GB2558541A

GB2558541A - Connector

Info

Publication number: GB2558541A
Application number: GB1620304.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hime Nicholas
Original assignee: Duplex Gadgets Ltd
Current assignee: Duplex Gadgets Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-30
Filing date: 2016-11-30
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: GB201620304D0

Abstract

The connector 100 has a body with a first end 130 having means for one-directional force fitting into the end of the internal channel, preferably fins 140 and splines 160 acting as barbs, and a second end 200 having a snap engageable means, preferably lugs 220, for friction fitting into an aperture in the side of the receiving bar. The connector is used to secure a duplex bar to a receiving bar such that the end of the duplex bar abuts the side wall of the receiving bar forming a T-shape junction. The lugs may be domed or frusto-conical and may deform in use to fit into the aperture and spring back to secure the connector. The connector may be integrally formed from a single elastomeric material. The connector may have a guide channel 240 for receiving a locking pin 400 having a tip to prevent deformation of the lugs. Also claimed is the locking pin.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Duplex Gadgets Ltd

Kemp House, 160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Nicholas Hime

(51) INT CL:
E06B 3/667 (2006.01) F16B 21/06 (2006.01)	F16B 4/00 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited: GB 2147045 A US 5099626 A1 US 20060196142 A1	DE 004404630 A1 US 20080040995 A1
(58) Field of Search: INT CL E06B Other: EPODOC, WPI

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Stevens Hewlett & Perkins 1 St Augustine's Place, BRISTOL, BS1 4UD, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Connector

Abstract Title: Connector tor connecting duplex bars and glazing bar via friction fit (57) The connector 100 has a body with a first end 130 having means for one-directional force fitting into the end of the internal channel, preferably fins 140 and splines 160 acting as barbs, and a second end 200 having a snap engageable means, preferably lugs 220, for friction fitting into an aperture in the side of the receiving bar. The connector is used to secure a duplex bar to a receiving bar such that the end of the duplex bar abuts the side wall of the receiving bar forming a T-shape junction. The lugs may be domed or frusto-conical and may deform in use to fit into the aperture and spring back to secure the connector. The connector may be integrally formed from a single elastomeric material. The connector may have a guide channel 240 for receiving a locking pin 400 having a tip to prevent deformation of the lugs. Also claimed is the locking pin.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

1/4

Ο

ω

2/4 co

to to

IO o

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Connector

This invention relates to a connector. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector for use between the glass panes of a multiglazed unit.

Nowadays, modern windows comprise multi-glazed units. As used herein the term “multi-glazed unit” is intended to define a unit which is doubleor triple-glazed where the window frame secures two (double) or three (triple) parallel sheets of glass vertically (in the installed orientation) in the window frame. Currently, units with four or more parallel sheets of glass are becoming available.

Traditional UK period windows, especially Georgian windows, were commonly sub-divided to provide a so-called “divided light”. A “divided light”, or a divided light window, is one where small panes of glass are separated from one another into a grid system within a single window. Historically, this was achieved using muntins, duplex bars, glazing bars or astragal bars which joined together several smaller panes of glass to form a single larger window casement or sash. Divided lights came about because the glazing methods of the time did not permit the use of large sheets of glass, and so multiple small panes of glass were arranged in a grid-like fashion to form a larger, single window.

As mentioned above, multi-glazed units are more common for current windows. Often it is desired that the multi-glazed window should reproduce the look of a traditional divided light window, this may be because of the restraints in place in conservation areas, listed building status or purely for aesthetic reasons. In order to maintain all the benefits of a multi-glazed window along with manufacturing restraints a single multi-glazed unit is subdivided internally to create the illusion of a number of individual panes. Conventionally, this is used in conjunction with glazing bars that are fixed to the outside of the pane of glass.

In a conventional multi glazed unit, bars, commonly known as spacer bars, are sandwiched between the sheets of glass. For the avoidance of any doubt, as used herein a “spacer bar” is the bar conforming to the perimeter of a multi-glazed unit and which separates individual pieces of glass in a spaced apart fashion to produce a multi-glazed unit.

To internally subdivide the multi-glazed unit, to create the illusion of a divided light, spacer bars which are similarly manufactured are used aesthetically to form a divided light, and this type of bar is then commonly referred to as a duplex bar or a back-to-back bar. The term “duplex bar” will be used herein and for the avoidance of any doubt the term “duplex bar” as used herein is intended to define a bar which is sandwiched between two sheets of glass in a multi-glazed unit and which reproduces the look of a divided light without losing the benefits, such as thermal insulation, of a double- or multi-glazed window. The bars are typically joined in a grid-like or reticulated fashion to reproduce the appearance of many rectangular or square sections within the window. These duplex bars may, according to the desired look of the window, be provided with an external covering to further reproduce the look of a divided light.

This invention is concerned with how the duplex bars are attached to one another to form this grid or reticulation and to connect it to the spacer bars forming the perimeter. Typically available duplex bars, that is, those currently in use, are formed from a plastics material which is hollow or channel sectioned. To form the grid, the duplex bars are connected to one another using connecting pieces, generally known as centre keys, cruciforms or duplex keys. Centre keys are conventionally cruciform in shape and are able to connect up to eight duplex bars, two on each limb of the cross in a back-to-back fashion.

Duplex keys are two-pronged connectors for connecting duplex bars at a fixed distance apart from one another in a parallel fashion and can not be used to join the duplex bars to the perimeter spacer bars. It can be very difficult, for even the experienced practitioner, to align and attach the duplex bars to the perimeter spacer bars correctly and neatly. In addition, the base of the duplex key remains visible in use; this both spoils the appearance of the window and destroys the illusion of the divided light resembling individual panes.

Spacer bars are manufactured in a variety of sizes and can be used in conjunction with different sized duplex bars which results in the need for a connector with the ability to join bars having internal channels of different sizes. This means that the glazier or the frame-maker would need to keep a large stock of connecting pieces, or keys, in order to be able to use all available spacer bar/glazing bar combinations. It would be very costly both in terms of having the requisite dies to manufacture connectors for all possible combinations and simply in stocking such a wide range of connectors. Hence, providing connectors for the whole range of bar sizes available is considered to be impractical.

The present invention seeks to overcome this problem, as well as to provide a duplex bar connector that is simple to fit and use, by providing a connector that can be used with same- or differently- sized bars

The present invention therefore provides a duplex bar connector, the connector comprising a first end comprising means for one-directional force fitting into an open or end portion of the longitudinal channel formed within a first duplex bar and a second end which is snap-engageable in an aperture defined in the side-wall of a receiving bar, whereby in use, the duplex bar and the receiving bar are held together such that the end of the first duplex bar abuts the side of the receiving bar and defines an angle therebetween.

According to the present invention the same connector can be used with duplex bars and perimeter spacer bars. Hence, the receiving bar may be a second duplex bar or it may be a perimeter spacer bar. Advantageously, the receiving bar may have a different sized channel section to the duplex bar.

Preferably, the duplex bar is held at an approximately 90° angle to the perimeter spacer bar, or the second duplex bar, but other angles may be used according to the desired angle in use, especially when used in circular or partially circular windows.

The means for one-directional force fitting into the longitudinal channel may comprise a body carrying projections such as fins or spines, or smaller protrusions such as nubs, nodules, or bumps. In use these projections or protrusions push against one or more inner walls of the channel defined within the duplex bar. Where fins or spines are used they may be directionally angled, preferably in the direction of insertion, so as to impede removal from the channel. The first end of the connector may be tapered or chamfered or otherwise profiled to facilitate insertion into the duplex bar.

The first and second ends of the connector may be connected by a neck portion and the length of the neck portion may be varied according to the thickness of the wall defining the aperture which receives the second end of the connector.

The snap-engageable end is preferably integral with or rigidly attached to the connector. However, area of the connector from which the lugs project may be provided with a recess surrounding the neck portion allowing the lugs to flex slightly with respect to the body of the connector.

Preferably, the snap-engageable end has mutually-reciprocating lugs which deform by moving inwardly as the lug is pushed through the aperture and which spring back to their starting position after passing through the aperture.

Where mutually-reciprocating lugs are used, the distal end of the lugs, which makes first contact with the aperture, is profiled to facilitate access to the aperture. Such profiling may include the distal ends being frustoconincal, domed or otherwise tapered to facilitate entry to the aperture.

Alternatively, the snap-engageable end is made from a deformable material which deforms as the lug is pushed through the aperture and which expands on exit from the aperture. The deformable material preferably has an elastic memory and re-forms to its original shape following insertion into the aperture.

In either embodiment the lugs may further comprise shoulder means, a flange or a lip at the neck end of the lug to prevent accidental release from the aperture once they spring back into their starting position, whereby, in use, the shoulder rests against the inner wall of the receiving bar defining the aperture.

Optionally, after insertion into the aperture, the mutually-reciprocating lugs may be held apart, forced apart or forcibly expanded by the insertion of locking means to prevent the lugs from moving back towards one another.

The locking means are preferably in the form of a pin which is moved between the lugs after insertion of the lugs in the aperture. The locking means are preferably in the form of a locking pin comprising a head piece connected to one end of an elongate body member. The head piece may be solid or may be provided with a recess portion to allow the head to engage with an insertion toolsuch as a screwdriver, alien key, drill bit or the like to facilitate its insertion into the connector. The locking means may be of any cross-section provided that it engages with and is movable within the guide means. For example, the elongate body member may be square, rectangular, circular or cruciform in cross section. To facilitate insertion, the locking means preferably act by being moved from the body of the connector towards the snap-engageable end. Preferably, the locking means is guided towards the snap-engageable end using guide means such as a channel provided in or on the body of the connector. One end of the locking means may be provided with a recessed portion which allows it to engage with an insertion tool such as a screwdriver, alien key, drill bit or the like. Generally, this will be the end of the locking means which does not interact with the snap-engagable end of the connector.

The locking means may be removed after operation. Where the locking pin is intended to be retained in the connector, it may be sized such that it is retained inside the body of the connector to impede or prevent extraction thereof. Alternatively, the locking pin may also be locked into place within the body of the connector.

The locking means may, in use part the lugs or to force expansion of the deformable material, extend beyond the distal end of the snapengageable end of the connector.

In one preferred embodiment the snap-engageable end comprises a lug which is conical, frustoconical or mushroom-shaped and which is divided into two or four legs, symmetrical about a central axis, and which deform by moving inwardly toward one another as they move through the aperture, springing back to their resting positions when the shoulder abuts the inner wall of the bar. Also in this embodiment, the means for one-directional force fitting into the longitudinal channel comprises projections such as fins or spines angled toward the direction of insertion.

In another preferred embodiment, the snap-engageable end comprises a lug which is conical, frustoconical or mushroom-shaped and which is divided into two, symmetrical about a central axis, and which deform by moving inwardly toward one another as they move through the aperture, springing back to their resting positions when the shoulder abuts the inner wall of the bar, and the means for one-directional force fitting into the longitudinal channel comprises projections such as fins or spines angled toward the direction of insertion. Also in this embodiment the body of the connector is box-sectioned to facilitate the insertion of a locking pin to ensure that the lugs move apart after insertion.

Again, in the preferred embodiment, the connector is made from a plastics material and all the parts are integrally formed with the connector.

Preferably, the connector is made from a single material and may be made from a plastics material, an elastomeric material or another resilient material. However, the connector may be made from two or more materials. For example, either the projections or protrusions, or the lugs, of both may be made from a different material, such as a softer, more deformable material or from a material having greater frictional resistance to unintentional movement such as a rubber or a rubber like material.

In embodiments having guide means and locking means, the locking means may be at least partially pre-assembled within the connector.

The spacer bars or the duplex bars are conventionally made from aluminium, a plastics material, or a composite or resin material. The bar is generally hollow having an internal channel of an approximately D-shaped cross-section defined by the outer wall thereof. Spacer bars generally also comprise small vents for the ingress of any moisture which is then trapped by a hygroscopic material entrained within the channel.

The connector may be made by moulding, for example injection moulding, by CNC machining, by sintering, by carving, by 3-D printing or by any other process suitable for producing a connector of the desired shape from a suitable material.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to and as illustrated in the appended drawings of which

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector of the invention from the first end;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a connector of the invention from the second end;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device of a second embodiment, and

Figure 4 shows the connector of Figure 3 in its in use configuration.

Referring to Figure 1, a duplex bar connector 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The connector 10 comprises a body 12 having first end 13 for insertion into the hollow longitudinal channel of a duplex bar (not shown). The end 13 is provided with a chamfered or tapered region 18 for facilitating insertion of the connector into the channel of the duplex bar.

The body 12 has fins 14 and spines 16 projecting therefrom, and in the embodiment shown these extend at a backwards angle, reverse to the direction of insertion, to push against the inner wall of the channel of the duplex bar, in use, and to hold the connector 10 in place. The fins and spines 14, 16 also serve to impede inadvertent withdrawal of the connector 10. The ends of the fins or spines 14, 16 distal to the body 12 may further be covered or coated so as to further impede withdrawal either with an adhesive or by the provision of a high friction coating.

The underside (not shown) of the body 12 also has spines 16 projecting therefrom.

Referring to Figure 2, the second end 20 of the connector 10 has snapengageable lugs 22. The lugs 22 have a channel 24 defined therebetween and move inwardly towards one another when inserted into an aperture (not shown) in the side-wall of the receiving bar. The lugs 22 are provided with a shoulder 28 to prevent accidental release of the lugs 22 form the aperture. In use, the shoulder 28 abuts the inside wall of the internal channel of the receiving bar. The lug 22 is also provided with a neck portion 26 the length of which may be chosen to suit the thickness of the wall of the receiving bar.

In this embodiment, the connector 10 is provided with a channel 30 extending into the body 12 of the connector and which forms a recess around the neck 26 to improve the flexibility of the neck 26 which further extends into the body 12 to the base of the channel 30.

Additionally in this embodiment, the body 12 comprises a sealing portion 40 which, in use, seals the internal channel of the duplex bar.

The connector 10 is made from a plastics material by moulding or 3-D printing and is formed in a single piece. The channel 30 may be integrally formed with the connector 10 or it may be formed after the initial shaping as a second process step.

In a second embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, The connector 100 comprises a body 120 having first end 130 for insertion into the hollow longitudinal channel of a duplex bar (not shown). The end 130 is provided with a chamfered or tapered region 180 for facilitating insertion of the connector into the channel of the receiving bar.

The body 120 has fins 140 and spines 160 projecting therefrom, and in the embodiment shown these extend at a backwards angle, reverse to the direction of insertion, to push against the inner wall of the channel of the duplex bar, in use, and to hold the connector 100 in place. The fins and spines 140, 160 also serve to impede inadvertent withdrawal of the connector 100. The ends of the fins or spines 140, 160 distal to the body 120 may further be covered or coated so as to further impede withdrawal either with an adhesive or by the provision of a high friction coating.

The underside (not shown) of the body 120 also has spines 160 projecting therefrom.

The second end 200 of the connector 100 has snap-engageable lugs 220. The lugs 220 have a channel 240 defined therebetween and move inwardly towards one another when inserted into an aperture (not shown) in the side-wall of the receiving bar. The lugs 220 are provided with a shoulder 280 to prevent accidental release of the lugs 220 from the aperture. In use, the shoulder 280 abuts the inside wall of the internal channel of the receiving bar. The lug 220 is also provided with a neck portion 260 the length of which may be chosen to suit the thickness of the wall of the receiving bar.

The body 120 is provided with guide means 300 defined by a guide channel within the body 120 of the connector 100. In the embodiment shown, the guide means 300 are formed by a hollow region within the body 120 defined by the walls of the body 120. In alternative embodiments, the guide means may be smaller, hollow channels or grooves defined within the body of the connector.

Locking means 400 are also provided. The locking means 400 are in the form of a locking pin comprising a head piece 410 connected at one end of an elongate body member 420. The head piece 410 may be solid or may be provided with a recess portion (not shown) to allow the head 410 to engage with an insertion tool (not shown) such as a screwdriver, alien key, drill bit or the like to facilitate its insertion into the connector 100.

In the in use configuration, as shown in figure 4 without duplex bars for ease of illustration, the locking means 400 is inserted in to the body 120 of the connector 100 having been pushed through the hollow region in the body 120 of the connector until the tip 430 enters the channel 240 between the lugs, pushing the lugs 220 away from one another and bringing the shoulders 280 into contact with the receiving bar defining the insertion hole preventing accidental removal of the locking means.

Hence, in use the lugs 220 of a connector 100 are introduced to and inserted into a hole provided in a receiving bar (not shown), the tip 430 of the locking means 400 is then inserted into the guide means 300 in the body 120 and pushed by applying pressure to the head portion 410 until the tip 430 enters the channel 240 and pushes the lugs 220 apart, causing the shoulders 280 of the lugs to move into contact with the wall of the receiving bar. The head portion 410 is partially inserted into the guide means 300 so that the end 230 of the connector 100 can be inserted into the the hollow longitudinal channel of a duplex bar (not shown) and held in place by the engagement of the fins 140 and spines 160 of the connector 100.

The connector 100 is made from a plastics material by moulding or 3-D printing.

Claims

1. A duplex bar connector, the connector comprising a body having a first end comprising means for one-directional force fitting into an open or end portion of the longitudinal channel formed within a first duplex bar and a second end which is snap-engageable in an aperture defined in the side-wall of a receiving bar, whereby in use, the duplex bar and the receiving bar are held together such that the end of the first duplex bar abuts the side of the receiving bar and defines an angle therebetween.

2. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 1, in which the snapengageable end has mutually-reciprocating lugs which deform by moving inwardly as the lug is pushed through the aperture and which spring back to their starting position after passing through the aperture.

3. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which mutually-reciprocating lugs are used, and the distal end of the lugs, which makes first contact with the aperture, is profiled to facilitate access to the aperture.

4. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 3, in which the profiling of the distal ends is frustoconincal, domed or otherwise tapered to facilitate entry to the aperture.

5. A duplex bar connector according to any one of the preceding claims further including guide means for receiving and guiding locking means, the guide means being located in or on the body of the connector.

6. A duplex bar connector according to claim 5, in which the guide means are in the form of a central channel within the body of the connector.

7. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 1, in which the snapengageable end is made from a deformable material which deforms as the lug is pushed through the aperture and which expands on exit from the aperture.

8. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 7, in which the deformable material has an elastic memory and re-forms to its original shape following insertion into the aperture.

9. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the lugs further comprise shoulder means, a flange or a lip to prevent accidental release from the aperture once they spring back into their starting position, whereby, in use, the shoulder rests against the inner wall of the receiving bar defining the aperture.

10. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the means for one-directional force fitting into the longitudinal channel comprises projections such as fins or spines, or smaller protrusions such as nubs, nodules, or bumps whereby, in use, these projections or protrusions push against one or more inner walls of the channel defined within the duplex bar.

11. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 10, in which fins or spines are used and are directionally angled so as to impede removal from the channel.

12. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 11, in which the fins or spines are directionally angled in the direction of insertion.

13. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the snap-engageable end is integral with or rigidly attached to the connector.

14. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the area of the connector from which the lugs project is provided with a recess allowing the lugs to flex slightly with respect to the body of the connector.

15. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connector is made from a single material.

16. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the connector is made from a plastics material, an elastomeric material or another resilient material.

17. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the connector is made from two or more materials.

18. A duplex bar connector, according to claim 17, in which either the projections or protrusions, or the lugs, or both may be made from a different material, such as a softer, more deformable material or from a material having greater frictional resistance to unintentional movement such as a rubber or a rubber like material.

19. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the snap-engageable end comprises a lug which is conical, frustoconical or mushroom-shaped and which is divided into two or four legs, symmetrical about a central axis, and which deform by moving inwardly toward one another as they move through the aperture, springing back to their resting positions when the shoulder abuts the inner wall of the bar.

20. Locking means for use with a duplex bar connector according to claim 5 or claim 6, in which the locking means is in the form of a locking pin comprising a head piece connected at one end to an elongate body member and, in use, the elongate member is introduced to and inserted into the guide means and pushed along the guide means to the snap-engageable end where it pushes the lugs apart and prevents them from moving back towards one another, thereby locking them in place.

21. Locking means according to claim 20, in which the head piece is provided with a recess portion to allow the head to engage with an insertion tool such as a screwdriver, alien key, drill bit or the like.

22. Locking means according to claim 21 or claim 22 in which the locking means are removable from the guide means.

23. A duplex bar connector, the connector comprising a first end comprising means for one-directional force fitting into the longitudinal channel formed within a duplex bar and a second end which is snap-engageable in an aperture in a side-wall of a receiving bar, whereby in use, the duplex bar and the receiving bar are held together at an approximately 90° angle, in which the snap-engageable end comprises a lug which is conical, and which is divided into two or four legs, symmetrical about a central axis, and the means for one-directional force fitting into the longitudinal channel comprises projections such as fins or spines angled toward the direction of insertion and in which the connector is made from a plastics material and all the parts are integrally formed with the connector.

24. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the receiving bar is a second duplex bar or be a perimeter spacer bar.

25. A duplex bar connector, according to any one of the preceding claims in which the receiving bar has a different sized channel section to the duplex bar.

26. A duplex bar connector according to the present invention, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1 of the appended drawings.

27. A duplex bar connector according to the present invention, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 2 of the appended drawings.

28. A duplex bar connector according to the present invention, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of the appended drawings.

ytAjg/ZW»1

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1620304.4 Examiner: Mr Tom Simmonds