Patent Application
20230417050
The present invention relates to a section bar, which can be used for making a frame for walls as well as a frame structure comprising such a section bar.
In the prefabricated building market, it is known to obtain a modular structure on which infill panels can be applied to define vertical walls.
These structures imply using vertical elements, such as uprights, operatively associated with horizontal reinforcement elements, such as oblique or horizontal crosspieces in order to obtain a support frame.
In general, the individual elements that make up this support frame can be metal section bars with a cross section that can be of different configurations and whose concavity, once laid, is oriented inwards.
The transverse and oblique elements are fixed to the vertical uprights with their ends inserted into the recess of the profile of a corresponding upright or horizontal crosspiece. The ends of the oblique crosspieces are then fixed by riveting with one rivet only to the uprights or horizontal crosspieces, which they engage by overlapping.
In general, the ends of the oblique crosspieces are cut according to a plane orthogonal to the direction of extension of the crosspieces themselves.
This technical solution for fixing of an upright and an end of an oblique or horizontal crosspiece by means of a single fixing point on each side determines some drawbacks.
The international application published under number WO2019123388A1 describes a frame structure for walls comprising a first element and a second element operably associable with each other, with the first element and the second element comprising a respective central wall and two opposite side walls delimiting at least one longitudinal recess.
This structure is made up of metal section bars connected to each other, which, due to their design, have one possible constraint position only. This determines that the frame structure has little versatility.
Furthermore, if the frame itself is to be used for other purposes, the configuration of the section bars making up the frame limits its functionality.
There is a need in the field of a frame structure with a high versatility of construction and high functionality as well as able to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks as part of a solution that is easy to be used and practical to be implemented.
Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art concerning the section bars that can be used in the production of a frame for walls.
Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a section bar that can be used in the construction of a frame for walls capable of ensuring high versatility in the obtainment step of the frame.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a section bar that can be used for obtaining a frame for walls capable of ensuring more functionality of employment when used for obtaining a frame for walls.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a section bar that can be used in the construction of a frame for walls capable of ensuring high resistance should the frame be used to support huge amount of weight or horizontal thrusts in its respective plane.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a section bar is provided which can be used for the construction of a frame according to the present application.
Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to fix section bars to each other with a connection providing suitable connection means according to the loads acting on the members.
The present application refers to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the detailed description of preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a section bar that can be used for the construction of a frame illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the enclosed drawings in which:
In the accompanying drawings, identical parts or components are indicated by the same reference numbers.
Moreover, with particular reference to
With reference to the attached figures, a section bar according to the present invention which can be used for the construction of a frame is indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.
This section bar 1 comprises at least one main wall 2 and at least two side walls 3, 4.
As regards the at least one main wall 2, it can comprise one or more longitudinal reinforcement ribs 5 and/or delimit one or more first through openings or constraint through openings 7 useful for the possible engagement of one or more objects in the section bar 1 or for the possible constraint of the section bar 1 itself to a partition or wall.
By way of non-limiting example, the longitudinal reinforcement ribs 5 can have a trapezoidal or prismatic extension with a height between about 3 mm and about 5 mm, for example about 3.8 mm, and a width between about 8 mm and about 10 mm, for example 8.75 mm.
As regards the at least two side walls 3, 4, they each comprise at least a first segment 8, 9 which departs from a respective first end of the main wall 2 in a direction which can be transverse or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main lying or extension of the main wall 2, so that the first segments 8, 9 of the at least two side walls 3, 4 define a substantially U-shaped configuration with the main wall 2.
Clearly, the two side walls 3, 4 could define a U-shaped configuration with the main wall 2 even if they do not extend in a direction orthogonal to the lying plane of the main wall 2, but inclined with respect to it, for example so as to define an angle between 60° and 120°.
In particular, each of the at least two side walls 3, 4 includes a second segment 10, 11 which extends from a respective first segment 8, 9, more particularly from one end of the latter distal from the main wall 2. The second segment 10, 11 is inclined relative to the first segment 8, 9 in such a way that the second segments 10, 11 have their respective free longitudinal or main or greatest ends 10a, 11a (i.e., extending along the longitudinal or main development axis of the section bar) at a first distance less than the second distance between the respective ends 10b, 11b, which are proximal or for constrain with or of continuation of the respective first segment 8, 9.
In practice, the free ends 10a, 11a of each second inclined segment 10, 11 face the longitudinal centerline of the section bar 1.
If desired, the second segments 10, 11 are orthogonal to the first segments 8, 9 and, if desired, substantially parallel to the main wall 2.
The section bar 1 comprises two flanks 1a, 1b consisting of the first segments 8, 9, two main sides 1c, 1d, one 1c consisting of the main wall 2 and the other 1d which is defined by the second segments 10, 11 spaced apart with each other, whereby the segment 1d is in fact interrupted between the free ends 10a, 11a.
The other two front and rear faces 1e, 1f of the section bar 1 are in fact open and substantially U-shaped, each being defined by the respective free edge of the main wall 2, by the first segments 8, 9 and by a respective minor free edge of the second segments 10, 11 which constitute the continuation of the free edge of the respective first segment 8, 9.
Thus, the section bar 1 has a height defined by the distance between the main wall 2 and the second segments 10, 11 or in any case by the extension of the first segments 8, 9 when passing from the main wall 2 to the second segments 10, 11, width defined by the distance between the two flanks 1a, 1b and a length which extends along a main longitudinal axis in the direction from the front face 1e to the rear face 1f.
Preferably, the flanks 1a, 1b of the section bar 1 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a median plane substantially parallel to the two first segments 8, 9 of the two side walls 3, 4 and equidistant from them or to a plane orthogonal to the main wall 2 and equidistant from the first two segments 8, 9.
A section bar is preferably made in one piece, in a suitable material, such as a metallic material, if desired aluminum.
Preferably, the main wall 2 is flat. If desired, the main wall 2 has an extension in the direction of the width of the section bar of about 130-150 mm, if desired, about 140 mm.
Advantageously, the first segments 8, 9 are flat. If desired, the first segments 8, 9 have an extension in the direction of the height of the section bar of about 40-60 mm, if desired, between 45 and 55 mm or equal to about 50 mm.
If desired, the side walls 3, 4 each define at least one raised portion 12.
The raised portions 12 preferably have an extension in a plan view, which is circular or substantially circular, but in other versions of the invention they could also present different extension in a plan view, for example polygonal.
By way of non-limiting example, the raised portions 12 can have a diameter ranging between about 35 mm and about 45 mm, for example about 40 or 41 mm.
Preferably, at least a raised portion 12 is formed recessed in the first segment 8, 9 of a respective side wall 3, 4 so as to protrude with respect to the latter within the section bar 1 or in any case in the direction of approaching the other side wall 4, 3.
Alternatively, at least one raised portion 12 could protrude outwards from the respective first segment 8, 9 of a respective side wall 3, 4, i.e. protruding in the direction of moving away from the other side wall 4, 3.
In this regard, at least a raised portion could be recessed or protruding outward by about 1-3 mm, if desired between 2 and 3 mm, for example about 2.75 mm with respect to the respective first segment 8, 9.
Clearly, all of the raised portions could be recessed or protruding or there could be a combination of these variants.
So far as the position of the raised portions 12 is concerned, they can for example be at a distance of between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, for example 10-20 mm, from a respective front face 1e or rear face if of the section bar 1.
Naturally, one or more raised portions 12 can be provided in a section bar 1, for example two, three, four or more.
Preferably, for each raised portion 12 in a side wall 3, a raised portion 12 is provided at the other side wall 4 at the same level or longitudinal extension of the section bar 1 and substantially symmetrical with respect to a median plane substantially parallel to the two first segments 8, 9 of the two side walls 3, 4 and equidistant from them or to a plane orthogonal to the main wall 2 and equidistant from the two first segments 8, 9.
Basically, for each first raised portion 12 in a side wall 3, a second raised portion 12 is preferably provided in the other side wall 4 substantially aligned to the first 12 in the direction from one flank 1a to the other 1b orthogonally to the direction of main extension of the section bar 1.
If desired, two raised portions 12 are provided, one for each side wall 3, 4, at or a distance ranging between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, for example 10-20 mm of both the front face and the rear face 1e, if of profile 1.
Naturally, raised portions 12 can be provided, also or alternatively to what has been indicated, at intermediate portions of the section bar 1.
More specifically, at least one or each raised portion 12, regardless of whether it protrudes towards the inside or the outside of the section bar 1, is constituted by a section of a lowered wall 12a or wall offset with respect to a section of the main wall 8d, 9d of the respective first segment with a connecting section 12b between this section of lowered wall 12a and the section of main wall 8d, 9d.
According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures, the section of the lowered wall 12a has a circular or polygonal base, while the connecting section 12b is tubular with a circular or polygonal section, if desired decreasing towards the respective section of the lowered wall 12a.
In these raised portions 12 one or more second through openings 13a, 13b are delimited for the connection, by means of connective means 14, if desired screws or bolts, of the section bar 1 with other components of a frame or frame structure 15, such as for example other types of section bars or other shaped elements.
Advantageously, the one or more second through openings 13a, 13b are arranged in a symmetrically radial manner or distributed in a uniform way in the raised portions 12 or better in the respective section of the lowered wall 12a.
With the expression “distributed in a uniform way” it is meant that the openings 13a, 13b are not concentrated in a position of the raised portion 12, but they are distributed therein so as to have the greatest number of openings, with the distance between themselves not less than about 0.8 mm and about 1.2 mm, for example not less than about 1 mm.
In detail, it is possible to attribute radial symmetry to a plane figure when, for example, by defining the center of the polygonal or circular shape of the plan extension of the raised portions 12 as the center of radial symmetry of the starting flat figure, there is a clockwise rotation and/or counterclockwise different from 360° of the same around the center of radial symmetry, which allows to obtain another flat figure that perfectly overlaps the starting flat figure.
According to the variant of the invention shown in
More specifically, in one or more raised portions 12, an opening 13a is formed substantially centrally in the respective raised portion 12, while the other, if desired four, through openings 13b for the connection are aligned along a circumference enclosing the second opening 13a central and substantially with a center in the latter.
More particularly, according to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the external through openings 13b are arranged equally spaced apart from each other by a distance comprised between about 5 mm and about 6 mm, for example about 5.5 mm, and are then spaced with respect to the central through opening 13a by a distance comprised between about 0.8 mm and about 1.2 mm, for example about 1 mm.
It will be understood how, in this particular arrangement, a clockwise and/or counterclockwise rotation, for example of 90°, with respect to the center of radial symmetry ensures obtaining a figure equal to the starting figure.
This particular arrangement of the through openings 13a, 13b ensures to optimize the space inside the raised portions 12 and at the same time to obtain the best level of bearing capacity of the section bar 1 when connected with other components of the frame 15.
Clearly, the second openings 13a, 13b could also be in a different number to what is illustrated, although the number of the same would preferably increase or decrease as a function, respectively, of the increase or reduction of the width of the raised portion 12 and more in detail of the respective section of lowered or staggered wall 12a.
Thus, for example, with a raised portion 12 or better with a section of lowered or staggered wall 12a of larger dimensions, it would be possible to have six, seven or more second through openings, while still ensuring that the latter are distributed in a homogeneous manner and, for example, at a distance from each other of not less than about 0.8 mm and about 1.2 mm, for example about 1 mm.
If desired, there could be second through openings 13a, 13b distributed along concentric circumferences, if desired with the center in the center of the respective raised portion 12 or of the respective section of lowered or staggered wall 12a.
In fact, each through opening 13a, 13b inside the raised portions 12, when engaged by a respective connective means 14 increases the bearing capacity of the section bar 1, but if a correct balance between the forces involved should be maintained, a distributed and non-concentrated arrangement of the through openings for the connection 13a, 13b is required.
The particular arrangement described above is capable of optimizing both the number and the position of the through openings 13a, 13b for the connection with respect to the surface of the available raised portions 12.
Advantageously, the two segments 8, 9 are each provided with two free ends or edges 8a, 9a at least one of which is fully or partially curved (see
In particular, each side wall 3, 4 or better the first segment 8, 9 of each side wall 3, 4 is substantially polygonal, for example substantially square or rectangular with four ends, one of which is connected or rather extending from the main wall 2, one opposite to the latter and from which the second inclined segment 10, 11 and the other two forming the free ends or edges 8a, 9a, which are opposite to each other, depart.
In this case, one and preferably both free ends or edges 8a, 9a are as described above, and thus curved or with at least one curved section and therefore they are not straight and perpendicular to the other two ends. Alternatively, one free end or edge 8a, 9a could be straight and the other as indicated above.
Preferably, the length of the first segment 8, 9 is greater than the length of the main wall 2 and of the second segment 10, 11 at the respective free edge 8a, 9a, so that the latter actually protrudes with respect to the main wall 2 and the respective second segment 10, 11.
Advantageously, the two free edges 8a, 9a of the two first segment 8, 9 at the same face 1e, if of the section bar 1 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a middle plane substantially parallel to the two first segments 8, 9 of the two side walls 3, 4 and equidistant from them or to a plane orthogonal to the main wall 2 and equidistant from the first two segments 8, 9.
Basically, the two free edges 8a, 9a curved in whole or in part form a fork-like part with two prongs of a respective face 1e, if of the section bar 1.
As regards the position of the raised portions 12 relative to the free curved ends 8a, 9a or with at least one curved portion, they can for example be at a distance between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, for example 10-20 mm, from such free ends 8a, 9a.
This particular configuration of the free ends or edges 8a, 9a together with the position of the raised portions 12 with respect to them allows, during the connection step of the section bar 1 with other components of the frame 15, that it is possible to fix the section bar 1 in a series of operating positions (see
Actually, the curvature of the at least one free end 8a, 9a or of the inclined or curved lateral sections 8c, 9c with respect to the main middle section 8b, 9b allows/permits the angular rotation of the section bar 1 with respect to an inclination zone, which it is clearly the connection point by means of the connective means 14 between the section bar 1 and another component or section bar of the frame 15.
In this regard, with specific reference to
In this case, the free end 8a, 9a is not brought into contact with the bottom of the fitting zone FZ defined by the shaped element 16 or better with the internal surface of the latter, but is at a distance from it, for example of about 0.5-2 mm and thanks to its configuration (of the free end 8a, 9a) it is possible to constrain the section bar 1 to the shaped element 16 in a plurality of angularly spaced operating positions.
For the connection of the section bar 1 to the shaped element 16, for example, the connective means 14 can be used, if desired, screws or bolts. Thus, for example, both in the section bar 1 and in the shaped element 16 openings are formed to be aligned during the assembly process for the insertion of screws or bolts 14 into the so aligned openings.
Clearly, in this case, these openings 13a, 13b could be obtained in a raised portion 12 of the section bar 1 and, if desired, of the shaped element 16.
As regards this variant, this raised portion 12 would be clearly formed in one end of the section bar 1 to be inserted in the fitting zone FZ of the shaped element 16.
If, on the other hand, the free edge 8a, 9a were straight and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis of the section bar 1, then the corners of this edge would prevent or otherwise hinder this angular displacement. The expedient of providing such a protruding or fork-like edge 8a, 9a naturally increases the possibility of varying the constraint or anchoring position of the section bar 1 to another element of a frame structure.
According to the embodiments shown in
With reference to the example of
Each central portion 10d, 11d can be obtained by cutting (at two suitably spaced cutting lines) and folding part of a second segment 10, 11 or by directly folding part of the latter without a previous cutting step.
The folding of the central portion 10d, 11d makes it possible not to remove or cut any amount of material from the section bar 1 and thus to keep the conditions of bearing capacity and stability of the same unchanged, making in any case the window W accessible for all its width.
Preferably, for a window W in a second segment 10, a window W is provided which extends along the same longitudinal segment also in the other second segment 11, that is to say that for a window W at a flank 1a, in the other flank 1b a window W is provided at the same level or longitudinal extension of the section bar 1 and substantially symmetrical with respect to a middle plane as indicated above.
Thanks to this expedient, between the thus aligned two windows W formed on the two flanks 1a, 1b of the section bar 1 an insertion zone IZ is defined in the section bar 1 or better in the respective U-shaped area defined by the main wall 2 with the two first segments 8, 9 of the side walls 3, 4 which is free or without a portion of second interception sections, which insertion zone IZ has a width equal to the distance between the two first segments 8, 9 and therefore wider than the distance between the main free ends 10a, 11a of the side sections or portions 10c, 11c as well as length equal to the distance between the two side sections or portions 10c, 11c of a respective flank.
Moreover, owing to this precaution, it is possible to insert in a first section bar 1 or better in the U-shaped area between the main wall 2 and the first two segments 8, 9, a second section bar 1 or a shaped element 16 so as to carry a respective side or front or rear face abutting or in any case close to the internal face 2a (internal to the respective U-shaped area of the section bar) of the main wall 2 and flush with or at a distance between 0.5 and 2 mm with the internal faces (internal to the respective U-shaped area of section bar) of the first segments 8, 9 of the side walls 3, 4 of the first section bar 1.
This clearly ensures that it is possible to easily constrain profiles or shaped elements of a frame structure, since it is possible to bring respective connective means or raised portions in a proximal or close position.
In this regard, in fact, the openings for connection by means of the connecting means 14 of a first section bar are preferably on the respective first segments 8, 9, so that the presence of the windows W ensures to bring walls of another section bar or of a shaped element to be constrained to the first profile flush with or close to the first segments 8, 9 bearing the openings for the connective means 14.
Of course, even if it is desired to weld or constrain two components of the frame structure 15 not with screws or bolts, the expedient concerning the presence of windows W would ensuring bringing close or side by side the respective sections of walls to be constrained.
Clearly, one, two or more W windows can be provided in each second segment.
With reference instead to
Both windows W present in the variants of the invention of
With reference in particular to
In this regard, the insertion zone IZ defined between two windows W each aligned at a respective flank 1a, 1b could be used as a fitting zone FZ for use as described above for the insertion and fixing of a section bar with a free end 8a, 9a curved in whole or in part (see
A section bar according to the present invention can be obtained with any suitable method, for example by molding or by extrusion or even for combinations of these processes.
With particular reference to the method of obtaining a section bar 1 according to the example of embodiment of
Subsequently, the step of folding a central section of at least a second segment 10, 11 inclined so as to define a window W between two side parts or portions 10c, 11c of the second segment 10, 11 and the corner 8e, 9e defined by the first segment 8, 9 in the area between the two side parts or portions 10c, 11c.
This central section can then be folded until it is substantially aligned with the respective first segment 8, 9 thus obtaining a section bar as illustrated in
An object of the present invention is also a frame structure 15 comprising at least one section bar 1 constrained with another or other section bars 1 or with another or other shaped elements 16 by means of the connective means, such as for example screws or rivets 14 and/or with welding, gluing or other any suitable method.
In this case, if at least one free end 8a, 9a is provided in whole or in part curved, it is possible to constrain the section bar 1 to another section bar 1 or to a shaped element 16 in a plurality of operating positions, as shown in
In practice, in the connection of the section bar 1 with the other at least one shaped element or other section bars of the frame structure 15, the free end 8a, 9a at least partially curved can be constrained in a plurality of angularly spaced operating positions, for example in an interval comprised between about 15° and about 120°, if desired between 450 and 90°. This makes the section bar 1 highly versatile, thus being able to be used in a variety of positions.
To this purpose, the section bar 1 with its free edge 8a, 9a is inserted into a fitting zone FZ of a shaped element 16 (if desired, of another section bar 1) and then the relative position of the section bar 1 relative to the shaped element 16 is established to then fix these components by means of screws, glue, welding or other.
To carry out this step, if screws or bolts are used, then a preliminary insertion or connection step could be carried out without tightening the screws or bolts 14, for example at openings 13a, 13b in the respective raised portions 12 after which, after having arranged the two components of the frame structure 15 in the desired reciprocal position, tighten the screws or bolts 14.
However, it is also possible to initially tighten the screws or bolts 14, and then, if necessary, unscrew them and, after suitable adaptations of the structure 15, tighten them again.
Consequently, it is also possible to create a highly customizable frame structure 15, since, thanks to the particular shaping of the free ends or edges 8a, 9a, it is possible to perform the angular displacements or inclinations described above, even after a first connection step.
Furthermore, the particular arrangement of the second through openings 3a, 3b in the respective raised portions 12 allows to optimize the bearing capacity and stability of the section bar 1 in the connection steps with the other or other shaped or sectioned elements of the frame structure 15.
If in particular section bars 1 are provided and, if it is desired shaped elements 16 with raised portions 12, then raised portions 12 of these components 1, 16 should be in engagement with each other, that is to say that a raised portion of a first section bar 1 should be housed or house a raised portion of a shaped element or other section bar to which the first section bar 1 must be constrained; in this case the through openings of the raised portion 12 of the first section bar 1 should be clearly aligned with the through openings of the raised portion of the shaped element or the other section bar to then insert connecting screws or bolts in the thus aligned openings. This is repeated preferably for all the raised portions of all the section bars.
Clearly, how to engage raised portions of components to be constrained depends on whether such portions are recessed or protruding.
If windows W are then provided, this arrangement clearly guarantees a simpler and more effective bond between components of the frame structure 15.
It has thus been seen that the present invention fully achieves the proposed objectives.
The section bar 1 thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102020000027453 | Nov 2020 | IT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/060485 | 11/12/2021 | WO |
