U.S. patent application number 12/186664 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for angled connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to GETZNER WERKSTOFFE HOLDING GMBH. Invention is credited to Peter Burtscher, Bertram Grass, Lothar Saly.
Application Number | 20090038882 12/186664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39735867 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038882 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saly; Lothar ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
ANGLED CONNECTOR
Abstract
An angled connector having at least two legs (1, 2) arranged at
an angle in reference to each other deviating from 0.degree. and
180.degree. for mounting a first part (3) to a second part (4). The
connector has at least at one leg (1) and at least one intermediate
layer (5) is provided made from a sound-dampening or vibration
insulating material.
Inventors: |
Saly; Lothar; (Burs, AT)
; Burtscher; Peter; (Bludenz, AT) ; Grass;
Bertram; (Innerbraz, AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
GETZNER WERKSTOFFE HOLDING
GMBH
Burs
AT
|
Family ID: |
39735867 |
Appl. No.: |
12/186664 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
181/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/2644 20130101;
E04B 1/82 20130101; E04B 2001/405 20130101; E04B 2001/8254
20130101; G10K 11/16 20130101; E04B 2/7409 20130101; F16F 1/3737
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
181/290 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/82 20060101
E04B001/82 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 8, 2007 |
AT |
A 1242/2007 |
Claims
1. An angled connector comprising at least two legs (1, 2),
arranged at an angle in reference to each other deviating from
0.degree. and 180.degree., for mounting a first part (3) to a
second part (4), at least one intermediate layer (5) being arranged
at least on one of the legs (1), said at least one intermediate
layer (5) comprising a sound-absorbing or vibration-insulating
material.
2. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
sound-absorbing or vibration-insulating material comprises an
elastic material.
3. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the legs (1,
2) are arranged essentially orthogonally in reference to each
other.
4. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) is designed and arranged at the leg (1) so
that when the leg (1) is mounted to the part (4), the leg (1) is
exclusively in a physical contact with the part (4) through
interposition of the intermediate layer (5) or through
interposition of the intermediate layer (5) and fastening elements
(6).
5. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein at least in
one of the legs (1, 2), mounting holes (7) are provided for guiding
fastening elements (6) therethrough.
6. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) is arranged on an entire side of the leg (1)
facing the part (4) in an assembled position.
7. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) is fastened to the leg (1) in an
undetachable manner.
8. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) is adhered to the leg (1).
9. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein an additional
intermediate layer (9) comprising a sound-absorbing or vibration
insulating material is arranged on a side of the leg (1) opposite
the intermediate layer (5) so that fastening elements (6) to mount
the leg (1) to the part (4) essentially contact the leg (1)
exclusively via the additional intermediate layer (9) and the
intermediate layer (5).
10. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein one or more
support plates (10) are arranged on a side of the additional
intermediate layer (9) opposite the leg (1), by which heads (11) of
the fastening elements (6) can be supported.
11. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein mounting
holes (7) are provided at least in one of the legs (1, 2) through
which the fastening elements (6) can pass, and the additional
intermediate layer (9) is arranged at least in proximity to the
mounting holes (7).
12. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein the
additional intermediate layer (9) is arranged on the entire side of
the leg (1) opposite the side of the leg (1) facing the part (4) in
the assembled state.
13. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein the
sound-absorbing or vibration-insulating material comprises an
elastic material.
14. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) comprises a static elasticity module ranging
from 0.025 N/mm.sup.2 to 5 N/mm.sup.2.
15. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) comprises an elastomer.
16. An angled connector according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate layer (5) comprises a polyurethane-elastomer, a foamed
polyurethane-elastomer, a rubber-elastomer, or a thermoplastic
elastomer.
17. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein the
additional intermediate layer (9) comprises a static elasticity
module ranging from 0.025 N/mm.sup.2 to 5 N/mm.sup.2.
18. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein the
additional intermediate layer (9) comprises an elastomer.
19. An angled connector according to claim 9, wherein the
additional intermediate layer (9) comprises a
polyurethane-elastomer, a foamed polyurethane-elastomer, a
rubber-elastomer, or a thermoplastic elastomer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Austrian Patent
Application A1242/2007, filed Aug. 8, 2007, which is incorporated
herein by reference as if fully set forth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an angled connector with at
least two legs, arranged at an angle deviating from 0.degree. and
180.degree., for mounting one part to another part.
[0003] Generic angled connectors are used e.g., in construction,
particularly wood construction and/or building construction, but
also in other fields, such as machine construction. According to
prior art, one of the legs of the angled connector is mounted to
one of the parts and the other leg to the other part, which leads
to both parts being fixed in reference to each other at an angle
predetermined by the angled connector. Here, the legs are directly
mounted to the parts, e.g., by screwing, which however particularly
enhances the transfer of sound, especially in buildings.
SUMMARY
[0004] The object of the invention is to further develop a generic
angled connector such that this problem is eliminated or at least
reduced.
[0005] According to the invention this is achieved in that at least
on one of the legs at least one intermediate later is arranged
comprising a sound absorbing or vibration insulating material.
[0006] The material of the intermediate layer can be both sound
absorbing and vibration insulating as well.
[0007] By the interposition of the intermediate layer made from a
sound absorbing and/or vibration insulating material between at
least one of the legs and one of the parts it is avoided at least
to a large extent that impact sound is transferred from one part to
the other part via the angled connector. Here, it can be provided
that one appropriate intermediate layer is provided between each of
the two legs and the respective parts to be mounted thereto. In
general, one intermediate layer at one of the legs is sufficient,
though. Sound dampening and/or vibration insulating material
usually represents material provided with better characteristics
with regard to sound absorption and/or vibration insulation than
the legs of the angled connectors, which usually are made from
metal, preferably steel.
[0008] Beneficially, an elastomer is used as the sound absorbing
and/or vibration insulating material for the intermediate layer.
The intermediate layer can here be entirely made from this material
or comprise additional materials as well. Beneficially, the
intermediate layer has a static elasticity module ranging from
0.025 N/mm.sup.2 (Newton per square millimeter) to 5 N/mm.sup.2
and/or a dynamic elasticity module ranging from 0.025 N/mm.sup.2 to
15 N/mm.sup.2. Preferably the material is used in a compression
range from 0.005 N/mm.sup.2 to 1 N/mm.sup.2. Furthermore, it is
beneficial if the intermediate layer has a minimum thickness of at
least 0.4 cm, preferably at least 0.6 cm. Preferably, the thickness
ranges from 6 mm to 12 mm, however, any other thickness is
possible. Particularly preferred elastomers are preferably foamed
polyurethane-elastomers, rubber-elastomers, or also thermo-plastic
elastomers.
[0009] Additional details and features are explained using an
exemplary embodiment according to the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings show:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the invention
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1, and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a typical installation
using the exemplary embodiment of the invention according to FIGS.
1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The angled connector according to the invention in the
exemplary embodiment shown is essentially provided with legs 1 and
2 arranged orthogonally in reference to each other. This means that
an angle 12 amounting to 90.degree.+/-5.degree. exists between the
legs 1 and 2. This is the most frequently used embodiment of angled
connectors. They are always used when two parts 3 and 4 shall be
mounted to each other at an essentially 90.degree. angle, as shown
in FIG. 3. Deviating from the exemplary embodiment shown, any other
angle ranging from 0.degree. to 180.degree. between the legs 1 and
2 is also possible, depending on the angle the parts 3 and 4 are to
be mounted in reference to each other. Preferably it is provided
that the respective angle 12 is fixed, thus the two legs 1 and 2
are not pivotal in reference to each other. Deviating therefrom it
is also possible to embody the angled connector according to the
invention with an angle variable with regard to the legs 1 and 2,
e.g., in the form of a hinge.
[0015] In the embodiment shown, screws are provided as fastening
elements 6, by which the leg 1 can be mounted to the part 4 and the
leg 2 to the part 3. The screws 6 are guided through mounting holes
7 of the legs 2. The support head 11, embodied here in the form of
a screw head, has a diameter respectively larger than the mounting
hole 7 and thus ensures a secure connection.
[0016] Of course, as an alternative to the screws shown here other
fastening elements known from prior art can be used, such as nails,
rivets, bolts, adhesives, and the like.
[0017] According to the invention, the intermediate layer 5 made
from a sound absorbing and/or vibration insulating material is
arranged between the leg 1 and the part 4. It reduces the transfer
of impact sound from one of the parts 3 or 4 to the other part 3 or
4 via said angled connector. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the
intermediate layer 5 extends over the entire side of the leg 1
facing the part 4 in the assembled state. This is not mandatory. It
is beneficial, however, when the intermediate layer 5 is embodied
and arranged at the leg 1 such that the leg 1 is exclusively in a
physical contact with the part 4 with an interposition of the
intermediate layer 5 and provided fastening elements 6, perhaps,
when the leg 1 is fastened at the part 4. This prevents a sound
bridge from developing, via which the impact sound can be
transferred by the angled connector to the part, circumventing the
intermediate layer 5. It is therefore beneficial for the leg 1 not
to be in any direct contact to the part 4 at any point. It may be
provided that at least mounting holes 7 are provided in one leg 1,
2 for fastening elements 6 passing through, preferably screws or
nails. Here, the intermediate layer 5 is preferably arranged at
least in the proximity of the mounting holes 7. The intermediate
layer 5 can therefore also be embodied as an arrangement of
sound-absorbing washers, as well. However, other structures with
appropriate sound-absorbing features can be provided as
intermediate layers 5, e.g., grid-shaped or honeycomb-shaped or
frame-like structures.
[0018] When the fastening elements 6 are held at the part 4 in
dowels, this might already be sufficient to avoid the transfer of
impact sound via the fastening elements 6. If this is not the case,
an additional intermediate layer 9 may be provided, as in the
exemplary embodiment shown, which prevents at least to a large
extent that impact sound can be transferred between the parts 3 and
4 via the angled connector and the fastening elements 6. The
additional intermediate layer 9 also comprises sound-absorbing
and/or vibration insulating material and may be produced from the
same material as the intermediate layer 5. Here, it is not
mandatory, either, for it to be embodied holohedral as in the
exemplary embodiment shown. The additional intermediate layer 9 is
to prevent sound impact from being transferred between the leg 1
and the fastening elements 6. This way, grid or honeycomb-shaped or
frame or washer-like structures are also possible as additional
intermediate layers 9, as long as a direct contact between the
fastening elements 6 and the leg 1 can be avoided so that no
effective sound bridge develops via the fastening elements 6.
[0019] The intermediate layer 5 and the additional intermediate
layer 9 are beneficially mounted to the leg 1 in an undetachable
manner. For this purpose, a preliminary assembly using the screws 6
may be sufficient, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it may be also
provided that the leg 1 is adhered to the intermediate layer 5
and/or the additional intermediate layer 9 or can be cast
therebetween. The thickness 8 of the intermediate layer 5
preferably amounts to at least 0.4 cm, particularly preferred to at
least 0.6 cm. Beneficially, thicknesses are selected between 6 mm
and 12 mm. The same applies to the thickness 13 of the additional
intermediate layer 9, with the thickness 13 usually being less than
the thickness 8.
[0020] A support plate 10 may be provided, as shown in the
exemplary embodiment to prevent the support heads 11 of the
fastening elements 9 from penetrating the relatively soft material
of the additional intermediate layer 9 and thus fail to be held
therein appropriately. This may be made from e.g., metal,
preferably steel, or alternatively any appropriately hard and/or
tough plastic. The mounting holes 7 provided thereat are once more
smaller in their diameters than the support heads 11, so that the
fastening elements 6 in the appropriately counter-sunk state press
the support plate 10 against the additional intermediate layer 9,
by which the entire angled connector is fixed tightly on the part
4. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support plate 10 is once
more embodied in one piece. This is not mandatory here, either.
Here, too, as an alternative an arrangement of washers or a
grid-like structure or the like are possible.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a typical installation situation in which the
post 3 is fastened as the first part to a bottom plate 4 as the
second part via the angled connector according to the invention.
The leg 2 of the angled connector is here directly connected to the
first part 3 via the corresponding fastening elements. This part
rests on a pad 14, which in turn serves to absorb impact sound,
produced from an appropriately sound-absorbing and/or vibration
insulating material. By this pad 14 a direct transfer of impact
sound is prevented between both parts 3 and 4.
[0022] In order to avoid impact sound being transferred via the
angled connector, the intermediate layer 5 is provided according to
the already discussed exemplary embodiment according to the
invention. The additional intermediate layer 9 prevents the
transfer of impact sound via the fastening elements 6, by which the
leg 1 is fastened at the part 4.
[0023] In general, it is possible to provide not only one of the
two legs but both legs 1 and 2 with an appropriate intermediate
layer 5 and an additional intermediate layer 9 if the particular
installation situation renders it necessary to avoid the transfer
of sound impact.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0024] 1 leg [0025] 2 leg [0026] 3 part [0027] 4 part [0028] 5
intermediate layer [0029] 6 fastening elements [0030] 7 mounting
holes [0031] 8 thickness [0032] 9 additional intermediate layer
[0033] 10 support plate [0034] 11 support head [0035] 12 angle
[0036] 13 thickness [0037] 14 pad
* * * * *