HIDDEN INVISIBLE HINGE FOR DOORS AND/OR WINGS OF FURNITURE ITEMS WITH CONNECTING BODY HAVING A MODULAR STRUCTURE.

Technical Field

The present invention concerns a hidden invisible hinge for doors and/or wings of furniture items with connecting body having a modular structure.

Background Art

To articulate a wing or other closure element (such as a door of a room in a house or a office, or a movable closure panel of a furniture item) to the respective post, hinges of various types are used.

Usually, hinges comprise two connecting bodies, one to be fixed to the door and the other to be fixed to the door post, which are connected together by an articulation device which pennits the rotational movement of one connecting body with respect to the other.

The articulation device may be configured in many different ways, such as a single pin which is fixed in space, or as one or more arms which are engaged and/or hinged to the connecting bodies and/or with each other in various ways to define a rotation axis for the connecting bodies whose position varies in space.

Hidden invisible hinges are hinges whose connecting bodies must be housed inside the post and, respectively, the door and so configured that, when the hinge itself is in a closed configuration (which corresponds to the closed position of the door) the two connecting bodies together define a seat inside which the articulation device is completely housed; in such a way, when the door is closed, the hinge cannot be seen from any sides of the closed door.

A support structure of the connecting bodies is located between the articulation device and the door or post and interacts with and/or supports fixing means for fixing the hinge to the door or post, which are generally located on end portions of the support structure itself.

In some cases the hinge comprises a limited number of components: the connecting body substantially coincides with the support structure and the hinge substantially consists of the two support structures connected together by the articulation device. Usually, the hinge comprises a lot more components, especially when the hinge itself is provided with one or more possibilities for a configurational adjustment which serves for a position adjustment along one or more directions in space. In this case, one of the connecting bodies, or both of them, further comprises one or more movable bodies and/or movable inserts variously associated to the support structure. Thus, in general the connecting body- is provided with a complex structure, which includes a plurality of interconnected components, on one of which the articulation device is engaged. Said interconnected components are often of complex shape and provided with relevant details. It is therefore important to obtain those components in a way which guarantees the precision necessary to allow good interconnection, sufficient mechanical properties and precision of movement (in particular when position adjustment is provided).

Usually the components of a hinge are produced by using a zinc-alluminim alloy, by which complex shapes may be produced with sufficient precision by the injection molding techniques of melt metallic material. However, in order to allow supporting of heavy doors and in view of the limit of strength said zinc- alluminium alloy has, the production of components having increased thicknesses in different parts is needed, which implies an increase of the quantity of metallic material used, and therefore, of the related costs. Furthermore, changes in the shape and/or configuration of the components to be produced implies a huge change of the moulds which have to be used for the injection molding process, which means huge costs to be confronted with when a change of shape and configuration is desired.

In some applications the same injection moulding technique is used for obtaining the hinge components with stainless steel. The use of stainless steel, which is a material having a higer perfonnance with respect to zinc-alluminium alloys, enables the use of much heavier doors, but does not solve the problem of costs involved in the change of the moulds, when a change of shape or configuration is desired. Furthermore, it is difficult to implement the injection moulding technique with stainless steel. The final result does not guarantee the necessary precision and tolerances, so that in order to reach the requested precision and tolerances the components obtained by injection moulding must be machined after the injection process.

To try to solve this problem, while at the same time retaining the advantage of using stainless steel as a material which has a good mechanical strength, sometimes very simple structures are accepted for the hinge components. The support structure and the related movable bodies and/or inserts of the connecting bodies are obtained using thin, narrow and long sheets of stainless steel, whose central portion is folded into a "U-like" shape. A plurality of such narrow and long sheets may be stacked onto one another, by nesting the respective "U-like" shapes into one another. The structures which may be obtained ate more or less sheet-like structures, which are "U-shaped" in their central part. They are open structures and do not possess a high torsional resistance, unless sheets of very high thickness are used. Furthermore, it is very difficult to obtain a change in the configuration or shape of the components, which may be a problem for a lot of applications.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages by providing a hidden invisible hinge for doors and/or wings of furniture items with connecting body having a modular structure, whose components may be obtained in a simple, modular way which ensures a good torsional resistance and easily allows the use of a material with good mechanical properties. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a hidden invisible hinge for doors and/or wings of furniture items with connecting body having a modular structure where complex shapes may be easily obtained.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a hidden invisible hinge for doors and/or wings of furniture items with connecting body having a modular structure which may be easily provided with configuration and/or position adjustment.

These aims and others, which shall become more readily apparent in the description that follows, are achieved, in accordance with this invention with a hidden invisible hinge for doors and/or wings of furniture items with connecting body having a modular stract ire having the structural and functional features described in the independent claim appended herein, further embodiments of it being described in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred, non-limiting embodiment.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hidden invisible hinge in an open configuration, with one of the connecting bodies showing a modular structure according to the invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded, perspective view of one of the connecting bodies of the hinge of figure 1.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge of figure 1 .

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of one of the connecting bodies of the hinge of figure 1 with a pair of connecting body components according to the invention.

Figures 5 (a) and (b) illustrate in detail the coupling of the two connecting body components of figure 4, to build up at least a part of the connecting body structure.

- Figures 6 (a), (b) and (c) are perspective rear views of a part of the hinge of figures 1 and 3 which illustrate a way to assemble the hinge of figures 1 and 3.

Figures 7 (a) and (b), 8 (a) and (b), 9 (a) and (b), 10 (a) and (b), 1 1 (a) and (b), 12 (a) and (b), 13 (a) and (b), 14 (a) and (b) show respective embodiments of pairs of connecting body components building up at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention, in uncoupled configuration (figures labelled with (a)) and in coupled configuration (figures labelled with (b)), respectively.

Figures 15 (a), (b) and (c) show three connecting body components and their mutual coupling building up an embodiment of at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention, in particular a support structure of the connecting body.

Figures 16 (a) and (b), 17 (a) and (b), show respective further embodiments of pairs of connecting body components building up at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention, in uncoupled configuration (figures labelled with (a)) and in coupled configuration (figures labelled with (b)), respectively.

Figures 18 (a), (b) and (c) show two connecting body components and their mutual coupling building up a further embodiment of at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention, in particular showing adjustment means for adjusting the relative position of the connecting body components. - Figures 19 (a), (b) and (c) show two connecting body components and their mutual coupling building up a further embodiment of at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention, in particular showing adjustment means for adjusting the relative position of the connecting body components.

Figures 20 (a) and (b), show further embodiments of a pair of connecting body components building up at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention, in uncoupled configuration (figure labelled with (a)) and in coupled configuration (figure labelled with (b)), respectively.

Figures 21 (a), (b) and (c) show a further embodiment of two connecting body components and their mutual coupling building up a further embodiment of at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention. Figures 22 and 23 show respective enlarged details of figure 21 (b).

Figures 24 (a), (b) and (c) show a further embodiment of two connecting body components and their mutual coupling building up a further embodiment of at least a part of a connecting body of the hinge of the invention.

- Figures 25 and 26 show respective enlarged details of figure 24 (b).

Embodiments of the invention

With reference to the figures, reference numeral 1 indicates a hidden invisible hinge for doors and/or wings of furniture items with connecting body having a modular structure. The hinge 1 comprises a first connecting body 2a to be inserted into a respective housing provided in a door or door post and a second connecting body 2b to be inserted into a respective housing provided in the door post or door. The hinge 1 further comprises an articulation device 3 linking the first 2a and the second 2b connecting body together and allowing their relative motion between a closed configuration, corresponding to a closed position of the door, and an open configuration corresponding to an open position of the door.

In the closed configuration, the first 2a and the second 2b connecting body define together a housing where the articulation device 3 is housed. In this way, when the door is closed, the hinge is hidden from view on both sides of the closed door.

The first 2a and the second 2b connecting body develop in length along a first Za, respectively a second Zb length direction. The first 2a and the second 2b connecting body develop in depth along a first Xa, respectively a second Xb depth direction which is perpendicular to the first Za, respectively the second Zb length ' direction. The first Xa, respectively the second Xb depth direction is the direction opposite to the one of insertion of the respective connecting body 2a, 2b into the related housing in the door or post. The first 2a and the second 2b connecting body develop in width along a first Ya, respectively a second Yb width direction^ which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the first length direction Za and by the first depth direction Xa together, respectively by the second length direction Zb and by the second depth direction Xb together. The so defined first (Xa,Ya,Za) and second (Xb,Yb,Zb) cartesian reference frames are solidly linked to the first 2a, respectively to the second 2b connecting body and move along with them.

Due to the constraint represented by the articulation device 3, when moving with respect to each other the first 2a and the second 2b connecting body rotate about an axis of rotation which is either fixed or movable in space, depending on the structure of the articulation device 3 itself. Said axis of rotation preferably remains parallel to a predetermined direction in space. Said axis of rotation is either parallel to the first length direction Za or parallel to the second length direction Zb. Preferably the first length direction Za and the second length direction Zb are (and remain) parallel to each other.

In general, the connecting bodies 2a, 2b of the hinge 1 comprise one or more hinge parts to be coupled together. In at least one of the connecting bodies 2a, 2b, a plurality of these hinge parts is peculiarly structured to be coupled together by a predetermined, specific type of mutual coupling which is described herein below, so as to build up at least a portion of the at least one of the connecting bodies 2a, 2b in a peculiar modular way. This peculiar modular way is made an object of the present invention. In purely exemplary and non- limiting fashion, figures 1 to 4 and figure 6 (which illustrate a complete hidden, invisible hinge 1 ) refer to a hinge structure where only the second connecting body 2b comprises a part which is built up by means of said peculiar modular way, whereas the first connecting body 2a has a structure composed by hinge parts which are structured and coupled in a different way. As clearly described below, one or the other or both of the connecting bodies 2a, 2b could be provided with a plurality of hinge parts arranged in the above mentioned (and herein below described) peculiar modular way, in particular according to any one of the combinations disclosed in the different embodiments illustrated in the remaining figures. This will be made clear in the detailed description that follows.

In order to clearly distinguish those peculiar hinge parts, which are arranged for said predetermined, specific type of mutual coupling, from all the other hinge parts present in the connecting bodies 2a, 2b, said peculiar hinge parts will be named from now on as "connecting body components", whereas the other hinge parts will be named differently.

In the hinge 1, at least one of the connecting bodies 2a, 2b comprises a plurality of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 81'"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ), each connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50'", 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') of the plurality of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') being shaped from a related single metallic sheet, and without interruptions in the material of said sheet, as a single piece and being coupled with at least another connecting body component (40,41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') of the plurality of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 5 Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') by at least one mutual coupling structured as follows.

The single piece making up either a first or a second of the connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6 Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) coupled together, has portions 4 defining at least one pair of related contact surfaces 42 and portions 5 defining at least one pair of check surfaces 52.

Said contact surfaces 42 of said at least one pair of contact surfaces 42 are located into respective parallel planes which are at a distance from each other, are perpendicular to a respective contact-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines SI (which is represented in the figures as a simple axis for the sake of simplicity) and are oriented away from each other along opposite directions of said respective contact-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines SI itself.

Said check surfaces 52 of the at least one pair of check surfaces 52 are located into respective parallel planes which are at a distance from each other, are perpendicular to a respective check-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2 (which is represented in the figures as a simple axis for the sake of simplicity) and are oriented towards each other along opposite directions of said respective check-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2. Said check-surface- related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2 is in turn perpendicular to said contact- surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines SI.

The single piece which in turn makes up respectively either the second or the first of the connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5 ; 50", 51"; 50'", 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) coupled together, comprises:

- at least two contact portions 62 each of which is in contact with a respective contact surface 42 of the at least one pair of contact surfaces 42 and is located outside of the space comprised between the two parallel planes containing the contact surfaces 42 of the at least one pair of contact surfaces 42;

- a connecting portion 63 which connects the two contact portions 62 together and which has at least a part which is inserted between the two parallel planes containing the check surfaces 52 of the at least one pair of check surfaces 52 while being checked by both said check surfaces 52 and in contact with both of them.

Movements of the first connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5 ;

50", 51"; 50"', 5 "; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ";

90, 91; 100, 101; 100", 101') of the two connecting body components (40, 41; 50,

51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80'", 81 ^* "; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) coupled together, with respect to the second connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50 ^* , 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ";

60, 61; 60 ^* , 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101;

100', 10Γ) of the two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50",

51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101 ') coupled together are thus impeded along any direction parallel to the contact-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines (S I ), as well as along any direction parallel to the check-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines (S2). This obviously means that said movements are impeded along any direction perpendicular to the at least one pair of contact surfaces 42, as well as along any direction perpendicular to the at least one pair of check surfaces 52. , Said plurality of said so interconnected connecting body components (40, 41 ; 50, 51 ; 50', 5 ; 50", 51 "; 50"', 5 Γ"; 60, 61 ; 60', 61 '; 70, 7 1 , 72; 80, 81 ; 80', 8 Γ; 80", 81 "; 80" ^* , 8 Γ"; 90, 91 ; 100, 101 ; 100', 10 Γ) builds up at least a portion of the at least one connecting body (2a,2b).

On one hand, contact of the contact portions 62 with the contact surfaces 42 outside of the space between the parallel planes to which the contact surfaces 42 belong, impedes the relative movement of the two connecting body components coupled together along the direction parallel to the contact-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S I . On the other hand, since the connecting portion 63 is a single piece with the contact portions 62 which it connects, because the connecting body component to which they all belong is shaped as a single piece from the same single metallic sheet without interruptions in the material, insertion of at least parts of the connecting portion 63 itself between the parallel planes to which the check surfaces 52 belong, while at the same time being checked and in contact with those same check surfaces 52, impedes the relative movement of the two connecting body components coupled together along the direction parallel to the check-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2. The structure obtained by coupling the connecting body components together in such a way is therefore provided with good torsional resistance, because of the fitting obtained by the interaction between the contact portions 62 and the related contact surfaces 42, and at the same time by the interaction between the connecting portion 63 and the check surfaces 52. A great versatility is possible with respect to the shape and configuration obtainable for the part of the connecting body 2a, 2b thus built up, depending on the number, shape and mutual interactions of the connecting body components therein involved. Each connecting body component is easily obtainable, with all the necessary features, by cutting and bending (or at most deep-drawing, when necessary) the same, single metallic sheet. Thus each connecting body component may be made using a sheet of a strong metal (for example, and preferably, stainless steel) having a predetermined and suitable thickness.

Furthermore, a configurational adjustment is easily obtainable in the part of the connecting body 2a, 2b obtained by coupling the connecting body components together, by letting at least two of said connecting body components be movable along that direction which is perpendicular both to the contact-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S I and to the check-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2 which are involved in the specific mutual coupling involved. In this way a position adjustment of the hinge 1 along that same direction is easily made possible. Adjustment means may be provided to this aim.

All these features will be more detailed below with reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the annexed figures.

In some embodiments of the invention, said contact surfaces 42 in the pair of contact surfaces 42 are aligned along a straight line of the contact-surface- related sheaf of parallel straight lines S I . This arrangement is shown for example in figures 4, 5, 7 to 19.

In addition, or as an alternative, said check surfaces 52 of the pair of check surfaces 52 are aligned along a straight line of the check-s rface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2. This arrangement is shown for example in figures 4, 5, 7 to 20.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one, or both, of the contact surfaces 42 of the pair of contact surfaces 42 is composed by a plurality of surface sections lying in the same plane. This arrangement is shown, for example in figures 16, 17.

In addition, or as an alternative, at least one, or both, of the check surfaces 52 of the pair of check surfaces 52 is composed by a plurality of surface sections lying in the same plane. This arrangement is for example shown in figures 4, 5, 7- 15, 18, 19.

Position and/or configuration of the contact surfaces 42 and/or of the check surfaces 52, and of the related contact portions 62 and connecting portions 63 depend on the shape of the connecting body component whereupon those features are obtained, as well as on the function and role of the connecting body components into the structure of the connecting body 2a, 2b to which they belong.

Contact surfaces 42 and check surfaces 52, and/or their respective sections, may be located in various ways. A connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50'", 51'"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80'", 81'"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) may be provided with a plurality of pairs of contact 42 and check 52 surfaces which may be acted upon/act upon respective contact portions 62 and connecting portions 63 located on another connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6 ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') or onto other connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61 ^* ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) to be coupled with it. When expedient, these further pairs of connecting and check surfaces, as well as the related contact and connecting portions are indicated by the same reference numerals with one or more vertical hyphen near it (as for example: 42, 42', 42", etc... the same holding for check surfaces, contact and connecting portions).

For example, in figure 20 a connecting body component 90 is provided with two pairs of contact portions 62, 62' whose two contact portions are diagonally located one with respect to the other, all the contact portions 62, 62' being located at the corners of an ideal rectangle. The connecting portion 63 is common to all the contact portions 62, 62'. Each pair of contact portions 62, 62' acts onto a respective correspondent pair of contact surfaces 42, 42' located on another connecting body component 91, diagonally located and disposed at the comers of an ideal rectangle in a manner corresponding to the connecting body component 90 to be coupled with it. Other examples of such multiple configurations onto a pair of connecting body components of either contact and check surfaces, or contact and connecting portions, or both, will be described further below with respect to the embodiments of figures 21-26.

Preferably, the check surfaces 52 are comprised between the two parallel planes into which the contact surfaces 42 lie. This configuration is illustrated in particular in figures 4, 5, 7-19. In this way, in case of necessity, the connecting body components which are coupled together may be given a particularly compact structure, which contributes to the mechanical stability of the connecting body 2a, 2b thus obtained.

As above anticipated, when necessary for obtaining a configurational adjustment in the structure of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b, two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) which are coupled together by means of a mutual coupling in any of the possible configurations as above described, are movable one with respect to the other along a movement direction D perpendicular both to the contact-surface- related sheaf of parallel straight lines SI of the mutual coupling and to the check- surface related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2 of the mutual coupling.

Said movement is guided along the movement direction D at least by the coupling between the connecting portion 63 and the check-surfaces 52 contacting it. Said movement is also guided by contact of the contact portions 62 with the contact surfaces 42. The connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5 ; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') may be provided with further guiding means which guide the movement along the movement direction D. Examples of these further guiding means are illustrated in the figures and will be discussed in more detail below.

By providing the connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50'", 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) with more than one pair of contact surfaces 42 and more than one pair of check surfaces 52, and/or with more than at least one pair of contact portions 62 and related connecting portions 63, it is possible either to couple together more than two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) in the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b, or to provide a single pair of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5 ; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') with more than one mutual coupling. By different orientations of different related pairs of connecting 42 and check 52 surfaces as well as by tuning the configuration of the related contact 62 and connecting 63 portions to their orientation, different geometry and shape of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b may be obtained and/or configurational adjustments along different movement directions D may be carried out.

The at least one connecting body 2a, 2b comprises a plurality of pairs of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 5 Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') whose two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51 ^* "; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') are coupled together by means of a mutual coupling in any of the possible configurations as above described. Opportunely, the movement direction D of one pair of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5 ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80'", 81'"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) coupled together is transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the movement direction D of another pair of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80 ^* , 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101').

At least two of said pairs of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50", 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51'"; 60, 61; 60', 6 ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) have a connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) in common. In this way an interconnected structure may be set up in the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b, in particular with movements of configurational adjustment along different directions of movement D.

The articulation device 3 is engaged with the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b by means of one of the movable connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80'", 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101 '). In this way the configuration adjustment between two related connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50" ^* , 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81'"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') may become a movement of the other connecting body 2b, 2a along the movement direction D with respect to the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b. Flat portions of the connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') which are perpendicular to a rotation axis of one connecting body 2a, 2b with respect to the other 2b,2a (said axis being either fixed or movable in space according to requirements and/or to the characteristics of the hinge 1) may be provided with holes HI for pins P of the articulation device 3. Said flat portions may be provided with sliding guides for an extremity of an arm of the articulation device 3. These sliding guides may be obtained by longitudinal embossments of said flat portions which are directed along the movement direction D, and/or by providing the flat portions of lungitudinal slots which are oriented along the movement direction D.

Advantageously, the movement direction D of two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') which are movable with respect to each other coincides with either one of the following directions:

- a depth direction Xa, Xb of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b, which is the opposite of the the direction of insertion of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b into the housing in the respective door or post;

- a length direction Za, Zb of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b, which is parallel to the direction of a rotation axis defined as either fixed or movable in space by the movement of the two connecting bodies 2a, 2b of the hinge 1 between the closed and the open configuration of the hinge 1;

- a width direction Ya, Yb of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b, which is perpendicular to both the depth Xa, Xb and the length Za, Zb direction of the at least one connecting body 2a, 2b.

The hinge 1 comprises blocking means which blocks the relative movement of two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) coupled together by means of a mutual coupling in any of the possible configurations as above described, along a direction D which is perpendicular to both the contact-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines SI of the mutual coupling itself and the check-surface related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2 of the mutual coupling itself.

In this way, if not needed, movement along the movement direction D of two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5 Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80'", 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) coupled together is easily impeded. The blocking means may comprise a fixing pin or any suitable fixing means, like riveting, fixing screws or similar, or any other means according to the common general knowledge of the skilled person. The aim of said blocking means mey be obtained also by coupling both of the connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) coupled together with a further connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6 Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') by means of contact 42 and check 52 surfaces as well as related contact 62 and connecting 63 portions for which either the contact-surface-related SI or the check-surface-related S2 sheaf of parallel straight lines is transversal, preferably orthogonal, to both the contact-surface- related SI or the check-surface-related S2 sheaf of parallel straight lines of the two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) coupled together whose movement along the direction D must be blocked.

In general, at least one of the two connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') coupled together with a first mutual coupling in any of the possible configurations as above described, is further coupled with a further connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') by means of a second mutual coupling in any of the possible configurations as above described whose contact surfaces 42 or whose check surfaces 52 are perpendicular to a related sheaf SI, S2 of parallel straight lines which, in turn, is transversal, preferably perpendicular, to both the contact- surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines SI and the check-surface-related sheaf of parallel straight lines S2 of the first mutual coupling. If only one of the connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 6 ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) coupled together is further coupled with such a further connecting body component (40, 41 ; 50, 51 ; 50', 5 ; 50", 51 "; 50"', 51 "'; 60, 61 ; 60', 6 Γ; 70, 71 , 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80'", 81'"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101'), then the further connecting body component and the connecting body component to which it is coupled may be moved one with respect to the other by a movement along a further movement direction D perpendicular to the movement direction D along which the connecting body components originally coupled together may be moved (if no other blocking means is provided). If both the connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50'", 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6 Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) coupled together are coupled with the further connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50 ^* , 51'; 50", 51"; 50 ^* ", 51'"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 8Γ; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101'), then any relative movement of these three connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50'", 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10Γ) is impeded.

Advantageously, in a pair of connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') coupled with each other by means of a mutual coupling in any of the possible configurations as above described: a fust connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 6 ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) has the related shaped single metallic sheet forming a single piece which has a portion which is "C"-shaped in a first reference plane, a second connecting body component (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80'", 81"'; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 101') has the related shaped single metallic sheet forming a single piece which has a portion which is "C"-shaped in a second reference plane. Either the first, or the second reference plane, or both reference planes are parallel to the check surfaces 52 of the mutual coupling. For example, figures 4, 5, 7-17, 20 illustrate the case where both connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 5Γ; 50", 51"; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61; 60', 61'; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91; 100, 101; 100', 10 ) are made in a single piece a portion of which is "C" shaped in a respective reference plane, the reference planes so defined being one parallel to the check surfaces 52 (see the connecting body component numbered as 40, 50, 50', 50", 50"', 60, 60', 71, 72, 81, 8 , 90 in said figures) and the other being perpendicular to the check surfaces 52 (see the connecting body components numbered as 41, 51, 51', 51", 51"', 61, 61', 70, 80, 80', 91 in said figures). Figures 18, 19 illustrate the case where both connecting body components (40, 41; 50, 51; 50', 51'; ^' 50"; 51"; 50"', 5Γ"; 60, 61; 60 ^* , 6Γ; 70, 71, 72; 80, 81; 80', 81'; 80", 81"; 80"', 8Γ"; 90, 91 ; 100, 101 ; 100', 10 ) are made in a single piece a portion of which is "C" shaped in a respective reference plane, the reference planes so defined being both parallel to the check surfaces 52 (see the connecting body components indicated as 80", 81" in figure 18 and as 80"' and 81 "' in figure 19).

In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one of the connecting bodies

2a, 2b has its whole structure composed by means of a plurality of connecting body components (40, 41 ; 50, 51 ; 50', 5 Γ; 50", 51 "; 50"', 5 1 "'; 60, 61 ; 60', 6 Γ; 70, 71 , 72; 80, 81 ; 80', 81 '; 80", 81 "; 80"', 81 "'; 90, 91 ; 100, 101 ; 100', 10 Γ) coupled to each other with mutual couplings according to any one of the examples described above.

The at least one of the connecting bodies (2a, 2b) comprises a support structure 20a, 20b destined to be fixed to the door or post by means of related fixing means, which holds the connecting body components (40, 41 ; 50, 51 ; 50', 51 '; 50", 51"; 50"', 51 "'; 60, 61 ; 60', 61 '; 70, 71 , 72; 80, 81 ; 80', 81 '; 80", 81 "; 80"', 81 "'; 90, 91 ; 100, 101 ; 100', 101 ') making up at least part of the at least one of the connecting bodies 2a, 2b. This support structure 20a, 2b may itself be obtained by means of a connecting body component (40, 41 ; 50, 51 ; 50', 5 1 '; 50", 51 "; 50"', 51"'; 60, 61 ; 60', 61 '; 70, 71 , 72; 80, 81 ; 80', 81 '; 80", 81 "; 80"', 81 "'; 90, 91 ; 100, 101 ; 100', 101 ') which is coupled with other connecting body components. Figure 15, for example, may either illustrate a way to obtain a support structure or a whole connecting body (with no other movable inserts), by means of mutual coupling of different connecting body components 70, 71 , 72. The part of connecting body illustrated by figure 15 may be used as a support structure for either a simple connecting body component as the one numbered as 80 in figure 16 or a simple connecting body component as the one numbered as 80' in figure 17. The connecting body components of figures 16 and 17, in turn, may be coupled to the structure of figure 15 with a mutual coupling according to the whole description above with their contact portions 62 inserted into the slots provided in the connecting portions 63 of the connecting body components 71 , 72 of figure 15 (whose long surfaces 710, 720 may then be used as contact surfaces, in the same way as the contact surfaces 42 of the connecting body components 81 , 81 ' of figures 16, 17) and with their connecting portion 63 inserted between the walls made up by the flat, wide portion 71 1 , 721 of the connecting portions of the connecting body components 71 , 72 of figure 15 (which may then be used as check surfaces in the same way as the check surfaces 52 of the connecting body components 81 , 8 of figures 16, 17). Other combinations may be easily understood by looking at the figures and combining them.

Generally speaking, the support structure 20a, 20b may be used to support (in particular to house) one or more combinations of connecting body components mutually coupled together. For example, a support structure 20a, 20b as shown in figures 1 to 4 (or as shown in figures 15(b) and (c)) may be used to support or house any of the combinations of connecting body components illustrated in the figures 4, 5(b), 7(b)- 17(b), 18(c), 19(c), 20(b).

The first 2a and the second 2b connecting body may both have a modular structure obtained as per any of the examples and/or combinations and/or mutual couplings between related connecting body components as herein above described. If any, movements along different directions of movement D may be located either on one of the connecting bodies 2a, 2b, or on both and may be distributed on the connecting bodies 2a, 2b according to requirements and opportunity.

As shown in figures 1 to 4, in a preferred embodiment the support structure 20a, 20b comprises a central part 200a, 200b and two related end parts 201 a, 202a, 201 b, 202b which are located at opposite sides of the central part 200a, 200b along the related length direction Za, Zb. Flange portions of the end parts 201 a, 202a, 201 b, 202b are provided with holes for related fixing screws (not shown) for fixing the related connecting body 2a, 2b to the door or post.

In the embodiment shown by figures 1 -6, the first connecting body 2a comprises a related first insert 21 a coupled to a related first support structure 20a. The first insert 21 a is inserted into the related first support structure 20a and is movable with respect to the first support structure 20a for a position adjustment in or of the hinge 1. In particular it is movable along the first depth direction Xa, under the action of related adjustment screws 22, 23 with axis along the first depth direction Xa. The articulation device 3 is engaged with the first insert 2 1 a (in particular by means of pins inserted into holes provided in flat portions of the first insert 21 a which are parallel to a plane defined by the first depth direction Xa and by the first width direction Yb). The first insert 21 a is made in a single piece by a shaped single metallic sheet (in particular by cutting and bending). The first insert 21a could be substituted by a combination of connecting body components which are mutually coupled by means of a special mutual coupling as per any of the combinations and solutions described above. In particular it could be substituted by the combination of figure 16(b) or of figure ( 17b), with the movement direction D parallel to the first depth direction Xa. The connecting body component 81 , 8 Γ of figures 16(a) and 17(a) could be made movable with respect to the first support structure 20a along either the first length direction Za or along the first width direction Ya by a connection obtained with elongated holes and related fixing screws or with elongated holes and related eccentric actuators according to ways which are known to the skilled person. The same could be made by substituting the first insert 2 1 a by any of the combinations of connecting body components of figures 18 and 19, where the connecting body component labelled respectively as 80", 80"' could be made movable with respect to the first support structure 20a along either the first length direction Za or along the first width direction Ya by a connection obtained with elongated holes and related fixing screws or with elongated holes and related eccentric actuators according to ways which are known to the skilled person.

A first connecting body 2a could thus be obtained onto which adjustments are possible not only along the first depth direction Xa, but also along either the first length Za or the first depth Ya direction. The whole first insert 21 a could be substituted by the combination of connecting body components of either figure 18 or figure 19.

In general, when a combination of connecting body components is involved, their relative movement along the movement direction D may be assisted by adjustment means 24. These adjustment means comprise one or more adjustment actuators 26, 27 which may be any of the following: fixing screws acting in related elongated holes directed along the movement direction D; actuating eccentrics acting in combination with elongated holes to move the connecting body components with respect to each other along the movement direction D; adjustment screws having their axis parallel to the movement direction D; this according to the requirements and needs, as easily realizable by the skilled person.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 -6, the second connecting body component 2b comprises a related second support structure 20b, which supports a combination of connecting body components 40, 41. Preferably the combination of connecting body components 40, 41 is housed inside the related second support structure 20b (see in particular figures 1 , 3 and 4). The two connecting body components 40, 41 are coupled together by means of related pairs of contact 42 and check 52 surfaces interacting with respective contact portions 62 and connecting portions 63. Specifically, the contact portions 62 and the related connecting portion 63 are located on a first connecting body component 40, whereas the contact 42 and check 52 surfaces are located on a second connecting body component 41. The first connecting body component 41 is a flat, "C" shaped element whose ends are provided with prongs whereupon the contact portions 62 are located, as well as holes for the insertion of means for connecting the first connecting component 40 to the second support stnicture 20b. The second connecting body component 41 is made movable with respect to the first 40 along the movement direction D (defined as per any of the possibilities above described), which is parallel to the second width direction Yb. Adjustment actuators 26, 27 are provided which act both upon flanged portions of the second connecting body component 41 and upon the contact portions 62 of the first connecting body component 40 to move the second connecting body component 41 with respect to the first 40 back and forth along the movement direction D. Said actuators may for example be two eccentric devices 26 and 27. The means for connecting the first connecting body component 40 to the second support structure 20b comprise adjustment means for adjusting the position of the first connecting body component 40 with respect to the second support structure 20b. Movement of the first connecting body component 40 with respect to the second support structure 20b may be effected either along the second length direction Zb or along the second depth direction Xb (for example by means of an eccentric device 28 and a screw 29 for an adjustment along the second length direction Zb, or by means of adjustment screws - not shown - having their axis parallel to the second depth direction Xb for an adjustment along this latter direction). The embodiment of figures 1 -6 discloses an example where the movement of the first connecting body component 40 with respect to the second support structure 20b may be effected along the second length direction Zb. The articulation device 3 is engaged with the second connecting body component 41 in particular by means of pins inserted into holes provided in flat portions of the second connecting body component 41 , which are parallel to the plane defined by the second depth direction Xb and by the second width direction Yb).

The combination of connecting body components 40, 41 of figures 1 -6 could be identically substituted by any of the combinations shown in figures 7- 14, as well as in figures 21 -26, thus obtaining a structure with adjustments possible along the same directions (i.e. along the second width direction Yb and along either the second length direction Zb or along the second depth direction Xb).

The combination of connecting body components 40, 41 of figures 1 -6 could also be substituted by any of the combinations of figures 16-20, so obtaining the possibility to adjust the position in the second connecting body 2b of the hinge 1 as follows: between the first connecting body component 81 , 8 , 80", 80"', 91 and the second connecting body component 80, 80', 81 ", 8 Γ", 90 along the movement direction D parallel to the second width direction Xb; between the second connecting body component 80, 80', 81 ", 8 ", 90 and the second support structure 2b, either along the second length direction Zb or along the second width direction Yb. In general, as clearly illustrated in the figures, the contact surfaces 42, 42', 42" may be obtained on flat portions of the single piece shaped from a single metallic sheet of which the related connecting body component is made (see, for example, figures 4, 5, 7- 15, 18, 19, 21 -26). They can also be obtained in the thickness of the single metallic sheet as sides of open or closed through slots (see, for example, figures 16, 17, 20). In general, as clearly illustrated in the figures, the check surfaces 52, 52', 52" may be obtained in the thickness of the single metallic sheet as sides of open or closed through slots (see, for example, figures 4, 5, 7- 15| 18, 19, 21 -26). They can also be obtained on flat portions of the single piece shaped from a single metallic sheet of which the related connecting body component is made (see, for example, figures 16, 17, 20).

Figures 21 -26 show particular embodiments of coupled connecting body components 100, 101 , 100', 10 which are provided with multiple pairs of contact 42, 42', 42" and check 52, 52', 52" surfaces and with related contact 62, 62', 62" and connecting 63, 63', 63" portions. In the example shown in the figures, the connecting body components 100, 101 , 100', 101 ' are provided with multiple mutual couplings which all define contact-surface-related sheaves of parallel straight lines S I , S I ', S I " which are parallel to each other and check-surface- related sheaves of parallel straight lines S2, S2', S2" which are parallel to each other. In the embodiments shown by figures 21 -26 the movement directions D, D', D" defined by the various mutual coupling are parallel to each other. Nevertheless a different coupling, for example such that any movement in space could be blocked for the two connecting body components 100, 100', 101 , 10 coupled together, could be devised and obtained.

In general, additional checking means may be provided on the connecting ¹ body components (40, 41 ; 50, 51 ; 50', 51 '; 50", 5 1 "; 50"', 5 Γ"; 60, 61 ; 60', 6 Γ; 70, 71 , 72; 80, 81 ; 80', 81 '; 80", 81"; 80"', 81"'; 90, 91 ; 100, 101 ; 100', 10 Γ) coupled to each other to improve the coupling and/or to improve guiding of the movement along the movement direction D when requested. In particular, the contact portions 62 of one connecting body component may be flanked on one or both of their sides perpendicular to the contact surfaces 42 by contact or guide surfaces obtained on flanged portions of the other connecting body component (see for example the contact or guide surfaces labelled as 30 in figures 5, 6, 10- 14). These contact or guide surfaces 30 may be obtained on both sides of the contact portion 62, for example by bending a section of the flanged portion of the connecting body component according to a "U" or "C" shape as seen for example in figures 13 and 14 (in particular, the "C"-like shape of figure 14 provides for another contact surface perpendicular to the other two labelled as 30). A reference check above the connecting portion may be also obtained by a folded or shaped prong 31 of the flanged portion of the connecting body component 41 as in figures 4 and 5). Another way to obtain lateral guiding to the contact portions 62 is to provide the flat contact surfaces 42 with elongated, parallel embossings 32, between which the contact portion is guided (see figure 7). The connecting portion 63 may be provided with protrusions 33 which are fitted between the check surfaces 52 (see for example figure 8). The connecting portion 63 may be shaped near the contact portion 62 in such a way as to provide a surface 34 which goes into contact with the flat portion of the connecting body component whereupon a contact surface 42 is located, on the surface which is on the other side with respect to said contact surface 42. This may be obtained for example by means of projections 340 projecting from the connecting portion 63 in correspondence with the contact portions 62 (see figures 9, 10, 12, 18) or by an enlargement 341 of the connecting portion 63 itself (see figure 19).

The invention brings important advantages.

In particular, portions of the structure of a connecting body (or a whole connecting body) may be obtained which achieve a good torsional resistance by a modular structure whose elements are sheet-like and may be made each from a single sheet of a metal with high mechanical performance, the sheet having a predetermined and desired thickness. In addition, each component of the structure may be easily obtained by cutting and bending of metal sheets (at most by drawing of same when and where necessary). A great versatility may be achieved as far as the possible configurations and shapes of the connecting bodies are concerned, even if simple pieces are used. Positional adjustment and configuration adjustments may be easily obtained.

The invention described can be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by other technicaly equivalent elements.

In practice, the embodiments of the invention may be made of any material, and in any size, depending on requirements.