SYSTEM FOR FASTENING SLATS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system for fastening slats, and in particular to a system for fastening to a flat surface slats with a rectangular or square plan shape predisposed to be arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart, to create, totally or partially, a flooring or a wall or a ceiling.

BACKGROUND

In construction, in order to create floors, it is known to cover surfaces, such as for example a screed or a portion of land, with slats, made of wood or other materials, having a typically square or rectangular plan shape, which are arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart (usually by a few millimetres) above this surface, until generally covering it completely.

The slats can rest directly on the surface to be covered, or they can be placed on an intermediate structure (for example a frame and/or a plurality of small crosspieces of elongated shape arranged parallel and spaced mutually apart) fastened, for example by means of screws or rivets, possibly with the interposition of adjustable-height spacers on the surface to be covered, and interposed therebetween and the slats, so as to define in turn a flat support surface for the slats.

There are various systems for fastening these slats to a support surface (be it the same surface to be covered or the surface of the intermediate structure mentioned above).

Nowadays the most commonly used fastening systems include providing the slats, which on the side walls thereof, with the slats laid to form the flooring, will face the side walls of other similar slats, with longitudinal grooves, and to stably fasten to the surface to be covered (and/or to the intermediate structure, if present), in the interspaces between two contiguous slats, locking elements which fit into the longitudinal grooves of the slats, preventing them from lifting from the surface to be covered.

A common known solution provides that after positioning a first slat on the surface to be covered, one or more locking elements are inserted in a longitudinal groove of the slat, and are fastened to the underlying surface to be covered by means of a screw; the assembly procedure then provides that a second slat is positioned parallel and spaced from the first, taking care to position a longitudinal groove of the second slat to accommodate the locking element already constrained to the first slat and to the surface to be covered. After positioning the second slat, one or more second locking elements can be inserted in the second longitudinal groove and stably fastened to the underlying surface to be covered by means of suitable screws.

The procedure for creating the flooring then proceeds in this manner, gradually positioning a new slat and one or more new locking elements, until the flooring is created.

However, this known solution has some drawbacks.

First of all, the presence of the longitudinal grooves in the slats weakens them at the edges thereof, with the risk that, if a body, for example the heel of a shoe, exerts a high pressure in this region of the slat, the latter will break.

Furthermore, the procedure for laying the slats is rather awkward and laborious, requiring to place, in a precise order, first a slat, then one or more locking elements, then a further slat, then one or more further locking elements, and so on, until the flooring is completed.

SUMMARY

The main task of the present disclosure is to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular to provide a system for fastening slats to a flat surface which reduces the risk of breaking such slats even in the event of high pressures exerted thereon.

Within this task, the present disclosure provides a system for fastening slats which maintains a low weight, so as to facilitate the transport and laying thereof.

The present disclosure also provides a system for fastening slats which maintains a low cost.

The present disclosure further provides a system for fastening slats which allows to reduce the laying times with respect to the known art.

These and other advantages according to the present disclosure are achieved by providing a system for fastening to a flat surface slats with a rectangular or square plan shape, predisposed to be arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart to create, totally or partially, a flooring or wall or ceiling, such a system comprising:

- a base, which can be integrally associated with a flat surface, this base being configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto at least two of these slats in a laying condition in which they are placed side by side and spaced mutually apart;
- means for fastening said base to two of these slats positioned above and/or laterally thereto in the laying condition;
- supporting means of at least one of two of these slats positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, adapted to prevent or limit the bending of this at least one slat towards the base,
  
  in which said supporting means comprise at least one bridge structure defined by two legs, projecting from the base and spaced mutually apart, connected above by a crosspiece which defines, on the opposite side to the base, a contact surface adapted to position between the base and a portion of one of two of these slats positioned above and/or laterally to this base in the laying condition, to prevent or limit the deformation of said portion towards the base.

The bridge structure, interposing between the overlying slat and the base, reduces the risk that this slat bends, or bends beyond a certain limit, even if it is subjected to pressures of relatively high entities, such as for example that exerted by the heel of a shoe, thus reducing the risk of breakage.

Furthermore, the bridge structure, thanks to the legs thereof, optimally discharges the stresses exerted by the overlying slat on the base, from which these forces are discharged onto the flat surface to which the base is associated.

Furthermore, the bridge structure has a high resistance to stress, while maintaining a low weight; the system thus obtained therefore maintains a low weight, and also a limited production cost, requiring less material, for example, compared to a structure in which the bridge element is replaced by a solid wall. Furthermore, the system according to the disclosure allows an easy laying, allowing to fasten, in a first step, all the bases to one or more flat surfaces, and in a second step fasten all the slats to these bases.

Advantageously, the supporting means comprise two bridge structures, spaced mutually apart, each configured to be arranged with the respective abutment surface between the base and a portion of respectively two slats positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, to prevent or limit the deformation of this portion towards the base.

Preferably, the two crosspieces of the two bridge structures are connected together by one or more transverse elements; these transverse elements increase the mechanical resistance of the structure.

Advantageously, the abutment surface of the crosspieces is substantially flat, parallel and spaced from the base; in this way the support action on the overlying slat is more uniform and balanced.

Advantageously, the one or more transverse elements each define an abutment surface, parallel to and spaced from the base, and substantially coplanar to the abutment surface defined by the crosspieces.

In a preferred embodiment, the constraining means are formed in one piece with the supporting means; this configuration allows to reduce the complexity of the system, and to limit the number of components of the same, thus maintaining the low weight and cost thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the constraining means comprise a rotatable body positioned or positionable, when two slats are positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, at least partially in the interspace between said slats, said rotatable body being rotatable with respect to the base between a retaining position, in which it is constrained to the base and to two slats when the same are positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, and a release position in which, when two slats are positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, the rotatable body is not constrained to the two slats, allowing it to be separated from the rotatable body and from the base, in which the rotatable body comprises constraining means of the mutual rotation between the rotatable body and one end of a tool which can be inserted with this end in the interspace between two of these slats positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition; this solution allows to easily remove one or more slats, and possibly reposition or replace them, without the need to remove all the slats placed laterally to the slat to be removed starting from the farthest away. In fact, the rotatable body can be rotated and brought into the release condition simply by inserting a tool in the interspace between the slats, thus allowing the slats to be released from the base.

Advantageously, the system comprises end stop means adapted to limit the rotation of the rotatable body with respect to the base between the retaining position and the release position; these end stop means facilitate the operations to bring the rotatable body into the release and/or retaining position. Advantageously, the constraining means of the mutual rotation between the rotatable body and an end of a tool consist of or comprise a groove (this term also possibly meaning a hole) formed in the rotatable body, adapted for the insertion of the end of the tool and shaped in such a way that this end cannot rotate in the groove once inserted therein, so that a rotation of this end of this tool involves the integral rotation of the rotatable body. It should be noted that the tool is not part of the disclosure, and that a given groove can, for example, be shaped so that it can be used with different types of tools, such as for example a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, etc.

In an advantageous embodiment, the rotatable body is formed in one piece (i.e., in a single body, obtained for example by moulding a plastic material or a metal) with the base, and can be rotated with respect to the same after breaking or deformation of connecting means between the base and the rotatable body, formed in one piece therewith; this solution facilitates the production of the system according to the disclosure, reducing the production cost thereof. Furthermore, this solution reduces the risk that the rotatable body may be lost during the transport of the system. Finally, this solution facilitates the laying of the system, as it is sufficient to fasten the base to the flat surface to also constrain the rotatable body thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable body is formed in one piece with the base in the release position, and can be rotated in the retaining position after breaking or deforming the connecting means.

In a different advantageous embodiment, the rotatable body is formed in one piece with the base in the retaining position, and can be rotated in the release position after breaking or deforming the connecting means.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the system comprises retaining means of the rotatable body configured to prevent the separation of this rotatable body from the base when the rotatable body is rotated in the retaining position.

Preferably, these retaining means are formed in one piece and/or coincide at least partially with the supporting means; this configuration reduces the complexity and the number of components of the system according to the disclosure, thus keeping the weight and production costs thereof reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means comprise the aforementioned bridge structure, the rotatable body being configured to be arranged, in the retaining position, at least partially between the crosspiece of this bridge structure and the base, so that the crosspiece limits the displacement of this rotatable body in the direction running from the base to the crosspiece.

More preferably, the retaining means comprise two bridge structures, and the rotatable body is configured to be arranged, in the retaining position, at least partially between the crosspieces of these bridge structures and the base, so that these crosspieces limit the movement of the rotatable body in the directions running from the base to the crosspieces.

In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises coupling means to a base of a further analogous system arranged aligned therewith; in this way it is possible to create structures comprising a plurality of systems aligned together, provided with a plurality of constraining means of the bases thereof to the slats, which can be laid very easily and can allow the fastening of three or more slats.

In a preferred embodiment, the base is configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto three or more slats in a laying condition in which they are arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart, this system comprising, for each pair of slats placed side by side and spaced mutually apart, separate constraining means of the base to the pair of slats which can be positioned at least partially in the interspace between each pair of said slats.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base is configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto, in the laying condition, at least two rectangular or square plan shape slats provided, on at least one of the side walls thereof, with a longitudinal groove, and predisposed to be arranged in the laying condition, two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart, with the respective longitudinal grooves mutually faced, in which the at least one bridge structure is configured to be positioned with the abutment surface of the crosspiece, when two slats are positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, at least partially inside a longitudinal groove of one of these slats.

Preferably, the system comprises two bridge structures configured to be positioned with the respective bearing surfaces of the crosspieces, when two slats provided with longitudinal grooves are positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, respectively at least partially inside the longitudinal grooves of the two slats.

In a preferred embodiment, the constraining means comprise two lateral appendages shaped and positioned in such a way that they can be respectively inserted in the mutually faced longitudinal grooves of two slats when the latter are positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, to constrain these slats to the base.

Advantageously, the lateral appendages have an inclined shape and diverge from each other in the direction approaching the base, to facilitate the snap entry thereof in the longitudinal grooves of the slats.

In an advantageous embodiment, the system comprises bearing means for the rotatable body configured to prevent or limit the displacement of this rotatable body towards the base.

Preferably, these bearing means are formed in one piece with the supporting means; this configuration allows to keep the number of components and the constructive complexity of the system limited, thus maintaining a reduced weight and cost. Preferably, the lateral appendages project from opposite parts of the rotatable body and are aligned with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises thrust means adapted to exert, during the removal of two slats previously positioned above and/or laterally to the base in the laying condition, and during a rotation of the rotatable body from the retaining position to the release position, a thrust on the slats in the direction away from the base. This solution facilitates the release of the slats from the base.

Preferably, these thrust means comprise one or more cam, or inclined plane or helical surfaces, projecting radially from the rotatable body and configured to interact with an edge of the slats facing, with the slats in the laying condition, towards the base, for pushing, during the rotation of the rotatable body from the retaining position to the release position, this edge from the opposite part to the base.

Advantageously, the base and the constraining means are made of plastic or metal or a combination of the two.

Advantageously, the base can be fastened to the flat surface by means of screws and/or rivets and/or gluing.

In advantageous embodiments, the system comprises further means for retaining the rotatable body configured to prevent the separation thereof from the base even when the rotatable body is in the release position; this solution facilitates the transport of the system according to the disclosure, since there is no risk of losing the rotatable body, and also facilitates the laying thereof, since the rotatable body remains constrained to the base during the laying.

The present patent application also relates to a further disclosure, which can be used autonomously and independently of the previously illustrated disclosure, and which solves the distinct technical problem of facilitating the release and re-coupling of the slats to a base which can be fastened to a flat surface, and at the same time to keep costs and/or production and laying times reduced; in particular, this solution relates to a system for fastening to a flat surface slats with a rectangular or square plan shape predisposed to be arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart to create, totally or partially, a floor or wall or ceiling, said system comprising:

- a base, which can be integrally associated with a flat surface, said base being configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto at least two of said slats in a laying condition in which they are placed side by side and spaced mutually apart;
- means for fastening said base to two of said slats positioned above and/or laterally thereto in said laying condition, said constraining means comprising a rotatable body positioned or positionable, when two of said slats are positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, at least partially in the interspace between said slats, said rotatable body being rotatable with respect to said base between a retaining position, in which it is constrained to said base and to two of said slats when the same are positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, and a release position in which, when two of said slats are positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, said rotatable body is not constrained to said two slats, allowing the separation thereof from said rotatable body and from said base, which is characterized in that said rotatable body is formed in one piece with said base, and can be rotated with respect to said base after breaking or deformation of connecting means between said base and said rotatable body, formed in one piece therewith.

This innovative solution facilitates the production of the system according to the disclosure, reducing the production cost thereof. Furthermore, this solution reduces the risk that the rotatable body may be lost during the transport of the system. Finally, this solution facilitates the laying of the system, as it is sufficient to fasten the base to the flat surface to also constrain the rotatable body thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, said rotatable body is formed in one piece with said base in the release position, and can be rotated in the retaining position after breaking or deformation of said connecting means.

In a different advantageous embodiment, said rotatable body is formed in one piece with said base in said retaining position, and can be rotated in said release position after breaking or deformation of said connecting means.

In an advantageous embodiment, said rotatable body comprises constraining means of the mutual rotation between said rotatable body and an end of a tool which can be inserted with said end in the interspace between two of said slats positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition.

This solution allows to easily remove one or more slats, and possibly reposition or replace them, without the need to remove all the slats placed laterally to the slat to be removed starting from the farthest away. In fact, the rotatable body can be rotated and brought into the release condition simply by inserting a tool in the interspace between the slats, thus allowing the slats to be released from the base.

Advantageously, said constraining means of the mutual rotation between said rotatable body and one end of a tool consist of or comprise a groove formed in said rotatable body, adapted for the insertion of said end of said tool and shaped in such a way that said end cannot rotate in said groove once inserted therein, so that a rotation of said end of said tool involves the integral rotation of said rotatable body. It should be noted that the tool is not part of the disclosure, and that a given groove can, for example, be shaped so that it can be used with different types of tools, such as for example a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, etc. Advantageously, the system comprises end stop means adapted to delimit the rotation of said rotatable body with respect to said base between said retaining position and said release position. These end stop means facilitate the operations to bring the rotatable body into the release and/or retaining position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said system comprises retaining means of said rotatable body configured to prevent the separation of said rotatable body from said base when said rotatable body is rotated in said retaining position.

In a preferred embodiment, said base comprises coupling means to a base of a further analogous system arranged aligned therewith; in this way it is possible to create structures comprising a plurality of systems aligned with each other, provided with a plurality of constraining means of the bases thereof to the slats, which can be laid very easily and can allow the fastening of three or more slats.

In a preferred embodiment, said base is configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto three or more of said slats in a laying condition in which they are arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart, said system comprising, for each pair of said slats placed side by side and spaced mutually apart, separate constraining means of said base to said pair of slats which can be positioned at least partially in the interspace between each pair of said slats.

In an advantageous embodiment, said base is configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto, in said laying condition, at least two rectangular or square plan shape slats provided, on at least one of the side walls thereof, with a longitudinal groove, and predisposed to be arranged in said laying condition, two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart, with the respective said longitudinal grooves mutually faced.

In a preferred embodiment, said constraining means comprise two lateral appendages shaped and positioned in such a way that they can be respectively inserted in said mutually faced longitudinal grooves of two of said slats when the latter are positioned above and/or laterally to said base in the laying condition, to constrain said slats to said base.

In an advantageous embodiment, said lateral appendages have an inclined shape and diverge from each other in the direction approaching said base, to facilitate the snap-entry thereof in said longitudinal grooves of said slats.

Preferably, said lateral appendages project from opposite parts of said rotatable body and are aligned with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, said system comprises thrust means adapted to exert, during the removal of two of said slats previously positioned above and/or laterally to said base in the laying condition, and during a rotation of said rotatable body from said retaining position to said release position, a thrust on said slats in the direction away from said base. This solution facilitates the release of the slats from the base.

Preferably, said thrust means comprise one or more cam, or inclined plane or helical surfaces, projecting radially from said rotatable body and configured to interact with an edge of said slats facing, with said slats in the laying condition, towards said base, for pushing, during the rotation of said rotatable body from said retaining position to said release position, said edge from the side opposite said base.

In advantageous embodiments, said system comprises further retaining means of said rotatable body configured to prevent the separation thereof from said base even when said rotatable body is in said release position; this solution facilitates the transport of the system according to the disclosure, since there is no risk of losing the rotatable body, and also facilitates the laying thereof, since the rotatable body remains constrained to the base during laying.

Advantageously, the system comprises supporting means of at least one of two of said slats positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, adapted to prevent or limit the bending of said at least one slat towards said base.

Advantageously, said supporting means comprise at least one bridge structure defined by two legs, projecting from said base and spaced mutually apart, connected above by a crosspiece which defines, on the part opposite said base, an abutment surface adapted to be positioned between said base and a portion of one of two of said slats positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, to prevent or limit the deformation of said portion towards said base.

Preferably, said supporting means comprise two of said bridge structures, spaced mutually apart, each configured to be arranged with the respective said abutment surface between said base and a portion of respectively two of said slats positioned above and/or laterally to said base in the laying condition, to prevent or limit the deformation of said portion towards said base.

Preferably, said two crosspieces of said two bridge structures are connected together by one or more transverse elements; these transverse elements increase the mechanical resistance of the structure.

Advantageously, said abutment surface of said crosspieces is substantially flat, parallel and spaced from said base; in this manner the support action on the overlying slat is more uniform and balanced.

Advantageously, said one or more transverse elements each define an abutment surface, parallel to and spaced from said base, and substantially coplanar to said abutment surface defined by said crosspieces.

Preferably, said retaining means of said rotatable body configured to prevent the separation of said rotatable body from said base when said rotatable body is rotated in said retaining position are formed in one piece and/or at least partially coincide with said supporting means; this configuration reduces the complexity and the number of components of the system according to the disclosure, thus keeping the weight and production costs thereof reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, said retaining means of said rotatable body configured to prevent the separation of said rotatable body from said base when said rotatable body is rotated in said retaining position comprise said at least one bridge structure, said rotatable body being configured to be arranged, in said retaining position, at least partially between said crosspiece of said bridge structure and said base, so that said crosspiece limits the movement of said rotatable body in the direction running from said base to said crosspiece.

More preferably, said retaining means of said rotatable body configured to prevent the separation of said rotatable body from said base when said rotatable body is rotated in said retaining position comprise two of said bridge structures, and said rotatable body is configured to be arranged, in said retaining position, at least partially between said crosspieces of said bridge structures and said base, so that said crosspieces limit the movement of said rotatable body in the directions running from said base to said crosspieces.

In an advantageous embodiment, the system comprises bearing means for said rotatable body configured to prevent or limit the movement of said rotatable body towards said base.

Preferably, said bearing means are formed in one piece with said supporting means; this configuration allows to keep the number of components and the constructive complexity of the system limited, thus maintaining a reduced weight and cost.

Preferably, in the advantageous embodiment in which the slats are provided with longitudinal grooves, said at least one bridge structure is configured to be positioned with said abutment surface of said crosspiece, when two of said slats are positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, at least partially inside one said longitudinal groove of one of said slats.

Preferably, the system comprises two of said bridge structures configured to be positioned with the respective said bearing surfaces of said crosspieces, when two of said slats provided with longitudinal grooves are positioned above and/or laterally to said base in said laying condition, respectively at least partially inside said longitudinal grooves of said two slats.

Advantageously, said base and said constraining means are made of plastic or metal or a combination of the two.

Advantageously, said base can be fastened to said flat surface by means of screws and/or rivets and/or gluing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is to be understood as exemplifying and not limiting, with reference to the appended schematic drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of some slats before the fastening thereof to a system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of some slats, one of which is fastened to a system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of some slats of a flooring fastened to a system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first advantageous embodiment of a system according to the disclosure provided with a rotatable body, placed in the release position, and with a tool for moving this rotatable body;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 4 with the rotatable body in the retaining position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of the system of FIG. 4 with the rotatable body in the unlocked position;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from below of the system of FIG. 4 with the rotatable body in the unlocked position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of two slats fastened to the system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of a system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of a system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of a system according to the disclosure provided with a rotatable body, placed in retaining position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 12 with the rotatable body, in the release position;

FIG. 14 is a side view of two slats fastened to the system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of a system according to the disclosure provided with a rotatable body, placed in release position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 16 with the rotatable body, placed in retaining position;

FIG. 18 is a side view of two slats fastened to the system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a side view of two slats after the separation thereof from the system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of a system according to the disclosure provided with a rotatable body, placed in release position;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 22 with the rotatable body, placed in retaining position;

FIG. 24 is a side view of two slats fastened to the system of FIG. 22, in which the rotatable body is shown in release position with a continuous line and in retaining position in a dashed line;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a side view of two slats fastened to the system of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a system according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the attached figures, the number 1 indicates a system for the removable fastening to a flat surface 2 of slats 3, with a rectangular or square plan shape, predisposed to be arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart, in order make, totally or partially, a flooring 4, or a wall, or a ceiling.

These slats 3 are preferably made of solid wood, or they can advantageously comprise a plurality of superimposed layers of wood and/or of the material known as WPC (wood plastic composite) and/or of other material, for example plastic, held together, for example, by suitable adhesives.

The slats 3 illustrated in the attached figures advantageously have a parallelepiped shape with a substantially rectangular base.

In the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, the system 1 is advantageously arranged for fastening slats 3 provided, on at least one of the side walls 17 thereof, with a longitudinal groove 18.

The flat surface 2 to which the slats 3 are fastened can be, for example, a screed, made for example of concrete, or a portion of land, or a masonry or concrete wall, or a concrete ceiling, etc.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the slats 3 are fastened to an intermediate structure which can be or comprise, for example, a frame, not shown, or, as in the advantageous example of FIG. 3, one or more small crosspieces 2a fastened to a surface (for example a screed, a masonry or concrete wall, a concrete ceiling, etc.) to be covered with the slats 3, possibly with the interposition of pillars or pedestals, preferably with adjustable height (not shown), and comprising a flat surface 2 facing, in use, towards the slats 3, to which they are fastened. The intermediate element, such as for example the one or more small crosspieces 2a, can in turn be fastened to the surface to be covered (for example a screed, a masonry or concrete wall, a concrete ceiling, etc.) or to suitable pillars or pedestals fastened in turn to said surface to be covered, by known fastening means, such as for example screws, rivets, adhesives, mortar, etc. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises a base 5, which can be integrally associated with the flat surface 2, for example by means of screws, rivets, gluing, cement, etc.

Advantageously, the base 5 can consist of, or comprise, for example, as in the advantageous embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9, and 12 to 29, a base 5a, having an elongated shape and preferably having a flat lower surface, which can be fastened to the flat surface 2.

In a further advantageous embodiment, such as for example the one illustrated in FIG. 10, the base 5 can for example consist of, or comprise, one or more support feet 5c, preferably having a flat lower surface, which can be fastened to the flat surface 2.

In a further advantageous embodiment, such as for example the one illustrated in FIG. 11, the base 5 can for example consist of or comprise a ring 5d, preferably having a flat lower surface, which can be fastened to the flat surface 2.

More generally, the base 5 can advantageously consist of, or comprise, any body or plurality of bodies which can be positioned and fastened to the flat surface 2; this body or plurality of bodies can be advantageously placed resting on the flat surface 2, or, in a further advantageous embodiment not shown, it can be driven therein, for example, or embedded in one or more corresponding seats formed in this flat surface 2.

In advantageous embodiments, such as those illustrated in the attached figures, the base 5 can have holes or slots 5b for positioning screws or rivets, not shown, for the anchoring thereof to the flat surface 2.

The base 5 is advantageously configured for the positioning above and/or laterally thereto of at least two slats 3 in a laying condition, illustrated for example in FIGS. 3, 8, 14, 18, 24, 27, in which they are placed side by side and spaced mutually apart. Advantageously, as in the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, in which the slats have, on two of the side walls 17 thereof, mutually parallel, the longitudinal grooves 18, the longitudinal grooves 18 of two slats 3 positioned in the aforementioned laying condition are facing each other. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises constraining means of the base 5 to two slats 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 itself in the laying condition; these constraining means will be illustrated in more detail below.

The system 1 according to the disclosure also advantageously comprises supporting means for at least one of two said slats 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, adapted to prevent or limit the bending of said at least one slat 3 towards the base 5.

Advantageously, these supporting means comprise at least one bridge structure 22, defined by two legs 23, projecting from the base 5 and spaced mutually apart; these legs 23 are connected above by a crosspiece 24 which defines, on the opposite side to the base 5, an abutment surface 24a adapted to position itself between the base 5 and a portion 26 of one of two slats 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, to prevent or limit the deformation of this portion 26 towards the base 5.

Preferably, as in the advantageous examples illustrated in the attached figures, the supporting means comprise two bridge structures 22, spaced mutually apart, each configured to be arranged with the respective abutment surface 24a between the base 5 and a portion 26 respectively of two slats 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, to prevent or limit the deformation of this portion 26 towards the base 5.

In advantageous embodiments, such as those illustrated in the attached figures, in which the slats 3 have longitudinal grooves 18, the bridge structure 22 can be advantageously configured to be positioned with the abutment surface 24a of the crosspiece 24 thereof inside a longitudinal groove 18 of a slat 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition. Preferably, in the advantageous case in which there are two bridge structures spaced mutually apart, they are advantageously configured to be positioned with the abutment surface 24a of the respective crosspiece 24 inside a longitudinal groove 18 of a slat 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition.

Advantageously, as in the advantageous embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, the abutment surface 24a of the bridge structure(s) 22 is configured to abut, when a slat 3 is positioned above or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, with the overlying inner surface of the longitudinal groove 18 of said slat 3 in which it is inserted, in order to counteract the deformation of the respective slat 3 towards the base 5 if, for example, a body positioned above the slat 3 exerts a thrust or pressure towards the base 5.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not shown, the abutment surface 24a of the bridge structure(s) 22 is configured to be positioned, when a slat 3 is positioned above or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, at a certain distance (for example from 0.5 to 1 mm) from the overlying inner surface of the longitudinal groove 18 of this slat 3 in which it is inserted, so as to be able to come into contact therewith only in the event of the deformation thereof towards the base 5, thus limiting the deformation thereof.

Preferably, the abutment surface 24a is substantially flat, parallel and spaced from the base 5.

In preferred embodiments, such as those illustrated in the attached figures, the bearing elements 24 of the two bridge structures 22 are connected together, for example in an intermediate region and/or at the ends thereof, by one or more transverse elements 25.

Preferably, the one or more transverse elements 25 each define an abutment surface 25a, parallel to and spaced from the base 5, and substantially coplanar with the abutment surface 24a defined by the bearing elements 24.

Preferably, as in the advantageous embodiments illustrated in the attached figures from 4 to 21 and from 26 to 29, the constraining means are formed in one piece, or in a single body, obtained for example by moulding a plastic or metal material, with the supporting means.

In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 25, the constraining means comprise a rotatable body 6 positioned or positionable, when two slats 3 are positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, at least partially in the interspace 7 between these two slats 3.

The rotatable body 6 can be rotated with respect to the base 5 between a retaining position, in which it is constrained to the base 5 and to two slats 3 when they are positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, and a position in which, when two slats 3 are positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, the rotatable body 6 is not constrained to the slats 3, allowing them to be separated from the rotatable body 6, and therefore from the base 5.

Advantageously, the rotatable body 6 comprises constraining means of the mutual rotation between the rotatable body 6 itself and an end 9 of a tool 10 which can be inserted with said end 9 in the interspace 7 between two slats 3 positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition.

This tool 10 can be, for example, a screwdriver, not shown, an Allen wrench, such as that shown in FIG. 4, etc.; advantageously, the tool 10 has an elongated shape, such that it can be inserted with one of the ends 9 thereof into the interspace 7 between two slats 3 positioned above and/or laterally to a base 5 in the laying condition.

In advantageous embodiments, the constraining means of the mutual rotation between the rotatable body 6 and an end 9 of a tool 10 consist of or comprise a groove 8 formed in the rotatable body 6, adapted for the insertion of the end 9 of the tool 10, and shaped in such a way that this end 9 cannot rotate in the groove 8 once inserted therein, so that a rotation of the end 9 of the tool 10 involves the integral rotation of the rotatable body 6. Advantageously, the groove 8 is counter-shaped at the end 9. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises end stop means adapted to limit the rotation of the rotatable body 6 with respect to the base 5 between the retaining position and the release position.

In the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, these end stop means advantageously consist of or comprise projections 15 preferably projecting from the lower surface of the crosspieces 24 towards the base 5, arranged in such a way as to abut the rotatable body 6 when it is in the retaining position, so as to prevent further rotation in the direction which brings it from the release position to the retaining position.

Advantageously, such as for example in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10 and 12 to 20, the rotatable body 6 is formed in one piece (i.e., in a single body, obtained for example by moulding a plastic or metal material) with the base 5, and can be rotated with respect to the same after breaking or deforming the connecting means between said base 5 and the rotating body 6, formed in one piece thereof.

These connecting means for example consist of or comprise one or more spokes 11 which connect, for example, as in the figures, the rotatable body 6 with the bridge structures 22, preferably with the crosspieces 24 of the same. In a further advantageous embodiment, not shown, the one or more spokes 11 can join the rotatable body 6 with the transverse elements 25, if provided.

In advantageous embodiments, such as those illustrated for example in FIGS. 4 to 10 and 12 to 20, the rotatable body 6 is formed in one piece with the base 5 positioned in the release position thereof, and can be rotated in the retaining position after breaking or deforming the aforesaid connecting means.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not shown, the rotatable body 6 is formed in one piece with the base 5 positioned in the retaining position, and can be rotated in the release position after breaking or deforming the connecting means.

Advantageously, by inserting the tool 10 in the groove 8 it is possible to rotate the rotatable body 6 so as to break or deform the connecting means, and to allow the rotation of the rotatable body 6.

Advantageously, the system 1 comprises retaining means of the rotatable body 6 configured to prevent the separation thereof from the base 5 when the rotatable body 6 is in the retaining position.

In preferred embodiments, such as those illustrated for example in the attached FIGS. 4 to 10 and 12 to 25, the retaining means of the rotatable body 6 are formed in one piece and/or coincide at least partially with the supporting means.

In preferred embodiments, such as those illustrated for example in the attached FIGS. 4 to 10 and 12 to 25, the retaining means of the rotatable body 6 comprise at least one bridge structure 22, and the rotatable body 6 is configured to be arranged, in the retaining position, at least partially between the crosspiece 24 of the bridge structure 22 and the base 5, so that this crosspiece 24 limits the movement of the rotatable body 6 in the direction running from the base 5 to the crosspiece 24.

Preferably, the retaining means comprise two bridge structures 22 spaced mutually apart, and the rotatable body 6 is configured to be arranged, in the retaining position, at least partially between the crosspieces 24 of the bridge structures 22 and the base 5, so that the crosspieces 24 limit the movement of the rotatable body 6 in the directions running from the base 5 to the crosspieces 24.

In a preferred embodiment, the base 5 comprises coupling means, such as for example male 16a and female 16b couplings, to a similar base 5 of a further system, arranged aligned therewith, so as to provide elongated structures which can be used for fastening three or more slats 3.

In a further advantageous embodiment, such as for example that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and 29, the base 5 is configured for positioning above and/or laterally thereto three or more slats 3 in a laying condition in which the same are arranged two by two side by side and spaced mutually apart; in this case the system 1 comprises, for each pair of slats 3 side by side and spaced mutually apart, distinct constraining means (which can be the same or even different from each other) of the base 5 to the slats 3, each one being positioned at least partially in the interspace 7 between a pair of slats 3.

In advantageous embodiments, such as those illustrated in the attached figures, the constraining means comprise two lateral appendages 19 shaped and positioned such that they can be inserted respectively into the mutually faced longitudinal grooves 18 of two slats 3 when the latter are positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, to constrain these two slats 3 to the base 5.

In advantageous embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15 and 26 to 28, the lateral appendages 19 have an inclined shape and mutually diverge in the direction approaching the base 5, to facilitate the snap-entry thereof in the grooves 18 of the slats 3.

In other embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10 and 16 to 25, the appendages 19 have a substantially flat shape, and are substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 2 to which the respective system 1 will be fastened.

In preferred embodiments, the lateral appendages 19 project from opposite parts of the rotatable body 6 and are aligned with each other.

Advantageously, the system 1 comprises bearing means of the rotatable body 6, configured to prevent or limit the movement of this rotatable body towards the base 5.

Preferably, these bearing means are formed in one piece with the supporting means.

In an advantageous embodiment, these bearing means comprise a spacer 31 projecting from the rotatable body 6 (and preferably formed in one piece therewith) and configured to engage with the flat surface 2 to which the system will be fastened, so as to prevent the displacement of the rotatable body 6 towards the latter.

In a further advantageous embodiment, such as for example the one illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, these bearing means comprise a wall 30, which joins together two legs 23 of a bridge element 22, spaced from the crosspiece 24 of the latter and configured such that the rotatable body 6 is positioned, in the release position thereof, with the appendages 19 thereof interposed between the crosspiece 24 and the wall 30, so that the movement thereof in a direction perpendicular to the base 5 is prevented both in the direction of the base 5 (from the wall 30) and in the opposite direction (from the crosspiece 24).

In advantageous embodiments the system 1 comprises further retaining means (not shown) of the rotatable body 6 configured to prevent the separation thereof from the base 5 even when the rotatable body 6 is in the release position.

In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 20, the system 1 comprises thrust means adapted to exert, during the removal of two slats 3 previously positioned above and/or laterally to the base 5 in the laying condition, and during a rotation of the rotatable body 6 from the retaining position to the release position, a thrust on the slats 3 in the direction away from said base 5.

Preferably, these thrust means comprise one or more cam, or inclined plane or helical surfaces 27, projecting radially from the rotatable body 6 and configured to interact with an edge 29 of the slats 3 facing, with the slats 3 in the laying condition, towards the base 5, in order to push, during the rotation of the rotatable body 6 from the retaining to the release position, this edge 29 from the part opposite said base 5.

In a preferred embodiment, said base 5 and the constraining means are made of plastic or metal, or a combination of the two. Advantageously, the plastic material can be or contain, for example, one of the following plastic materials, or a combination thereof:

ABS—acrylonitrile butadiene styrene;
AMC—alkyd moulding compound;
BMC—bulk moulding compound, glass fibre flakes impregnated
with thermosetting resin for moulding;
CA—cellulose acetate;
CAB—cellulose acetate-butyrate;
CAP—cellulose acetate propionate;
CF—cresol-formaldehyde;
CMC—carboxymethylcellulose;
CN—cellulose nitrate;
CP—cellulose propionate;
CS—casein formaldehyde;
DAP—diallyl phthalate;
EC—ethylcellulose;
EMA—ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer;
EP—epoxy resin;
ECTFE—ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer;
ETFE—ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer;
EVA—ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer;
FEP—tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer;
GRP—glass fibre reinforced plastics;
HDPE—high density polyethylene;
HMWPE—high molecular weight polyethylene;
LDPE—low density polyethylene;
LLDPE—linear low density polyethylene;
MBS—methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene;
MF—melamine-formaldehyde resin;
PA—polyamide;
PAM—polyacrylamide;
PAN—polyacrylonitrile;
PBT (P)—polybutylene terephthalate;
PC—polycarbonate;
PCTFE—polychlorotrifluoroethylene;
PDAP—polydiallyl phthalate;
PE—polyethylene;
PET (P)—polyethylene terephthalate;
PF—phenolformaldehyde resin;
PIB—polyisobutylene;
PMA—polymethylacrylate;
PMMA—polymethylmethacrylate;
POM—polyoxymethylene, polyformaldehyde;
PP—polypropylene;
PPO—polyphenylene oxide;
PRFV—glass fibre reinforced plastic;
PS—polystyrene;
PTFE—polytetrafluoroethylene;
PUR—polyurethane;
PVAc—vinyl polyacetate;
PVAL—polyvinyl alcohol;
PVC—polyvinyl chloride;
PVDC—polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl dichloride;
PVDF—polyvinylidenefluoride;
PVK—polyvinylcarbazole;
PVP—polyvinylpyrrolidone;
SAN—styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer;
SMC—sheet moulding compound, sheets of glass fibre impregnated with thermosetting resin for moulding;
UF—urea-formaldehyde resin;
UP—unsaturated polyester;

Advantageously, the metal can be a pure metal or an alloy; for example the metal can be aluminium, chromium, iron, nickel, lead, copper, tin, tungsten, zinc, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, cast iron, aluminium alloy, brass, etc.

The operation of the system 1 according to the disclosure is illustrated below.

One or more systems 1 according to the disclosure are fastened to one or more flat surfaces 2, such as for example a screed or an intermediate structure, such as for example one or more small crosspieces 2a fastened to a surface (for example a screed, a masonry wall or concrete, a concrete ceiling, etc.) to be covered with slats 3; between the small crosspieces 2a and the surface to be covered, pillars or pedestals can possibly be interposed, preferably with adjustable height so as to adapt to any non-planarity of the surface to be covered.

The various systems 1 are preferably fastened to the flat surface(s) 1 arranging the supporting means (the bridge elements 22) of the various systems aligned with each other along axes “Ax” arranged so as to be parallel to the longitudinal axes “Ad” of the slats 3 when these are positioned in the laying condition on the bases 5 of these systems (as shown for example in FIG. 3).

The bases 5 of the various systems can be fastened to the flat surface(s) 2 for example by means of screws, rivets, adhesives, mortar, etc.

Once all the systems 1 have been fastened to the flat surface(s) 2a, the slats can be positioned two by two above and/or laterally to the bases 5 of the various systems 1.

With reference to the advantageous embodiments of FIGS. 11, 12 to 15, 26 to 28, by pushing the slats 3 towards the base 5, the appendages 19 of the constraining means bend until they enter the longitudinal grooves 18 of the slats; at this point these appendages 19 return to the undeformed configuration thereof, preventing the slats 3 from being raised from the base 5.

With reference instead to the advantageous embodiments illustrated for example in FIGS. 4 to 10 and 16 to 21, in which the system 1 is provided with a rotatable body 6 formed in one piece with the base 5 in the release position, after having positioned the slats 3 above and/or laterally to the base 5, in order to lock them to the latter, it is necessary to insert a tool 10 in the interspace 7 between the various pairs of slats 3 until the end 9 of the same is engaged with the groove 8; by rotating the tool 10, it is possible to rotate the rotatable body 6, deforming and/or breaking the spokes 10 which fasten it to the bridge elements 24, until it is brought into the retaining position, in which the appendages 19 of this rotatable body 6 are inserted in the grooves 18 of the slats 3, preventing the latter from being raised from the base 5.

With reference to the advantageous embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25, in which the rotatable body 6 is not formed in one piece with the base 5, and can therefore be freely rotated with respect to the same, before positioning the slats 3 above and/or laterally to the base 5 it is necessary to bring (for example by means of a tool 10) the rotatable body 6 in the release position, after which, once the slats 3 have been positioned, inserting a tool 10 in the interspace 7 therebetween, until the end 9 of the same is engaged with the groove 8, it is possible to rotate the rotatable body 6 in the retaining position, in which the appendages 19 of this rotatable body 6 are inserted in the grooves 18 of the slats 3, preventing the latter from being raised from the base 5.

Advantageously, in the condition in which the slats 3 are positioned above and/or laterally to the bases 5 in the laying condition, the bridge elements 22 are positioned inside the grooves 18 of these slats 3.

If, as in the advantageous embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, the abutment surface 24a of the bridge structure(s) 22 is configured to abut the inner surface of the longitudinal groove 18 of said slat 3 inside which it is inserted, if a body (for example the foot of a person walking on the floor 4) exerts a thrust or pressure on a slat 3 towards the base 5, in particular on the edge of the slat 3 contiguous with the interspace 7 between two slats at which the groove 18 is formed (and which is therefore weakened), the bridge element 22, interposing between the slat 3 and the base 5, prevents the deformation of the edge of this slat 3, reducing the risk of breakage of the slat 3 at that edge.

If the abutment surface 24a of the bridge structure(s) 22 is configured to be positioned at a certain distance (for example from 0.5 to 1 mm) from the overlying inner surface of the longitudinal groove 18 of said slat 3 inside which it is inserted, if a body exerts a thrust or pressure on a slat 3 towards the base 5, in particular on the edge of the slat 3 contiguous with the interspace 7 between two slats 3 at which the groove 18 is formed, this edge can bend only to a limited extent, i.e., until it then comes into contact with the bridge element 22, which, interposing between the slat 3 and the base 5, prevents further deformation of the edge of this slat 3, reducing the risk of breakage of the slat 3 at this edge.

When there is a need to remove a slat 3 from a base 5 after the fastening thereof, in the advantageous embodiments illustrated for example in FIGS. 4 to 10, and 12 to 25, it is necessary to insert a tool 10 in the interspace 7 between the slat 3 to be removed and the one flanked to a first side thereof until the end 9 of this tool 10 engages with the groove 8; by rotating the tool 10, it is possible to rotate the rotatable body 6 (which, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15, occurs by deforming and/or breaking the spokes 11 which fasten it to the bridge elements 24), until it is in the release position, in which the appendages 19 of this rotatable body 6 project from the grooves 18 of the slat 3 to be removed, allowing the removal thereof from the base 5. This procedure can be repeated (if the slat 3 is fastened on both sides) also to release the slat 3 to be removed from further constraining means which connect it to the same base 5, or possibly to a further base 5, to a second side of this slat 3.

In the advantageous embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 20, during the rotation of the rotatable body 6 to bring it from the retaining position to the release position, the helix 27 present on the rotatable body 6 pushes the edge 29 of the slat 3 in the direction opposite the base 5, facilitating the separation thereof. It should be noted that in the advantageous embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 26 to 28, it is not possible to remove the slats 3 in the manner illustrated above; in this case the removal of a slat 3 must be performed by first removing all the slats 3 and the systems 1 placed on one side thereof, starting from the farthest slat 3 or system 1.

The features and advantages of the disclosure are clear from the above description.

In particular, thanks to the bridge structure, the risk of breaking the slats is reduced even if they are subjected to localized pressures of relatively high extents, such as for example that exerted by the heel of a shoe.

Furthermore, the bridge structure has a high resistance to stress while maintaining a low weight, which guarantees a limited weight and a reduced production cost to the system.

Furthermore, the system according to the disclosure can be laid easily and quickly.

In the advantageous variant in which the system according to the disclosure is provided with the rotatable body described above, it also guarantees the possibility of removing (and possibly replacing or repositioning) one or more slats in an easy and rapid manner.

Finally, it is clear that the system of the present disclosure is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the disclosure; furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions thereof, can be of any type according to the technical requirements.

SYSTEM FOR FASTENING SLATS

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