U.S. patent application number 15/528321 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-04 for kit of modules of a framework.
This patent application is currently assigned to MCB ATELIER SPRL. The applicant listed for this patent is MCB ATELIER SPRL. Invention is credited to Julien DE VISSCHER.
Application Number | 20180002915 15/528321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52449898 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180002915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DE VISSCHER; Julien |
January 4, 2018 |
KIT OF MODULES OF A FRAMEWORK
Abstract
A kit of modules of a framework, each module comprises struts
connected among each other, each strut comprising a first and a
second side, the modules being connected by a set of fixing
elements and comprise each at least two gussets placed on two
adjacent struts, each strut being provided with at least a first
and a second perforation, said gussets being provided with a third
perforation and extend in parallel to the second side of the
struts, the third perforation being oriented along a direction
which crosses the second side, a first respectively a second fixing
element of said set being housed in the first respectively the
second perforations of two modules when they are assembled side by
side with their first sides of the struts of each of the two
modules, which fixing elements are provided for enabling to
establish a connection between the two adjacent modules while they
are connected to each other.
Inventors: |
DE VISSCHER; Julien;
(Anderlecht, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCB ATELIER SPRL |
Anderlecht |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MCB ATELIER SPRL
Anderlecht
BE
|
Family ID: |
52449898 |
Appl. No.: |
15/528321 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 20, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/BE2015/000065 |
371 Date: |
May 19, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63J 1/00 20130101; A63H
33/04 20130101; E04B 5/026 20130101; A47B 47/0091 20130101; E04B
1/3431 20130101; E04B 5/08 20130101; E04C 2/386 20130101; A47B
47/047 20130101; E04B 5/023 20130101; E04B 2103/04 20130101; E04B
2/707 20130101; E04B 5/02 20130101; F16B 12/46 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343; E04C 2/38 20060101 E04C002/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2014 |
BE |
BE2014/5082 |
Claims
1.-13. (canceled)
14. A kit of modules (1) of a framework, each module comprising at
least three struts (2,3,4,5) connected among each other in such a
manner as to form a sub-kit of the framework, each strut comprising
a first (2a,3a) and a second (2b,3b) side forming an angle among
each other, said kit comprising a set of fixing elements provided
for connecting the modules among each other, each module also
comprising at least two gussets (6) each placed on two adjacent
struts at a height of a junction between those two adjacent struts,
each strut being provided with at least a first (7) and a second
(8) perforation situated on the first side and applied respectively
in the neighborhood of a first (11) and a second (12) end of the
strut, said gussets being each time provided with a third
perforation (13), characterized in that the gussets extend
essentially in parallel with the second side of the struts, the
third perforation being oriented according to a direction which
extend across the second side, a first of the fixing elements of
said set being housed in the first perforations and a second of the
fixing elements of said set being housed in the second perforations
of two adjacent modules when they are assembled side by side with
the first sides of one of the struts of each of the two modules,
which fixing elements being provided for enabling to establish the
connection between two adjacent modules when said connection is
established among them.
15. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third
perforation is positioned in such a manner as to enable a
connection by means of a third fixing element of said set with one
of the first or second perforation of one of the modules of the kit
applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied,
the third fixing element being housed in said third perforation and
the first or second perforation when the modules are assembled.
16. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third
perforation is applied on a crossing (I) of a first (PL1) and a
second (PL2) plane extending respectively across the first
perforation (7) of a first of said two adjacent struts and across
the second perforation (8) of a second of said adjacent struts, the
first and second plans being essentially perpendicular among
them.
17. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third
perforation is positioned in such a manner as to enable a
connection by means of a third fixing element of said set with one
of the first or second perforation of one of the modules of the kit
applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied,
the third fixing element being housed in said third perforation and
the first or second perforation when the modules are assembled, and
wherein the third perforation is applied on a crossing (I) of a
first (PL1) and a second (PL2) plane extending respectively across
the first perforation (7) of a first of said two adjacent struts
and across the second perforation (8) of a second of said adjacent
struts, the first and second plans being essentially perpendicular
among them.
18. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that each strut
is provided on its first side with at least a fourth (9) and a
fifth (10) perforation applied respectively in the neighborhood of
the first (11) and the second (12) end of the strut and extending
in a first and a second plan extending essentially in a
perpendicular manner across the first and second perforation.
19. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the gusset
comprises at least a sixth perforation placed offset with respect
to the third perforation.
20. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that at least
two of said at least three struts are each formed by at least two
segments (2-1,2-2;3-1,3-2) connected among each other by a
connection member (14) provided for enabling a displacement of the
segments with respect to each other and enabling an extension of
the strut.
21. The kit according to claim 20, characterized in that the
connection member (14) is formed by a lath applied against the
strut and provided with at least one groove (15) in which a lug
applied on a third side of the strut grips.
22. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that it
comprises at least one fixing plate (20) provided for being fixed
to a gusset (6) and for extending at the opposite side at which the
gusset is applied.
23. The kit according to claim 22, characterized the fixing plate
comprises an eleventh (23) perforation (23) applied in such a
manner to be aligned to the third perforation when the fixing plate
is placed on the module.
24. The kit according to claim 22, characterized in that the fixing
plate comprises on two of its sides a staircase profile
(21,22).
25. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third
perforation comprises a hollow out provided for housing therein a
head of a bolt.
26. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that at least
two struts situated at opposite sides of the module comprises a
hole (42) crossing the strut on which they are applied.
27. A device for assembling modules of the kit according to claim
14, characterized in that it comprises a support (33) provided with
a horizontal bar (31) and a vertical bar (32) mounted in such a
manner as to slide inside the support against the modules mounted
inside the support.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a kit of modules of a
framework, each module comprising at least three struts connected
among each other in such a manner as to form a sub-kit of the
framework, each strut comprising a first and a second side forming
an angle among each other, said kit comprising a set of fixing
elements provided for connecting the modules among each other, each
module also comprising at least two gussets each placed on two
adjacent struts at a height of a junction between those two
adjacent struts, each strut being provided with at least a first
and a second perforation situated on the first side and applied
respectively in the neighborhood of a first and a second end of the
strut, said gussets being each time provided with a third
perforation.
[0002] Such a kit is known from the Australian patent AU 547147 and
is for example used for podiums. The kit serves as a support on
which a finishing is then applied, such as for example a plank
which then constitutes the floor of the podium. The fixing elements
are provided for connecting the modules among each other. As the
known framework has to be foldable in order to facilitate its
transport, the set of fixing elements is formed by hinges placed on
the first side of the strut. In order to reinforce the module,
gussets, which are also placed on the first side of the strut, are
foreseen.
[0003] A drawback of the known kit of modules of a framework is
that it is only in one direction modular. Indeed, the hinges, which
form the fixing elements, are placed on the surface of the module,
which prevents to directly join an adjacent module on this surface.
The use of hinges being imposed by the necessity to render the kit
foldable thus considerably limits the modularity of the kit and
does only make it appropriate for a limited number of
constructions.
[0004] The object of the invention is to realize a modular kit of
modules of a framework which can be used for a large number of
applications.
[0005] To this purpose a kit of modules of a framework according to
the invention is characterized in that the gussets extend
essentially in parallel with the second side of the struts, the
third perforation being oriented according to a direction which
extend across the second side, a first of the fixing elements of
said set being housed in the first perforations and a second of the
fixing elements of said set being housed in the second perforations
of two adjacent modules when they are assembled side by side with
the first sides of one of the struts of each of the two modules,
which fixing elements being provided for enabling to establish the
connection between two adjacent modules when said connection is
established among them. By using modules where the connection
between the modules is done while assembling adjacent modules, the
kit offers a larger use flexibility and thus a larger modularity
while mounting. The first and second perforations serve for housing
therein the first and second fixing elements of the set, the latter
do not form an obstacle when the modules are connected to each
other.
[0006] A first preferred embodiment of a kit of modules of a
framework according to the invention is characterized in that the
third perforation is positioned in such a manner as to enable a
connection by means of a third fixing element of said set with one
of the first or second perforation of one of the modules of the kit
applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied,
the third fixing element being housed in said third perforation and
the first or second perforation when the modules are assembled. As
the gussets and their third perforations are mounted on the second
side of the strut, they are in a different plane than the one where
the first and second perforations are, which are applied on the
first side. Thus, the gusset enables, due to its third perforation,
the juxtaposition of an adjacent module, which also contributes to
the modularity of the framework. Indeed, as the third perforation
is in the gusset, it can be used for connecting thereon another
module by means of the third fixing element. It is thus possible to
connect modules as well side by side as under an angle between
them.
[0007] A second embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework
according to the invention is characterized in that the third
perforation is applied on a crossing of a first and a second plane
extending respectively across the first perforation of a first of
said two adjacent struts and across the second perforation of a
second of said adjacent struts, the first and second planes being
substantially perpendicular among them. In such a manner care is
taken that a third of the fixing elements introduced into the third
perforation can engage into a first or second perforation of a
module placed against the gusset where the third perforation is
located and enable in such a manner an alignment with the strut of
that module where the first or second perforation is located.
[0008] A third embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework
according to the invention is characterized in that each strut is
provided on its first side with at least a fourth and a fifth
perforation applied respectively in the neighborhood of the first
and the second end of the strut and extending in a first and a
second plane extending substantially in a perpendicular manner
across the first and second perforation. This enables a greater
rigidity of the assembling of the framework.
[0009] A fourth embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework
according to the invention is characterized in that at least two of
said at least three struts are each formed by at least two segments
connected among each other by a connection member provided for
enabling a displacement of the segments with respect to each other
and enabling an extension of the strut.
[0010] The connection member enables to extend the length of the
strut and thus to more easily adjust the kit of modules of a
framework to the dimensions of the place where it has to be
applied.
[0011] A fifth embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework
according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at
least one fixing plate provided for being fixed to a gusset and for
extending at the opposite side at which the gusset is applied. The
plate enables to fix more easily thereon the finishing and also to
more easily remove the finishing.
[0012] Preferably the fixing plate comprises an eleventh
perforation applied in such a manner to be aligned to the third
perforation when the fixing plate is placed on the module. This
facilitates the fixing of the finishing because the alignment of
the holes enables to easily insert therein a fixing element.
[0013] Preferably the fixing plate comprises on two of its sides a
staircase profile. This enables to offer an access to the fixing
elements introduced in the first and second perforations.
[0014] The invention will now be described by means of the drawings
in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a first embodiment of a module
of the kit according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the lay-out of the first, second and
third perforations;
[0017] FIG. 3 shows an overview of a second embodiment of a module
of a kit according to the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows the second embodiment of a module of the kit in
its extended shape;
[0019] FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment of the module of the kit
with ancillaries fixed thereon;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows three modules of the kit assembled among each
other;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows an overall view of a module provided with a
fixing plate;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a device for assembling the modules; and
[0023] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a module according to the
invention.
[0024] In the drawings, a same reference has been allotted to a
same or to an analogous element.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a first embodiment of a
module 1 of the kit of modules of a framework according to the
invention. Each module comprises four struts 2,3,4, and 5 connected
among each other in such a manner as to form a sub-kit of the
framework. Of course, the module could only comprise three struts
instead of four, or it could also comprise more than four struts.
It is however necessary that the struts are connected at least two
by two among each other for giving a rigidity to the module. For
clarity reasons in the remaining of the description a limitation to
a module with four struts will be applied. Each strut comprises a
first 2a, 3a and a second 2b, 3b side forming an angle among each
other. This angle is preferably of 90.degree., but could have any
value between 60.degree. and 120.degree..
[0026] The module comprises at least two gussets 6 each placed on
two adjacent struts at a height of a junction between those two
struts. This has for consequence that the gussets are each time at
a height of a corner of the module. They are preferably aligned
with the struts. The gussets are preferably superposed on the
struts and extend essentially in parallel with the second sides 2b,
3b of the struts on which they are mounted. As shown in FIG. 1, the
gussets 6 are superposed on the struts 2,3,4 and 5 in order not to
disturb the fixing elements. The gussets preferably have a
thickness of 18 mm and the struts have preferably a thickness of
also 18 mm.
[0027] Each strut being provided with at least a first 7 and a
second 8 perforation applied respectively in the neighborhood of a
first 11 and a second 12 end of the strut. The first and second
perforations are located on the first sides 2a, 3a of the struts.
Preferably, each strut is provided with at least a fourth 9 and a
fifth 10 perforation placed respectively in the neighborhood of the
first 11 and the second 12 end of the strut. The fourth and fifth
perforations are preferably similar to the first and second
perforations and are also situated on the first sides 2a, 3a of the
struts. As shown in FIG. 1 the fourth and fifth perforations extend
respectively at a distance of the first and second perforations and
in a first plane PL1 and a second plane PL2 extending substantially
perpendicular across the first and second perforations.
[0028] The perforations serve to introduce therein and to house
therein fixing elements, such as for example screws and bolts or
pins. These fixing elements 43 are part of a set of fixing elements
which enable to connect adjacent modules among each other, as
illustrated with a dotted line 48 in FIG. 6. The perforations are
either formed by blind holes in the first side of the strut, or
they cross in a rectilinear manner the strut as from the first side
for reaching the other side of the strut.
[0029] Thus, for building a framework with a kit of modules
according to the invention and where the modules are aligned in a
same plane one will take each time two modules 1 and will place the
first side of a strut of one of the modules against the first side
of a strut of the other module in such a manner that those first
sides are side by side. In the first and second perforations 7 and
8 of first of the two modules to be connected among each other
there are each time introduced a first respectively a second fixing
element in such a manner that they are housed in the perforations
of the concerned module. It will then be sufficient to bring the
two modules together by bringing them side by side and by engaging
the fixing elements applied in the first module into the first and
second perforations of the other of the two modules. The connection
between the two modules is finished when the first and second
fixing elements are engaged in the first and second perforations.
In case where the modules are provided with fourth and fifth
perforations 9 and 10, of course a similar operation will be
applied to those perforations. In function of the dimension of the
framework to be build more modules will be placed side by side by
applying each time the same mounting sequence as the one which has
been described. The modules can be juxtaposed as well in a
horizontal as in a vertical direction, in such a manner that the
framework is formed by a matrix of modules.
[0030] The fact the fixing elements are housed in the first,
second, and as the case may be in the fourth and fifth,
perforations, has for consequence that their presence does not
disturb the juxtaposition of the modules, which can thus be tightly
connected among each other without having gaps between them.
Indeed, at the height of the connection between two juxtaposed
modules the fixing element will only cross this connection.
[0031] The gussets are each time provided with a third perforation
13, which, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is preferably applied on a
crossing I of a first plane PL1 and a second plane PL2 extending
respectively across the first perforation 7 of a first 4 of said
two adjacent struts and across the second perforation 8 of a second
5 of said two adjacent struts, the first and second plane being
substantially perpendicular to each other. The third perforation is
oriented along a direction which extends across the second side of
the struts. Thus, the third perforation forms an angle, in
particular an angle of 90.degree., with respect to the direction
along which the first and second perforations applied on the first
side of the strut extend.
[0032] The third perforation 13 is positioned in such a manner as
to enable a connection by means of a third of the fixing elements
of said set with the first, second, fourth or fifth perforations of
one of the modules of the kit applied against the gusset where the
third perforation is applied. This enables to place and fix two
modules against each other in such a manner that they form a
90.degree. angle among each other. A third fixing element of the
set of fixing elements being housed in this third perforation of
one of the modules and the one of the first, second, fourth or
fifth perforation of the other module when they are assembled.
Thus, it becomes possible not only to form a framework which
extends in a same plane, but also a framework which extends in
several planes.
[0033] Preferably, when the modules are placed according to a
matrix they will all be placed in a manner that the gussets are on
a same side, except for the or the modules on which the or the will
be fixed another module on their gusset. This enables to use the
same fixing elements for a fixing by means of struts among each
other or between a strut and a gusset. Moreover, the fixing
elements applied in these third perforations will not disturb the
one already applied in the first, second, fourth and fifth
perforations. Thanks to this disposition of the third perforation
13 a fixing element which will be introduced in this third
perforation will be sufficiently distant of the fixing elements
introduced in the perforations applied on the first side of the
struts.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 9, which shows another embodiment of
a module according to the invention, it is also possible that the
gusset comprises at least a sixth perforation 40, 41 placed offset
with respect to the third perforation 13. Preferably the sixth
perforations are applied at a same distance of the third
perforation and at the angles of a rectangular triangle. The or the
sixth perforations serve for mounting on the module other modules
which will then also be offset with respect to that module. This
increases the number of configurations of frameworks which can be
realized according to the invention.
[0035] In the embodiment, according to FIG. 9 the module also
comprises at least a first hole 42-1 placed substantially at the
center of the first side of a first strut and a second hole 42-2
placed substantially at the center of the first side of a second
strut situated at the opposite side of the module. Those holes
cross their respective struts. Preferably each hole 42 comprises on
its both sides a channel 43 and 44 which extend from the
circumference of the hole towards each time an end of the strut.
Those holes have several functions among which the one to help
catching the module by hand, to enable the passage of cables or
tubes, or also to insert therein rods for rigidifying the
framework.
[0036] In the embodiment, according to FIG. 9 the module also
comprises ninth 45 and tenth 46 perforations placed at a distance
of the first and second and having configurations and functions
similar to the latter. Those ninth 45 and tenth 46 perforations
serve to connect other modules which could thus be mounted offset
with respect to the module on which they are mounted. Of course,
the presence of sixth 40,41, ninth 45 and tenth 46 perforations and
the one of the holes 42 are independent of each other and can be
applied as well together as separately on the other embodiments
described in this document.
[0037] In the embodiment of FIG. 9 the gussets are applied within
the enclosure formed by the module and their surface is at the same
height as the one of the second sides of the struts. Of course,
this lay-out of gussets can also be applied at the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0038] The FIGS. 3 and 4 show an overview of a second embodiment of
a module of a kit according to the invention. This embodiment
distinguishes over the one shown in FIG. 1 by the fact that at
least two of the struts 2,3,4 and 5 are each formed by at least two
segments 2-1 and 2-2, 3-1 and 3-2. Each of those segments is
preferably provided with a seventh 16 and an eight 17 perforation
similar to the first and second perforations. The segments are
connected among each other by a connection member 14 provided for
enabling a displacement of the segments with respect to each other
and enabling an extension of the strut or an inclination of the
segments between them. Preferably this connection member is formed
by a lath applied against a third side of the strut and provided
with at least one groove 15 (-1,-2,-3,-4) in which a lug applied on
the strut grips. The third side of the strut is situated on the
opposite side of the one where the first side is situated. Thus,
the segments can slide the one with respect to the other and they
are guided in this movement by the lug which slides in the groove.
As the case may be, a fixing element is introduced in the seventh
16 or the eight 17 perforation in order to fix the segments in
their extended position. The presence of the connection member
enables thus to vary the dimension of the module, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, and to build a framework which can be adapted at the
dimensions of the place where it will be placed. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection member comprises four grooves
15-1, 15-2,15-3 and 15-4 which has the advantage of maintaining the
segments of a same strut well aligned with respect to each other
when they are at a distance from each other. This of course relates
to a preferred embodiment and it will be clear that the invention
is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, it can be
envisaged to have only one groove. The fact that the grooves do not
extend over the whole length of the connection member has the
advantage of rigidifying the connection member.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a module of the kit with
ancillaries attached thereon. Those ancillaries, such as for
example an angular piece 18 or a straight piece 19, are mounted
inside the module and extend in the interior delimited by of the
module. The ancillaries are fixed to the connection member by
gluing, screwing or by means of nails. They enable to apply a
finishing thereon.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows an overall view of a module provided with a
fixing plate 20. The fixing plate is provided for being fixed to a
gusset 6 and for extending at the opposite side of the one where
the gusset is applied. The fixing of the fixing plate to the gusset
is for example realized by means of a rod which is at least
partially provided with a screw thread and which crosses the third
perforation 13 applied on the gusset and an eleventh perforation 23
applied on the fixing plate. The eleventh perforation is applied in
such a manner to be aligned to the third perforation when the
fixing plate is applied on the module. This fixing plate serves for
fixing a finishing thereon. As the fixing plate is fixed on the
gusset it can be easily mounted and demounted from the module
without intervening on other components of the module and thus
leaving the framework as such. As it is the fixing plate which
carries the finishing, the latter is mounted and demounted with the
same facility as the fixing plate.
[0041] The fixing plate comprises on two of its sides a staircase
profile 21, 22. This has the advantage of leaving free space for
the fixing elements which would be applied in the perforations of
the struts. The staircase profile enables thus that the fixing
elements do not hinder the mounting of the fixing plate.
[0042] Preferably, the third 13 and eleventh 23 perforations
comprises a hollow out applied for housing therein a head of a bolt
which is part of the fixing element. Thus, the head of the bolt
does not form part of a protrusion with respect to a plane of the
gusset or of the fixing plate, which protrusion could perturbate
the application of a finishing.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a device for assembling the modules of
the kit according to the invention. The device 30 comprises a
support 33 provided with a horizontal rod 31 and a vertical rod 32
each mounted in such a manner as to slide on the support. To this
purpose, the support is provided with a first sliding rail 34 and a
second sliding rail 35. For connecting the modules among each other
a series of modules 1 is juxtaposed. Thereafter the horizontal and
vertical rod are slide against the juxtaposed modules which have as
effect of correctly aligning them. It will be enough to thereafter
connect the modules among each other by means of the fixing
elements for forming the framework.
[0044] The modules are preferably made of wood, preferably poplar,
treated to be fireproof. The modules can of course be made of other
materials than wood, such as for example aluminum or plastic.
[0045] The modules according to the invention enable to build in a
fast and very flexible manner a framework, which on its turn could
be used for several applications such as for example, a closure, a
cabinet, a shelf, a podium, a support for a decor, a staircase, a
bence, etc. As the modules can be easily connected among each other
by means of the fixing elements placed in the perforations and that
the modules can be associated under a multiple of configurations,
as well in a same plan as under plans forming an angle between
them, the frameworks of different configurations can be formed
without using complex techniques.
* * * * *