STRUCTURE FOR PREFABRICATED

Technical Field

The present invention refers to the technical field of constructions of prefabricated and similar type. In particular it refers to a new type of structure for the realization of walls in general of prefabricated type.

It is also described an assemblage method of the same structure.

State of the Art

Nowadays are well known the prefabricated type structures that allow, in a fast and economic way, to construct houses of any kind. For example, usually are commonly used prefabricated for the realization of warehouses, garages, garden gazebo or structures in general, where the contained cost and the rapidity of realization are important features. However it is a common use also the realization of real houses supplied with all the comforts.

A structure of prefabricated type, according to prior arts, is realized by putting together parts that have previously prepared and at least partially pre-assembled. These realize modules that are modular to each other and are constituted mostly by wood or other types of materials easily machinable. Using for example the wood (but also material of different kind but with similar features), it is known how it is possible to work this last one according to panels with predetermined length which are then overlapped or put side by side to each other framing them within specific posts (or in a supporting structure in general ) , with the aim of making a pavement of a construction or the lateral walls or the closing roof. It is clear how, once the different parts are cut and shaped, the composition work result rather fast and simple. Also the production of panels results to be relatively cheap and fast especially if it is realized at industrial quantity. However, also in this case, the prior art present not few inconvenient.

The panels and the other structural parts that get combined together for the realization of the entire structure, must be assembled in a stable manner in a way to support and sustain all the pressures, comprising the bad weather (as for example the wind) . The assembling phase requires then (with the current solutions found in the market) a big time lost and cost increasing.

According to a first technical solution, the realization, for example, of the walls of a house in general, requires the insertion of panels with predetermined length inside a supporting structure

(usually a post frame or similar ) to make the structure stable and firm. It is then important the further fixing with screws, glues or similar, realizing this way a finished module that can be placed in loco. It is clear how this solution is extremely expensive and long.

It is clear how the technical solution that comprises a fitting by means of screws is wasteful in terms of time and costs beyond resulting not much reliable. The high number of screws tend to blunt and damage the same structure making it not much reliable more often when it is exposed to bad weather. Moreover the eventual disassembly becomes practically impossible, as the structure results to be damaged by many holes, beyond being not practicable in terms of time.

In the same way the solution that comprises the use of glue requires a wasteful job in terms of time and makes the disassembly entirely impossible. A common problem of both the screw and the glue solution is relative to the take up slack. It is indeed usual that, with time passing, the seal elements loosen up. For example the screw's sites get damaged and the glue cedes. In this manner the structure is not stable anymore but starts to have wavers more or less stressed. Then it is not unusual, the case where the loosening are given from accidental facts as crashes (for example a mistaken movement with the car) . The present solutions do not permit in any manner to take up slacks, making the elimination of the wavers and weakening of the structure impossible. Indeed it is not possible a blockage of the screws beyond a limit which would cause the breaking of the threads or of the site within which are screwed. Another solution comprises on the other hand the realization of panel' s edges shaped as a groove-and-tongue joint. In this manner the two adjacent walls (even placed at angle to each other) get blocked in a stable manner without the need of the supporting structure realized with posts and screws. However, also in this case, the cost results to be high, as very expensive specific machinery suitable to work the terminal parts of each panel are required according to this particular shape. Moreover, the junction so realized results to be exposed to the bad weather with the risk of breakage and crushes. It is indeed really easy that in the points where the groove- and-tongue joint meet with its complementary the rain water stagnates damaging the wood.

Disclosure of invention

Therefore it is the aim of the present invention to give a new type of structure for prefabricates that resolves all the above mentioned inconvenient. In particular it is the aim of the present invention to give a type of structure for prefabricates that allow a fast, economic assemblage and that is eventually easily removable . It is also the aim of the present invention to give a structure that easily allow to take up slack.

These and other aims are obtained through the present base structure for the realization of prefabricate in general and comprising: — A frame (1) comprising at least two posts (2, 2'); — At least a panel (3) framed within said posts; and characterized by the fact that said at least two posts comprise traction means (11; 211) able to apply a reciprocal approaching action of the posts to block the panel comprised between them.

Advantageously, the two posts are opposed to each other in order to frame the panel in correspondence to its two sides. Moreover, with the aim to fix the above said means of traction to the posts, these comprise respectively at least a hole (10) or similar to allow the application.

The simple screws or glues of the prior art bind all the panels to the posts with a mechanical joint action. Indeed, the screw penetrates both in the panel and in the post realizing a blocking mechanical connection. In the same way the glue binds the post to all the panels. The present solution, on the other hand, allows to realize a binding action through a traction applied on the posts in order to compact them towards the panels and block them. This way it is totally eliminated the mechanical interaction of direct connection between the panel and the post through screw or glue.

Advantageously the hole (10) obtained respectively on the posts is passing along the entire transversal section (12) of the post.

Moreover the hole (10) obtained on the post (2) is coaxial to the respective hole (10) of the opposite post (2' ) and to the axis placed orthogonal or almost orthogonal respect to the axis (13) of the posts defining this way a couple of holes within axis. According to this solution, the traction means comprise at least a tie bar

(16; 16') or similar inserted along the couple of holes within axis to apply said approaching action to block the panel .

Thus it is clear how the constructive choice to realize on the two posts couple of holes within axis allow the insertion of simple rectilinear tie bars that substitute efficiently the numerous riveting, applying a very efficient packing action.

For such aim the tie bar comprises packing means (17, 17' ; 17' ' , 18) .

According to a possible technical solution the packing means comprise at least a screw nut/lock nut coupling (17; 17') or similar respectively applied at the two ends of the tie bar to apply the blocking action.

Thus by tightening the screw nut / lock nut the tie bar realizes a strength of reciprocal approaching of a post towards the other and therefore the blockage of the panel .

According to another solution the packing means comprise at least a screw nut coupling (17'') and a lock (18) . Among the different possibilities of positioning of the holes on the post, the preferred solution expects that the couple of holes within axis (10) lie on the longitudinal plane (14) . In particular the plane (14) is the mid point plane of the posts (2, 2' ) .

Advantageously the panel comprises in correspondence to its back and/or front joint means (8, 9; 8', 9') of groove-and-tongue type to allow the reciprocal overlap.

In particular the joint means comprise a site (9) obtained in correspondence to the front of the panel and at least a tooth (8) or similar obtained on the back, said site and said tooth extending longitudinally along the entire longitudinal length of the panel.

In order to allow the assemblage of the structure, being the holes placed on the longitudinal mid point plane of the posts and thus also of the panel framed between them, the panel placed in correspondence to the passage of the tie bar comprises a passage site (15) .

In this way the tie bar results hiding and, beyond having a good aesthetic impact, results advantageous as protected by the bad weather.

Obviously, in function to the height of the structure, a plurality of panels (3) are inserted in a way overlying on each other within the posts.

In such case the above mentioned joint means allow a firm and always centred reciprocal coupling.

In case of more overlapped panels, are comprised at least two couples of coaxial holes (10), each couple being placed at different height h from each other to allow the application of the respective tie bars for each height.

In this way it will be applied a uniform compaction force along the entire height of the structure. It is clear at this point the advantage of the present invention. Few tie bars distributed along the height of the structure substitute many screws. Moreover the take up slack is simple and immediate. By simply operating on screw nut/lock nut of the tie bar it is possible to regulate at any time the packaging action of the panels.

Advantageously each tie bar is placed at its respective height h approximately coinciding or close to the overlap line of two panels, the upper panel comprising said passage site (9) able to contain the entire thickness of the tie bar (16) and of the tooth (8) of the underlying panel and such that the tie bar results hiding within the two overlapped panels.

This solution is constructively simple. Indeed the previous passage hole (15) is easily substituted with the same site (9) realized simply deeper. Obviously such operation will be expected only for the panel destined to receive the tie bar.

Alternatively the traction means can comprise different solution with a simple rectilinear tie bar. For example can comprise one of the following choices:

— a tie bar (211) with approximately an overturned U shape placed in correspondence to the upper bases of the posts;

— Ferromagnetic elements inserted in correspondence of the hole (10) within axis.

Brief description of drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be clearer with the description of some of its pattern realization that follows, made to illustrate but not limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

— Figure 1 describes a prospective view according to the invention; — Figure 2 described two equivalent types of groove/tongue coupling present on the back and front of the panel to allow the reciprocal overlap;

— Figure 3 shows schematically the centre line of the holes for the application of the tie bars;

— Figure 4 shows schematically the longitudinal mid point plane of the posts on which the centre lines of the holes lie and a constructive detail of the tie bar;

— Figure 5 shows another constructive solution of the tie bar and the passage site of the same along the panel;

— Figure 6 shows schematically an assemblage phase and a positioning of the tie bar in the first preferred configuration of the invention; — Figure 7 shows schematically a second possible technical solution.

Description of some preferred embodiments

Figure 1 describes the invention relative to a new type of base structure suitable for the realization of prefabricates. In a totally general manner, what is described is applicable not only for the realization of walls, but of any structural part suitable to realize a prefabricated construction of any type. Generally, the base structure comprising a frame 1 of any kind and dimension. In the specific case of figure 1, the described frame comprising two posts (2; 2') pushing against of each other, or rather places one in front of the other at a predetermined distance. As in the prior art, in a well known, a panel 3, or more generally a plurality of panels 3, can be this way framed within the posts realizing a structure of wall type usable in the prefabricated constructions. Generally each of the posts, in order to contain the panels, comprise respectively a sliding seat (4, 4') within which are inserted in contact the two lateral edges

(5, 5') of each panel 3. In this manner, it is possible to insert the panels one on the other making them slide along the seats that runs along the entire height of the post, making simple the assemblage and assuring the position of the same.

In particular (look at figure 2), each panel comprises in correspondence of its back 6 and of its front 7 blocking means (8, 9; 8', 9') of groove-and-tongue type to allow a certain seal further to their reciprocal overlap.

For example a hole 9' and pin 8' joint realizes a groove/tongue joint. In the specific case of the preferred configuration, it is expected that each panel has a seat 9 obtained in correspondence of the face and a tooth 8 obtained in correspondence of the back. Both tooth and sear run along the entire longitudinal length of the panel. In this manner, the tooth on the back of a panel gets inserted in the seat of the panel placed above realizing the joint.

According to the invention (look at figure 3 and figure 1) , the posts comprise each respectively at least a hole 10, or a seat in general, on which it is possible to apply traction means 11. The means are able to apply a force F that determinates the reciprocal approaching of the posts in such a way to clamp and package the panels that are comprised within them. Obviously, in a general manner, the force can have different directions in function of the traction _v means used, and anyway such to determinate a reciprocal approaching of the two posts.

Thus according to a first preferred configuration of the invention (look at figure 3), generally usable for panels of elevated length (even greater than three meters) , the holes obtained on the opposite posts are passing through the entire transversal length 12 of the post. In particular, the hole obtained on a posts is coaxial (or rather with coinciding axis) to the respective hole 10 of the opposed post. In this way, the two holes determinate a couple with common axis and predisposed on a longitudinal plane 14 passing by the two posts (look at figure 4) . Figure 4 shows in the specific the longitudinal plane passing by the middle point of the posts, but any- other higher or lower position respect to the mid point can be used without having to move apart from the present inventive concept. Moreover the hole's axis results to be orthogonal or almost orthogonal respect to the axis 13 of the same posts (look at figure 3) . In this manner it is possible the insertion of a rectilinear tie bar passing each couple of holes to connect the two posts applying the packing action.

The tie bar could be easily of any kind and able to accomplish such function. As schematically described in figure 4 and figure 5, a particularly suitable tie bar could be made of a sort of screw (16; 16'), or rod in general, in combination to packing means (17, 17'; 17'',

18) suitable to close the tie bar on the posts to apply the clamping action.

For example a first solution could expect the rod 16 threaded in correspondence to its ends or along its entire length, which is inserted through a couple of holes (10) . In this way it is for example possible to use the screw nut 17 - lock nut 17' coupling or similar to realize the clamping by packing the structure.

In a non limitative manner there could be used other types of tie rod that are totally equivalent. For example, a further solution could comprise a screw 16' comprising a free threaded end and a stopper 18 opposed and destined to snug against the wall surrounding the insertion hole 10. In this manner it is sufficient a simple nut 17'' screwable at the free - end to operate the packing action.

In order to apply more tie bars at different heights h

(especially in the case of very high walls) it is then possible to comprise more couple of holes placed in different heights (look for example figure 1) . The tie bar inserted at the different heights (in the given figure 1 are represented two heights hi and h2, but any number of heights greater than two can be easily used) operating thus a clamping action uniform along the entire height of the structure realizing also a transportable module.

According still to this first preferred embodiment

(look at figure 4), the holes are realized in such a manner to lie on the longitudinal midpoint plane of the posts and that results coinciding to the one of the panels framed between them. In this manner the tie bar passing through each couple of holes lies on the longitudinal midpoint plane of the panel. For this aim, the panels destined to intercept the tie bar are supplied with specific passing seat 15 that runs along their entire longitudinal length (or rather a kind of longitudinal hole passing through the panel) realizing a hiding containment of the tie bar. The example of figure 5 represents a possible technical solution.

In particular, the preferred configuration of the invention, expects that the couple of coaxial holes 10 are obtained at heights that are approximately coinciding or close to the line of overlap of the two panels. In such case, thus, it is possible to use the seat 9 of the panel destined for the groove-and-tail coupling to the panel below, allowing this way the passage of the tie bar without necessarily comprise the previously described seat 15. In such case, then, the seat 9 is realized with a greater height respect to the others, allowing this way to contain both the tie bar 16 or 16' and the tooth 8 of the panel below, realizing in this manner a disappearance of the same tie bar and a perfect matching of the two overlapped panels (look also figure 6 and the section detail of figure 6) .

Nothing would then avoid to realize on the posts in correspondence to the tie bars, a small digging to receive and hide the packing means in such a way that they result protected from the bad weather. Obviously, without moving apart from the present inventive concept, the holes can be placed still on longitudinal planes as described, but not passing at the midpoint. Thus they can be placed behind or in front of the panels simply changing this way the visual impact of the tie bar but not the functionality. Moreover, in the case there are simple hole 9' and pin 8' couplings, it could be realized a seat 9 similar to the one already described but which will have such a deepness to contain exclusively the tie bar. Obviously, in a non limitative manner, there could be comprised tie bars with different geometry and not necessarily rectilinear. These could then get applied to passing holes that are not necessarily coaxial to each other or necessarily lying on longitudinal planes, without having for this reason to move apart from the present inventive concept.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention (look at figure 7), particularly advantageous for structures with contained width and height, could contain traction means 211 (for example a U-turned tie bar) applied on the upper bases of the two posts. In this manner the closing traction action will be applied from above through the feet of the tie bar inserted within the posts at an adequate deepness.

A third preferred embodiment, also this one particularly advantageous for structures with contained width and height, can comprise the application of magnets in correspondence to the coaxial holes such to apply the closing action. These can then be eventually activated when necessary or be of permanent kind.

In order to clarify it is briefly described the assemblage procedure of the structure according to the first preferred solution.

In a first phase, the posts (2, 2' ) with the holes 10 are placed in a way such to be respectively coaxial in couples, positioning them one in front of the other (look at figure 1) . Thus it is then inserted slipping into the guides (4, 4') the first panel 3 in such a way that the tooth 8 is in correspondence to the first height hi where it is expected the passage of the first tie bar. At this point it is inserted the first tie bar and only afterwards the upper panel, obtaining a configuration as the one described in detail of figure 6 section A-A, where the tie bar 16 is contained in the hiding seat 9. Are then inserted the upper panels until the second height h2 is reached, where it is expected the passage of the second tie bar (still look at figure 1) and we proceed as described above for the entire height of the structure. Now it is possible to make the clamping of the tie bars with screw nut and lock nut (17, 17') or (17'', 18) or similar, in such a way to pack the entire structure realizing rapidly the final module, eventually transportable .

It is at this point clear how all the aims of the present inventing have been reached. In particular it is clear how such clamping system of the panel within the posts allows a fast assembling, easily removable and resistant to the bad weather. The tie bar is indeed hiding within the panels resulting protected from the bad weather highly prolonging its lifetime. It is also clear how the take up slack action is simple by simply tightening when required the ^' nut lock nut coupling of the tie bar.

The above description of a specific shape is able to show the invention from the conceptive point of view, in a way that others, by using the art, can modify and/or adapt in different applications this specific shape without any further research and without going apart from the inventive concept, and, therefore, it is intended that these adaptations and transformations will be considered as equivalent to this specific realization. The means and materials to make the many described functions can be of various nature without exiting the area of the invention, it is intended that the expressions or the terminology used have a simple descriptive aim and therefore not limiting.