IT201600107054A1 - System for making an environment at least partially closed by means of glass sheets, panels or the like - Google Patents

Description

"System to create an environment at least partially closed by means of glass plates, panels or the like"

The present invention relates to the sector of partition walls and in particular relates to a system for creating an at least partially closed environment, for example a box or the like, by means of glass sheets, panels or the like.

Currently, there is a growing tendency to create offices or workplaces in an "open space" environment, ie open plan, with a minimum number of walls or even without walls. In such work environments there is a better exploitation of the available space and a different interaction between the people who work there.

However, on some occasions it is still necessary to provide spaces with a greater degree of privacy than that present in the open space environment. For example, for holding meetings, for housing noisy and / or heat-producing machinery (such as copiers or printers) or for making confidential phone calls, at least partially enclosed spaces are created. These spaces form a kind of room or box. Often, such boxes are bordered by walls that are at least partially transparent.

The realization of an at least partially closed environment involves one or more of the following problems.

Especially in the case where the walls are made of glass, it is necessary that the walls are placed perfectly vertically. This is often a problem because the floor can have dips or areas that are slightly raised from the rest of the floor.

In order to compensate for small variations in the height of the floor, a fine adjustment mechanism must be provided.

On some occasions it is not possible (for aesthetic and / or structural reasons) to hook the panels at the bottom and therefore the need arises to connect the panels stably to one another near their lower edge.

In addition, on some occasions it is not possible (for aesthetic and / or structural reasons) to hook the panels at the top and therefore the need arises to connect the panels stably to one another in an upper position. In addition to partially closed environments with a roughly rectangular or square shape, on some occasions there is a need to create environments with one or more curved walls, even with glass sheets or the like. Currently, known systems do not allow such environments to be created in a practical, relatively cheap and modular way.

The Applicant has set itself the goal of providing a new system to create an environment at least partially closed through panels or sheets that is practical, solid, reliable and allows to overcome at least part of the aforementioned problems.

For the sole purpose of simplifying the present description and the claims, without this being considered a limitation, the present description will describe glass sheet systems. However, the term "panel" will include a panel with one or more sheets of glass (or any material at least partially transparent, for example Plexiglas) or with one or more non-transparent sheets, for example wood, metal, plastic, canvas, .. .

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a system for realizing an environment at least partially closed with a plurality of panels, the system comprising: a lower plate, two or more panels and coupling means for securing said panels at the top, in which said lower plate comprises a plurality of upwardly projecting perniform members, of which at least a part being adjustable in height to compensate for floor level variations, each of said panels comprising a perimeter frame or a lower profile, in which the perimeter frame or the lower profile comprises a cavity for receiving the protruding portion of said perniform stability and alignment members. Preferably, said perniform stability and alignment members comprise first and second threaded pins and in which said lower plate comprises through holes suitable for receiving said first and second threaded pins, in which said first threaded pins have a thread which allows to screw said first pins so that they also partially protrude downwards and in which said second threaded pins have a thread that allows them to be screwed so that they do not protrude downwards, the upwardly projecting ends at least of said second pins forming a discrete alignment element . The lower plate preferably comprises separate modular sections which can be joined together to form a closed-loop or open-loop lower plate.

Each of said panels can comprise two single slabs and a perimeter frame, in which the two single slabs are arranged facing each other and define, together with said perimeter frame, a closed chamber.

The coupling means for securing the panels from the top can comprise an upper plate in one piece or formed by separate modular sections which can be joined together to form an upper plate with a closed loop or an open loop.

According to embodiments, the upper plate comprises slots, each slot comprising an enlarged part and a straight part having a width smaller than the enlarged part.

According to embodiments, at least two panels comprise a profile comprising an upper groove for receiving and holding a plate.

According to embodiments, a clamp is also provided for joining a panel with an adjacent panel. The clamp preferably comprises two retaining members and a connecting pin for connecting two retaining members together, in which the retaining members are partially or totally embedded in the panels.

According to advantageous embodiments, the adjacent sections of the lower plate or of the upper plate can be joined with a button configured to engage a loop of a portion of the plate and a loop of the portion of the adjacent plate.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an at least partially closed environment made with a system of the aforesaid type. The present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, provided by way of non-limiting example, to be read with reference to the attached drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a schematic view in axonometry of a box according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention for realizing, for example, the box of Figure 1;

- Figure 3.1 is a top plan view of a linear module of the lower plate of the system according to Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 3.2 is a top plan view of a curved module of the lower plate of the system according to Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged section of the lower plate made in correspondence with a hole;

Figure 5 is a side view of an adjustable pin of the lower plate of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 is a side view of a fixed pin of the lower plate of Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 7.1 is a section of a section of the lower plate with an adjustable pin and a fixed pin on a level floor;

Figure 7.2 is a section of a section of the lower plate with an adjustable pin and a fixed pin on an uneven floor;

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a double glazing sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a plan view from an edge of the plate of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a plan view from an edge of a plate according to a first variant;

Figure 11 is a plan view from an edge of a plate according to a second variant;

- Figure 12.1 is a top plan view of a linear module of the top plate of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12.2 is a top plan view of a curved module of the upper plate of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a top plan view of a portion of the upper plate; Figure 14 is a section of the double glazing plate of Figure 8 with the upper plate mounted;

Figure 15 is a section showing the steps of fixing the upper plate to the double glazing plate;

- Figures 16A, 16B and 16C show the button for joining two sections of the lower / upper plate and how to mount it;

Figure 17 is a schematic axonometric view of a box according to a second embodiment;

Figure 18 is a sectional view of a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention for realizing, for example, the box of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is an enlarged view of the section according to the second embodiment; And

Figure 20 is a side view of two single slab panels joined by a clamp according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to the present invention, a lower plate, two or more panels supported by the lower plate and upper connection means are provided for connecting two or more panels at the top. According to a first embodiment, the upper connection means comprise an upper plate hooked to the panels. According to a second embodiment, the panels are joined by means of a clamp.

In the following of this description, as far as possible, the various components will be described separately.

Lower plate

The lower plate can be formed by a single plate shaped in a closed ring (for example in the shape of a rectangle, ellipse or similar) or in an open ring (for example in a “C”, “U” or “L” shape).

Preferably, as shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2, the lower plate comprises two or more modules which can be connected to each other in a permanent or removable way. According to an embodiment, identical modules are provided. According to another embodiment, modules of at least two types are provided to form a closed-loop or open-loop plate.

As shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2, at least one linear module 11 and at least one curved module 12 of predefined dimensions are preferably provided. For example, the linear module 11 could have a length of 100 cm and the curved module 12 a radius of about 100 cm. According to preferred embodiments, the lower plate 10 could have a width of a few centimeters, for example 5-10 cm or more. The lower plate 10 could advantageously be made of iron, steel, aluminum or metal alloys.

Preferably, the lower plate 10 comprises a plurality of holes 13. Figure 4 shows a section made along an axis of a hole 13 of the lower plate (11 or 12). Preferably the holes 13 are equidistant. For example, they are a few centimeters away from each other. Preferably, the holes 13 have a diameter of a few millimeters, for example 10-15 mm and are threaded. Preferably, they are through holes as shown in Figure 4.

Threaded pins 15, 16 are screwed into at least part of the holes. Figures 5 and 6 show, respectively, an adjustable pin 15 and a fixed pin 16.

Preferably, the adjustable pin 15 has a flat enlarged "washer" lower head 151 and an upper end with a notch 152 for a screwdriver or with a hex socket for a hexagonal wrench (Allen type) or the like. When the adjustable pin 15 is rotated (with the screwdriver or Allen key), the washer head 151 protrudes downwards and correspondingly raises the bottom plate 11, 12. This condition is visible in Figure 7.2. This feature is particularly advantageous as it allows you to compensate for small differences in the level of a floor. In this way, the bottom plate is extremely stable. If, on the other hand, the floor is perfectly flat (Figure 7.1), the pins 15, 16 protrude upwards at the same height.

Preferably, the fixed pin 16 also has an end with a notch 162 for a screwdriver or with a hexagon socket for a hexagonal section key (Allen type) or the like. The notch (or hexagon) 162 are used to screw the fixed pin 16 into position. The length of the thread 163 is made so as to make the fixed pin 16 penetrate into the respective hole 13 only for the desired stroke, so that it does not protrude downwards.

Preferably, before laying the lower plate on a floor, the protruding part of the fixed pins 16 and of the adjustable ones 15 has the same length. In other words, the ends of the pins 15, 16 lie on the same plane. This condition is obtained by any known means, for example by means of a laser instrument. The same laser instrument can be used to verify that, after the adjustments made with the adjustable pins 15, the fixed pins 16 lie on a perfectly horizontal plane.

Therefore, if the floor on which the lower plate 11 is laid is perfectly flat, the ends of the fixed pins 16 and of the adjustable pins 15 lie on the same plane. If, on the other hand, there are variations in height, some adjustable pins are at a lower height.

In any case, the fixed pins 16 (and possibly at least a part of the adjustable pins 15) form a discrete centering and alignment member, i.e. not continuous but formed by a plurality of single aligned support pins. As will become clear later, the centering and alignment organ, as a whole, is configured to center and align one or more slabs. Thanks to the leveling operated with the adjustable pins (which act as adjustable feet), the panels 20 are supported perfectly horizontal.

Panels

The panels 20 are configured so as to cooperate with the pins 15, 16 of the lower plate 10. Each panel 20 comprises a lower profile 40 or a perimeter frame 30 shaped so as to cooperate with said pins 15, 16.

Panel comprising a sheet of double glazing

Figure 8 shows, in section, a double-glazed pane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The double-glazed pane is indicated as a whole with 20 and comprises two single glass panes 21, 22 facing and parallel. Each single glass plate 21, 22 comprises an external face 21o and 22o and an internal face 21i and 22i.

The insulating glass sheet 20 also includes a perimeter frame 30. The perimeter frame 30 extends along all sides of the insulating glass sheet 20 and keeps the two single glass sheets 21, 22 spaced. Between the two single glass sheets 21 , 22 a closed cavity, or chamber, 23 is then formed. The closed chamber 23 is therefore delimited by the internal faces 21 i, 22i of the two single plates 21, 22 and by the frame 30.

The frame 30 is preferably a suitably shaped extruded metal body. Suitable metals can be selected from the group comprising aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel or combinations thereof.

Alternatively, the frame 30 can be made by molding in a plastic material, for example PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or in a composite material.

The frame 30 comprises a central body 32, a salt compartment 34 and an external hooking channel 38.

The central body 32 defines the distance between the two single glass sheets and comprises two surfaces 33 for bonding two corresponding strips of the inner face 21 i, 22i of the two single glass sheets 21, 22. According to embodiments, each of the bonding surfaces 33 can be a few centimeters wide (for example 2-5 cm).

According to the preferred embodiment of Figure 8, the frame 30 comprises an internal compartment 34 for holding dehydrating salts. The salt compartment 34 is preferably formed by two parallel fins 36 configured to retain a strip of dehydrating salts 35 to prevent condensation from forming. If the insulating glass of the present invention is to be used indoors, salts may not be expected. However, they prevent condensation from forming due to, for example, a temperature difference between the two single panes.

According to the embodiment of Figure 8, the frame 30 comprises a coupling and / or hooking channel 38. The channel 38 is a channel open to the outside and preferably has a roughly rectangular section.

The opening 381 towards the outside is partially closed by two teeth 382 which reduce the opening 381 of the channel 38. This shape of the channel allows you to retain an organ inside it. For example, a nut or plate with a threaded hole, pin or screw may be retained within the channel.

Advantageously, the pins 15, 16 of the lower plate 10 can be inserted into the opening 381 of the channel 38, as shown in Figure 2. Advantageously, when the double-glazing unit 20 is associated with the lower plate 10, the ends of the pins 15, 16 act substantially from grafts and provide centering and alignment of the panels. Preferably, the ends of the pins 15, 16 are not in contact with the bottom of the channel 38 and do not act as a support. This allows to fix a double glazing 20 according to the invention to a floor (or to a lower plate 10), to a ceiling (or to an upper plate 50) or to a vertical upright. The vertical upright could be symmetrically shaped in such a way as to connect two sheets 20 of double glazing according to the invention. The shaped channel 38 along the entire perimeter edge of the double-glazed pane 20 also allows the installation of hinges or other closing / plugging members.

Preferably, the channel 38 is partially embedded in the central body 32 and partially protrudes therefrom. In this way, two zones 39 are formed which are suitable for retaining a sealant to provide an effective seal along the entire perimeter of the double glazing 20, in addition to the sealing given by the adhesive used to glue the two single glazing units to the frame. The sealant can be any known sealant, preferably a substance such as silicone or the like mono or bi-component.

According to embodiments, the double glazing sheet according to the present invention is a flat sheet. According to other embodiments, the insulating glass sheet is a curved sheet and the frame is suitably curved to follow the desired curvature of the insulating glass sheet. In this way it is possible to create curved partitions.

The teeth 382 can be continuous, as shown in Figure 9 or they can be discontinuous as shown in Figure 10. The embodiment of Figure 10 also provides sections without teeth so as to be able to easily insert an organ (for example a nut or a plate ) or any contrasting element for fixing the double glazing plate (for example) to an upright, to a plate or to a hinge.

Figure 11 shows an alternative to the embodiment in which the channel 38 is provided. In this embodiment, holes 38, preferably threaded, are provided for fixing a hinge, an upright, a plate or the like. Preferably the holes 38 are equidistant.

Upper plate

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an upper plate 50 is provided to constrain two or more panels at the top, for example two double-glazed sheets 20 as described above.

Preferably, the upper plate 50 can also be formed by a single plate shaped in a closed ring (for example in the shape of a rectangle, an ellipse or the like) or in an open ring (for example in a "C", "U" or " L").

Preferably, as shown in Figures 12.1 and 12.2, the upper plate 50 comprises two or more modules which can be connected to each other in a permanent or removable way. According to an embodiment, identical modules are provided. According to another embodiment, modules of at least two types are provided to form a closed-loop or open-loop top plate 50.

As shown in Figures 12.1 and 12.2, at least one linear module 51 and at least one curved module 52 of predefined dimensions are preferably provided. For example, the linear module 51 could have a length of 100 cm and the curved module 52 a radius of about 100 cm. According to preferred embodiments, the upper plate 50 could have a width of a few centimeters, for example 5-10 cm or more. The upper plate 50 could advantageously be made of iron, steel, aluminum or metal alloys.

Preferably, the upper plate 50 comprises a plurality of slots 53. Figure 13 shows a top plan view of a portion of the upper plate (51, 52) mounted to a double-glazing unit 20 as previously described. Preferably, the slots 53 comprise a circular part 531 of a certain diameter and a rectilinear section 532 with a width smaller than the diameter of the circular part. Preferably, the slots 53 are passing through.

Figures 14 and 15 schematically show a way of fixing the upper plate 50 to the double-glazing unit 20. A strip with a threaded hole or a nut is preferably inserted into the channel 38 of the perimeter frame 30. The upper plate 50 is placed above the double glazing 20 and a screw 55 is inserted in the slot 53 (vertical arrow in Figure 15). The straight section 532 of slot 53 allows you to center the threaded hole of the plate or nut (as suggested by the horizontal arrow, directed to the right, in Figure 15).

Bottom / top plate button

Figures 16A, 16B and 16C schematically show how two portions (for example 11 and 12) of the lower plate and / or of the upper plate (for example 51 and 52) can be connected together according to embodiments of the present invention. Advantageously, the portions of the lower plate and of the upper plate end with two loops (14 and 54, respectively). Preferably, the lugs are shaped in the same way. Preferably, each loop 14, 54 has an enlarged head and a narrower neck. Preferably, a symmetrical button 60 is provided with two enlarged heads 61 at the ends and a double neck 62. In this way, when two sections of the plate (for example 11 + 12 or 51 + 52) are approached one another in a head-to-head configuration, they can be held together by inserting the button 60. The button is configured so as to accurately fit into the loops 14, 54 of the two plate sections so as to effect a precision holding.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one threaded hole 63 is made in the button 60. In this way, a screw (not shown) can be inserted to extract the key 60 when it is necessary to disassemble the lower plate 10 and / or the upper plate 50.

Returning to Figure 1, a box is shown which can be made with the lower plate 10, some double-glazed plates 20 and, optionally, an upper plate 50. Some double-glazed plates 20 are flat while others are curved. Of course, that of Figure 1 is one of infinite embodiments. The plates (lower and upper) allow a great modularity and adaptability. The curved sections of the lower plate (and the respective curved double-glazed panels) guarantee great stability even when the box is made in an open loop. However, it is preferable (for stability reasons) to have a bottom plate and top plate closed in a loop.

The box of Figure 1 can be advantageously installed even without being hooked to the ceiling. Figure 2 shows a section of the lower plate 10, the double-glazing unit 20 and the upper plate 50.

Single slab panel

Panels with single thickness plate 23 can be associated with a lower plate 10 such as that described above. Figure 18 shows the lower part of a panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The panel 20 comprises a lower shaped profile 40 and a glass plate 23 (or of another material). Preferably, the section 40 has a section similar to that of the double glazing of Figure 8, at least as regards the lower part of the section which is configured to engage the pins 15, 16 of the lower plate 10.

The section 40 is preferably a suitably shaped extruded metal body. Suitable metals can be selected from the group comprising aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel or combinations thereof.

Alternatively, the section 40 can be made by molding in a plastic material, for example PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or in a composite material.

The section 40 comprises a central body 42, a lower coupling / coupling channel 48 and an upper slot 49.

According to the embodiment of Figures 18 and 19, the section 40 comprises a coupling and / or coupling channel 48. The channel 48 is a channel open downwards and preferably has a roughly rectangular section.

The downward opening 481 is partially closed by two teeth 482 which reduce the opening of the channel. This shape of the canal allows an organ to be retained within it. For example, a nut or a plate with a threaded hole, a pin or a screw can be retained within the channel 48.

Advantageously, the pins 15, 16 of the lower plate can be inserted into the opening 481 of the channel 48, as shown in Figure 18. Advantageously, when the plate of Figure 18 is associated with the lower plate 10, the ends of the pins 15, 16 act substantially by couplings and provide centering and alignment of the panels. Preferably, the ends of the pins 15, 16 are not in contact with the bottom of the channel 48 and do not act as a support. This allows you to fix a panel 20 according to the invention to the floor (or to a lower plate 10 resting on the floor) or to the ceiling (or to an upper plate 50).

Similarly to what has been said for double-glazing, the teeth 482 can be continuous or they can be discontinuous. Alternatively, the lower part of the section could be filled with holes, preferably threaded, for fixing a hinge, an upright, a plate or the like. Preferably the holes are equidistant.

The profile also comprises a "U" -shaped groove 49 to hold the sheet. Two seats 491 are preferably provided for two gaskets (not shown) so that the glass sheet is firmly held and that no humidity and / or dirt enters the bottom of the groove 49. Preferably, on the bottom of the groove 49 there is a support of rubbery and / or elastic material on which the edge of the plate rests.

Holding clamp

Two single-thickness and adjacent glass sheets, supported at the bottom by the profile 40, can also be constrained to each other at the top and / or at an intermediate height.

According to embodiments, to constrain two adjacent sheets (glass or other material) to each other at the top and / or at an intermediate height, a retaining clamp 70 can be used.

Figure 20 shows a clamp 70 suitable for joining and holding two adjacent panels. Preferably, the clamp comprises two retaining members 71, 72 and a connecting pin 73 for connecting said two retaining members together. Preferably, each retaining member 71, 72 comprises a body with a shape that adapts to a circular cavity (as shown in Figure 20), a triangular cavity or a trapezoidal cavity. A first retaining member (marked with number 71) preferably has a through hole while the other retaining member 72 preferably has a blind or threaded through hole. The connecting pin 73 is inserted into the through hole of the first member 71 and is partially screwed into the blind or threaded through hole of the other member 72.

The two plates to be joined are equipped with holes 25 (through or non-through) to house the retaining members 71, 72 of the clamp and slot 26 for the connecting pin 73 so that the connecting pin 73, and the when the clamp is in position, do not protrude from the surface of the sheets.

Figure 17 schematically shows a box 2 made with single-layer plates. The configuration of Figure 17 is exemplary as it is possible to make any shape. On the floor there is a lower plate 10 like the one that can be made with the sections of figures 3.1 and 3.2. The panels 20 are supported by sections 40 as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 and are constrained with clamps 70 like those of Figure 20. Preferably there are upper clamps 70 and clamps 70 near the lower plate.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A system for providing an at least partially closed environment (1, 2) with a plurality of panels, the system comprising: a bottom plate (10), two or more panels (20) e hooking means (50, 70) for securing said panels (20) from the top, wherein said lower plate (10) comprises a plurality of perniphomal members (15, 16) protruding from above, of which at least a part (15) being adjustable in height to compensate for floor level variations, each of said panels (20) comprising a perimeter frame (30) or a lower profile (40), in which the perimeter frame (30) or the lower profile (40) comprises a cavity (38, 48) to accommodate the protruding portion of said perniform organs for stability and alignment (15, 16). 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said perniform stability and alignment members (15, 16) comprise first and second threaded pins (15, 16) and wherein said lower plate (10) comprises through holes (13) suitable for receiving said first and second threaded pins (15, 16), in which said first threaded pins (15) have a thread that allows to screw said first pins (15) so that they protrude even partially downwards and in which said second pins threaded (16) have a thread that allows them to be screwed so that they do not protrude downwards, the upwardly protruding ends of at least said second pins (16) forming a discrete alignment element. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said lower plate (10) comprises separate modular sections (11, 12) which can be joined together to form a closed-loop or open-loop lower plate. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which each of said panels (20) comprises two single plates (21, 22) and a perimeter frame (30), in which the two single plates (21, 22) are arranged facing each other and defining, together with said perimeter frame (30), a closed chamber (23). The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hooking means (50, 70) for securing said panels (20) at the top comprise an upper plate (50) in one piece or formed by separate portions (51, 52) ) modular ones that can be joined together to form an upper plate with closed loop or open loop. The system of claim 5, wherein said upper plate (50) comprises slots (53), each slot (53) comprising an enlarged part (531) and a straight part (532) of a width smaller than the enlarged part (531) . The system of claim 1, wherein at least two of said panels comprise a profile (40) comprising an upper groove (49) for receiving and holding a plate. The system of claim 7, also comprising a clamp (70) for joining a panel with an adjacent panel, wherein said clamp comprises two retaining members (71, 72) and a connecting pin (73) for connecting said ones together. two retaining members, in which said retaining members are partially or totally embedded in said panels. The system of claim 3 or 5, wherein said adjacent portions of lower plate (10, 11) or upper plate (51, 52) can be joined with a button (60) configured to engage a loop (14, 54 ) of a plate section and a loop (14, 54) of the adjacent plate section. 10. An at least partially closed environment (1, 2) made with a system according to any one of the preceding claims.