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Title:
A FIXTURE FOR ATTACHING TWO PANELS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/034923
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to the field of fixtures. A fixture (90) disclosed is easy to install and operate, and is easily accessible during installation. The fixture (90) does not damage the panels during separation thereof. The fixture (90) comprises a connector (100) and a bracket (150). The connector (100) is adapted to be fitted on an operative side surface of a first panel (50) of the two panels. The connector (100) is defined by a head portion and a threaded stem (115). The head portion has a first plate (105) and a second plate (110) arranged in a spaced apart configuration to define a channel (130) therebetween. The bracket (150) is configured to be fitted to an operative side surface of a second panel (60) of the two panels. The bracket (150) has a slot (160) configured to receive the channel (130).

Inventors:
PATEL VINOD KHETABHAI (IN)
PATEL DAMODAR KHETABHAI (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2017/056431
Publication Date:
February 21, 2019
Filing Date:
October 17, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PATEL VINOD KHETABHAI (IN)
PATEL DAMODAR KHETABHAI (IN)
International Classes:
E04F13/07
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015118670A12015-08-13
Foreign References:
DE4018540A11990-12-20
US7096629B12006-08-29
US20170067500A12017-03-09
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DEWAN, Mohan (IN)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A fixture (90) for attaching two panels, said fixture (90) comprising: a connector (100) adapted to be fitted on an operative side surface of a first panel (50) of said two panels, said connector (100) defined by a head portion and a threaded stem (115), said head portion having a first plate (105) and a second plate (110) arranged in a spaced apart configuration, thereby defining a channel (130) therebetween; and a bracket (150) configured to be fitted to an operative side surface of a second panel (60) of said two panels, said bracket (150) having a slot (160) configured to receive said connector (100).

2. The fixture (90) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said channel (130) and said slot (160) have complementary profiles to facilitate fitment of said connector (100) and said bracket (150).

3. The fixture (90) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a flange (120) configured to be attached to said first panel (50), said flange (120) having a threaded hole (128) configured to allow said threaded stem (115) to pass therethrough.

4. The fixture (90) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first plurality of holes (125) is configured on said flange (120) to facilitate the attachment of said flange (120) with said first panel (50).

5. The fixture (90) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second plurality of holes (165) is configured on said bracket (150) to facilitate the attachment of said bracket (150) with said second panel (60).

6. The fixture (90) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a spanner (180) configured to rotate said second plate (110) to adjust the gap between said first panel (50) and said second panel (60).

7. The fixture (90) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said spanner (180) has a shape complementary to the shape of said second plate (110).

8. The fixture (90) a claimed in claimed 1, wherein each of said first plate (105) and said second plate (110) has a hexagonal shape.

Description:
A FIXTURE FOR ATTACHING TWO PANELS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of fixtures. BACKGROUND Conventionally, two panels are attached to each other using adhesives. However, the sole use of adhesive does not ensure a firm attachment of the panels, and the panels can be easily separated from each other. Such panels are susceptible to deformation and/or warping. Another conventional method includes use of fasteners, typically nails, to attach the two panels. Such fasteners are clearly noticeable which adversely affects aesthetic look of the panels. Additional material is required to be applied on the panels to conceal the fasteners, which adds to the cost. Further, while separating the panels, the fasteners are difficult to remove, and can damage the panels while doing so.

Therefore, there is felt a need of a fixture that attaches two panels to each other and alleviates the abovementioned drawbacks of the conventional methods. OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture that securely couples two panels.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture that does not damage the panels during separation and/or disassembly of the two panels.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture that is easy to install and operate.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture that is easy to access.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a fixture for attaching two panels. The fixture comprises a connector and a bracket. The connector is adapted to be fitted on an operative side surface of a first panel of the two panels. The connector is defined by a head portion and a threaded stem. The head portion has a first plate and a second plate arranged in a spaced apart configuration, thereby defining a channel there between. The bracket is configured to be attached to an operative side surface of a second panel of the two panels. The bracket has a slot configured to receive the connector.

The channel and the slot have complementary profiles to facilitate fitment of the connector and the bracket.

The fixture includes a flange configured to be attached to the first panel. The flange has a threaded hole configured to allow the threaded stem to pass there through.

A first plurality of holes is configured on the flange to facilitate the attachment of the flange with the first panel. A second plurality of holes is configured on the bracket to facilitate the attachment of the bracket with the second panel.

The fixture includes a spanner configured to rotate the second plate to adjust the gap between the first panel and the second panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A fixture for attaching two panels, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a connector of the fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the connector of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a flange of the fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an assembly of the connector of figure 1 and the flange of figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the assembly of figure 4; Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the assembly of figure 4;

Figure 7 illustrates an isometric view of a bracket of the fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the bracket of figure 7;

Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of a spanner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 illustrates a top view of an assembly of the fixture and two panels attached to each other; and Figure 11 illustrates a front view of the assembly of figure 10.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

50 - First panel

60 - Second panel

90 - Fixture 100 - Connector

105 - First plate

110 - Second plate

115 - Stem

120 - Flange 125 - First plurality of holes

128 - Threaded hole

130 - Channel

150 - Bracket 155 - Body of the bracket

160 - Slot

165 - Second plurality of holes 180 - Spanner 182 - Head of the spanner 184 - Body of the spanner DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure envisages a fixture that securely attaches two panels to each other, and does not deform the panels while separating them. The fixture, of the present disclosure, is now described with reference to figure 1 through figure 11.

A fixture (90), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a connector (100) and a bracket (150). The connector (100) is adapted to be fitted on an operative side surface of a first panel (50) of the two panels. The connector (100) is defined by a head portion and a stem portion (115). The stem (115) has external threads configured thereon. The head portion has a first plate (105) and a second plate (110). The first plate (105) and the second plate (110) are arranged in a spaced apart configuration such that a channel (130) is defined between the first plate (105) and the second plate (110). The size and shape of the first plate (105) and the second plate (110) can vary as per the application. In an embodiment, each of the first plate (105) and the second plate (110) has a hexagonal shape.

The bracket (150) is configured to be fitted to an operative side surface of a second panel (60) of the two panels. More specifically, the bracket (150) is attached to that side of the second panel (60) which is to be attached to the side of the first panel (50) in order to face the connector (100) to the bracket (150). The bracket (150) is defined by a body (155). A slot (160) is configured on the body (155) to receive the connector (100). More specifically, the slot (160) is configured to receive the channel (130) therein. The channel (130) and the slot (160) have complementary profiles such that the connector (100) securely fits in the bracket (150). In an embodiment, the slot (160) has a U-shaped configuration.

The fixture (90) further comprises a flange (120). The flange (120) is configured to be attached to the first panel (50). The flange (120) has a threaded hole (128). The threads of the hole (128) are complementary to the external threads configured on the stem (115) of the connector (100). The threaded hole (128) is configured to allow the stem (115) to pass therethrough. The flange (120) provides a firm support to the connector (100) during insertion in the operative side surface of the first panel (50).

In an embodiment, a first plurality of holes (125) is configured on the flange (120) to facilitate the attachment of the flange (120) with the first panel (50). In another embodiment, a second plurality of holes (165) is configured on the body (155) of the bracket (150) to facilitate the attachment of the bracket (150) with the second panel (60).

The fixture (90) further comprises a spanner (180). The spanner (180) is configured to rotate the second plate (110) of the connector (100) to adjust the gap between the first panel (50) and the second panel (60). The spanner (180) is defined by a head (182) and a body (184). The shape of the head (182) is complementary to the shape of the second plate (110) of the connector (100). The dimensions of the spanner (180) are determined as per the dimensions of the panels to be attached and the dimensions of the second plate (110) of the connector (100). In an embodiment, the connector (100), the flange (120), and the bracket (150) are made of a metallic material. In another embodiment, the connector (100), the flange (120), and the bracket (150) are made of stainless steel or any other suitable material

In an operative configuration, the flange (120) is fitted to the operative side surface of the first panel (50) using fasteners. The connector (100) is fitted on the operative side surface of the first panel (50) by passing the connector (100) through the threaded hole (128) of the flange (120). More specifically, the connector (100) is inserted perpendicularly in the operative side surface of the first panel (50). Further, the bracket (150) is attached to the operative side surface of the second panel (60) using fasteners. The connector (100) and the bracket (150) are attached to those side surfaces of the first panel (50) and the second panel (60) which are to be attached to each other. Further, the channel (130) is guided in the slot (160). The opening of the slot (160) is in a transverse direction with respect to the first panel (50) and the second panel (60). The fitment of the channel (130) within the slot (160) restricts the vertical movement of the two panels with respect to each other. The gap between two panels is adjusted by rotating the second plate (110) of the connector (100) using the spanner (180). More specifically, the spanner (180) is inserted in the gap from outside in order to rotate the second plate (110). By rotating the second plate (110), the connector (100) is firmly inserted into the first panel (50), thereby reducing the gap between the first panel (50) and the second panel (60). The firm insertion of the connector (100) restricts the movement of the first panel (50) with respect to the second panel (60).

Further, the gap between first panel (50) and the second panel 60 is filled using polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam is injected in the gap. The polyurethane foam further solidifies, thereby firmly attaching the first panel (50) to the second panel (60).

In an exemplary embodiment, the first panel (50) is selected from the group consisting of a door panel, a furniture panel, a kitchen trolley panel, and a window panel. In another exemplary embodiment, the second panel (60) is a wall or any other panel to which the first panel (50) is required to be attached.

The fixture is easy to install and operate. The fixture is easily accessible during installation. Further, in case the two panels are required to separated or dismantle, the panels do not get damaged as only the connector is required to be removed from the slot.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a fixture that:

• securely couples two panels;

• does not damage the panels during separation and/or disassembly of the panels;

• is easy to install and operate; and · is easy to access.

The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration. The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.