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Title:
TUBULAR STRUCTURE MADE OF PLASTIC MATERIAL FOR RADIATOR COVERS GATES OR OTHER BARRIERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/011393
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention is a tubular structure (1) made of plastic material for radiator covers, gates or other fixed or movable barriers in general, comprising a main structure (2) with at least two main horizontal tubular elements (21, 22) and a secondary or filling structure (3) provided with a plurality of tubular elements or rods (31) constrained between said main tubular elements (21, 22) by pressure- fitting the ends (32) of the rods into holes (24) made in said main tubular elements (21, 22). Each one of said main tubular elements (21, 22) comprises at least one core or partition (26) inside the tubular element, arranged crosswise with respect to the cross section of the tubular element and longitudinally with respect to the tubular element itself. Each end (32) of said rods (31), inserted in the corresponding hole (24) in a main tubular element, rests on the tubular element at the level of the edge (A) of the insertion hole (24) made in the tubular element, of the edge (C) of a hole (261) made in the partition (26) in a position diametrically aligned with said hole (24) in the tubular element, on the inner surface (B) of the tubular wall (25) in a position diametrically opposite said holes (24, 261).

Inventors:
SOMMACAL STEFANO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2012/053147
Publication Date:
January 24, 2013
Filing Date:
June 21, 2012
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PIESSE SRL (IT)
SOMMACAL STEFANO (IT)
International Classes:
E01F13/02; E04H17/14; E04F11/18; E06B11/02; F24D19/06
Foreign References:
EP0972888A12000-01-19
US6131888A2000-10-17
US5713171A1998-02-03
US6131886A2000-10-17
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BENETTIN, Maurizio (via Sorio 116, Padova, IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Tubular structure (1) made of plastic material for radiator covers, gates or other fixed or movable barriers in general, comprising:

• a main structure (2) with at least two main horizontal tubular elements (21, 5 22), more precisely an upper and a lower one,

• a secondary or filling structure (3) provided with a plurality of tubular elements or rods (31) constrained between said main tubular elements (21, 22) by pressure-fitting the ends (32) of the rods into holes (24) made in said main tubular elements (21, 22),

0 characterized in that at least said main tubular elements (21, 22) comprise at least one core or partition (26) inside themselves, arranged crosswise with respect to the cross section of the tubular element and longitudinally with respect to the tubular element itself, said inner core or partition (26) being co-extruded with the wall (25) of the tubular element, and wherein each end (32) of said rods (31), 5 inserted in the corresponding hole (24) in a main tubular element, rests on the same tubular element at the level of:

• the edge (A) of the insertion hole (24) made in the tubular element;

• the edge (C) of a hole (261) made in the partition (26) in a position diametrically aligned with said hole (24) in the tubular element;

0 · the inner surface (B) of the tubular wall (25) in a position diametrically opposite said holes (24, 261).

2. Tubular structure (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each one of said main tubular elements comprises a single inner partition or core (26) arranged along the diameter of the cross section of the tubular element.

5 3. Tubular structure (1) according to claims 1 , 2, characterized in that it comprises one or more fittings (4, 5, 6) suited to join said main tubular elements, wherein said fittings (4, 5, 6) comprise one or more terminal portions (41 , 51, 63) suited to be engaged into the open ends (27) of the tubular elements to be joined, and wherein in said terminal portions (41, 51, 63) there are one or more cuts (43, 53, 64) suitable for fitting said inner cores or partitions (26) of the tubular elements therein.

4. Tubular structure (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each one of said terminal portions (51 , 41 , 63) comprises a substantially tubular wall (54, 44, 65) with projections or ribs (55, 45, 66) suited to allow the engagement into said open ends (27) of the tubular elements, and wherein in said wall (54, 44, 65) there are two of said cuts (53, 43, 64) having axial direction and arranged in diametrically opposite positions for the insertion of said inner core or partition (26) in the axial direction.

5. Tubular structure (1) according to claim 3, 4, characterized in that it comprises one or more eyelet-shaped articulated fittings (6) suited to join at least two tubular elements in a non-rigid manner, said articulated joint (6) comprising an eyelet (61) or a tubular ring or wall (62) suitable for inserting a first tubular element axially and with a clearance, and one of said terminal portions (63) rigidly constrained to said eyelet ( 1) and arranged with its axis (63y) orthogonal to the axis (61 ) of said eyelet (61), and wherein said eyelet- shaped articulated fitting (6) allows:

· the relative rotation of a tubular element with respect to the tubular element to which it is joined, around the axis (61x) of the eyelet (61);

• the relative translation of a tubular element (28, 29) with respect to the tubular element (22, 23) to which it is joined, in a direction parallel to the axis (61x) of said eyelet (61).

6. Tubular structure (1) according to claims 3, 4, characterized in that it comprises one or more curved unions (5) or union tees (4) for the rigid connection of at least two or more tubular elements, in turn comprising two or more of said terminal portions (51, 41).

7. Tubular structure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said union tee (4) comprises three of said coaxial terminal portions (41) with orthogonal axis.

8. Tubular structure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said curved union (5) comprises two of said terminal portions (51 ) arranged with their axes orthogonal to each other.

9. Tubular structure (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one pair of main horizontal tubular elements, an upper one (21) and a lower one (22), constrained through unions to one pair of main vertical tubular elements (23), and one or two side shoulders (7) constrained to the vertical tubular elements of the main structure (2) by means of said eyelet-shaped articulated fittings (6) that allow the relative rotation of each shoulder (7) with respect to the main structure (2), depending on the needs.

Description:
TITLE

TUBULAR STRUCTURE MADE OF PLASTIC MATERIAL FOR RADIATOR COVERS, GATES OR OTHER BARRIERS

DESCRIPTION

The present patent concerns tubular safety and delimitation structures, and in particular it concerns a new type of tubular structure for radiator covers, gates or other fixed or movable barriers in general, made of a plastic material.

Tubular structures are known which are formed by reinforced plastic tubular elements joined to each other so as to obtain fixed or movable protection and delimitation barriers.

For example, radiator covers are known, that is, fixed barriers suited to protect radiators from accidental impacts with people or with dangerous projecting elements.

Safety gates are also known, which are movable barriers suited to prevent or limit the passage of people.

Said structures can be usefully applied especially in environments where there are children, like schools, nursery schools, or even in common homes.

Said structures generally comprise a main structure, constituted by main horizontal and vertical tubular elements rigidly connected to one another, and a secondary or filling structure constituted by tubular rods fixed to said main structure.

Said rods are generally inserted in holes made in the main tubular elements and fixed with mechanical means.

The known structures must be conveniently stiffened and in particular the horizontal tubular elements must be stiffened. In the known structures, said stiffening effect is obtained, for example, by inserting a steel section or core in the upper horizontal tubular element. The structure obtained is thus heavier and furthermore involves high production costs.

Furthermore, the steel section achieves the object to prevent the tubular element from bending in case of impacts but at the same time nullifies the shock-absorbing function of the tubular element itself that is generally made of plastic materials, for example PVC, exactly in order to ensure said shock-absorbing function.

Structures are also known that comprise one or more horizontal tubular elements at an intermediate height, with through holes for the insertion of the rods, having the purpose of limiting the bending of the rods themselves.

Said solution makes the structure less shock-absorbing and even more complex to assemble.

In order to overcome all the above mentioned drawbacks a new type of tubular structure has been designed and constructed that is suited to be used for radiator covers, gates or other fixed or movable barriers in general, made of a plastic material and provided with specially shaped fittings.

It is the main object of the present invention to guarantee optimal rigidity and stability for the assembly, in particular, of the rods of the secondary structure to the tubular elements of the main structure, with no need to use mechanical fixing means or metal reinforcements or cores.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a structure with a versatile geometrical configuration, thanks to the presence of fittings with articulations that allow the relative rotation of parts of the structure.

It is also possible to vary the configuration of the structure according to storage, transportation and installation needs.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce production and assembly costs.

These and other direct and complementary objects are achieved by the new type of tubular structure for radiator covers, gates or other fixed or movable barriers in general, comprising a main structure with at least two main horizontal tubular elements, for example an upper and a lower one, and a secondary or filling structure with a plurality of tubular elements or rods constrained between said main tubular elements.

In particular, said tubular elements of said main structure are provided with holes in corresponding positions, suitable for pressure-fitting the ends of the rods therein.

Said main tubular elements and said rods are made of a plastic material, for example PVC, polycarbonate or polypropylene.

Said main tubular elements comprise at least an inner core or partition arranged crosswise with respect to their cross section, for example diametrically, and longitudinally with respect to the tubular element.

Said inner core or partition is extruded together with the tubular element.

Said core or partition has the function of limiting the bending of the tubular elements and the rods, and in particular of limiting the bending of the rods.

In fact, each upper and lower end of the rods, inserted in the corresponding hole in the lower or upper horizontal tubular element, rests on several areas or surfaces of the tubular element, and in particular on the edge of the hole, on the inner wall of the tubular element in a position opposite the hole and on said inner and correspondingly holed partition.

Thus the structure is stiffened even without the aid of inner steel cores or sections or of additional mechanical fixing elements.

The structure is thus lighter and less expensive to produce as a whole.

Said structure also comprises fittings suited to join said tubular elements, wherein said fittings are specially shaped also for the insertion of said inner partitions or cores. Said fittings comprise for example union tees for the rigid connection of three tubular elements, curved unions for the rigid connection of at least two tubular elements that are not parallel to each other, for example orthogonal, and eyelet- shaped articulated fittings for the non-rigid connection of two tubular elements, as described and claimed here below.

Said structure may also comprise one or two side shoulders constrained to the vertical tubular elements of the primary structure by means of eyelet-shaped articulated fittings that allow the relative rotation of each shoulder with respect to the main structure, according to the needs.

The characteristics of the new structure will be highlighted in greater detail in the following description, with reference to the drawings attached hereto as non- limiting examples.

Figure 1 shows an example of a structure (1) for making a radiator cover with side shoulders (7).

Figure 2 shows a cross section of a main horizontal or vertical tubular element (21 , 22, 23, 28, 29, 71) with inner core or partition (26).

Figure 3 schematically shows one end of a rod (31, 72) in a hole (24) of a tubular element with inner core or partition (26).

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c respectively show a three-dimensional view, a side view and a cross-section view of a union tee (4).

Figures 5a, 5b respectively show a side view and a cross-section view of a curved union (5).

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c respectively show a three-dimensional view, a side view and a cross-section view of an eyelet- shaped articulated fitting (6).

The invention is a new tubular structure (1), serving in particular as a radiator cover, gate or other fixed or movable barrier, comprising a plurality of tubular elements (21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 31, 71, 72) made of a plastic material, such as PVC, polycarbonate or polypropylene or another material, rigidly or non-rigidly constrained to one another by means of specially shaped fittings (4, 5, 6).

The new tubular structure (1) comprises a main bearing structure (2) comprising main linear tubular elements, horizontal (21 , 22) and vertical (23), constrained to one another.

In the example shown in Figure 1, said main structure (2) comprises one pair of main horizontal tubular elements, an upper one (21) and a lower one (22), constrained by means of fittings to one pair of main vertical tubular elements (23). The new tubular structure (1) also comprises a secondary or filling structure (3) in turn comprising a plurality of tubular elements or rods (31) constrained to said main tubular elements (21, 22, 23).

In the example shown in Figure 1, said tubular structure (1) comprises a plurality of vertical rods (31) rigidly constrained with their ends (32) to both said main upper and lower horizontal tubular elements (21, 22).

Both ends (32) of each one of said rods (31) are pressure-fitted in corresponding holes (24) made in said main horizontal upper (21) and lower (22) tubular elements in mutually aligned positions in vertical direction.

Said holes (24) have shape and size substantially corresponding to the shape and size of the fitting cross section of the ends (32) of each rod (31), in order to allow the insertion of the ends through interference.

The rigidity of the connection between said rods and said main tubular elements

(21, 22) is guaranteed by the special configuration of the main tubular elements

(21 , 22).

As shown in Figure 2, at least said main horizontal (21 , 22) or vertical (23) tubular elements comprise a tubular wall (25), for example cylindrical, and at least one core or partition (26) inside the tubular element, arranged crosswise with respect to the cross section of the tubular element and longitudinally with respect to the tubular element itself.

In the preferred embodiment, each one of said main tubular elements (21 , 22, 23) comprises a single inner core or partition (26) arranged along the diameter of the tubular element.

Said partition or core (26) is extruded together with the wall (25) of the tubular element (21, 22, 23).

As schematically shown in Figure 3, each upper and lower end (32) of the rods (31) is fitted in a corresponding hole (24) of a main tubular element (21 , 22, 23), wherein said end (32) rests on several areas or surfaces (A, B, C) on the tubular element, and in particular:

• on the edge (A) of the insertion hole (24) made in the tubular element;

• on said partition (26), and in particular on the edge (C) of a hole (261) made in the same partition (26) in a position diametrically aligned with respect to said hole (24);

· on the inner surface (B) of the tubular wall (25) in a position diametrically opposite said holes (24, 261).

Said tubular structure (1) also comprises fittings (4, 5, 6) for the connection of said main tubular elements (21, 22, 23), wherein said fittings (4, 5, 6) are suitable for the insertion of the ends (27) of said main tubular elements (21 , 22, 23) in such a way as to allow also the insertion of said inner cores or partitions (26).

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show a union tee (4) for the rigid connection of three tubular elements (21, 22, 23), for example, as shown in Figure 1, of a lower horizontal tubular element (22), of a vertical tubular element (23) and of a further vertical tubular element (28) serving as a base resting on the ground.

Said union tee (4) comprises three terminal portions (41) suited to be engaged into the open ends (27) of the tubular elements (22, 23, 28) to be joined, and wherein in said terminal portions (41) there are one or more cuts (43) for the insertion of said inner cores or partitions (26) of the tubular elements (22, 23, 28).

Each one of said terminal portions (41) comprises, for example, in the preferred embodiment, a substantially tubular wall (44) with projections or ribs (45) suitable for the engagement in said open ends (27) of the tubular elements (22, 23, 28), and wherein in said wall (44) there are two cuts (43) having axial direction and arranged in diametrically opposite positions for the insertion of said inner core or partition (26) in the axial direction.

For example, said union tee (4) comprises two of said coaxial terminal portions (41) and a third terminal portion (41) with orthogonal axis.

Figures 5a and 5b show a curved union (5) for the rigid connection of two or more tubular elements, for example, as in Figure 1 , of an upper horizontal tubular element (21) and of a vertical tubular element (23).

Said curved union (5) comprises at least two terminal portions (51) suited to be engaged into the open ends (27) of the tubular elements (21, 23) to be joined, and wherein in said terminal portions (51) there are one or more cuts (53) for the insertion of said inner cores or partitions (26) of the tubular elements (21 , 23). Each one of said terminal portions (51 ) comprises, for example, in the preferred embodiment, a substantially tubular wall (54) with projections or ribs (55) suited to allow the engagement into said open ends (27) of the tubular elements (21 , 23), and wherein in said wall (54) there are two of said cuts (53) having axial direction and arranged in diametrically opposite positions for the insertion of said inner core or partition (26) in the axial direction.

Said terminal portions (51) of said curved union (5) are arranged, for example, with axes that are orthogonal to each other.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show an eyelet-shaped articulated fitting (6) for the non- rigid connection of two tubular elements, for example, as in Figure 1 , of the lower horizontal tubular element (22) and of a vertical tubular element (28) serving as a base resting on the ground.

Said articulated fitting (6) comprises an eyelet (61), that is, a a tubular ring or wall (62) suitable for the axial insertion with clearance of a first tubular element (22, 23), and a terminal portion (63) rigidly constrained to said eyelet (61) and suited to be engaged into the open end (27) of a second tubular element (28, 29) to be joined, and wherein in said terminal portion (63) there are one or more cuts (64) for the insertion of said inner cores or partitions (26) of the tubular element (28, 29).

Said terminal portion (63) comprises, for example, in the preferred embodiment, a substantially tubular wall (65) with projections or ribs (66) suited to allow the engagement into said open end (27) of the tubular element (28, 29), and wherein in said wall (65) there are two of said cuts (64) having axial direction and arranged in diametrically opposite positions for the insertion of said inner core or partition (26) in the axial direction.

Said terminal portion (63) of said articulated fitting (6) is, for example, arranged with the axis (63 y) orthogonal to the axis (61 ) of said eyelet (61).

Said eyelet-shaped articulated fitting (6) thus allows the relative rotation of a tubular element (28, 29) with respect to the tubular element (22, 23) to which it is joined, around the axis ( 1x) of the eyelet (61).

Said eyelet-shaped articulated fitting (6) allows also the relative translation of a tubular element (28, 29) with respect to the tubular element (22, 23) to which it is joined, in a direction parallel to the axis (61x) of said eyelet (61).

Said articulated fitting (6) is particularly useful for the installation of further intermediate supporting elements (28) along said lower horizontal tubular element (22), with no need to cut the tubular element (22) to install, for example, a union tee.

Said structure (1) may also comprise one or two side shoulders (7) constrained to said main vertical tubular elements (23) by means of said eyelet-shaped articulated fittings (6) that allow the relative rotation of each shoulder (7), according to the needs.

For example, each shoulder (7) in turn comprises horizontal tubular elements (29) suited to be joined to said main vertical tubular elements (23) through said articulated fittings (6), and also comprises tubular elements (71) and/or vertical rods (71) joined to said horizontal tubular elements (29) of the shoulder (7) by means of curved unions (5) or through simple pressure-fitting into holes (24) made in said horizontal tubular elements (29).

Said tubular elements (29, 71) are shaped analogously to said main tubular elements (21, 22, 23, 29) of the main structure (2).

Said shoulders (7) can thus be rotated with respect to the main structure (2) around the axes of the main vertical tubular elements (23) that are inserted in the eyelet (61) of the eyelet-shaped fittings (6).

Said shoulders (7) can be rotated until they are substantially coplanar with the plane on which the main structure (2) lies, for example during storage and transport of the structure (1), reducing the latter's overall dimensions and thus also its shipping costs.

Said shoulder (7) can be rotated with any angle with respect to the plane on which the main structure (2) lies, according to installation needs.

Said shoulders (7) furthermore can be easily withdrawn from or inserted in the main vertical tubular elements (23), according to the needs.

For example said shoulders (7) can be removed, if they are not necessary, or their height can be reduced by simply translating a horizontal tubular element (29) of the shoulder (7).

Therefore, with reference to the above description and the attached drawings, the following claims are expressed.