first side of the assembly of the second item.
4. Apparatus or method according to claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3, wherein items such as screen panels are attached to respective assemblies so as to extend away from the respective webs.
5. Apparatus or method according to claim 4, wherein said items are secured to the respective assemblies by attachment means hidden when the respective first and second members are assembled.
6. Apparatus or method according to claim 5, wherein said items are attached by screws to the longitudinal webs of the first members ofthe respective assemblies.
7. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible connecting members are adapted to act as a hinge when the two assemblies are connected together, the two part-cylindrical surfaces rolling over one anotherto move the line of closest approach across their surfaces and alterthe proportion of each flexible connecting member which extends partially around a particular part-cylindrical surface.
8. Apparatus or method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein three or more assemblies are connected together, with one or more said assemblies connected byflexibleconnecting memberstotwo adjacent assemblies.
9. Apparatus or method according to claim 8, wherein the said three or more assemblies are interconnected by the flexible connecting members to form a closed loop of such assemblies.
10. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the assemblies are employed to interconnect adjacent edges of screen panels and matching assemblies are also attached to one or more edges of the panels remote from the interconnected edges thereof.
11. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim, wherein attachment means are provided on the first member of an assembly in a position thereon in which said attachment means remains exposed when said first member is assembled with the second member.
12. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second members are adpated to be snap-fitted together.
13. Apparatus or method according to claim 12, wherein the flexible connecting members are adapted to snap-fitto the respective assemblies.
14. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second members and the flexible connecting members are formed by extrusion.
15. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first member is made of metal such as aluminium and the second and third members are made of a plastics material such as polyvinylchloride.
16. Apparatus or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means comprise longitudinal grooves and/or protrusions enabling the first and second members to slide longitudinally with respect to one another after assembly.
17. Apparatus or method according to claim 16, wherein stop means such as end caps are fitted to limit longitudinal sliding.
18. Apparatus in the form of a kit of parts substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or Figures 5 to 7 ofthe accompanying drawings.
19. Apparatusforeffecting interconnections substantially as herein before described with reference to Figures 4 or 8to 12 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A method of interconnecting items substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB868606861A GB8606861D0 (en) | 1986-03-20 | 1986-03-20 | Screen assembly connector |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8706375D0 GB8706375D0 (en) | 1987-04-23 |
| GB2189290A true GB2189290A (en) | 1987-10-21 |
| GB2189290B GB2189290B (en) | 1989-11-15 |
Family
ID=10594917
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB868606861A Pending GB8606861D0 (en) | 1986-03-20 | 1986-03-20 | Screen assembly connector |
| GB8706375A Expired GB2189290B (en) | 1986-03-20 | 1987-03-18 | Connecting means and method |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB868606861A Pending GB8606861D0 (en) | 1986-03-20 | 1986-03-20 | Screen assembly connector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB8606861D0 (en) |
Cited By (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2219036A (en) * | 1988-05-28 | 1989-11-29 | Como & Co Limited | Panel connectors |
| FR2635077A1 (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1990-02-09 | Aerospatiale | SELF-MOTORIZED ARTICULATION, WITHOUT FRICTION, AND ARTICULATED ASSEMBLY SUCH AS A SOLAR SATELLITE PANEL EQUIPPED WITH SUCH ARTICULATIONS |
| US5016374A (en) * | 1987-04-10 | 1991-05-21 | Ahlberg & Co. Ab | Buildable device including modular frame assembly |
| WO1991012402A1 (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1991-08-22 | Erik Ahlberg | A hinge connection |
| US5187897A (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1993-02-23 | Courier Products Limited | Swing doors |
| EP0612904A2 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1994-08-31 | Michael Thomas Smith | Hinge arrangements, their construction and use |
| WO1994022342A1 (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1994-10-13 | Hans Roericht | Receptacle for objects |
| AT403609B (en) * | 1991-12-03 | 1998-04-27 | Hollunder Werner Mag Ing | Joint |
| WO1999002807A1 (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1999-01-21 | Sfs Ind Holding Ag | Hinge, used for example as fitting on furniture or doors |
| EP0893547A1 (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 1999-01-27 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Förderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. | Partition wall |
| US7328481B2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2008-02-12 | Nokia Corporation | Hinges and associated devices |
| GB2460907A (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2009-12-23 | Concept Data Display Ltd | Modular display panel with hinged connecting clip |
| EP2017416A3 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-07-14 | Cassina S.P.A. | Articulation device, particularly for lamps |
| US7787912B2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2010-08-31 | Nokia Corporation | Portable electronic device with double acting hinge arrangement |
| US20140238876A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-28 | Superior Communications, Inc. | Folio case |
| EP3034334A2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-22 | A&A Logistik-Equipment GmbH & Co. KG | Conveyor train with coupling kinematics |
| US20170219007A1 (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2017-08-03 | Brigham Young University | Non-planar closed-loop hinge mechanism with rolling-contact hinge |
| US20190292825A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2019-09-26 | Safran Cabin Inc. | Hinge for saloon-type lavatory door |
| US11319049B2 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2022-05-03 | Safran Cabin Inc. | Saloon-type lavatory door |
| WO2023186198A2 (en) | 2022-03-29 | 2023-10-05 | Sievers Soenke | Meander spring |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1451780A (en) * | 1973-01-17 | 1976-10-06 |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2115478B (en) * | 1982-02-15 | 1985-10-16 | Courier Display Syst | Improvements in and relating to hinges |
-
1986
- 1986-03-20 GB GB868606861A patent/GB8606861D0/en active Pending
-
1987
- 1987-03-18 GB GB8706375A patent/GB2189290B/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1451780A (en) * | 1973-01-17 | 1976-10-06 |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| WO 83/02795 * |
Cited By (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5016374A (en) * | 1987-04-10 | 1991-05-21 | Ahlberg & Co. Ab | Buildable device including modular frame assembly |
| GB2219036A (en) * | 1988-05-28 | 1989-11-29 | Como & Co Limited | Panel connectors |
| FR2635077A1 (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1990-02-09 | Aerospatiale | SELF-MOTORIZED ARTICULATION, WITHOUT FRICTION, AND ARTICULATED ASSEMBLY SUCH AS A SOLAR SATELLITE PANEL EQUIPPED WITH SUCH ARTICULATIONS |
| EP0354837A1 (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1990-02-14 | AEROSPATIALE Société Nationale Industrielle | Frictionless self-erecting joint and articulated assembly, e.g. a solar panel for a satellite provided with said joints |
| US5086541A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1992-02-11 | Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle | Self-motorized antifriction joint and an articulated assembly, such as a satellite solar panel, equipped with such joints |
| US5367744A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1994-11-29 | Ahlberg; Erik | Hinge connection |
| WO1991012402A1 (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1991-08-22 | Erik Ahlberg | A hinge connection |
| US5187897A (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1993-02-23 | Courier Products Limited | Swing doors |
| AT403609B (en) * | 1991-12-03 | 1998-04-27 | Hollunder Werner Mag Ing | Joint |
| GB2275504A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1994-08-31 | Michael Thomas Smith | Hinge arrangements, their construction and use |
| EP0612904A3 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1995-05-10 | Michael Thomas Smith | Hinge arrangements, their construction and use. |
| EP0612904A2 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1994-08-31 | Michael Thomas Smith | Hinge arrangements, their construction and use |
| WO1994022342A1 (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1994-10-13 | Hans Roericht | Receptacle for objects |
| US5615765A (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1997-04-01 | Roericht; Hans | Container for the reception of objects |
| WO1999002807A1 (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1999-01-21 | Sfs Ind Holding Ag | Hinge, used for example as fitting on furniture or doors |
| EP0893547A1 (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 1999-01-27 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Förderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. | Partition wall |
| US7328481B2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2008-02-12 | Nokia Corporation | Hinges and associated devices |
| US7787912B2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2010-08-31 | Nokia Corporation | Portable electronic device with double acting hinge arrangement |
| EP2017416A3 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-07-14 | Cassina S.P.A. | Articulation device, particularly for lamps |
| GB2460907A (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2009-12-23 | Concept Data Display Ltd | Modular display panel with hinged connecting clip |
| GB2460907B (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2010-06-23 | Concept Data Display Ltd | Display panel apparatus |
| US20140238876A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-28 | Superior Communications, Inc. | Folio case |
| US9086845B2 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2015-07-21 | Superior Communications, Inc. | Folio case |
| EP3034334A2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-22 | A&A Logistik-Equipment GmbH & Co. KG | Conveyor train with coupling kinematics |
| DE102014018671A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-23 | A&A Logistik-Equipment GmbH & Co. KG | Conveyor train with coupling kinematics |
| EP3034334A3 (en) * | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-29 | A&A Logistik-Equipment GmbH & Co. KG | Conveyor train with coupling kinematics |
| US20170219007A1 (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2017-08-03 | Brigham Young University | Non-planar closed-loop hinge mechanism with rolling-contact hinge |
| US11078698B2 (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2021-08-03 | Brigham Young University | Non-planar closed-loop hinge mechanism with rolling-contact hinge |
| US20190292825A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2019-09-26 | Safran Cabin Inc. | Hinge for saloon-type lavatory door |
| US10752330B2 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2020-08-25 | Safran Cabin Inc. | Hinge for saloon-type lavatory door |
| US11319049B2 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2022-05-03 | Safran Cabin Inc. | Saloon-type lavatory door |
| WO2023186198A2 (en) | 2022-03-29 | 2023-10-05 | Sievers Soenke | Meander spring |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2189290B (en) | 1989-11-15 |
| GB8606861D0 (en) | 1986-04-23 |
| GB8706375D0 (en) | 1987-04-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |