PT821113E - VERTICAL COMPARTMENTAL SYSTEM WITH SOLIDARIZATION FITTINGS - Google Patents

Abstract

A partitioning system consists of separate panels (A,B) which can slide between lower and upper horizontal rails (4,5) and be fitted and removed individually. Each panel is made from two identical walls (1) with top and bottom ribs (8,8') to engage with the rails, and vertical end ribs (7,7') for fixing connecting strips (2) which join each pair of walls together. The connecting strips (2) have projecting ribs (17) which are joined by fasteners (3) when two adjacent panels are fitted together. Each fastener comprises two components which can be rotated relative to one another one which fits over the edges of the two connecting strips, and the other which locks it in place, e.g. with the aid of cams.

Description

85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ

The present invention relates to a vertical compartmentation system of the type of panels mounted between two horizontal rails which allows the individual dismantling of the panels without action on the adjacent panels. The invention is also conceived to cooperate with a cabinet assembly that is combined with partition members to form a mural type cabinet.

Generally, the partitioning systems require the existence of parts located between the panels that perform the interfacing of the different panels and are easily detachable. There are known, for example, panels formed by two identical facings mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the partition and connected by means of their vertical comer profiles, which include support surfaces intended to come into contact with surfaces homologous to the corner profile of the partition adjacent panel. The attachment of the adjacent panels is effected at the level of said bearing surfaces including appropriate fastening means.

In known systems, the main drawback lies in the complexity of the corner profile which excessively induces a spacing between the panels which require the laying of a supplementary part in particular to preserve the aesthetic unit of the outer surfaces of the wall. This is the reason why the spacing between the panels has been reduced, also for the purpose of using this partitioning system for hitherto unknown purposes, for example, as an aid in the making of furniture which will be explained in detail in the following. GB-A-2 238 071, which discloses a partitioning system having the features of the preamble of claim 1, discloses a panel system of two like facings in which each facade includes, at its two vertical side edges, curved edges in relation to said facing, which form with the profile of the symmetrical face a groove in which a corner profile is secured whose ends which extend beyond said groove are provided with flat portions perpendicular to the surfaces forming support surfaces in the vicinity of which they are applied securing means for holding said surfaces in contact

85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ 2 with the homologous bearing surfaces of the adjacent corner profile. Springs with U-sections allow the panels to be held together. The patent LU-A-85 045 relates to a similar system but whose facings are arranged on either side of a frame on which is fixed a lateral profile that allows the fixing in the profile of the adjacent panel. A bearing surfaces of said profiles also cooperate to enable the panels to be secured together.

An element also having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, called a gasket, allows the two profiles to be secured together with each other over the entire height of the panels.

In the context of the invention, the side profiles are of a special design which allows them to adapt to fasteners of a special type also provided with a locking system which does not exist in the above-mentioned systems.

To reduce the space between the panels, the corner profiles slightly extend the throat, by about 3 mm, from where a clearance of about 6 mm. In view of this small distance the fastening means must be provided in such a way that they can be manipulated in a reduced space.

Visually, panel spacings give rise to 6 mm wide vertical grooves which are filled by means of gaskets which restore an aesthetic unit by removing the view of the securing means.

According to the invention, the vertical compartmentation system is composed of panels including two identical facings mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the partition, which are connected by means of their vertical corner profiles which include support surfaces intended to enter contacting with homologous bearing surfaces of the corner profile of the adjacent panel, panels being secured adjacent the level of said bearing surfaces by fastening means, each facing at each of its two upright lateral ends, with a collar of the symmetrical face constituting a groove in which the corner profile is secured whose ends which extend beyond said groove are provided with planar bevelles perpendicular to the large face of the panels, which form the support surfaces, said means being 85 264 ΕΡ Ο 8 21 113 / aplic applied to said abutment flanges, in contact by their abutment surface with the homologous corner profiles of adjacent panels.

Further, the panels are mounted between two horizontal rails and said ends of the corner profile each have an axial vertical groove facing outwardly of said profile, bounded on the one hand by said bearing collar showing the bearing surface and, on the other hand, by a flange parallel to the facing forming part of the corner profile (2).

The means for securing the homologous surfaces of the adjacent panel edge profiles are so-called "eccentric" fasteners which are adapted to the ends of said corner profiles and which allow the joining of two adjacent panels, the design of which allows the use taking into account the tensions generated.

In this configuration, said fasteners gather the bearing surfaces of corner profiles brought into end-to-end contact.

Preferably the eccentric fasteners are composed of two free parts in rotation with respect to one another, the first part having an axial groove intended to receive the adjacent corner profile bearing surfaces when in contact, the second part to fasten the first one to fix and hold each other said adjacent corner profiles.

Still more preferably, said first part has an elongate parallelepiped shape with a width less than the width of the interstice between two consecutive panels, the second part being dipped in a recess engaged in a face situated opposite said throat, but having a perpendicular axis, in the which it can generate. The assembly constituted by said two pieces forming the fastening means is substantially comprised in a parallelepipedic volume which is inserted into the interstices separating the adjacent panels from a partition. The second part also has a parallelepiped-shaped body, provided with two cylindrical shaped excrescences which have a symmetry of revolution about their axis of rotation, located on one side and the other side of the parallelepipedal body, a pivot shaft when it is inserted in a corresponding hole of the first part, the other part is provided with a depression intended to cooperate with a tool designed to impart a rotational torque to it.

The configuration can be schematized as follows: the first part has, on its opposite side to the axial groove, two crenels between which the second part which fills approximately the space left free between said crenels is placed, and which can be rotated in turn of an axis centered in this space. It is clear that adaptive tools are many, ranging from the simple screwdriver to the more complicated forms of specific depressions, through hexagonal or star shaped depressions. The second part seals the support of the corner profiles carried by the throat of the first part by cooperating their ends with the inner surfaces of the edges of the outer axial grooves of the corner profiles when rotating.

To this end, the surfaces of the second part intended to come into contact with the inner surfaces of said edges are machined so as to constitute eccentric surfaces which favor the relative movement of the surfaces in contact when it is rotated approximately π / 2 rad. in the classic sense of screwing the tools. The designation "catch-eccentric" results from this specific configuration. It should be noted that the rotational effort has the first effect of pushing the first piece such that the two surfaces in support of the corner profiles of two adjacent panels come into contact with the bottom of their throat and then performs the tightening by cooperation with the inner surfaces of the outer axial grooves of the corner profiles.

At the end of the tightening, the two parts are perpendicular.

The entire compartmentation system of the invention has been designed so that it is easy to manufacture and install, without requiring many tools or special order of assembly. For this purpose, during design, symmetries were systematically sought.

Thus, the second eccentric clamp part has a symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation.

85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ

Similarly, the first part has a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the middle of the throat and in relation to a transverse median plane.

Finally, the corner profiles and facings have a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing in the middle of the end flanges and in relation to a transverse median plane.

A compartmentation system such as that of the invention may of course be developed in various directions.

In this case, the main features of the invention must be rediscovered regardless of the development of the wall. Thus, if the latter has an orientation which is perpendicular to a first direction, it is necessary that the minimum distance be preserved at the level of the change of direction.

To this end, the corner profiles may be attached to partition, corner and / or cornering edge profiles, said neck of these end profiles being analogous to that forming two panels forming a panel.

According to a possible configuration, the compartmentation system of the invention includes partitioning direction change profiles of which one of the vertical side corners has, in section, a double niches oriented towards the inside of the profile, said niches housing for joints between which are provided holes for the passage of threaded bolts fixed in said profile groove, and whose heads are slidable into grooves formed by the outer axial grooves of two corner profiles in contact.

Each niche is provided to house a prismatic joint which comes to rest on one of the panel walls at the level from which the change of direction is established.

These turning profiles are centered at the interstice of a partition with the niches applied against it, the fixing screws running through their heads in the outer axial grooves of the corner profiles of the panels at the level of which they are made the change of direction. 85 264 ΕΡ Ο S21 113 / ΡΤ 6

In certain cases, the change of direction occurs at the level of a corner and one of the panels is then replaced by an upright that substantially reproduces the corner of a panel and is easily replaceable by a complete panel.

However, for reasons of aesthetics, it is sometimes preferred that the steering changes have a smooth outer angle, which can not subsequently be extended. In order to ensure the attachment of such angle piece, there is a particular corner profile, derived from the classic corner profile. The angle piece in question is also a particular profile in which, according to two perpendicular orientations, there are attached half corner profiles made from a complete profile cut according to its longitudinal median plane of symmetry.

According to an important feature of the invention, the symmetrical facings of the panels can be detached from the wall separately.

This feature provides an important advantage for the new partitioning system of the invention, which is to enable its use as an aid to make furniture, in particular because it allows the realization of cabinet niches. The type of partition described may in effect constitute the bottom and side walls of a cabinet or equivalent, to which it is sufficient to join upwards and downwards stoppers and closures.

In a classic space partitioning, the bottom of said cabinet may for example be a corridor panel, while one of said cabinet flank panels is integrated in a transverse partition. The fastening and turning modes remain however as described above, and the compartmentation system as such is not changed.

In contrast, flank panels must necessarily include two detachable facings separately, so that the system is flexible and allows configuration changes as will be explained in detail in the following. To make a cabinet it is necessary that at least one of said parts is arranged to receive accessories such as, for example, facade accessories and cabinet shelves. The particular partitioning system of the invention thus adapts to a wide variety of configurations, with or without integrated cabinets.

85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ 7

The cabinets can be arranged end to end with the only restriction of the flank panel having to be made up of two special frames arranged to receive shelves, miscellaneous accessories and door hinges.

If a sidewall panel forms the outer side of a cabinet, it is consequently constituted by a classic separating partition wall exterior and by a facing arranged in the interior.

As for a classic partition wall, the cabinets created by the system of the invention include upper and lower elements equipped with a flat part that closes the volume of storage at the level of the floor and the ceiling, acting as waits for the doors.

In the case where the cabinet is positioned in a partition corner, one of the flank walls is evidently extended by a classic partition panel.

In addition to the arrangements provided in the walls intended to form a flank panel, the partitioning system according to the invention therefore operates according to the same principle with two different scales for partitioning a partition or a cabinet.

According to preferred embodiments, the cabinet stops will be of wood or glass. Similarly, the bottom of the cabinet (the corridor panels) will include a protective film. Altematively, the waiting angles will be installed on the shelves.

The advantages of such a process of installing cabinets are manifold: if a cabinet is suppressed, the special interior paneling is very simply replaced by a classic facade. The backsheet film is furthermore easily removed.

In the case of adding a cabinet, the opposite is true: applying a film on the back face and changing one of the facings of the flank panel of the cabinet.

If a transverse partition is moved, added or deleted, the cabinets are not scrambled and acoustic characteristics between the premises are conserved. For example,

In order to move the transverse partition along a partition equipped with cabinets, it is sufficient to carry said transverse partition from one flank panel to the other. The different steps of such a change will be explained later.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of partition in which certain elements have been raised to clarify the view; FIG. shows the expanded catch-eccentric; Fig. 2 gives a general appearance of the shape of the corner profiles and their fastening, in a cross-sectional view of a portion of the partition; Fig. 3 shows a changeable L-direction change; Fig. 4 shows another change of direction also in L but not expandable; Fig. 5 shows a cross-expandable T-configuration; Figs. 6a to 6f. show a change of location of a wall as well as the suppression of a closet. FIG. 1 shows a simple joint of two panels A, B of which the (B) is incomplete since it only has a face 1, for purely explanatory purposes, because the absence of the face 1 in front of the panel B allows one to see the profile 2 and, on the other hand, the operating mode of the eccentric clamp 3, as well as internal details of said walls 1.

This figure also shows lower or upper rails 4 and 5 in which panels A, B are held. The upper eccentric catch 3 is shown in two distinct conditions by means of a double representation: that which is distant from the wall is in position of insertion in the vertical interstice 6 formed by the two corner profiles 2 in contact, whereas that which is in the interstice 6 is in the bolted position. This last position is clearly visible

85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ 9 by virtue of the absence of a representation of an upper portion of the corner profile 2 of the panel B, from the top of the upper cam-catch 3.

A lower catch eccentric 3 is also shown in the locking position in the interstice or groove 6 which separates the side edges 18 from the corner profiles 2 when they are supporting one another. The single facing 1 shown for the panel B shows the internal configuration of the folded plate constituting this facing and in particular the vertical flanges redoubled inwardly 7, 7 'generally perpendicular to the large side of the facing 1. There are also portions 8, 8 'at the level of the upper and lower edges, which allow easy engagement in the crosspieces 4 and 5 and also easy disassembly. FIG. it is an enlarged representation of the eccentric fastener 3, also duplicated in its two insertion and locking positions. The two parts 9, 10 which make up this fastener 3 appear here most clearly with their substantially parallelepipedic-like bodies. The first part 9 has on one of its faces a longitudinal axial groove 11 which is seen, in the right-hand securing position, which houses the two bearing surfaces 20 of the inner ends of the comer profiles 2.

On its opposite face it has two recesses 12, 12 'which frame a recess 13 in which the parallelepipedic shaped body of the second part 10 is immersed. This has a cylindrical overhang 14 in which a female depression 15 is practiced to cooperate with a tool of tightening. On the same face eccentrics 16 are practiced symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation, which allow facilitating the insertion of the part 2 into the outwardly directed axial grooves 17, against the inner surfaces of the flanges 18 parallel to the faces 1 (see following figures) when a clockwise rotation, ie in the direction of tightening, is printed. On the other side, a cylindrical body (not shown) coaxial with the overhang 14 is inserted into a corresponding cylindrical inner zone of the first part 9, in which it can rotate freely.

FIGS. 2 to 5 give a more precise idea of the sections of the profiles used as well as of way of securing the contiguous corner profiles 2 and, consequently, of the adjacent panels.

85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ 10

In Fig. 2, for example, the exact shape of the corner profile 2 appears in particular at the ends of the partition, further supporting a homologous profile 2. The facings 1 have been voluntarily reduced in length for purposes of explanation but this has no effect on the functioning of the system.

The corner profiles 2 have a central U-shaped region 19 and the two outer axial grooves 17 at both ends of the shoulders of said U. These two axial grooves 17 are bordered by two perpendicular beads, on the one hand, the bearing collar, on the other hand, the collar located in the extension of the facings 18. The sections of the facings 1 comprise a T with its vertical edge redoubled by 90 °, at least for most of its height.

In the locking position, the two homologous corner profiles 2 constitute, in section, a rectangular area in which the two vertical grooves 6 formed by the outer grooves 17 when they are end to end.

The fasteners 3 are disposed in these grooves 6 with the cylindrical protrusion 14 provided with the depression 15 for connection with a tool protruding in the interstice 21 between two consecutive panels. These interstices 21 are capped with gaskets 22 reestablishing the flat shape of the wall. FIG. 3 introduces two new parts: a turning profile 23 and a corner profile or end post 24, themselves fixed in a U-shaped profile 25 forming a groove which enables the corner profiles 2 to be secured on a single side. The end upright 24 could be easily replaced by a panel if the wall were to be extended. Two seals 29, 29 'are placed between the harnesses 30, 30' of the steering profile 23. The attachment of the latter is effected at the level of an interstice 21 between two consecutive panels or between a panel and a corner profile 24, which can therefore be considered as a partition end amount.

A screw 31 is fixed to the level of the profile 23, its head resting on the inner surfaces of the flanges 18 located in the extension of the facings 1. The heads of the said screws 31 can thus run in the groove 6 formed by the two

The grooves 17 face to face, until they are brought into correspondence with an orifice of the profile 23 intended for their passage.

In this configuration, the corner profile which is connected to the upright 24 is in fact made up of two profiles 26, 26 'which behave functionally in exactly the same way as an entire profile 2.

In Fig. 2 shows a non-expandable corner profile 27, i.e. not directly replaceable by a panel. This profile is also provided with two corner semi-profiles 26, 26 ', this time arranged perpendicular to one another. The inner joint of the comer is made by means of a simple L-shaped profile 28. Fig. 5 shows a T-joint, identical in its spirit to the L-junction of Fig. 3, but enlarged by replacing the corner profile 24 with a complete panel.

FIGS. 6a to 6f give an overview of the possibilities of integration of cabinets in one or more rooms along at least one partition and of the flexibility of the system allowing multiple modifications.

They show the dismantling of the left-hand one at the same time as the displacement of the partition, transferring a cabinet from one partition to another at the same time.

In order to displace the partition, it is first necessary to withdraw upstream of the end 40 to give the possibility of extending the transverse partition in the place where it should be placed. Thereafter, the lower 4 and upper 5 sleepers are in turn moved and fixed in the extension of those which equip the flank panel 41 between the two cabinets. The panels 42 themselves, with their facings, are finally transferred so as to complement the new partition which may be continuous up to a perpendicular or partial partition, in which case an end amount is attached at its end, even where it comes from. Disassembly of the cabinet on the right begins by removing the doors 43 which allow shelves 44 to appear. The flap panel 45 is then disassembled starting from the end upright 46, then the panels 47, 47 'and finally the upper and lower 48, 48 '.

12 85 264

EPO

Finally, the disposed face 49 is replaced by a simple facing, for example, the outer end face 47 of the cabinet which has just been disassembled.

These modifications do not cause any deterioration of the characteristics of the walls, they can be realized quite quickly and without having to resort to special tools.

It should be noted that the system of the invention has been described by way of a preferred example which can not however be considered as limiting the invention.

Usboa, 51 JjJL 200g

By CLESTRA HAUSERMAN - THE OFFICIAL AGENT -

Claims (16)

Vertical compartmentation system composed of panels (A, B) having two identical facings (1) mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the partition, being connected by means of their corner profiles (2) including support surfaces (20) intended to come into contact with homologous bearing surfaces of the corner profile (2) of the adjacent panel, the adjacent panels (A, B) being secured at the level of the panels (1), at each of its upright side ends, a collar (7, 7 ') substantially perpendicular to the large face of said facing (1) ), the neck profile (2) constituting with the collar (7, 7 ') of the symmetrical face (1) a groove in which the corner profile (2) is fixed, the ends of which extend beyond said groove are provided with planar bevelles perpendicular to the large face (1), which form the bearing surfaces, said securing means (3) being applied to said bearing shoulders in contact through their bearing surface (20) with the corner profiles (2) homologous to each other. (A, B), characterized in that the panels (A, B) are mounted between two horizontal rails (4,5) and that said corner profile ends (2) each comprise an axial vertical groove (17) (2), bounded on the one hand by said bearing flange having the bearing surface (20) and, on the other hand, by a flange (18) parallel to the face forming part of the profile of the corner (2). Vertical compartmentation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means (3) consists of fasteners which join the bearing surfaces (20) in contact with end profiles with end ends. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fasteners (3) are composed of two free parts (9, 10) rotating relative to one another, the first part (9) having an axial groove ( 11) intended to house the bearing surfaces (20) of adjacent corner profiles (2) when they are in contact, the second part (10) being adapted to lock the first (9) to secure and hold one against the other and said adjacent corner profiles (2). Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first part (9) has an elongate parallelepiped shape, with a width less than the width of the interstice (6) which subsists between two consecutive panels, the second part ) dipped in a recess (13) on a face located on the side opposite said groove (11), but with a perpendicular axis, in which it can rotate. 85 264 ΕΡ0 821 113 / ΡΤ 2/3 Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part (10) has a parallelepipedic shaped body, provided with two cylindrical shaped excrescences having a symmetry of revolution about its axis of rotation, located on one side and the other on the side of the parallelepipedal body, one of the pivot spindles serving when it is inserted into a corresponding hole of the first part (9), the other (14) being provided with a shape (15) intended to cooperate with a tool a rotation torque. Vertical compartmentation system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part (10) secures the securing of the corner profiles (2) carried by the groove (11) of the first part (9), by means of the cooperation of its members ends with the inner surfaces of the edges (18) of the axial grooves (17) of the corner profiles (2) when it is subjected to a rotation. Compartmentation system according to claim 6, characterized in that the surfaces of the second part (10) intended to come into contact with the inner surfaces of said edges (18) are machined so as to form eccentric surfaces (16) which favor the relative movement of the surface in contact when rotating the same of approximately π / 2 rad. in the classic sense of tool locking. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second part (10) has a symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation. Vertical partitioning system according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the first part (9) has a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing in the middle of the groove and in relation to a transverse median plane. Vertical partitioning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corner profiles (2) and the facings (1) have a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing in the middle of the flanges (7, 7). ', 18) and in relation to a transverse median plane. Vertical partitioning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corner profiles (2) are fixed to end profiles of the partition (24), corner (27) and / or direction change (23) , said throat of these end profiles being analogous to that forming two facings (1) constituting a panel. 85 264 ΕΡ Ο 821 113 / ΡΤ 3/3 Vertical compartmentation system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises partitioning direction profiles (23), one of the vertical side corners of which has a double groove facing the inside of the profile, (29, 29 ') between which are provided holes for the passage of threaded screws (31) fixed in said profile groove, and the heads of which can run in grooves (6) formed by axial grooves (17) of two corner profiles (2) in contact, at the level of which said steering profiles (23) are fixed. Vertical partitioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it includes corner profiles (27) to which are fixed, according to two perpendicular orientations, corner semi-profiles (26, 26 ') made from a corner profile (2) cut according to its longitudinal median plane of symmetry. Vertical partitioning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the symmetrical facings (1) of the panels are removable separately from the wall. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the walls (47 ', 49) is arranged to receive accessories. Vertical partitioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that panels are used as cabinet flanks, then the internal facings (47 ', 49) have door-type accessories and / or shelves. Lisbon, By CLESTRA HAUSERMAN - THE OFFICIAL AGENT - Ag. Of. Pr. Ind. Rua das Flores, 74 - 4. * 1BOO LISBOA DA CUNHA FERREIRÁ