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Title:
IMPROVED SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR RAISED FLOORINGS.
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/122159
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A support system (1) for raised floorings comprising: a base (2) suitable for being placed on a surface, a spacer (3) coupled to the base (2), a head (4) coupled to the spacer (3) and suitable for supporting floor elements, and a ball joint disposed between the spacer (3) and the head (4), in such manner that the head (4) is coupled to the spacer (3) with spherical coupling, and locking teeth (72) protruding in lower position from a lower surface (52) of the head to engage in seats (82A, 82B) obtained in an upper wall (30) of the spacer.

Inventors:
MARANA ANDREA (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2017/084348
Publication Date:
July 05, 2018
Filing Date:
December 22, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MARANA ANDREA (IT)
International Classes:
E04F15/024; E04F15/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO2008105012A12008-09-04
Foreign References:
EP2816173A22014-12-24
US20130034409A12013-02-07
US20080222973A12008-09-18
GB985148A1965-03-03
EP1304426A22003-04-23
EP2816173A22014-12-24
US20130034409A12013-02-07
US20080222973A12008-09-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CUTROPIA, Gianluigi (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . Support system (1 ) for raised floorings comprising:

- a base (2) intended to be placed on a surface,

- a spacer (3) coupled to the base (2),

- a head (4) coupled to the spacer (3) and suitable for supporting floor elements, and

- a ball joint disposed between the spacer (3) and the head (4), in such manner that the head (4) is coupled to the spacer (3) with spherical coupling, said ball joint comprising an upper wall (30) of the spacer shaped like a segment of a sphere, and a lower surface (52) of the head shaped like a segment of a sphere,

- locking teeth (72) protruding in lower position from said lower surface (52) of the head to engage in seats (82A, 82B) obtained in said upper wall (30) of the spacer or locking teeth protruding in upper position from said upper wall (30) of the spacer to engage in seats obtained in said lower surface (52) of the head;

characterized in that

said seats (82A, 82B) of the upper wall (30) of the spacer or of the lower surface (52) of the head comprise first seats (82A) and second seats (82B), wherein the second seats (82B) have a shape similar to the locking teeth (72) to lock the head with respect to the spacer, and the first seats (82A) are larger than the second seats (82B) to let the head (4) move with respect to the spacer (3).

2. The support system (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein said spacer (3) comprises an indicative notch and said head (4) comprises a first symbol (A) that indicates a non-locking position and a second symbol (B) that indicates a locking position; when the notch of the spacer is in correspondence of the first symbol (A) of the head, the locking teeth (72) are in the first seat (82A), whereas when the notch of the spacer is in correspondence of the second symbol (B) of the head, the locking teeth (72) are in the second seat (82B).

3. The support system (1 ) of claim 1 or 2, comprising elastic tabs (7) disposed in said lower surface (52) of the head or in said upper wall (30) of the spacer in order to maintain the lower surface (52) of the head spaced from the upper wall (30) of the spacer.

4. The support system (1 ) of claim 3, wherein each elastic tab (7) has a positioning tooth (71 ) suitable for engaging in an annular groove (81 ) obtained in said upper wall (30) of the spacer or in said lower surface (52) of the head.

5. The support system (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lower surface (52) of the head is concave with downward concavity and said upper wall (30) of the spacer is convex with upward convexity.

6. The support system (1 ) of claim 5, wherein said locking teeth (72) are obtained in said lower surface (52) of the head and said seats (82A, 82B) are obtained in said upper wall (30) of the spacer.

7. The support system (1 ) of claim 4, wherein said elastic tabs (7) are obtained in said lower surface (52) of the head and said annular groove (81 ) is obtained in the upper wall (30) of the spacer.

8. The support system (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head (4) comprises a lower portion (5) with said lower surface

(52), and an upper portion (6) shaped like a disc with larger diameter than said spacer (3).

9. The support system (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spacer comprises a cylindrical shank (32) disposed in the center of said upper wall (30) of the spacer, which is coupled with clearance inside a hole (53) obtained in the center of said head (4) and said radial wings (33) protrude radially from said cylindrical shank (32) of the spacer in such manner that the edge of the hole (53) of the head is engaged under said radial wings (33).

Description:
Description

IMPROVED SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR RAISED FLOORINGS.

The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a support system for raised floorings.

EP1304426 and WO2008105012 disclose support systems for raised floorings. Such a support system comprises: a base element, a spacer, an upper element and an oscillating head coupled to the upper element with spherical coupling. The base element is disposed on a base plane that is inclined for draining the water. The oscillating head supports the raised floor elements in such a way to be maintained along a horizontal plane.

The base element, the spacer and the upper element of the support system are disposed coaxially one on top of the other, and their axis is orthogonal to the base plane. However, the movement of the oscillating head makes the support system not very stable and difficult to be mounted.

EP2816173 discloses a support device for elements such as for example, boards or studs, suitable for being used to realize floorings with wooden boards. Such a support device comprises adjustment means to adjust the height of said device, in order to guarantee a correct positioning of the boards according to the ground characteristics.

US2013/034409 discloses a spacer suitable for being used in relation with raised floorings, belt/chain tensioning devices and Bowden cables.

US2008/222973 discloses a slop compensator for pedestal for elevated floors.

The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a support system for raised floorings that is reliable, effective, practical and simple to make and install.

These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of the independent claim 1 . Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.

The support system for raised floorings according to the invention comprises:

- a base intended to be placed on a surface,

- a spacer coupled to the base, and

- a head coupled to the spacer and suitable for supporting floor elements.

Moreover, the support system comprises a spherical joint disposed between the spacer and the head, in such a way that the head is coupled to the spacer with spherical coupling and oscillates in all directions.

The spherical joint comprises an upper wall of the spacer that is shaped like a segment of a sphere, and a lower surface of the head that is shaped like a segment of a sphere.

Locking teeth protrude in lower position from the lower surface of the head to engage seats obtained in the upper wall of the spacer. Alternatively, locking teeth protrude in upper position from the upper wall of the spacer to engage seats obtained in the lower surface of the head.

The provision of the locking teeth and of the seats that receive the locking teeth permits to block the head in position relative to the spacer, thus improving the stability of the support system.

Additional features of the invention will appear manifest from the detailed description below, which refers to merely a illustrative, not limiting embodiment, as illustrated in the attached figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the support system for raised floorings according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is an axial sectional view of the support system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is an exploded axial sectional view of the support system of

Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a base of the support system of Fig.

1 ; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a spacer of the support system of Fig.

1 ;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the head of the support system of Fig. 1 , wherein the lower portion of the head is turned upside down;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the head of the support system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the support system of Fig. 1 wherein an intermediate element is inserted between the lower element and the upper element;

Fig. 8A is a sectional view showing an enlarged detail of the coupling between the spacer and the lower portion of the head, sectioned along a flexible tab of the lower portion of the head, when the flexible head is in lowered position;

Fig. 8B is the same as Fig. 8A, except for it shows the flexible tab of the lower portion of the head in raised position ;

Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing an enlarged detail of the coupling between spacer and lower portion of the head when the locking tooth of the lower portion of the head is in a large seat of the spacer and the head is in oscillating configuration;

Fig. 9B is the same as Fig. 9A, except for it shows the locking tooth in a small seat of the spacer when the head is in locking configuration;

Fig. 10A is a sectional view taken along the locking tooth of the lower portion of the head, showing an enlarged detail when the locking tooth is in a large seat of the spacer and the head is in oscillating configuration;

Fig. 10B is the same as Fig. 10A, except for it shows the locking tooth in a small seat of the spacer when the head is in locking configuration.

With reference to the Figures, the support system according to the invention is described, which is generally indicated with reference numeral 1 .

With reference to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, the support system (1 ) comprises: - a base (2) intended to be placed on a surface,

- a spacer (3) coupled to the base (2), and

- a head (4) coupled to the spacer.

The head (4) comprises a lower portion (5) coupled to the spacer (3) with spherical coupling and an upper portion (6) fixed to the lower portion (5) of the head.

With reference also to Fig. 4, the base (2) comprises a base plate (20) with disc-like shape, suitable for being positioned on the plane whereon the raised flooring is to be mounted. Generally, such a plane is inclined relative to the horizontal plane in order to drain water.

A cylindrical portion (21 ) axially protrudes in upper position from the base plate (20). A plurality of radial ribs (22) is provided on the base plate (20), going from the cylindrical portion (21 ) outwards. An internal thread (23) is provided inside the cylindrical portion.

Longitudinal ribs (24) are provided on the external surface of the cylindrical portion. A longitudinal groove (25) is provided on the internal surface of the cylindrical portion.

With reference also to Fig. 5, the spacer (3) has a cylindrical shape, is internally empty and open on the bottom. The spacer (3) comprises an upper wall (30) and a lateral wall with external thread (31 ) suitable for engaging the internal thread (23) of the cylindrical portion of the base. Reinforcing ribs (36) (Fig. 2) protrude inwards from the lateral wall of the spacer.

The upper wall (30) of the spacer is shaped like a segment of a sphere with downward concavity.

A cylindrical shank (32) protrudes in upper position from the upper wall (30) of the spacer. A plurality of radial wings (33) radially protrudes from the cylindrical shank (32). Slots (34) are provided on the upper wall (30) of the spacer, in correspondence of the radial wings (33). For illustrative purpose, three radial wings (33) are angularly equidistant by an angle of 120°. A slot (35) is obtained on the cylindrical shank (32) to receive the tip of a tool. With reference to Fig. 6, the lower portion (5) of the head comprises a disc-like flange (50) from which a shank (51 ) protrudes in lower position, having a lower surface (52) shaped like a segment of a sphere with downward concavity. The lower surface (52) of the shank of the lower portion of the head has a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the upper wall (30) of the spacer.

A circular hole (53) is obtained in central position on the shank (51 ) of the lower portion of the head, said hole (53) being provided with rigid slots (54) for the insertion of the radial wings (33) of the cylindrical shank of the spacer. In view of the above, after passing the radial wings (33) of the cylindrical shank of the spacer through the slots (54) of the central hole of the lower portion of the head, the lower portion of the head is rotated relative to the spacer, in such a way that the edge of the central hole (53) of the lower part of the head is engaged under the radial wings (33) of the shank of the spacer element, holding the central part of the head on the spacer. The engagement of the edge of the central hole (53) of the lower portion of the head under the radial wings of the shank of the spacer guarantees a clearance; so, the lower surface (52) of the shank of the lower portion of the head can slide in any direction on the upper wall (30) of the spacer with spherical coupling, permitting an inclination in all the directions of the lower portion (5) of the head.

In this way, a spherical joint is obtained between the spacer (3) and the lower portion (5) of the head. Obviously, likewise, the spacer (3) can have an upper surface with upwards concavity and the lower portion (5) of the head can have a lower surface with downward concavity that is coupled with spherical coupling with the upper surface of the spacer.

A collar (56) provided with slots (57) externally protrudes from the flange (50).

Elastic tabs (7) are disposed in the lower surface (52) of the lower portion of the head, which are obtained by means of "U"-shaped notches (70) in the lower surface (52) of the lower portion of the head in such a way to obtain a housing above the elastic tabs (7). The elastic tabs (7) can elastically bend in their housing. The elastic tabs (7) are peripherally connected to the shank (51 ) and extend radially towards the center of the shank (51 ).

A positioning tooth (71 ) is provided on each elastic tab (7), protruding in lower position from the tab. The positioning tooth (71 ) is shaped like a rib with arc of a circle configuration.

In normal conditions, the positioning tooth (71 ) protrudes in lower position relative to the lower surface (52) of the shank (51 ). The elastic tab (7) can elastically bend upwards, returning in its housing.

For illustrative purposes, six elastic tabs (7) are provided in diametrally opposite positions, being angularly equidistant by an angle of 60°. Three elastic tabs (7) are aligned with the three radial slots (54) of the central hole of the lower portion of the head.

Locking teeth (72) are provided on the lower surface (52) of the shank of the lower portion of the head, and protrude in lower position from the lower surface (52) of the shank of the lower portion of the head. The locking teeth (72) are disposed in peripheral position. Each locking tooth (72) has a rounded shape.

Preferably, three locking teeth (72) are provided, being angularly equidistant by an angle of 120°. Each locking tooth (72) is angularly equidistant between two elastic tabs (7). Otherwise said, an angular distance of 30° is provided between the locking tooth (72) and the elastic tabs (7).

First symbols (A) and second symbols (B) are peripherally disposed on the flange (50) of the lower portion of the head. The first symbol (A) indicates the opening position and the second symbol (B) indicates the closing position. The second symbols (B) are disposed in an angular position in correspondence of the locking teeth (72). The first symbols (A) are disposed between the second symbols (B) and angularly spaced by 60° from the second symbols (B).

Going back to Fig. 5, an annular groove (81 ) is obtained in the upper wall (30) of the spacer (3), with center that coincides with the axis of the spacer (3). The annular groove (81 ) is disposed in such a way to receive the positioning teeth (71 ) of the elastic tabs of the lower portion of the head.

First seats (82A) and second seats (82B) are obtained in the upper wall (30) of the spacer, in peripheral position relative to the annular groove (81 ). The first seats (82A) and the second seats (82B) are defined by a "U"- shaped peripherally open edge.

The second seats (82B) have a similar shape to the locking teeth (72) of the lower portion of the head in such a way to receive the locking teeth (72) and lock the movement of the lower portion of the head (5) relative to the spacer (3).

The first seats (82A) are larger than the second seats (82B). In view of the above, when the locking teeth (72) of the lower portion of the head are situated in the second seats (82A) of the spacer, the lower portion of the head can oscillate relative to the spacer by means of the spherical joint provided between the lower portion of the head and the spacer.

Three second seats (82B) are angularly equidistant by an angle of 120° in correspondence of the radial wings (33) of the central shank. Three first seats (82A) are angularly equidistant by an angle of 60° relative to the second seats (82B).

Although not shown in the figures, likewise, the locking teeth (72) and the elastic tabs can be obtained in the upper portion of the spacer and the first seats (82A) and the second seats (82B) can be obtained in the lower surface of the lower portion of the head.

Although not shown in the figures, a notch can be obtained (for example with a groove) on the external surface of the lateral wall of the spacer, in order to indicate the positioning of the spacer relative to the lower portion (5) of the head. In view of the above, when mounting the lower portion (5) of the head on the spacer (3), the notch of the spacer is disposed in correspondence of the first symbol (A) of the lower portion of the head. So the locking tooth (72) of the lower portion of the head is situated in the first seat (82A) of the spacer (see Figs. 9A and 10A). In such a situation the lower portion (5) of the head can oscillate relative to the spacer (3).

Successively, the lower portion (5) of the head is rotated by 60° relative to the spacer (3), the locking tooth (72) of the lower portion of the head comes out of the first seat (82A) and enters the second seat (82B) (see Figs. 9B and 10B). In such a situation the lower portion (5) of the head is locked relative to the spacer (3).

The rotation of the lower portion (5) of the head on the spacer (3) is permitted when no weight is applied on the lower portion (5) of the head. In fact, as shown in Fig. 8A, in such a case, the elastic tabs (7) maintain the lower surface (52) of the lower portion of the head spaced from the upper wall (30) of the spacer. In view of the above, the locking teeth (72) can be disengaged from the first seat (82A), passing beyond the edge of the first seat (82A).

On the contrary, as shown in Fig. 8B, when a weight is applied on the lower portion of the head, the elastic tabs (7) are raised, returning in their seats, and the upper wall (30) of the spacer is stopped against the lower surface (52) of the lower portion of the head. In such a situation, the locking tooth (72) is situated in the second seat (82B) and cannot come out of the second seat (82B). Therefore, the upper portion of the head is locked relative to the spacer.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 7, the upper portion (6) of the head (52) can be separated from the lower portion (5) of the head. The upper portion (6) of the head comprises a disc (60) with an internal annular seat (61 ) that is engaged by the collar (56) that externally protrudes from the lower portion (50) of the head.

The upper portion (6) of the head has a larger diameter than the spacer (3). The upper portion (6) of the head has a central hole (62) suitable for passing a tool that engages the slot (35) of the shank of the spacer in order to tighten the spacer relative to the base (2).

Spacing wings (63) protrude in upper position from the upper portion (6) of the head. The spacing wings (63) can be broken in order to be removed. Four spacing wings (63) are disposed in diametrally opposite positions in order to divide the upper portion (6) of the head in four quadrants that can contain portions of rectangular floor elements, such as wooden panels, tiles or the like. Therefore, the spacing wings (63) act as stop and positioning device for the floor elements.

Obviously, if only two floor elements are to be disposed on the head (4), two spacing wings (63) can be easily removed, by imposing a torsional movement on each spacing wing (63) to break the wing.

The height of the support system (1 ) can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the spacer (3) relative to the base.

Although not shown in the figures, in order to increase the height of the support system (1 ), one or more intermediate extensions can be added to the support system (1 ), being disposed between the base (2) and the spacer (3). Each intermediate extension has an external thread suitable for engaging with the internal thread of the base, and an internal thread suitable for engaging with the external thread of the spacer.