WO2020170230A1

WO2020170230A1 - Construction assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020170230A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/051561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippus Theunis DE VRIES
Original assignee: De Vries Philippus Theunis
Priority date: 2019-02-22
Filing date: 2020-02-24
Publication date: 2020-08-27

Abstract

This invention relates to a construction assembly (1) and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a construction assembly (1) for use in constructing part of the body of a vehicle such as a trailer, camper, motorhome or caravan. The construction assembly (1) includes an elongate member having securing means along a length thereof, an elongate cavity and a cover attachable over at least part of the cavity. The cavity includes lighting and electrical wires (11). The elongate body member secures building elements such as panels (2) that form at least part of a wall, floor, and/or roof of a vehicle as referred to.

Description

CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a construction assembly and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a construction assembly for use in constructing part of the body of a vehicle such as a trailer, camper, motorhome or caravan.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The upper body or superstructure of a trailer, motorhome, camper or caravan, is usually constructed from lightweight, yet sturdy material to provide a strong, insulated and aesthetically pleasing container. Panels form roofs, walls and/or floors and may be joined with extrusions, especially aluminum extrusions.

Such containers may be fitted with furnishings such beds, tables, cupboards, kitchen units and the like.

Light fittings are usually included. Wiring harnesses are included inside the panels or behind cladding or furnishings such as cupboards and the like. Wiring harnesses or parts thereof may also be included in conduits attached in or to the panels that form the roofs, walls and/or floors. These housing structures often also include securing means for securing tents thereto. The securing means are in the form of rope securing channels in which ropes sown into the ends of tent material are inserted.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a construction assembly for use in constructing part of a superstructure of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention there is provided a construction assembly comprising an elongate member having securing means along a length thereof, an elongate cavity and a cover attachable over at least part of the cavity.

The securing means extends along a long an edge of the elongate member.

There is provided for the securing means to extend on two edges of the elongate member.

A still further feature provides for the securing means to be channels along two edges of the elongate member.

The two edges are opposite edges of the elongate member.

The elongate member includes a rope receiving channel or track for receiving an elongate round support member covered with material.

There is provided for the material to be tent material.

A yet further feature of the invention provides for the cover to be light permeable. Further features provide for a light source is located in the cavity; for the light source to be an LED strip; for part of an electrical wiring harness to be located in the cavity; for a shade strip to be located behind the cover; and for the shade strip to have a number of apertures. The cover is a light diffuser and/or a light deflector.

Panels are secured in the securing means and the panels form at least part of a wall, floor or roof of a vehicle.

The vehicle is any one or more of the group consisting of a camper, caravan, trailer, motorhome. The elongate member extends more than most of the length of sides of adjacent panels and the elongate member is a two-part member which two parts are securable to each other to form two two-part channels for receiving building elements in the channels.

The building elements are panels which form at least part of a wall, floor or roof of a vehicle.

These and other features are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of two main parts of a construction assembly in accordance with the invention;

figure 2 shows an end exploded view of the parts of the construction assembly of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective assembled view of the parts of the construction assembly of figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows the same view as that of figure 3 but from a slightly different angle;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the parts of the construction assembly of figures 1 to 4 with additional parts in exploded, perspective view;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the construction assembly of figures 1 to 5 with one part in exploded view;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the construction similar figures 1 to 6 in assembled view; Figure 8 shows an end view of the construction assembly of figures 1 to 7 in assembled view, with all components included;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a first connector block;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a second connector block;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of sections of construction assemblies attached to the first connector block;

Figure 12 shows an exploded view of sections of construction assemblies and the second connector block; and

Figure 13 shows a perspective inside view of construction assemblies used to connect a roof and two side walls together. The underside of the roof (2a) form a ceiling and insides of the walls (2b and 2c) as shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings, a construction assembly is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The construction assembly includes two extrusion parts 4. These are an inner extrusion part 7 and an outer extrusion part 8. When the extrusion parts are attached to each other with self-tapping screws 9, they form to opposing channels 5 for receiving panels 2 therein. In the embodiment described herein the channels are inclined so that the panels define a right angle at the cross-section of their extended axes. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the channels can be directed at any desired angle.

The outer extrusion includes a hollow central part with receiving formations at opposite long edges. These receiving formations receive panels 2 therein and form part of the channels 5. The hollow central part includes an inner base plate 8a and a spaced apart, parallel outer base plate 8b. The outer base plate 8b is slightly wider than the inner base plate so that side walls 8e, which connect the outer edges of the base plates are inclined. The two base plates and the opposing inclined side walls thus form a hollow extrusion.

A rope channel 30 extends centrally along the length of the outer base plate 8b. The rope channel receives a rope embedded or sewn into tent material to erect a tent onto the construction assembly as is known in the art.

The receiving formations on the outer extrusion of formed by the inclined side walls as well as an outer wing in the form of an elongate outer wall 8c extending perpendicularly outwardly from outer ends of the inclined sidewalls. On their inner surfaces, the elongate outer wall strips 8c are knurled or include a roughening 1 1 formed by parallel score lines on its surface. Short positioning wings 8d extend from inner edges of the inclined sidewalls, parallel with the outer wings 8c.

Inside the hollow part 8 and extending normally from its inner base plate 8a, into the hollow, are two spaced apart U-shaped self-tapping thread channels. These channels run the length of the inside of the base plate 8a.

The inner extrusion 7 includes an elongate base 7a of substantially similar width than the base 8a of the outer extrusion. From outer long edges of the inner extrusion extend elbow sections. The elbow sections extend operatively inwardly and are defined by two short elongate strips, a first two thin strips 7b extend inwardly and outwardly away from the outer long edges of the base 7a and a second two thin strips 7c form a perpendicular elbow. In other words, the second two strips 7c extend in opposite directions away from the base 7a but also in an operatively outwardly direction. It will be understood that the rope channel 30 is on an outer side of the extrusion parts 4.

From the outer edges of the thin strips 7c extend a perpendicularly extending inner wings 7d. These inner wings form inner walls of the channels 5 when the inner and outer extrusion parts are secured together as explained below.

The inner walls or upper wings 7d terminate in inwardly extending strips 7e, extending substantially towards each other. The strips 7e terminate in locating lips 31 . With reference to figure 2, two panels 2 may now be inserted in the opposite receiving formations or channels 5. Once the panels are inserted as shown in figure 2 the inner extrusion 7 is now screwed onto the outer extrusion 8 using self-tapping extrusion screws 9. The base 7a of the inner extrusion locates on the base 8a of the outer extrusion and the self-tapping screws 9 are screwed through both bases so that the screw threads of the self-tapping screws bite not only into the two bases but also into the insides of the self-tapping thread channels 10. This engagement of the threads of the self-tapping screws 9 with the channels 10 can especially be seen in figure 8.

The width of strips 7c may be such that an outer surface of the upper wings or inner walls 7d of the channel 5 are forced against inner surfaces of the panels 2 as the screws 9 are tightened. This causes a bending moment about the elbow section formed by strips 7b and 7c and ensures that the panels 2 are securely fastened to the extrusion parts for inside the channel 5. The roughening 1 1 further ensures that the panels cannot easily be pulled out of engagement with the extrusion’s i.e. out of the channels 5.

Figure 4 shows a slightly different angle to that of figure 3 but in both figures the panels are now securely attached to the extrusion parts after the extrusion parts have been screwed together as explained above.

With reference to figure 5, an LED light strip 10a may be located inside the substantially C-shaped extrusion part 7. Any number of electrical wires 1 1 may also be inserted in inner extrusion 7. Figure 5 also shows an elongate shade plate 6 which is why the van the distance between the opposing locating lips 31. This shade plate has a number of spaced apart apertures 6a. I hold for receiving a screw 34 is located between a chapter 6a. The role of apertures in the shade plate 6 are preferably off-center to the long axis of the shade plate. This facilitates covering more or less of the light emitted by the LED strip 10a as explained further below.

With reference to figure 6, the shade plate is inserted underneath the inwardly extending strips 7e which form the ends of the substantially C-shaped extrusion 7.

Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 1 1 , 12 and 13 show an elongate transparent or semi-transparent deflector strip 3. The sheet is preferably white transparent and made of a plastics material. The sheet may be acrylic made of Perspex or any other convenient material that will act as a light diffuser or light deflector. Long edges 32 of the deflector strip terminate in a U-shaped lip engaging channels 33 so that it can be snap fitted to the locating lips 31 so that it extends, in its width, therebetween and along the open side of the substantially C-shaped extrusion 7.

Once snap fitted into position, shade plate or shade strip 6 locating screws 34 are screwed through the light diffuser strip and into the holes provided in the shade strip, in between the apertures 6a. This ensures that the shade strip is pulled towards the diffuser strip so that opposite edges of the shade strip locate inside the substantially C-shaped inner extrusion 7, more specifically underneath the inwardly extending strips 7e. In addition, when the diffuser strip 3 is screwed onto the shade strip, diffuser strip is also more securely attached to the inner extrusion. The diffuser strip is thus attached to the locating lips 31 as well as to the shade strip.

Figure 8 shows the complete assembly but without panels secured in the channels 5. With the shade strip secured as shown i.e. with the apertures 6a in close proximity to the LED strip 10a more light is exposed through the apertures 6a. The shade strip may be turned around all the LED light strip 10a are replaced on the other side further away from the apertures 6a thus allowing slightly less light or more indirect light from the LED light strip 10a to shine through the apertures.

Figure 7 shows the light diffuser 3 is a transparent strip. This is also shown in figure 13 where the apertures 6 a are visible through the light diffuser strip 3. However, in most cases, it has been found that a white diffuser strip made of a plastics material is preferable. In that case the apertures 6 a and all the shade strip 6 are visible behind the light diffuser strip 3. This is shown in figure 12. In figure 12, the shade strip is not visible through the light diffuser strip 3.

Figure 9 and 10 show 2 different connector blocks 20 and 21 . The connector blocks have 2 parts 20a and 20b as shown in figure 9 and 21 a and 21 b as shown in figure 10. A central connector section connects the 2 connector blocks together, in each case the connector blocks are complementary shaped to the outer extrusion 8 so that they may locate snugly therein. The connector blocks may be connected at different angles to each other so that the construction assembly and its associated panels 2 may be connected to different angles to each other as shown in figures 1 1 and 12.

As an example of the construction assembly in use, figure 13 shows a ceiling or roof 2a connected to for upper construction assembly is around the outer edges of the ceiling. Side walls 2b and 2c extend downwards from two of the construction assemblies and share a common construction assembly between them. In this way the panels i.e. roof and side wall sections and any other panel of a vehicle such as a camper, caravan, trailer or motorhome can be connected to each other and at the same time providing a conduit for electrical wiring as well as for electric LED lights. By removing the screws 34 he diffuser strip as well as the shade strip may be removed from the substantially C-shaped inner extrusion 7 to expose the wiring and the LED lights therein. Maintenance thus becomes easy as a wiring harness and/or lights of such a vehicle may easily be accessed.

The rope extrusion (rope track) also provides an easy connection point for tents.

Panels are securely held in the construction assembly in that a bending moment is created when the upper wings 7d are pushed on to their respective panels 2 as the screws 9 are tightened to secure the 2 extrusion parts 4 together. The roughening or knurled section 11 further ensures that the panels cannot easily slide out of engagement in the channels 5. When assembled, a glue may also be applied on the outer edges of the panels or inside the channel wing sections 8c and 7d. The use of glue will further ensure a watertight joint between the extrusions and the panels.

Claims

The panels may be plastics material panels with honeycomb cores. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any type of material to construct the panels may be used. It is envisaged that the assembly described herein will provide a convenient construction assembly for use in constructing a vehicle of the type referred to above. The very extrusion that holds the panels of the superstructure of such a vehicle together is used to house electrical wiring and to provide lighting. Electrical wiring and lighting is easily accessible by removing 2 strips from the innermost extrusion. The outer extrusion also provides a convenient attachment channel for attaching tent material of a tent. The U-shaped channels 10 ensure that the extrusion screws 9 are securely held in place and that the panels are thus securely held in place. The diffuser strip may be made of the material so that the wiring, LED strip and/or shade strip is not visible whether the LED light is switched on or not but still allowing sufficient illumination when the LED light strip is switched on. The invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the angle at which the channels 5 are configured relative to each other may vary as may be required. The size and shape of the apertures 6a may be made different depending on the light intensity required. Alternatively, shorter sections or different specifications of LED lights may be used. When the These receiving formations are in the shape of U-shaped channels for receiving the panels and may be aligned with each other or at an angle with each other. As shown in the drawings the channels are at an angle of 90° with each other. The midsection of the outer extrusion is a substantially rectangular hollow section having an elongate recess extending along its length on an outer surface thereof on the inside of an inner surface of the hollow outer extrusion screw cavities in the form of elongate channels. The channels are U-shaped in cross-section and spaced apart so that the threads of a self-tapping screw will bite into the channels when a screw is screwed into the outer extrusion from the inner surface thereof. An inner extrusion substantially U-shaped in cross-section with the arms of the user extending slightly away from each other i.e. not parallel with each other but opening up and terminating in inwardly extending lips. The lips, in turn, terminate in clips for receiving diffuser sheets or a diffuser sheet therein. A wiring harness including lights such as light-emitting diodes may be located inside the inner extrusion as is described in more detail below. In use, the base of the inner extrusion is attached with self-tapping screws to the inner surface of the outer extrusion so that the threads of the self-tapping screws extend through the base of the inner extrusion and through the inner surface of the outer extrusion and so that the threads of the screws locating the screw cavities. Once secured in place a wiring harness including lights of such as light-emitting diodes may be placed inside the inner extrusion where after a diffuser sheet clips between the clips of the arms of the inner extrusion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above construction will be aesthetically pleasing, sturdy, relatively easy to construct and convenient to use. A covered rope inside tent material may be located in the rope track to support a tent next to the caravan or trailer on which the housing construction is formed. The light- emitting diodes will provide convenient light behind the need and aesthetically pleasing diffuser sheets clipped onto the inner extrusion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. CLAIMS

1. A construction assembly comprising an elongate member having securing means along a length thereof, an elongate cavity and a cover attachable over at least part of the cavity.

2. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the securing means extends along a long edge of the elongate member.

3. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the securing means extends on two edges of the elongate member.

4. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which securing means are channels along two edges of the elongate member.

5. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 or 4 in which the two edges are opposite edges of the elongate member.

6. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the elongate member includes a rope receiving channel for receiving an elongate round support member covered with material.

7. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 6 in which the material is tent material.

8. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the cover is light permeable.

9. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a light source is located in the cavity.

10. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 9 in which the light source is an LED strip.

1 1.A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which part of an electrical wiring harness is located in the cavity.

12. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a shade strip is located behind the cover.

13. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 12 in which the shade strip has a number of apertures.

14. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the cover is a light diffuser.

15. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 in which the cover is a light deflector.

16. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which panels are secured in the securing means.

17. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 16 in which the panels form at least part of a wall, floor or roof of a vehicle.

18. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 17 in which the vehicle is any one or more of the group consisting of a camper, caravan, trailer, motorhome.

19. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 18 in which the elongate member extends more than most of the length of sides of adjacent panels.

20. A construction assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the elongate member is a two-part member securable to each other to form two two-part channels for receiving building elements in the channels.

21 . A construction assembly as claimed in claim 20 in which the building elements are panels.

22. A construction assembly as claimed in claim 20 in which the panels form at least part of a wall, floor or roof of a vehicle.