FRAME WITH NOTCHES

Introduction

The present invention relates generally to vehicle accommodation, and more particularly, but without being limited thereto, to improved means for converting a vehicle such as a van or light truck into a recreational vehicle. The aim is to allow a non-professional to quickly and easily convert their vehicle to suit their own needs.

State of the art

At home and abroad, there is an ever growing interest in camping activities, with camping vehicles playing an increasingly prominent role.

Such activities have led to a demand for recreational vehicles, i.e. vehicles that provide travel, shelter and survival facilities to campers. Such recreational vehicles vary to a significant extent in design and size, from simple trailers towed by a vehicle to self-propelled mobile homes. In fact, campers do not really need to leave civilization behind, as amenities such as refrigerators, heaters, power generators and the like are integrated into the more luxurious versions of mobile recreational vehicles.

One of the problems facing the owner of a camping vehicle van is what to do with the recreational vehicle when it is not being used as a camping vehicle. Especially in recent years, many owners of recreational vehicles have discovered that multipurpose vehicles that can be converted from camping use to more general or professional use better match their budgets and needs. The solution offered by the present invention is to allow a vehicle to be used, for example, for transporting personnel or light freight during working hours, and for camping activities or other recreational or non-recreational uses outside working hours.

A highly popular vehicle that is used as a multi-purpose vehicle and therefore also as a camping vehicle is the so-called van or light truck, smaller than a truck but bigger than, for example, a station wagon and still big enough to be used for camping activities via a conversion. Although this type of vehicle has been marketed by most major car manufacturers for many years, vans were generally used by companies for e.g. the delivery of smaller items and related goods. The current versions of the more familiar vans are mostly designed in the same style as the models of yesteryear, except for certain mechanical and electronic updates. Contemporary models do now generally have versions with sufficient window area for carrying passengers, partitioned cabins and options comparable to those of modern passenger cars.

Surprisingly, there is currently no technique that makes it possible to fit a van with a frame that can be fitted by the user him or herself in a very simple and intuitive way, without the use of any tools, and which can be flexibly adjusted or removed.

The patent of Logen, US Pat. 3,282,685, does disclose a convertible seat and bed system that is permanently mounted in a van. The patent of Mortrude, US Pat. No. 3,184,766 also includes a bench system that can be converted to beds; however, they are generally permanently attached to the vehicle.

There is a need for an improved multifunctional and modular platform and for an improved design that allows an easy and quick conversion of a van-like vehicle from a (light) truck into a high-capacity passenger carrier or recreational vehicle.

General description

The main purpose of the present invention is to offer a frame system whereby the user can assemble and disassemble a frame in a given space him or herself in a very quick and easy manner whereby items, such as a refrigerator, bed, cooking stove and related items of various sizes, can be integrated within the same frame structure.

Within this main purpose of the present invention, various set-ups and variants are possible:

As regards application in a van-type vehicle:

• Rapid, easy conversion to a passenger vehicle or recreational vehicle.

• By combining the frame with panels, a variety of storage, sleeping and seating areas can be set up

• By equipping the frame with additional mounting systems, additional seats can be incorporated that meet the relevant safety regulations.

• By combining the frame with panels and/or other systems such as hooks and existing fixtures, a variety of fixtures for professional use can be envisaged. • By combining the frame with panels and/or other accessories such as upholstered panels and items with treated surfaces, the vehicle can be given a more luxurious finish.

• The light construction of both frame and accessories ensures a limited weight increase.

In addition to the version for a van-type vehicle, many other set-ups and applications are possible. The following is a brief, non-exhaustive list:

• Home structure: the frame can be used to give shape to the home as a skeleton construction wherein the skeleton would preferably comprise an inner and outer frame. The skeleton that is built up from several ribs with notches makes it possible to integrate panels, making it possible to clamp these panels on different sides. Load-bearing material such as aerated concrete and/or self-supporting insulation material can be envisaged between the inner and outer frame.

• Swimming pools; the frame can be used to give shape to the pool itself, both for built-up and built-in models. The grooves can be fitted with panels to create a tub. This tub can then itself be covered with a waterproof material, making it suitable for use as a swimming pool. For a built-up model, the frame that forms the tub can be reinforced by an outer frame positioned on the ground. An intermediate element can be fitted between these 2 frames, preferably at a 45° angle, in order to provide the frame forming the water tub with the necessary support. With a built-in model, both above ground and below ground, an inner and outer frame can be used whereby the latter can be fitted with panels to create an inner and outer tub. This frame can then itself be filled with heavier material such as concrete.

• Scaffold; since the present invention makes it possible to assemble and disassemble a solid structure very rapidly, the frame can be used as a scaffold. This could be both a permanent structure, such as a walkway element around a built-up, above-ground swimming pool, and as a more professional structure as a platform for ceiling work.

• Shop fittings, modular stands and related structures: the frame can be used to create rather complex shapes, without having to use additional tools, but still with the necessary strength.

• Vehicle trailers: there are various possibilities in this regard. The first possibility is to use an existing base to which this frame is attached. Here, accessories can be used to attach to the base via a screw connection, for example, on which the base of the frame clicks in. The frame can then be further built up using panels, to create a sealed box. Another possibility is that the trailer is built up from the frame and separate optional pieces are provided for the wheels, the towing section and the signage.

The frame that is the subject of the present invention uses the following components, without this list being exhaustive.

Basic profile: the ribs of the frame are formed with these profiles. In this regard, it is crucial that these profiles can be easily connected to each other without the use of tools. In one possible variant, a symmetrical profile is used that has four identical sides. Each side has 3 grooves, one centrally positioned and the other 2 on the side, positioned symmetrically in relation to the central groove. The function of the central groove is, firstly, to provide support for the panels that can be positioned between e.g. 2 profiles. Secondly, the groove can also hold part of the connector, which allows the connector to distribute the lateral force to which it is subjected into the profile to which it is attached. Between the 2 outer grooves and the central groove, there are tracks that form the central part of the lateral surface of the profile and on which there are regularly-spaced notches, which the connector can grip on to. These notches should ideally be tooth-shaped, but may also have any other shape provided that they are able to perform a locking function. If the connectors use a system of cogs to grip the notches, it is important that the shape of the notches on the track of the profile are shaped in such a way that when the connector is clamped on the profile, it remains in place and does not move in the longitudinal direction of the profile, even under a load of 200Nm or more.

The preferred version would have the notches of the teeth on the tracks in the form of a thread. This would make it possible to screw a ring with an internal thread over the profile which should ideally engage each track of each side of the profile. The function of this ring is to ensure that the angular sides of the composite frame have a very strong connection. If the frame has been firmly built up, it can be supplemented with additional frame pieces that use quick-action couplings with a less strong connection.

The lateral notches serve to create a raised edge on which the protrusions of the connectors can engage when applied to the track, this raised edge preferably being at right angles to the track. An additional function of these grooves is to support panels that can be inserted into the grooves on the side of the profiles. This results in a configuration where a frame is formed with a layer of panels on the inside and a layer of panels on the outside. Insulation can be applied between these layers, for example, that has both a thermal and an acoustic effect. Another advantage is that if the panels are fitted in the outer grooves, an additional finishing layer can be added so that the profiles and other components such as connectors are hidden from view.

The profile should also ideally have a central, round opening, that has internal threads on the end faces. This makes it possible to connect the profiles to each other, but also to attach other hardware such as hinge elements.

Connector: this part makes it possible to connect 2 profiles so that:

• it is possible to put them together without tools

• the connector ideally has 3 positions

• the built structure is strong enough to absorb the G-forces and other forces in a vehicle

• the set-up is ideally variable

The connector is composed of 2 basic elements. A primary part where the connector engages the frame and a secondary part that ensures the locking and thus the attachment of the connector to the profile. The primary part should ideally be made up of two protrusions that engage the longitudinal protrusions of the profile. The movement of these protrusions is controlled by the user and is connected to a locking mechanism that can block the primary part, namely in the configuration where the transverse profile is engaged by the protrusions. It is also possible that the protrusions are blocked in the open position, but this is less important in terms of the primary function of the connector. These protrusions should ideally take the form of clamping teeth which can engage behind the longitudinal teeth, and when locking the primary part, these should even ideally be placed under tension.

In the preferred version, the secondary anchoring system could comprise 2 cogs that engage the notches of the profile. If cogs are used, it is less important that the notches on the profile are tooth-shaped like on a toothed rack. It is more important that the distance of the notches on the profile correspond to the so-called pitch distance of the cogs, so that the cogs can run over the notches of the profile in the same way as they would run over a toothed rack. If 2 cogs are used, the connector is fitted on the profile in the unblocked position with only 1 cog touching the surface of the profile when the connector is fitted. If the cog teeth cannot be positioned directly in the notches, the connector can be moved lengthwise over the notches until the cog engages. Then the connector can be moved to the desired position. This allows a quasi-continuous and variable positioning over the entire length of the rib elements. The connector should ideally also be blocked in this (intermediate) position, allowing the user to comfortably adjust the correct position of the connector. When the connector is attached at the desired position, it needs to be blocked in place. To do this, the second cog is also engaged in the notches on the profile. Since the second cog always remains at the same distance from the first cog and therefore always engages in the first cog, the second cog will always be positioned correctly in order to engage the notches on the track of the profile.

The purpose of the system with the 2 cogs is to variably position the connector on the profile. Other variants could be envisaged in this regard, to facilitate variable positioning. For example, there could be at least 1 cog with an arrangement against which a blocking device pushes. This arrangement has protrusions that fit into the notches of the teeth that form the track on the profile.

In situations where it is not necessary for the connector to be configured with complete variability, a connector can be used where the secondary anchoring system consists only of a device with protrusions that engage in the teeth in the track of the profile.

The connector should ideally have an additional protruding portion which can be positioned in the central groove of the profile and which can absorb the lateral forces exerted on the connector and distribute them across the profile.

For blocking the primary part and therefore also the secondary part of the connector, various techniques are possible. For example, the central part of the connector can be threaded, and have a blocking means that can be screwed toward the secondary anchoring system, thereby also blocking the primary anchoring system. When it is unscrewed, the protrusions come apart and the connector can be removed from the profile.

Other systems such as a clamping system in which, for example, pins are inserted and removed or springs have to be clicked in, and all possible variations, could be suitable in this regard. In another preferred version, a ring connector could be used. This ring connector has an internal thread that can be screwed over the profile. Various connectors can be fitted to this ring connector which in turn make connections to the profiles perpendicular to the profile over which the ring connector is placed. These connectors can be made up of threaded rods that can be screwed into the ring connector on the one hand, and the end of the profile to be attached on the other. Another possible version is that the ring connector has internal threads, positioned on the outside of the ring, whereby the profile to be attached uses its external threads to be attached to the connector on the ring connector.

The purpose of the ring connector is to give the frame a certain robustness, and should therefore ideally be fitted at the end of the rib elements at the corners of the frame.

The adjustment profile forms a connecting piece between profiles, with the purpose of making the rib elements of the frame adjustable in length.

In the preferred version, an intermediate profile of limited length is used with a threaded rod with right-hand thread on one end and left-hand thread on the opposite end. If the connecting profiles have right-hand internal threads, a transition piece must be envisaged for the left-hand thread. In this version, the threaded rod with left hand thread will be smaller in diameter than the threaded rod with right hand thread. The threaded rods connected to the adjustment piece should ideally be permanently connected to this adjustment piece.

In another preferred version, an intermediate profile of limited length is used with an internal thread with right-hand thread on one end and left-hand internal thread on the opposite end. If the connecting profiles have a right-hand internal thread, on one side there is a threaded rod with a right-hand thread, and on the other side there is a threaded rod that should ideally consist of 50% left-hand and 50% right-hand thread. On the side where the intermediate piece has left-hand thread, the portion of the threaded rod with right-hand thread is screwed into the profile that needs to be connected, and the portion with left-hand thread is screwed into the intermediate piece to a limited extent. This also means that the profiles that need to be connected move away from or towards each other when the intermediate profile is rotated. In another preferred version, an intermediate profile of limited length is used with an internal thread with right-hand thread on both ends.

To connect the intermediate profile with the 2 connecting profiles, 2 fitting pieces are envisaged whereby

• firstly, the fitting piece is made up of a transition piece from a right-hand external thread to a left-hand internal thread with an end locking device and a threaded rod with a left-hand and a right-hand external thread, with an end locking device fitted at the point where the left-hand and right-hand threads meet, and possibly connected by a central shaft so that these 2 pieces can be considered as a single component. The transition piece should ideally be screwed into one side of the intermediate profile and the threaded rod into the corresponding profile.

• The threaded rod with a right-hand thread should ideally be screwed into the intermediate profile as far as the end locking device and the other side into the corresponding profile.

This also means that the profiles that need to be connected move away from or towards each other when the intermediate profile is rotated.

In a preferred version, the intermediate profile is identical to the profiles forming the rib elements of the frame and therefore has grooves and teeth that are identical to the connected profiles. If, for example, panels are fitted in these grooves which continue into the rib element, of which the intermediate profile is a part, it is crucial that the grooves are correctly aligned. In principle, the step in the longitudinal direction at a quarter turn is so small that the alignment is not a problem. To support the position, notches can be used in combination with protrusions whereby resistance is generated at intervals of 90 degrees with the aim of aligning the grooves of the various profiles.

If it is preferred that the intermediate profile is locked in this position after positioning, a lock nut can be used. This lock nut can be the same shape as the profile, whereby the lock nut extends lengthwise from the profile over a distance of a given number of teeth, or, in the case of the teeth forming a thread, over a distance of 2 to 3 times the pitch. The hinge element is a connection piece between profiles, with the purpose of positioning the rib elements of the frame at a given angle to each other.

In the preferred version, there is a cog on one side of the end of the profile which should ideally be positioned on the longitudinal axis line of the profile. On the axis line of this central cog, there is a shaft which forms the connection between the components of the hinge element, which can move when positioned with respect to each other, and which can be connected respectively to the 2 profiles that need to be connected. The central cog is always connected with a blocking cog which in turn is always connected with the second locking cog. The second blocking cog is movable relative to the first blocking cog, but always under the same axis distance. In the position where the angle of the connected profiles can be variably adjusted, only the first blocking cog is in contact with the central cog. In the position where the hinge element is blocked at a given position, both blocking cogs touch the central cog. As the two blocking cogs touch each other but turn in opposite directions, the position is blocked according to a stepless principle.

In another preferred version, there is a cog on one side of the end of the profile which should ideally be positioned on the longitudinal axis line of the profile. On the axis line of this central cog, there is a shaft which makes the connection between the components of the hinge element, which can move when positioned with respect to each other, and which can be connected respectively to the 2 profiles that need to be connected. The central cog can rotate freely in relation to the blocking means. The blocking means should ideally comprise a shoe that follows a portion of the circumference of the central cog and has notches into which the teeth of the central cog can fit. In the position where the hinge element is blocked in a given position, the shoe engages the central cog and the hinge element is blocked in a given position. The adjustment of the angle of the hinge element is stepped.

The hinge element should ideally be adjustable in an angle between 30 and 330 degrees, and can therefore also be used as a perpendicular connection between 2 rib elements of the frame.

Various parts have been described above, including the connector, ring connector, adjustment profile and hinge element, as separate parts. These parts can also be combined, whereby 2 or more functions are integrated into 1 part. For example, the (ring) connector can also function additionally as an adjustment profile where the connection to the profile consists of a left/ right threaded rod, a lock nut and a transition piece.

The hinge element can consist, on one side, of a threaded rod, a lock nut and a transition piece to make the connection to the profile, and on the other side can consist of a threaded rod and a lock nut. If the hinge element is rotated, the connected profiles move away from or towards each other respectively.

In addition to the basic parts, additional hardware is also possible:

• Sliding component: this uses the longitudinal grooves, whether or not in combination with the longitudinal protrusions and/or notches on the track. These can be used to create sliding features, whereby even drawers can even be made with the profiles, but also cases where an inner frame can slide out of a base frame.

• Panels: these can be inserted in longitudinal grooves in the frame, whereby clamps can be used to compensate for any tolerances of the panels, so that they sit firmly and do not rattle, for example, during driving.

• Hooks: these could ideally make use of the longitudinal protrusions of the profiles, whereby a hook device can hook behind these protrusions and whereby the teeth in combination with protrusions on the hooks can be used to position the hooks.

• Holders for sockets, light points and suchlike. These can be clicked into the longitudinal protrusions of the profiles, whereby the teeth in combination with protrusions on the holders ensure that they always stay in place.

• Tensioning blocks: these are blocks that can be fitted to the frame and/or connectors and are intended to block the frame in a space such as that of a van. These are then primarily applied to the sides and/or top of the frame. When the frame is put under tension, these tensioning blocks prevent damage to the van's wall as they are fitted with soft material cushions that can distribute the forces exerted by the expansion of the frame.

• Transverse reinforcement: These are fasteners that can be attached to the profiles, whereby a cable or rigid connection can be used to reinforce angled set-ups of the rib elements, for example. This is done by forming at least one triangular set-up, creating an X shape, or any shape that can reinforce the rib elements together. • Electric actuator: for parts such as the sliding element, for example, an actuator can be envisaged. By equipping the sliding element with a gear drive, it can engage the teeth of the profile, creating a stable transmission and allowing the sliding element to be automated.

• The above list of possible hardware is not exhaustive, and can be supplemented with additional techniques that can make use of the specific characteristics of the profiles, connectors, ring connectors, adjustment profiles, hinge elements and all possible variants of these

General operation

The frame is put together by using a minimum number of smaller frames combined with connectors. Ideally, it should be started with a basic frame that can be further divided into smaller frames, that can have a range of applications such as forming cabinets, bedding, cooking elements, and such like.

It is crucial that the basic frame is put together firmly. The corner edges in particular must be able to absorb large forces. To ensure these corners are firmly connected, ring connectors can be used. These are screwed over the profile at the ends. These ring connectors can have openings with threads where threaded rods can be screwed in. Here, multiple openings can be positioned at 90° from each other, but there can also be more openings, such as every 30° or 45°. In another variation, the threaded rods can be also already permanently attached using, e.g. welding joints. In a further variant, this can also be done via a (quickaction) coupling device.

The ends of the profiles that have to be connected with the profile on which the ring connector is screwed, can be screwed on the threaded rods that are mounted on the connector and thus form a very strong interconnection. With a corner connection, a second profile can also be connected via the ring connector, but in some cases it is necessary to place a frame at a certain angle that is not possible with the ring connector. This can be solved by adding a second ring connector to the profile. The angle at which the ring connector is fitted is less relevant and can therefore be fitted at any angle. The ring connector can be locked if required, using a lock nut. The profiles should ideally have a limited length, and be defined according to a specific length. The rib elements of the frame may vary depending on the application and should therefore be built up from different profiles. The profiles can be put together quite easily using threaded rods that are screwed into the ends of the profiles. A ring should ideally be fitted in the middle of these threaded rods which connect the profiles, which would have the shape of the profile and the width of approximately 2-3 the pitch of the external thread of the profile. To adjust the length of the rib elements, the adjustment profile can be used. This can be positioned between the (ring) connector and the profile or between 2 profiles. This allows the rib elements to be adjusted to a limited extent lengthwise, which also makes it possible to tension the profile in a given space. By preferably providing several ribs with an adjustment profile and fitting several tensioning blocks on the outside, the frame can, for example, be tensioned in the space of a van. By turning the adjustment profiles in such a way, the profiles are moved away from each other and the profile is tensioned in the given space. The profile should ideally be connected at all corner edges by using ring connectors. If required for robustness, ring connectors can also be added at one or more points on the rib elements.

Once the frame has been formed, more connectors can be added that have quickaction couplings. Here, the teeth that engage the longitudinal protrusions of the profiles are applied to the profile in an open position, positioned and then clamped. This allows frames to be made very quickly for certain applications. For certain applications such as creating work tables, cabinets, partitions, etc., (wooden) panels need to be installed. These can be inserted into the grooves of the profiles. Additionally, clamps can be added to secure these panels, to avoid vibrations and rattling sounds when the vehicle is driving.

If the frame requires certain rib elements to be at a certain angle to each other, a hinge element can be used. This should ideally be connected to the respective profiles via a screwed connection. The hinge element is set in the unblocked position and then blocked at the desired angle.

The frame as described in the present invention can be used in following applications (non-exhaustive list):

• Frames for motorhomes

• Frames for professional applications in vans

• Frames for swimming pools

• Frames for vehicle trailers, whereby a complete trailer can be created

• Frames for a house

• Frames to build a modular stand • Frames for scaffolding

• Frames for recreational equipment, with the necessary protection

• Frames for building a stage

• Frames for garden houses, pool houses, beach cabins and similar

• Frames for tents

• Frames for building warehouses

• Frame for rapid construction in general

Description of the figures

Figure 1: perspective view of a possible schematic set-up of the frame in a van

Figure 2: perspective view of the profile

Figure 3: end view of the profile

Figure 4: side view of the profile with straight teeth

Figure 5: side view of the profile with screw thread teeth

Figure 6: side view of blocking cogs of the variable connector in blocking mode

Figure 7: side view of blocking cogs of the variable connector in non-blocking mode Figure 8: perspective view with partial section of variable connector in blocking mode Figure 9: perspective view with partial section of variable connector in blocking mode Figure 10: perspective view with partial section of variable connector in blocking mode without cover

Figure 11 : perspective view with partial section of variable connector in blocking mode without cover

Figure 12: perspective view of variable connector in blocking mode mounted on the profile

Figure 13: perspective view of variable connector in blocking mode mounted on the profile with panels in the central grooves on the profiles.

Figure 14: perspective view of the profile with panels

Figure 15: perspective view of the hinge element

Figure 16: perspective view of the hinge element

Figure 17: perspective cross-section of the hinge element

Figure 18: perspective view of the connector with variable setting in unblocked position

Figure 19: perspective view of the connector with variable setting in blocked position Figure 20: perspective view of the ring connector mounted between 2 profiles Figure 21: perspective view of the base of the ring connector

Figure 22: perspective view of the adjustment piece Detailed description

Description of the parts

1. Frame: consisting of various pieces, namely profiles, (ring) connectors, adjustment pieces and possibly hinge elements

2. Profile: together, these form the so-called rib elements of the frame

3. Teeth: these are the tooth-like notches along the track on the profile

4. Central groove: this is the groove between the 2 tracks on the profile.

5. Side grooves: these are the 2 grooves on either side of the central groove on the profile

6. Corner notches: these are the notches at the corners of the profile in the longitudinal direction

7. Longitudinal teeth: these are so-called longitudinal protrusions on the profile

8. Locking cogs: these are the cogs in the secondary anchoring system and allow the connector to be adjusted in any variable position

9. Connector: this connects 2 profiles perpendicularly

10. Cog bracket: this connects the 2 blocking cogs in the secondary anchoring system and ensures that they always stay at the same distance from each other

11. Central holder: this provides the connection between the secondary anchoring system, the primary anchoring system and the locking device

12. Cover: this covers the secondary anchoring system and the primary anchoring system and provides additional reinforcement for the connector itself

13. Locking: this system ensures that the secondary anchoring system and the primary anchoring system remain in place when in the locked position

14. Shaft

15. Bracket 1

16. Bracket 2

17. Hand clip

18. Blocking teeth: these protrusions form the clamping teeth of the primary anchoring system

19. Intermediate piece

20. Wooden panels

21. Hinge element: this is an intermediate piece that makes it possible to position two profiles at a certain angle to each other in any variable position.

22. Threaded rod 23. Central cog

24. Adjustment piece: this is an intermediate piece that makes it possible to position two profiles at a certain distance to each other in any variable position.

25. Left-hand thread

26. Right-hand thread

27. Ring connector with internal thread: forms a connector that can be screwed over a profile and provides a connection between at least 2 profiles

28. Protruding support point: this fits into the central groove and provides additional carrying capacity.

29. Threaded rod

30. Threaded opening

31. Fixed clamp block: the protrusions on this block of the secondary anchoring system engage with the teeth running along the track of the profile. This ensures a graduated connection between the connector and the profile

32. Threaded rod with left-hand thread

33. Threaded rod with right-hand thread

34. Lock nut

35. Track

36. Internal thread

37. Central opening: this is the central opening in the profile

38. Arms of the blocking teeth: these are the parts of the blocking teeth that form the movement for opening and closing the blocking teeth

Figure 1 : shows the perspective view of a possible schematic set-up of the frame in a van. This is made up of profiles, connectors and adjustment pieces.

Figure 2: shows the perspective view of the profile and figure 3 the end view of the profile. This has side grooves 5 formed by the longitudinal teeth or so-called longitudinal protrusions 7. The profile 2 also has a central groove 4 between the two tracks 35 which each have teeth 3. The profile 2 also has a central opening 37 which is threaded 36 at the ends.

Figure 4: side view of the profile with right-hand teeth where, in this particular version, the teeth 3 are rectangular, which simplifies the production process compared to conventional teeth which have more of a sinusoidal waveform. However, the blocking effect remains the same as if the teeth 3 had a sinusoidal waveform. Figure 5: side view of the profile with threaded teeth whereby, in this particular version, the teeth 3 are in thread-form and these virtually merge into the threads 3 of the other sides. This makes it possible to screw a ring (connector) over this profile 2.

Figure 6: side view of blocking cogs 8 of the variable connector 9 in blocking mode This is a schematic set-up, whereby the 2 blocking cogs both engage the teeth 3 of the profile 2. As these rotate in opposite directions, the teeth 8 are locked.

Figure 7: side view of blocking cogs of the variable connector in non-blocking mode This is a schematic set-up, whereby only one of the 2 blocking cogs engages the teeth 3 of the profile 2. In this situation, the blocking mechanism of the variable connector 9 can move across the surface of the profile 2.

Figures 8 and 9 show a perspective view with partial section of variable connector 9 in blocking mode The two blocking cogs 8 are connected using a cog bracket that keeps the two cogs 8 at the same distance during the movement from locking to unlocking, and vice versa, of the connector 9. The central holder 11 forms the bridge between the secondary blocking mechanism that includes the blocking cogs 8 and the primary blocking mechanism that contains the blocking teeth 18. In this version, the cover 12 has a few notches to direct the arms 38 from the blocking teeth 18. When the cover 12 moves upward, the arms 38 are pushed inward and the teeth 18 move into an open position. When the cover 12 moves downward, the arms 38 are pushed outward and the teeth 18 move into a closed position.

Figures 10 and 11 show a perspective view with partial section of variable connector 9 in blocking mode without cover 12. This has a locking device 13 comprising several shafts 14, brackets 15, 16 and a hand clip 17. In the current position, the connector 9 is secured in blocked position. When the hand clip 17 is pulled to the side, the shafts 14 move toward each other and the cover 12 is pulled upward, unblocking the connector 9.

Figure 12: perspective view of the variable connector in blocking mode mounted on the profile. Here it is screwed down and blocked with a lock nut 34 to a profile 2. Figure 13: perspective view of the variable connector 9 in blocking mode mounted on the profile 2 with panels 20 in the central grooves 4 on the profiles 2.

Figure 14: perspective view of the profile 2 with panels 20.

Figure 15: perspective view of the hinge element 21 in a position of 180 degrees and in blocked position.

Figure 16: perspective view of the hinge element 21 in a position of 135 degrees and in blocked position.

Figure 17: perspective cross-section of the hinge element 21 whereby the blocking cogs 8 both engage the central cog 23, thereby blocking it.

By analogy with the manual blocking mechanism of the connector, the cover 12 will determine the position of the cogs 8. In a position where the cover is facing down, the two cogs 8 engage the central cog 23 and the hinge element 21 is blocked. In a position where the cover 12 is facing up, only one cog 8 engages the central cog 23 and the hinge element 21 is unblocked. The hinge element 21 is screwed via threaded rods 22 into the ends of the respective profiles 2.

Figure 18: perspective view of the connector 9 with variable setting in unblocked position. The fixed clamping block 31 has protrusions that fit into the teeth 3 of the profile. In this set-up, the blocking teeth 18 are open because the cover 12 is screwed back. The connector 9 is screwed to the end of a profile 2 using a threaded rod 29 and blocked with lock nut 34. The locking mechanism contains the clamping block 31 and the blocking teeth 18. There is also a protruding support point 28 which fits into the central groove 4 and provides additional load bearing capacity for the connector 9.

Figure 19: perspective view of the connector 9 with variable setting in blocked position. In this set-up, the blocking teeth 18 are blocked and engage the longitudinal teeth 7 of the profile 2. Here, the cover 12 is also positioned over the blocking teeth Figure 20: perspective view of the ring connector 27 mounted between 2 profiles where a threaded opening 30 has a threaded rod 29 that fits into the end internal thread of the profile to be connected 2. Figure 21: perspective view of the base of the ring connector 27 before it is screwed into the profile 2.

Figure 22: perspective view of the adjustment piece 24 which has left-hand thread 25 along one side and is connected via a threaded rod with left-hand thread 32 to a profile 2 which also has left-hand thread 25. On the other side, adjustment piece 24 has right-hand thread 26 on the one side and is connected via a threaded rod with left-hand thread 33 to a profile 2 which also has left-hand thread 26.