WO2021019321A1

WO2021019321A1 - Profile for ducts of ventilation systems

Info

Publication number: WO2021019321A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/055850
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emanuele DE FAZIO
Original assignee: De Fazio Emanuele
Priority date: 2019-07-26
Filing date: 2020-06-22
Publication date: 2021-02-04
Also published as: IT201900013074A1; EP4004451A1

Abstract

The profile for ducts (100) of ventilation systems, comprises a main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80), a first connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) transversally extending from said main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80) in an intermediate position in order to partition said main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80) in a housing section (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 72, 82) and in a connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, 83). The connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, 83) and connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) form a connecting portion (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 74, 84) for connecting the profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) to another profile.

Description

“PROFILE FOR DUCTS OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS”

D E S C R I P T I O N

Technical field of the invention

The present invention refers to a profile for ducts of ventilation systems, particularly to in dustrial type ventilation systems. Moreover, the present invention refers to a method of assem bling a duct of a ventilation system by means of said profile. In addition, the present invention refers to a device for making a path change in ducts of ventilation systems comprising said pro file.

Prior art

Industrial ventilation systems, known also as air systems, comprising ducts made by as sembling panels are known in the art. In the known air systems, the panels are made of steel or foamed polyurethane coated by aluminium on both the surfaces.

In this latter case, particularly, assembling the panels is made by adhesives, for example by solvent-based mastics or polyurethane glues. Substantially, the panels are glued to each other along the lateral edges thereof. In order to improve the grip among the panels, their edge is also cut by an angle, for example of 45°. It is observed that wastes of the panel material are caused by this cut when two panels are perpendicularly associated to each other.

A sealant is conventionally applied in between the panels, usually made of silicone, for fur ther improving the grip.

A disadvantage of the known ducts is that they require many gluing products which, be sides their cost, are environmentally harmful, particularly due to the presence of solvents.

Further, manufacturing the known ducts is time consuming in terms of square meters/hour, and causes wastes of the used panel materials, as hereinbefore explained.

Brief summary of the invention

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to implement a structure outside the channel, which the panels are inserted in.

This and other objects are met by a profile for ventilation system ducts, a device for mak ing a path change in ducts of ventilation systems, and by a method of assembling a ventilation system duct by using at least one profile according to the attached claims.

The profile comprises a first wall from which and from an intermediate position a first connecting wall transversally extends, in order to obtain a connecting section and a housing sec tion of the first wall. The housing section is apt to enable to house a panel, more particularly a panel edge, while the connecting section with the connecting wall forms a connecting portion to connect the profile to another profile.

Substantially, the profile according to the invention comprises a connecting portion com prising said connecting wall and connecting section, and a housing portion comprising the hous ing section and connecting wall, and preferably also a second housing wall extending from the connecting wall.

The method of assembling a duct of a ventilation system enables, using a profile in a single piece or using a pair of profiles connectable to each other at respective connecting portions, to engage a first and second panels with the profile/s, in order to obtain a ventilation system duct, or at least one portion thereof.

The device for making a path change in ducts of ventilation systems comprises said profile and at least one angular connector.

Dependent claims define possible advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In an independent aspect, the invention refers also to an angular connector configured to make a path change of a ventilation system duct by cooperating with at least one profile, particu larly a pair of profiles, according to the attached claims and following description.

In an independent aspect, the invention refers to a ventilation system duct, or a portion thereof, comprising at least one profile and/or at least one angular connector and/or at least one device for making a path change and/or a plurality of panels defining a fluid passage conduit.

In an independent aspect, the invention refers also to a method of making a path change in a ventilation system duct.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages, some exemplify ing non-limiting embodiments thereof will be described in the following by referring to the at tached drawings, wherein:

Figures from 1A to 1C show a section of a profile for ventilation system ducts according to a first embodiment, and the assembly thereof to another profile provided with the same structure;

Figures 2A and 2B show a section of a profile according to a second embodiment of the invention, and the assembly thereof with another profile provided with the same structure;

Figure 3 shows a section of a profile according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4A and 4B show a section of the profile according to two variants of a fourth em bodiment; and

Figure 5 shows a section of a profile according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6 and 7C show possible variants of a section of an auxiliary profile, additional with reference to the profiles of the other figures;

Figures 7 A, 7B and 7D show sections of a profile according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 8 shows a section of a profile according to a seventh embodiment;

Figure 9 shows an angular connector configured to make a path change in a ventilation system duct defining a first angle; it is configured to operate at an external portion of the path change;

Figure 10 shows an angular connector configured to make a path change in a ventilation system duct defining a first angle; it is configured to operate at an internal portion of the path change,

Figure 11 shows a device for making a path change in ventilation system ducts according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the angular connector in Figure 9 is engaged with a profile according to the present invention,

Figure 12 illustrates a portion of a ventilation system duct comprising a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the angular connector of Figure 10 is en gaged with a profile also made according to the present invention,

Figure 13 shows a portion of a ventilation system duct having a path change, defining a first angle, made by pairs of angular connectors according to Figures 9 and 10,

Figure 14 shows an angular connector configured to make a path change in a ventilation system duct defining a second angle; it is configured to operate at an external portion of the path change,

Figure 15 shows an angular connector configured to make a path change in a ventilation system ducts defining a second angle; it is configured to operate at an internal portion of the path change;

Figure 16 shows a device for making a path change of ventilation system ducts according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the angular connector in Figure 14 is en gaged with a pair or profiles according to the present invention.

Description of the embodiments of the invention

A profile for ducts 100 of ventilation systems according to the invention is indicated by reference 1 in Figures from 1A to 1C.

Generally, profile 1 comprises a main wall 10 and a connecting wall 11, extending trans- versally from the main wall 10 in an intermediate position between the lateral edges 10A, 10B thereof (Figure 1A), in order to partition the main wall 10 in a housing section 12 and connecting section 13. The connecting section 13 and connecting wall 11 cooperatively form a connecting portion 14 configured to connect the profile 1 to another profile 1 having the same structure, or at least one matching connecting portion.

The term“transversal” or“transversally extended” with respect to a wall, in the scope of the present patent application, means forming an angle comprised between 45° and 90° with re spect to the same wall. Preferably, the connecting wall 11 extends perpendicularly to the main wall, as shown in the figures. Consequently, the requirement of cutting the lateral edge of the panel 101, 102 by an angle of 45° and the consequent panel material wastes are eliminated.

The connecting wall 11, housing section 12 and connecting section 13 have lengths respec tively indicated by references LI, L2, and L3. Advantageously, length L2 of housing section 12 is greater than length L3 of connecting section 13, in order to more stably house part of a panel.

Advantageously, length L3 of connecting section 13 is made equal to the length LI of con necting wall 11, particularly for reciprocally connecting two profiles perpendicularly to each other, or aligned to each other, as respectively shown in Figures IB and 1C.

In order to ensure a better grip between two profiles, the end 10A of main wall 10 at the connecting section 13, and the end of the connecting wall 11 are advantageously provided with inclined surfaces in order to perfectly match to each other when coupled, particularly they should form an angle equal to 45° with respect to the same walls. Consequently, they are the inclined contact surfaces 14A of the connecting portion 14.

Preferably, at least one of the connecting wall 11 and connecting section 13 comprises a connecting transversal element 15 extending from the surface oriented towards the other of the connecting wall 11 and connecting section 13. Preferably, both the connecting wall 11 and con nection section 13 comprise a connecting transversal element 15. The connecting transversal el ements 15 must be positioned inside the connecting portion 14 of profile 1 (Figure 1A).

In the example shown in Figures 1A, IB and 1C, the connecting transversal element 15 comprises a straight wall having a length less than half the length LI of the connecting wall 11 and/or of the length L3 of the connecting section 13. Specifically, each connecting transversal element 15 is long less than half of the length between the connecting wall 11 and connecting section 13 which it does not extend from. Still more advantageously, the connecting transversal elements 15 are perpendicular to the surface which they extend from and are centrally positioned with respect to the connecting wall or section 11, 13.

However, it is possible to provide connecting transversal elements 15 with other shapes and dimensions as long as that they are capable of reciprocally connecting two connecting por tions 14.

By the above described arrangement, reciprocally connecting two profiles 1 determines the presence of four connecting transversal elements 15 inside the connecting portion 14 which do not touch each other. The step of reciprocally connecting is performed by inserting a connecting member 14B into the connecting portion 14, for example a bayonet, having a shape such to en gage the gaps present between the connecting elements 15 (Figures IB and 1C). Particularly, the connecting member 14B comprises inserting seats 14C apt to receive the connecting transversal elements 15.

In the embodiment of Figures from 1A to 1C, the profile 1 comprises also a second hous ing wall 16 extending from the connecting wall 11, arranged in front of and longitudinally to the housing section 12 of the main wall 10. The second housing wall 16, housing section 12, and connecting wall 11 cooperatively form a housing seat 17 apt to house at least partially a panel 101, 102 of a ventilation duct 100, more precisely at least the lateral edge of panel 101, 102.

The second housing wall 16 has a length L6 preferably equal to the length L2 of the hous ing section 12 of the main wall 10. The second housing wall 16 is arranged at a distance, from the main wall 10, so that a panel 101, 102 can be inserted, preferably by friction against the sur faces of the housing section 12 and second housing wall 16 facing the inside of the housing seat, in order to stably tightly insert the panel 101, 102.

Preferably, the profile 1 comprises also a bottom wall (not shown in the drawings) at at least the housing seat 17, apt to act as a support for the housed panel 101, 102. Such bottom wall can extend in the connecting portion 14 in order to close the latter and can extend outside the housing seat. Advantageously, the bottom wall is a distinct piece which is connected to the pro file 1 after inserting the panel 101, 102.

Moreover, the profile 1 can be provided with fixing means (not shown) apt to fix two pro files 1 one longitudinally to the other with respect to the section shown in the figures. Such fix ing means can be for example through holes apt to receive screws and can be provided on apt fins or in the bottom wall, if present. Preferably, the fixing means are placed outside the connect ing portion 14 and housing seat 17.

The profile 1 is made of a stiff material, preferably of aluminium, plastic material, particu larly a polymer material (of any type) or is made of alloys. The advantage of aluminium is its better adhesion to the external surfaces of panels 101, 102 which are also made of aluminium. However, the use of this material is not permitted in some markets, so that it is required to use a plastic material. The profile 1 can be made of any thickness according to the needs (in order to house a panel 101, 102 of any respective thickness), and it is possible to apply any type of treat ment on the external surface thereof. The profile 1 thickness can be defined as the width of the housing seat 17.

A method of assembling a ventilation system duct 100 by the profile according to the in vention is the following.

Firstly, at least two panels 101, 102 and at least two profiles 1 are provided. A lateral edge of each panels 101, 102 is inserted in the housing seat 17 of a respective profile 1. Then, the two profiles are reciprocally connected by their connecting portions 14, the inclined contact surfaces 14A thereof are in contact with each other, as shown in Figures IB and 1C. The connection is obtained by inserting the bayonet 14B inside the connecting portion 14.

From the preceding description, it is understood that the profile 1 enables to assemble the panels 101, 102 in order to form a duct 100 of a ventilation system without using adhesive sub stances containing polluting products. Using such profiles makes easier and faster the assembling steps and enables to easily solve possible assembly mistakes without wasting adhesive materials. Moreover, it is not required to cut the lateral edges of panels 101, 102, reducing the wastes of panel materials.

The particular shape of profile 1 makes it more practical to be used, and versatile because enables to form angles (as shown in Figure IB) or to form larger flat surfaces (as shown in Fig ure 1C). The formed angles can be adjusted by changing lengths LI, L3 of the connecting wall 11 and of the connecting section 13, as will be more particularly explained in the following.

With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, a second embodiment of the profile is shown, gener ally indicated by reference 2. The parts common to the first embodiment will not be described and will be indicated by the same reference with the addition of 10.

Moreover, the profile 2 comprises a pair of inclined contact elements 28 extending from the free end 20A of the main wall 20 from the side of the connecting section 23 and from the free end of the connecting wall 21 (Figure 2A). Such inclined contact elements 28 are arranged in the connecting portion 24, advantageously in the extension of the inclined contact surfaces 24A and therefore they form a larger contact surface for the connecting portion 24.

This enables a simpler and faster connection of the two profiles 2.

Optionally, the inclined contact elements 28 comprise, at the free ends thereof, a transver sal lug 28 A projecting from the side oriented towards the connecting wall 21 and connecting sec tion 23. Advantageously, the inclined contact elements 28 are preferably aligned to each other and have a length less than half the distance between the free end 20A of the main wall 20 and free end of the connecting wall 21, in order to leave a gap for inserting a connecting member (not shown).

It is observed the transversal connecting elements 25 have a limited length with respect to the first embodiment, so that they do not interfere with the inclined contact elements 28.

In the example illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the profile 2 comprises also stabilizing el ements 29A, 29B at the surfaces of the housing section 22 and second housing wall 26 oriented towards the inside of the housing seat 27. Such stabilizing elements 29 A, 29B are apt to further stabilize the panel 101, 102 in the housing seat 27, enabling to stably and firmly engaging the profile 2, and preferably comprise a knurling 29A and a lug 29B transversally projecting, prefer ably perpendicularly, from the surface which it is provided on (Figures 2 A and 2B). It is clearly possible to provide only the knurling 29A, only the lug 29B or both according to the needs.

The use of the profile 2 is the same as the one described with reference to the first embod iment.

With reference to Figure 3, it shows a third embodiment of the profile, generally indicated by reference 3. The parts common to the first embodiment will not be described and will be indi cated by the same reference, to which is added 20.

The profile 3 has substantially the same structure of the two profiles 1 of the first embodi ment, connected perpendicularly to each other, in a single piece.

The profile 3, besides the elements of the profile 1, comprises also a second main wall 30’ transversally extending from the free end 30A of the first main wall 30 from the side of the con necting portion 34, and a second connecting wall 31’ transversally extending from the second main wall 30’ in an intermediate position between the two ends 30’ A, 30’B thereof, in order to partition the second housing wall 30’ in a second housing section 32’ and in a second connecting section 33’, this latter being arranged between the second connecting wall 31’ and end 30Ά of the main wall 30’ connected to the first main wall 30. The first and second connecting sections 33, 33’ and the first and second connecting walls 31, 31’ cooperatively form the connecting por tion 34.

The second housing section 32’ with the second connecting wall 31’ defines a second housing seat 37’ for a second panel 102.

Advantageously, the profile 3 comprises also a third housing wall 36’ extending from the second connecting wall 31’ in front of the second housing section 32’ and preferably parallel to it.

The profile 3, according to the third embodiment, therefore, comprises two housing seats 37, 37’ for housing the lateral edges of the two panels 101, 102, reciprocally connected by a fixed connecting portion 34.

In the illustrated example, the connecting walls 31, 31’ and the connecting sections 33, 33’ have same lengths and are arranged perpendicularly to each other, in order to define a square cross-section connecting portion 34. Consequently, the two housing seats 37, 37’ are perpendicu lar to each other.

Since the profile 3 is made in a single piece, this fact makes sure the connecting portion 34 is airtight, and therefore such profile 3 ensures the absence of air leaks.

With reference to the method, by this profile 3 firstly a first panel 101 is inserted in one of the first and second housing seats 37, 37’ and then a second panel 102 is inserted in the other housing seat 37, 37’.

With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, they show two variants of a fourth embodiment of the profile, generally indicated by reference 4. The parts common to the first embodiment will not be described and will be indicated by the same reference with the addition of 30.

The structure of the profile 4 is the same as the one of profile 3 according to the third em bodiment, except for the second and third housing walls 46, 46’ which are removable and inte grally made.

The housing walls 46, 46’ are provided with an inserting member 46A apt to be inserted inside the connecting portion 44. For this purpose, a through opening 41 A between the first and second connecting walls 41, 41’ is provided (Figures 4 A and 4B).

Preferably, the housing walls 46, 46’ and inserting member 46A are made in a single piece.

Preferably, the inserting member extends from the joint between the two housing walls 46, 46’, outside them, and along the bisector of the angle between the walls themselves. In the illus trated example, the housing walls 46, 46’ form an angle equal to 90°, and the inserting member 46A extends outside this angle along the bisector of the same angle, in other words it forms an angle of 135° with the housing walls 46, 46’.

In the first variant, the inserting member 46A is in a rectangular shape, an end thereof be ing pointed (Figure 4A). The cross-section of the rectangular part has an extension so that it en ters the through opening 41 A. This shape enables to insert the inserting member 46A both from the top and sideways. In order to improve the stability of this insertion, preferably the inserting member 46A is provided with stabilizing elements 49A, more preferably a knurling. Still more advantageously, also the through opening is provided with a knurling 49A on the edges thereof.

In the second variant of the fourth embodiment, the inserting member 46A has a shape such to be inserted flush with between the first and second connecting walls 41, 41’ and two connecting transversal elements 45, 45’. In the illustrated example, since the connecting walls 41, 41’ and connecting transversal elements 45, 45’ are all linear and perpendicular to each oth er, they form a substantially square shaped gap. Consequently, also the inserting member 46A has a substantially square shape. Clearly, such shape enables an insertion only from the top.

The use of the profile 4 provides to place a panel 101, 102 in each of the housing seats 47, 47’ and to assemble the housing walls 46, 46’ by inserting the inserting member 46A in the con necting portion 44. These steps can be performed with any order, in other words the panels 101, 102 can be placed before assembling the housing walls 46, 46’, or alternatively firstly the hous ing walls 46, 46’ are assembled and then the panels 101, 102 are placed in the housing seats 47, 47’. By this embodiment, the disassembly is simplified because it enables to disassemble the housing walls 46, 46’ before the panels 101, 102, so that these latter can be easily removed.

With reference to Figure 5, it shows a fifth embodiment of the profile, generally indicated by reference 5. Parts common to the first embodiment will not be described and will be indicated by the same reference, with the addition of 40.

The structure of the profile 5 is the same as the one of the profile 3 according to the third embodiment, except for the length L3 of the connecting sections 53, 53’ is less than the length LI of the connecting walls 51, 51’. So that the connecting portion 54 does not have a square shape and consequently the angle between the first housing seat 57 and second housing seat 57’ is greater than 90°. In the example illustrated in Figure 5, said angle is about 130°.

There are three connecting transversal elements 55, 55’ inside the connecting portion 54, one transversally projecting from each of the connecting walls 51, 51’ and one extending from the joint between the first and second connecting sections 53, 53’ (Figure 5).

The use of the profile 5 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the one of profile 3 according to the third embodiment. The profile 5 is instrumental in forming a not square cross- section of the duct 100, which can be, for example, pentagonal, hexagonal or have a greater number of sides.

As said before, adapting the lengths LI, L3 of the connecting walls 51, 51’ and connecting sections 53, 53’, it is possible to obtain any angle between the two housing seats 57, 57’.

In order to stably support a portion of the panel 101, 102, the profile 5 can comprise stabi lizing elements 59 A, 59’ A, which can be of any type described with reference to the profile 2 of Figures 2A and 2B. Particularly, as shown in Figure 5, the profile 5 can comprise pairs of knurl- ings 59A, 59Ά facing each other, each of them being defined at a respective housing seat 57, 57’.

Referring to Figure 6, it shows a profile auxiliary with respect to the above described main profile. The auxiliary profile is generally indicated by reference 6. As a unit, the main profile and auxiliary profile 6 can be defined as a device for ducts 100 of ventilation systems, configured to support, by the main profile and auxiliary profile, a panel 101, 102 of the duct 100 at respective opposite portions of the panel itself.

The profile 6 has a substantially U shape and comprises a bottom wall 60 from the lateral edges thereof two reciprocally facing longitudinal walls 61 transversally extend. The longitudi nal walls 61 are preferably parallel to each other, and more preferably perpendicular to the bot tom wall 61.

The purpose of the profile 6 is to support the panel portion 101, 102 which is not inserted in the main profile 1. To this end, the profile 6 comprises a seat 67 where a portion of panel 101, 102 is destined to be housed. In other words, in use the profile 6 is arranged as an extension of the housing seat of the above described profile, the bottom wall 61 being placed in an extension of the bottom wall of the main profile, and the longitudinal walls being placed in an extension of the main wall 10 and second housing wall 16, if present. In order to stably support the panel por- tion 101, 102 opposite to the panel portion 101, 102 supported by the main profile, the profile 6 can comprise stabilizing elements 69A which can be of the type described with reference to pro file 2 of Figures 2A and 2B. Particularly, as shown in Figure 6, the profile 6 can comprise knurl- ings 69A facing each other.

In order to gain a better stability of the auxiliary profile 6, connecting means 62 are suita bly provided, which in the illustrated example comprise a slit 62 receiving connecting counter means, as for example a fin projecting from the bottom wall of the main profile. In the illustrated example, slit 62 is placed outside from the bottom wall 60 (which comes in contact with the pan el 101, 102, in use) and delimited by an external wall 63, substantially parallel to the bottom wall 60.

Referring to Figures 7 A, 7B and 7D, they show three variants of a sixth embodiment of the profile, generally indicated by reference 7. The parts common to the first embodiment will not be described and will be indicated by the same reference, with the addition of 60.

In Figure 7A, the profile 7 has a structure substantially identical to the one of the profile 2 (Figure 2A), except for it further comprises a fixing member 79C transversally projecting from the connecting wall 71 from the side of the housing section 72, in other words in the housing seat 77. Such fixing member 79C in use is apt to be at least partially inserted in the thickness of the panel 101, 102, and for this purpose it advantageously comprises a pointed free end. Still more preferably, a fixing member 79C has an end part 79C1 having a triangular cross-section and a shaft 79C2 joining the former to the connecting wall 71.

Preferably, in order to have a greater stability of the panel 101, 102, the fixing member 79C extends perpendicularly to the connecting wall 71 and in a position substantially centered between the main wall 70 and second housing wall 76.

As illustrated in Figure 7A, the profile 7 can further comprise stabilizing elements 79A at the surfaces of the housing section 72 and second housing wall 76 oriented towards the inside of the housing seat 77. Such stabilizing elements 79A are apt to further stabilize the panel 101, 102 in the housing seat 77 and preferably comprise a knurling 79A. Optionally, analogously to the profiles 2 of Figures 2A and 2B, the stabilizing elements can comprise a lug transversally pro jecting, preferably perpendicularly, from the surface which it is provided on. Clearly, it is possi ble to provide only the knurling 79 A, only the lug or both according to the needs.

Another difference of the first variant of profile 7 from the profile 3 is the presence of a single connecting transversal element 75 inside the connecting portion 74, projecting from the joint between the connecting wall 71 and connecting section 73 of the main wall 70.

Figure 7B shows a second variant of profile 7, with a structure analogous to the one of the profile 3 (illustrated in Figure 3). In the second variant, the profile 7 comprises two fixing mem- bers 79C, 79’C each projecting from a respective connecting wall 71, 7 in the respective hous ing seat 77, 77’. In order to stably support a portion of a respective panel 101, 102, the profile 7 according to the second variant can comprise stabilizing elements 79 A, 79Ά, which can be of a type described with reference to the profile 2 in Figures 2A and 2B. Particularly, as illustrated in Figure 7B, the profile 7 can comprise a pair of reciprocally facing knurlings 79A, 79Ά, each of them is defined at a respective housing seat 77, 77’.

Figure 7C illustrates the corresponding variant of the auxiliary profile 6, in which the fix ing member 79C extends from the bottom wall, preferably perpendicularly to and in a position substantially central with respect to the longitudinal walls. The auxiliary profile 6, according to the variant in Figure 7C, can be used in combination with the main profile 7 of the sixth embod iment (variants in Figures 7A, 7B and 7D) or of the seventh embodiment (Figure 8).

Figure 7D illustrates a third variant of profile 7, according to it, analogously to the second variant, the profile 7 is provided with two fixing members 79C, 79’C projecting from the respec tive connecting wall 71, 71’ in the respective housing seat 77, 77’. The profile 7, according to the third variant, differs from the profile of the second variant illustrated in Figure 7B because is de void of connecting transversal elements of the beforehand described type. Substantially, accord ing to the third variant, connecting transversal elements projecting from the first connecting sec tions 73, are absent from the second connecting section 73’, from the first connecting wall 71 and from the second connecting section 71’. The profile 7 of Figure 7D is in a single piece and therefore can be made by a faster manufacturing process, because it does not require the step of joining two profiles (this step being for example required if there are two profiles of the type il lustrated in Figures from 1A to 1C). Moreover, since the profile 7 is made in a single piece, the connecting portion 74 is certainly airtight and therefore the profile 7 ensure the absence of air leaks. The connecting portion substantially defines a seat 74. The profile 7, according to a third variant, can comprise stabilizing elements 79A, 79’C according to what was described with ref erence to the first variant of profile 7; Figure 7D illustrates a profile 7 according to a third variant provided with knurlings 79A, 79Ά, while Figures 11, 12, 13, 16 illustrate profile 7, according to the third variant, devoid of stabilizing elements 79A, 79Ά. Consequently, the profile 7, accord ing to the third variant, is both effective in connecting the panels 101, 102, particularly due to the fixing members 79C, 79’C and/or stabilizing elements 79A, 79Ά, 79A, 79Ά, and economical to be manufactured (is devoid of connecting transversal elements).

Referring to Figure 8, it shows a seventh embodiment of the profile, generally indicated by reference 8. The parts common to the first embodiment will not be described and will be indicat ed by the same reference, with the addition of 70.

The profile 8 has a structure analogous to the structure of the first variant of the profile 7, shown in Figure 7 A, except for it comprises two connecting transversal elements 85 in the con necting portion 84, projecting from the connecting wall 81 and connecting section 83 of the main wall 80, and connected to each other at the ends thereof, by a connecting part 85B. Therefore, an internal partition 85C isolated from the rest of the connecting portion 84, is consequently formed inside the connecting portion 84. The profile 8 comprises a fixing member 89C.

In the illustrated example, the connecting part 85B has a circular section having a diameter greater than the thickness of the connecting transversal elements 85. However, shape and dimen sions can be anyone according to the needs. Moreover, the connecting transversal elements 85 are arranged perpendicular to the respective walls thereof, and placed in a non-central position, but more proximate to the joint between the connecting wall 81 and connecting section 83, in or der to form a squared internal partition 85C. Obviously, the connecting transversal element 85 can be placed in any way in order to form an internal partition 85C having predetermined shape and dimensions.

Preferably, each of the beforehand described profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 extends along a prevalent development direction Dl, D2. Under operative conditions of profile 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, in other words when the profile is engaged with a pair of panels 101, 102 in order to define a portion of a duct 100 of a ventilation system, its prevalent development direction Dl, D2 defines a path (or a path portion) of the ventilation system duct 100. A prevalent development direction Dl, D2 defining a path or a portion thereof can be for example parallel to a direction characteriz ing the path or a portion thereof (see Figure 13).

Moreover, the present invention refers to a device 105 for making a path change in ducts 100 of ventilation systems comprising a profile 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the beforehand described type and an angular connector 110, 110’. The path change can be any deviation from a path of a portion (or conduit) of the duct 100. The path change can be at least partially curvilinear or recti linear; it can be approximated to a curve or polygonal chain or a combination thereof. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 16, the angular connector 110, 110’ is configured to operate with a pair of profiles 7 according to the third variant of the sixth embodiment, which can be provided with or devoid of stabilizing elements 79A, 79Ά as beforehand described. The term“angular connector” 110, 110’ means a connector configured to define a path change in a duct 100 of a ventilation system. The path change, which defines at least an angle a, b can be defined with re spect to a prevalent development direction Dl, D2 of at least one profile 7 which the angular connector 110, 110’ is engaged with, and particularly it can be defined between the respective development directions Dl, D2 of a first and second profiles 7 which the angular connector 110, 110’ is engaged with (see Figure 13). In addition, or as an alternative, the path change and angle a, b defined by the path change can be defined between the prevalent development directions of the duct 100 portions connected by the angular connector 110, 110’ (see Figure 13).

The angular connector 110, 110’ comprises a first and second connecting members 111, 112 configured to engage the angular connector 110, 110’ respectively with a first and second profiles 7. The first connecting member 111 and second connecting member 112 have respective development directions transversal to each other; between such development directions, at least one angle a, b is defined, which, in the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, coincides with at least one corresponding angle a, b defined by the path change; in possible alternative embodiments, such angles can be different from each other. Providing angularly offset connect ing members 111, 112 enables to efficiently make the path change. The connecting members can be oriented in order to form a“V” or“L” structure, wherein the angle defined between the seg ments of the letter V or L can be the angle b. The connecting members 111, 112 can be integrally made. Particularly, the angular connector 110, 110’ can be in a single piece. The angular con nector 110, 110’ can be further made of a plastic material, in order to be lightweight and eco nomical to manufacture. Alternatively, the angular connector 110, 110’ can be made of any other material, according to the needs. In addition, the angular connector 110, 110’ can have any thickness according to the needs (in order to house end portions of profiles having any respective thickness). Profiles and angular connectors 110, 110’, configured to cooperate with each other, have preferably the same thickness.

The angular connector 110, 110’ is configured to operate between a rest configuration, in which it is not engaged with a profile 7, and an assembled one in which is engaged with at least one profile 7 and defines a path change with respect to the prevalent development direction Dl, D2 of the profile 7. Particularly, in the assembled configuration, the angular connector 110, 110’ is engaged with a first and second profiles 7 and each connecting member 111, 112 is engaged at the seat 74 of a respective profile 7. The engagement of the first connecting member 111 at the seat 74 of the respective profile 7 is illustrated in the cutaway view of Figure 16.

Moreover, the angular connector 110, 110’ comprises at least one lead-in portion 113, 114 configured to position the angular connector 110, 110’ itself with respect to an end portion of the profile 7; the lead-in portion 113, 114 enables to correctly and suitably position the angular con nector 110, 110’ with respect to the profile 7. Preferably, the angular connector 110, 110’ com prises a first lead-in portion 113 and a second lead-in portion 114 configured to respectively house an end portion of the first and second profiles 7. The lead-in portion 113, 114 has a width, which can define the thickness of the angular connector 110, 110’. At least one abutment surface 113a, 114a apt to provide an abutment for the end portion of the respective profile 7 in the as sembled configuration is defined at each lead-in portion 113, 114. The abutment surface 113a, lar connector 110, 110’ when it switches from the rest configuration to the assembled one.

The angular connector 110, 110’ is configured to be engaged with at least one profile 7, particularly with a first and second profiles 7, by a snap-fit or an interference fit or an interlock ing coupling. The engagement between the angular connector 110, 110’ and profiles 7 is ob tained by the connecting members 111, 112. Each connecting member 111, 112 comprises con necting elements 115 configured to cooperate with the seat 74 for enabling to stably engage the angular connector 110, 110’ with the profile 7. Figures from 9 to 16 show the angular connectors 110, 110’ wherein the connecting elements are made in the shape of tabs 115, emerging from a main body of the respective connecting member 111, 112, configured to contact the seat 74 when they engage the respective profile 7; in the assembled configuration, the tabs 115 operate by con tacting, for example by pushing, an internal surface of the seat 74 in order to ensure a stable en gagement between the angular connector 110, 110’ and profile 7. It is understood that in alterna tive embodiments, the connecting elements 115 can take a different shape from the tabs illustrat ed in the attached figures.

The angular connector 110, 110’ is configured to make a path change defining an angle a, b equal to 15° or 30° or 45° or 60° or 90° or respective fractions or multiples. For the purpose of the present dissertation, the angle of path change can be obtained as the smaller angle a defined between the transversal development directions of the connecting members 111, 112 (see Figure 9), which coincides with the smaller angle a defined between the portions of the duct 100 con nected by the same connectors (see Figure 13). On the contrary, if the angle of path change is calculated as the greater angle b defined between the transversal development directions of the connecting members 111, 112, or between the duct 100 portions connected by the same connect ors, such angle b is given by the difference between 180° and angle a (b = 180 - a). For the pur pose of the present dissertation, a, b are supplementary angles, in other words angles whose sum is equal to 180° (straight angle). Figures from 9 to 13 show angular connectors 110, 110’ config ured to make a path change a equal to 45° (b equal to 135°) while Figures from 14 to 16 show angular connectors 110, 110’ configured to make path change a equal to 90° (b equal to 90°). It is understood that, according to the particular needs of an application, such as a certain path to be followed by a duct 100 having consequent path changes to be followed, angles a, b can substan tially take any value and consequently the angular connector 110, 110’ can be configured accord ing to them.

The angular connector 110, 110’ comprises a body 116 defining an internal gap 116a hav ing a concavity destined to face, in the assembled configuration, a same side of a concavity of the housing seat 77 of the profile 7 (see Figures 11 and 16). The internal gap 116a faces a direc tion along which the end part 79C1 of the fixing member 79C is directed (see Figures 11 and 16). Further, the body 116 comprises a coating 116b opposite to the internal gap 116a. In the as sembled configuration of the duct 100 defining a path change, the internal space 116a faces a flu id passage channel defined by the panels 101, 102 of the duct 100 (the gap is called“inside” be cause, in use, it faces the inside of the duct 10) and the coating 116b is destined to act as an ex ternal wall of the angular connector 110, 110’ (see Figure 13).

The angular connector 110, 110’ can be configured to operate at an external portion of the duct 100 defining the path change (see Figures 9 and 14) or can be configured to operate at an internal portion of the duct 100 defining the path change (see Figures 10 and 15); in the follow ing the angular connector 110 of the first type will be indicated by the term“external angular connector” and analogously the angular connector 110’ of the second type will be indicated in the following by the term“internal angular connector”. The terms“external” and“internal” are understood with reference to the duct 100 portion defining the path change; substantially, the duct 100 internal portion (the internal portion of the path change) is the one facing a concavity or a center of the curve of the path change, while the external portion of the duct 100 (the external portion of the path change) is the one opposite to the internal portion. Referring to Figure 13, the external portion of the duct 100 is the one in the foreground, while the internal portion of the duct 100 is the one opposite to the external portion. For the same angles a, b defined by a pair of angular connectors 110, 110’, the external and internal angular connectors 110, 110’ of the pair are arranged and configured so that, in use, the internal gaps 116a of the external and internal angular connectors 110, 110’ face each other. In use, the concavity of the internal space 116a of the external angular connector 110 faces the concavity or center of the curve of the path change, while the concavity of the internal space 116a of the internal angular connector 110’ is opposite to the concavity or center of the curve of the path change.

Moreover, the present invention refers to a method of making a path change in a duct 100 of a ventilation system. The method uses at least one angular connector 110, 110’ of the before hand described type. The method provides at least one profile 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the before hand described type, having a prevalent development direction Dl, D2. The method can provide a plurality of profiles which a plurality of panels 101, 102 are engaged with for defining two duct 100 portions to be connected, according to the following modes by a plurality of corresponding angular connectors 110, 110’ for making a path change between such duct 100 portions (see Fig ure 13). Preferably, the provided profile 7 or profiles 7 are according to the third variant of the sixth embodiment (provided with or devoid of stabilizing elements 79 A, 79’ A). Moreover, the method provides at least one angular connector 110, 110’ of the beforehand described type and to engage the angular connector 110, 110’ with at least one profile 7. The step of engaging the angular connector 110, 110’ with the profile 7 is performed in order to define a path change, such as a deviation, from the prevalent development direction Dl, D2 of the profile 7. The path change of the duct 100 can be implemented according to what was beforehand described. The step of engaging the angular connector 110, 110’ with the profile 7 provides to engage a connect ing member 111, 112 with the angular connector 110, 110’ at a seat 74 of the profile 7. Particu larly, the method provides to engage the first connecting member 111 and second connecting member 112 with a same angular connector 110, 110’ at a seat 74 of a respective profile 7, in or der to connect the two profiles 7 by the angular connector 110, 110’. Engaging each connecting member 111, 112 in the respective seat 74 can provide to cause the connecting elements 115 to contact an internal surface of the respective seat 74 (for example in order to operate by pushing it); in addition or alternatively, engaging each connecting member in the respective seat 74 can provide to position the angular connector 110, 110’ with respect to a corresponding profile 7 by a lead-in portion 113, 144. Positioning the angular connector 110, 110’ with respect to a corre sponding profile 7 can provide to cause an end portion of the profile 7 to abut against an abut ment surface 113a, 114a (end stop) according to what was beforehand described.

The method can provide, in order to make a path change in a duct 100 of the ventilation conduit, to use at least one external angular connector 110 and at least one internal angular con nector 110’ both characterized by the same angles a, b or at least one pair of external angular connectors 110 (to be positioned at different heights from each other; see Figure 13) and at least one pair of internal angular connectors 110’ (to be positioned at different heights from each oth er) characterized by the same angles a, b.

The method of making a path change in a duct 100 of a ventilation system can be imple mented in the scope of the beforehand described method of assembling a ventilation system duct 100; particularly, one or more of the beforehand described steps of the method of making a path change in a ventilation system duct 100 can fall into the method of assembling a ventilation sys tem duct 100.

A person skilled in the art, in order to meet specific contingent needs can introduce several additions, modifications, or substitutions of elements with other operatively equivalent ones to the described embodiments of the profile for ventilation system ducts, without falling out of the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) for ducts of ventilation systems, comprising:

- a main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80); and

- a first connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) transversally extending from said main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80) in an intermediate position in order to partition said main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80) in a housing section (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 72, 82) and in a connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, 83), wherein said first connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, 83) and said first connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) form a connecting portion (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 74, 84), said connecting portion (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 74, 84) being configured to con nect said profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) to another profile (1, 2, 7, 8) having the same structure or fur ther comprising a second connecting section (33’, 43’, 53’, 73’) and a second connecting wall (31’, 41’, 51’, 71’) of said profile (3, 4, 5, 7).

2. Profile according to claim 1, wherein at least one between the connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, 83) of the first housing wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80) and the first connect ing wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) comprises a connecting transversal element (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 75, 85) extending from the surface oriented towards the other between the connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, 83) and the connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81).

3. Profile according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second housing wall (16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 76, 86) arranged in front of and parallel to the housing section (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 72, 82) of the main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80), in order to form a housing seat (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 77, 87) for a panel (101, 102).

4. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the length (LI) of the first connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) is equal to or slightly smaller than the length (L3) of the connecting section (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83) of the main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80).

5. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a second housing wall (16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 76, 86) extending from the connecting wall (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 81) arranged in front of and longitudinally to the housing section (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 72, 82) of the main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80).

6. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of inclined contact elements (28) arranged in the connecting portion (24) and extending from the free end (20A) of the main wall (20) from the side of the connecting section (23) and from the free end of the connecting wall (21).

7. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a second main wall (30’, 40’, 50’, 70’) transversally extending from the free end (30A, 40A, 50A, 70A) of the first main wall (30, 40, 50, 70) at the connecting portion (34, 44, 54, 74), the second connecting wall (3 , 4 , 5 , 7 G) transversally extending from the second main wall (30’, 40’, 50’, 70’) in an intermediate position in order to partition said second main wall (30’, 40’, 50’, 70’) in a second housing section (32’, 42’, 52’, 72’) and in the second connecting section (33’, 43’, 53’, 73’), said second connecting section (33’, 43’, 53’, 73’) being arranged between said second connecting wall (3 , 4 , 5 , 7 G) and the end of the second main wall (30’, 40’, 50’, 70’) connected to the first main wall (30, 40, 50, 70), said second housing section (32’, 42’, 52’, 72’) and said second connecting wall (3 , 4 , 5 , 7 G) forming a second housing seat (37’, 47’, 57’, 77’) for a sec ond panel (102).

8. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, the profile being made in a single piece.

9. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising stabilizing ele ments (29 A, 29B, 49 A, 49’ A, 59 A, 59’ A, 79 A, 79’ A) configured to stabilize the engagement of at least one panel (101, 102) at at least one respective housing seat (27, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87), optionally wherein the stabilizing elements comprise at least one knurling (29A, 49A, 49Ά, 59A, 59Ά, 69A, 79A, 79Ά) defined at at least one housing seat (27, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87) and/or a lug (29B) projecting at at least one housing seat (27).

10. Profile according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fix ing member (79C, 79’C, 89C) transversally projecting from the connecting wall (71, 7G, 81) from the side of the housing section (72, 72’, 82), said fixing member (79C, 79’C, 89C) having a pointed end and being apt to be at least partially inserted in the thickness of a panel (101,102) of the duct (100).

11. Device according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising two connecting trans versal elements (85) respectively projecting from the connecting wall (81) and connecting sec tion (83) in the connecting portion (84) and reciprocally connected to the ends thereof by a con necting part (85B) in order to form an internal partition (85C) isolated in the connecting portion (84).

12. Profile according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an auxiliary pro file (6) in turn comprising a bottom wall (60) and two longitudinal walls (61) transversally ex tending from the longitudinal edges of said bottom wall (60), one of said longitudinal walls (61) of said auxiliary profile (6) being apt to be arranged, in use, in the extension of the main wall (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80) of the profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8), and said auxiliary profile (6) being apt to house at least partially a portion, such as an edge, of a panel (101, 102) of a duct (100) of a ventilation system, the profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and auxiliary profile (6) being configured to house opposite portions of a same panel (101, 102) of the duct (100).

13. Device (105) for making a path change of ducts (100) of ventilation systems compris ing at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) according to anyone of the preceding claims, and an angular connector (110, 110’), the profile (110, 110’) having a prevalent development direction (Dl, D2) defining a path portion of a duct (100) of a ventilation system, the angular connector (110, 110’) being configured to operate between a rest configuration and an assembled configu ration wherein it is engaged with said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and defines a path change, such a deviation, with respect to said prevalent development direction (Dl, D2).

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) comprises a seat, and the angular connector (110, 110’) comprises at least one connecting mem ber (111, 112) configured to engage the angular connector (110, 110’) with the profile (1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8), in the assembled configuration the connecting member (111, 112) being engaged in said seat.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a first and second profiles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6, 7, 8) and wherein the angular connector (110, 110’) comprises a first connecting member (111) configured to engage the angular connector (110, 110’) with the first profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and a second connecting member (112) configured to engage the angular connector (110, 110’) with the second profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the first and second connecting members (111, 112) having respective development directions transversal to each other.

16. Device according to claim 13 or 14 or 15, wherein the angular connector (110, 110’) is configured to be snap-fitted or interference-fitted or interlocked to said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) .

17. Device according to anyone of claims from 13 to 16, wherein the angular connector (110, 110’) is configured to make a path change of ducts (100) of ventilation systems defining an angle (a, b) equal to 15° or 30° or 45° or 60° or 90° or respective fractions or multiples.

18. Method of assembling a duct (100) of a ventilation system comprising the following steps:

- providing at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) according to anyone of claims from 1 to 12, or a device (105) according to anyone of claims from 13 to 17, said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) comprising at least one housing seat (17, 27, 37, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87) for a panel (101, 102),

- providing at least a first panel (101) and a second panel (102),

- engaging each panel (101, 102) with said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) at a re spective housing seat (17, 27, 37, 37’, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87) of said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein: - the step of providing at least one profile comprises providing a first profile (1, 2, 7, 8) and a second profile (1, 2, 7, 8), the first profile (1, 2, 7, 8) and the second profile (1, 2, 7, 8) having the same structure,

- the method comprises the step of connecting the first profile (1, 2, 7, 8) and the second profile (1, 2, 7, 8) to each other at the respective connecting portions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 74, 84),

- engaging each panel (101, 102) with said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) at a re spective housing seat (17, 27, 37, 37’, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87) of said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), comprises:

o engaging the first panel (101) at the housing seat (17, 27, 77, 87) of the first profile (1, 2, 7, 8).

o engaging the second panel (102) at the housing seat (17, 27, 77, 87) of the sec ond profile (1, 2, 7, 8),

or wherein:

- the step of providing at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) comprises providing at least one profile (3, 4, 5, 7) in a single piece comprising a first housing seat (37, 47, 57, 77) and a sec ond housing seat (37’, 47’, 57’, 77’), each housing seat being configured to house a respective panel (101, 102),

- engaging each panel (101, 102) with said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) at a re spective housing seat (17, 27, 37, 37’, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87) of said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) comprises:

o engaging the first panel (101) at the first housing seat (37, 47, 57, 77), o engaging the second panel (102) at the second housing seat (37’, 47’, 57’, 77’).

20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, said at least one panel (101, 102) being provided with a thickness and said at least one profile comprising at least one fixing member (79C, 89C), the step of engaging each panel (101, 102) with said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) at a respective housing seat (17, 27, 37, 37’, 47, 47’, 57, 57’, 77, 77’, 87) of said at least one profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) comprising inserting at least partially said fixing member (79C, 89C) in the thickness of the panel (101, 102).

21. Method according to claim 18 or 19 or 20, comprising the steps of:

- providing a device (105) according to anyone of claims from 13 to 17,

- engaging at least an angular connector (110, 110’) with the profile (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the step of engaging at least one angular connector (110, 110’) with the profile (1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8) comprising defining a path change, such as a deviation, with respect to said prevalent development direction (Dl, D2).