The present invention relates to an improved coupling element for bar- shaped inverted T profiles. Structural elements for false ceilings are known consisting of profiles of inverted T cross-section provided at their ends with hooks formed directly on the central rib of the T profile or by separately produced inserts applied to each profile section during its construction.

Said profiles are also provided in their rib with notches in which the coupling element of a similar profile perpendicular thereto is engaged, to form a lattice structure which is generally suspended from the ceiling, usually by steel cables or ties, to enable its horizontal flanges to functionally support panels or slats or whatever else is required to form the false ceiling.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved coupling element having high resistance to stresses in both directions, parallel to the profile axis and transverse thereto.

This object is attained according to the invention by an improved coupling element for bar-shaped inverted T profiles as described in claim 1 .

The present invention is further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a coupling element according to the invention,

Figure 2 shows it in rear perspective view,

Figure 3 shows in perspective view the insertion, into a third T profile, of two T profiles which are perpendicular to it, and

Figure 4 shows two mutually engaged coupling elements. As can be seen from the figures, the improved coupling element of the invention is made of metal and is applied to the ends of the central rib 4 of a profile of inverted T cross-section, said element being formed separately and applied to each profile piece by clinching during the construction thereof. Specifical ly, th e cou pl i ng element com prises a su bsta ntial ly rectangular first portion 10 which extends into a second lesser height portion 12 which further extends into a third portion 14 of lesser height than the portion 12. Said portion 14 is bent about said portion 12 to form therewith a substantially V-shaped elastic appendix provided with a notch 16 in its vertex. The portion 12 is provided on its surface with a tooth 18, obtained by cutting and plastic deformation, and projecting from the portion 14 on the opposite side to the portion 12.

The portion 14 has its other end bent at 90° to form a step 20 with a further portion 22 lying in a plane parallel to the plane in which the portion 14 lies.

The central rib 4 is provided with a substantially rectangular notch 24 with its minor side provided with a projection 26 and its major side having a length substantially corresponding to that of the portion 12.

In this manner the projection 26 displays two apertures each suitable for engagement by the opposing ends of two coupling elements.

To assemble the lattice structure the operator inserts the V appendix of the coupling element into the aperture of the central rib, then brings the portions 14 and 12 together until the step 20 is positioned beyond the edge of the aperture. Another coupling element is then inserted from the other side of the rib and, when the step 20 is positioned beyond the edge of the aperture, engages its tooth 18 with the tooth 18 of the previously inserted element, so as to form a further stable connection between the two longitudinally aligned T profiles and the profile perpendicular to them.