TITLE

JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR SH EETED ELEMENTS, PARTI CULARLY FOR THE REALIZATION OF MODULAR STRUCTURES

TECHN ICAL FI ELD

The present invention concerns a joint for elements with at least two parallel surfaces, such as panels, glass sheets, etc.

I n the realization of internal and external setups using modular elements, like furniture, partition walls, tables, chair seats, bookshelves, movable walls, false ceilings, lightning elements, joint systems based on the employment of screws, clamps, glues, etc. are used, being aware to hide as much as possible those joints or fixing elements in order to minimize their aesthetic encumbrance.

At the State of the Art, there are some joint methods that simplify the realization of such manufactured articles, adopting male/female modular systems, dovetail joints, etc.

If, on the one hand , using simple joints as dowels, expansion plugs, screws, etc. requires a medium-high specialization of the operators, implying from time to time creative means, on the other hand adopting joint methods, based on modular systems, reports a poor versatility in project possibilities and aesthetic results. Another general problem concerning the state of the known technique is the necessity of using specific equipment and tools, sometimes impossible to take to the assembly place.

For example, interior design main purpose is an original and innovative furnishing solution from an aesthetic and/or functional point of view, even considering specific logistic needs of where the project is commissioned .

Another collateral problem lies in the fact that such realizations don't allow a possible later modification or readjustment, if not with onerous dismantling operations.

Aim of the present invention is to define a joint assembly able to permanently join any element useful to manufactured furniture or the like, provided that such elements have at least two opposite parallel surfaces.

Other aim is to define a joint as above showing a pleasing and versatile appearance.

Other aim is to define a joint as above assuring a high static and structural strength .

Other aim is to define a joint as above allowing the direct creation of structures in loco, without a previous manufacturing of the constituting elements.

Other aim is to define a joint as above allowing a potential (possible) repositioning of the elements in order to update or modify the functionality or the appearance of the created manufacture.

Other aim is to define a joint as above usable without requiring specific tools, beside the conventional hex keys (Allen key).

Other aim is to define a joint as above, which allows, thanks to its own shape, its employment as support for lighting accessories of the structural elements.

Other aim is to define a joint as above with appropriate characteristics to house static-structural elements, such as stay rods.

Other aim is to define a joint as above that can be suitable as wall constraint, like a shelf bracket.

This and other aims are going to appear as reached reading the following detailed description, showing a joint assembly for plate-shaped elements, particularly for the realization of modular structures.

The invention is shown as a non-restricting example in the following description and sketches, of which :

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the invention assembled with four sheeted elements (panels) placed with their perimeter edges attached.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the invention with one sheeted element seen in section , emphasizing the particular bending of its grip vices. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the invention, assembled with four sheeted elements (panels) with their perimeter edges divided.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the invention in a model with two grip vices.

Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the invention in a model with two angular grip vices.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the invention in a model with three grip vices.

Fig. 7 shows a plan view of the invention in a model with additional grip vices.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the present invention in a lenticular- shaped model.

Fig. 9 shows a plan view of the present invention in a lenticular- shaped model.

With reference to the above figures, a group of panels P1,P2,P3,P4, designed to be joined in orthogonal configuration, are fastened steadily through a joint 1.

In particular, the joint 1 has a cross-shaped section, whose branches end with grip vices 2.

Such grip vices 2 include widen opposed extremities 2a, 2b, each with a tapped hole 3 designed to receive a tightening insert 4, which could be constituted by a threaded steel pin with a head movable by means of an hex key. The joint 1 has an initial structural division in four primary branches 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d which present in their center a hole 5 designed to constitute a secondary grip or passage for eventual wind bracing elements (not shown in the sketch). Each primary branch 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d is, in turn , branched off, creating further secondary branches 6 used as suitable collaborating sides (grip vices 2). The primary branches 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d show a resistant section with a suitable measure, defined in function of the employed material for the realization of the joint 1 . In the present example, the joint 1 is realized in martensitic stainless steel, even if, regarding the employed material, the present invention is suitable for any kind of creation , allowing the employment of properly strengthened plastics, glass, aluminum alloys, etc... The secondary branches 6 are developed along a direction D with an inclination angle a relative to a development plane K of the primary branches 1 a, 1 b, c, 1 d . The angle a should have an approximate width of 45 degrees (Fig.2) and in any case be able to fulfill the panels P fastening by the grip vices 2.

With reference to the tightening insertions 4, these have a length able to reach the opposed surfaces of the generic panels P, even whether provided with minimum thicknesses.

The joint 1 allows to steadily joining together sheeted elements of different nature and thickness, as metal sheets, plaster panels, aluminum splints, glass sheets, wood panels, joists, etc. The present invention is to be realized, as appropriate, with limiting variants provided with at least four grip vices; in particular, these variants can have two or three grip vices 2, as shown in figu re 4, 5, 6, to create continuous or angular joints of the panels.

These changes allow optimizing the aesthetic output with particular furnishing arrangements.

As per an additional change, it's possible to include a further branch of the secondary ramifications 6 of the joint 1 , with the aim o create additional grip vices 2' , staggered in respect to the operative directions of the primary branches 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d .

In the graphic example shown in fig.7, the just cited off-set has a regular range of 45 degrees.

From an aesthetic point of view, the joint 1 may present any kind of pattern; for instance the chance to include the whole structure and all its ramifications in a single cap body 1 ' with proper thickness, whose grip vices 2 are constituted by slits (fissures) 7 collaborating with tightening insertions 4 inserted in proper passages 8, the latter highlighting a nail-shaped manufacturing (fig.8).

In reference to the tightening insertions 4, the change illustrated in the present description , adopting screw pins, can be replaced by conventional compression levers with pins mounted on coil springs. The joint of the present invention, thanks to its particular shape , beside being an interesting aesthetical element, has extreme versatility, allowing the realization of constructions with complex configuration in a really short time and with the employment of non-specialized manpower. It is also particularly suitable for modular planning with the employment of standard panels and low construction and transport costs.

The tightening force of the grip vices 2, also allowing digging into the panels body or going through them, allows holding steadily the employed elements P, assuring an important static role too.

The joint 1 can be therefore adopted as wall support for the realization of suspended and/or illuminating structures .

The presence of a multipurpose hole 5 allows, for example, preparing strengthening wind bracings through the employment of tie rods passing through it.