Scope of the invention

This invention relates to the technical sector of the application of panels on a support wall.

In particular, the invention refers to the use of a particular connection system which allows to quickly connect/unhook a panel covering to/from a fixed surface, also leaving a certain gap between the wall and the panel, for example for the passage of air.

Overview of the prior art

In the current state of the art, panels are known which can be applied to a wall in such a way that, by placing several panels together, a continuous surface is created anchored to the back wall.

The panels are spaced by a certain gap from the wall behind so that an air cushion is created between the surface of the panel facing the wall and the wall itself.

However, the known fixing systems are fixed systems and therefore the panel is not removable or in any case removing it is a complex operation.

For example, if glue is used, a forced detachment is required which can damage the panel and/or surface to which the panel is applied.

US publication 9359771 is further known.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a solution to the aforementioned technical problems. In particular, it is an object of this invention to provide a solution that allows the panels to be applied quickly to a support surface, for example a wall (vertical or with any inclination), further leaving a gap interposed between the panel and the wall, for example for the passage of air.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a solution which also allows one or more of said panels to be disassembled rapidly.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a solution in which it is possible, if necessary, to modify the distance between the panel and the application surface.

These and other objects are accordingly achieved through the present connection system for removably connecting a panel to a wall, leaving a separation space between the panel and said wall, in accordance with claim

1.

This system includes:

First connecting means applicable to the panel and comprising :

At least one hooking element (5) having one end (5'') with the shape of a hook or similar, said hooking element being applicable to the surface (2) of said panel intended to be connected with said wall;

At least one pivoting element (20) applicable to the surface (2) of said panel intended to be connected with said wall;

Second connecting means applicable to the wall and comprising :

At least one first rail (II'Ά );

At least one second rail (ll'A);

And wherein the system further comprises an elastic clip (12) forming a hooking seat delimited by two elastically deformable walls (13, 14);

Said first rail (II'Ά ) forming an access to a free space configured to receive said end (5'') of the hooking element (5), this end is free to be able to rotate in said space following rotation of the panel to bring it up against the wall;

Said second rail forming a free space configured to be able to receive said elastic clip (12), said elastic clip elastically locking the pivoting element through an elastic deformation thereof, in particular an elastic divarication, of its said walls (13, 14) and an elastic return to their original position when the panel is rotated up against the wall inserting the pivoting element into said elastic clip.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to create a stable and rapid connection, further creating a gap between wall and panel.

In fact, it is sufficient to select the measurements of the components described above to create a free space between wall and panel.

Advantageously, the access to the free space of said first rail (II'Ά ) being delimited by a wall (50) with a shape complementary to that of the hooked end in such a way that said hooked end (5'') engages with said wall (50) when in use the panel is fastened to the wall with the pivoting element locked with the elastic clip.

Advantageously, access to the free space of said second rail (ll'A) is also delimited by a wall (60), the elastic clip being locked in the free space of said second rail through said wall (60) which is in abutment against a part thereof.

Advantageously, the first connecting means comprise at least one first and one second guide (3, 4) respectively forming at least one rail, the guides being configured to be able to connect to the panel and in which said hooking element and pivoting element respectively can be slidingly inserted in a rail and can then be fixed in one or more selected positions.

Advantageously, the hooking element is fixed in the relative rail by means of a bolt system (6').

Also described here is an assembly comprising a wall and a panel, and in which first connecting means are applied to the panel comprising:

At least one hooking element (5) having one end (5'') with a hook shape or similar, said hooking element being applied to the surface (2) of said panel intended to be connected with said wall;

At least one pivoting element (20) applied to the surface (2) of said panel intended to be connected with said wall;

And wherein second connecting means are applied to the wall comprising:

At least one first rail (II'Ά );

At least one second rail (ll'A);

And wherein an elastic clip (12) is further comprised, forming a coupling seat delimited by two elastically divaricatable walls (13, 14);

Said first rail (II'Ά ) forming an access to a free space configured to receive said end (5'') of the hooking element (5), this end is free to be able to rotate in said space following rotation of the panel to bring it up against the wall;

Said second rail forming a free space configured to be able to receive said elastic clip (12), said elastic clip elastically locking the pivoting element through a divarication of its said walls (13, 14) and an elastic return to their original position when the panel is rotated up against the wall inserting the pivoting element in said elastic clip.

Advantageously, access to the free space of said first rail (II'Ά ) is delimited by a wall (50) with a shape complementary to that of the hooked end so that said hooked end (5'') engages with said wall (50) when the panel is constrained to the wall with the pivoting element locked with the elastic clip.

Advantageously, access to the free space of said second rail (ll'A) is delimited by a wall (60), the elastic clip being locked in the free space of said second rail through said wall (60) which is in abutment against a part thereof.

Advantageously, the first connecting means comprise at least one first and one second guide (3, 4) respectively forming at least one rail, the guides connecting to the panel and in which said hooking element and pivoting element respectively can slidingly be inserted in a rail and can then be fixed in one or more selected positions.

Advantageously, the hooking element is fixed in the relative rail by means of a bolt system (6').

Finally, also described here is a method for removably locking a panel to a wall forming a gap between the wall and the panel, the method comprising the steps of:

Preparation of a connection system in accordance with one or more of the characteristics described above;

Fixing of the first connecting means to the panel;

Fixing of the second connecting means to the wall;

Insertion of the hooking element in the relative rail applied to the wall and rotation of the panel around the fulcrum constituted by said hooking element inserted in the rail until the pivoting element is elastically engaged with the relative elastic clip arranged in the relative rail of the wall. Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of this system, according to the invention, will be clarified with the description that follows of some of its embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a panel comprising first rapid connecting means for connecting it to a wall and therefore forming part of the system the object of the invention;

- Figure 2 shows an axonometric view of the wall comprising the second rapid connecting means to which the panel is connected through its first rapid connecting means;

- Figures 3 to 7 show construction details relating to said first connecting means;

- Figure 8 shows a construction detail belonging to the second rapid connecting means;

- Figure 9 is an example of application of the panel on the wall;

- Figures 9A and 9B are further details relating to the connection system.

Description of some preferred embodiments Figure 1 shows a panel 1 having a rear face 2 and a front face 2'.

The rear face 2 is the one which, in use, as clarified in the following part of this description, is fixed to the wall. The front face 2' is therefore the one that is in visible use. The two faces are separated by a panel thickness.

The rear face 2 comprises first connecting means (3, 4, 5, 6), preferably of the rapid type, suitable for coupling with second connecting means, also preferably of the rapid type, present on the wall.

Figure 2 therefore shows a wall 10 comprising said second connecting means (11B, 11C, 12), preferably rapid, which cooperate with said first connecting means, preferably rapid.

Said first and second connecting means will be described structurally in detail below.

Meanwhile, for a generic description of the panel, said panel can be of any material and size.

As shown for example in Figure 1, the panel generally has a rectangular plan shape with a predetermined thickness that separates the front face from the rear face.

Obviously, the present invention can be applied to any panel regardless of the materials and shape.

The application can, for example, be that in the building field or in any case in any field where panels cover a surface, for example in the interiors of buildings or interiors in general.

FIRST CONNECTING MEANS , PREFERABLY RAPID TYPE , RELATING TO THE PANEL :

Returning therefore to Figure 1, an overall view of the panel is shown.

The panel, in correspondence with its rear face 2, comprises fixing guides connected to said rear face, i.e. the one which in use faces the wall to which the panel is connected in a removable way.

In particular, a lower guide 3 is provided, preferably arranged near the lower edge of the panel, and an upper guide 4, preferably arranged near the upper edge of the panel.

The lower guide 3 forms at least one first sliding rail 3' along which a hooking element 5 can be applied in a predetermined position.

Preferably, the same lower guide 3 forms a second sliding rail 3'' placed under the first sliding rail and able to receive an appendage of the hooking element to better keep it in position and arrange it with precision.

The guide can be made of any material, derived from plastic for example, and can be produced, for example, by molding or according to other known techniques.

The guide can be applied with adhesive material or with connection systems such as screws or inserts.

Adhesive material is preferred because it does not create holes in the panel.

The hooking element 5 is better detailed in Figure 3 and provides for a wall 5' ending with a portion (5'') shaped like a hook or fishing hook. On the opposite side to the hooked portion (5'') _/ the wall 5' forms a loop 6 suitable for receiving a screw with nut for tightening in the rail 3'.

The wall 5' has a front face (5a) and a rear face (5b). The hook 5" extends radially towards the outside of the front face and then deviates and moves radially towards the rear face.

On the rear face (5b), a coupling appendage (5c) is developed, generally L-shaped, which is the one that, in use, engages slidingly with the guide (3'') of Figure 1. This L (5c) connects to the rear wall (5b).

As mentioned, the hooking element forms a loop 6 which is used to tighten a bolt system.

This loop is obtained in correspondence with the upper edge opposite the hook, as shown for example in Figure 3.

Returning in fact to Figure 1, and as also shown in greater detail in the side view of Figure 4, a sort of bolt system 6' is highlighted which is applied in the loop 6 and the relative rail (see also Figure 3).

As shown in Figure 4, the bolt system (6') is formed as a whole by:

A threaded stem 15;

A nut 7 can be screwed onto the threaded stem, possibly equipped with a washer 7';

The terminal part of the threaded stem, on the side opposite the screwing end of the nut 7, is equipped with a further washer 6'' which can preferably be integral with the threaded stem or can be separable and which screws on to it.

Said washer 6'' therefore forms an enlarged head 6'' suitable for inserting and sliding in the space (S) formed by the rail 3' and with the rail opening outwards through its two walls (PI, P2). The walls determine a constricted inlet to said space (S), with therefore the width of said constriction being slightly greater than the threaded stem 15.

In this way, thanks to the enlarged head (6''), the entire bolt system (6') described is prevented from moving in the direction orthogonal to the plane (5a) (towards the Z axis of Figure 4) but can freely slide along the rail until the nut 7 is suitably tightened against the surface surrounding the loop 6, thereby locking the whole hooking element in position.

The sliding along the rail is therefore free or prevented, depending on the degree of tightening of the nut 7.

In this way the hooking element 5 can be slidingly fixed to the rail in a suitable position and then, having selected the position along the rail, it can be fixed in the selected position by tightening the nut 7 (see for example Figure 1).

In particular, for example, the threaded stem 15 with relative washer (6'') can be pre-arranged in the rail by sliding it in, starting from an open end of the rail (see Figure 1). At this point the hooking element is applied, taking care to insert its appendage (5c) into the lower rail (3'') and, at the same time, with the threaded stem 15 which enters the loop 6. At this point, everything is tightened with nut 7 and washer (7').

The appendage (5c) further secures the hooking element to the guide.

For each panel, there are preferably two hooking elements 5 placed on the same rail at a certain distance from each other even if, where desired, a solution with a single hooking element or with more than two hooking elements 5, for example three hooking elements, would not be ruled out.

Again with reference to Figure 1, the upper guide is then provided which, similarly to what has been described for the lower guide, forms at least one sliding rail structurally similar to the one already described for the lower guide.

Its connection to the panel is also similar to what has already been described above.

Figure 1 preferably shows two sliding rails (4') and (4'') relative to the upper guide and placed one on top of the other, even if any number would be possible.

Only one of the two would still be sufficient even if the presence of two rails, as better explained below, allows for better regulation.

On these rails (4') and/or (''), fixing anvils 20 (or fixing pins 20 if desired) are slidingly arranged, which can be of any shape in longitudinal section, for example substantially triangular (such as an arrowhead). Figure 5 therefore shows a side view of the fixing anvil 20 having a triangular longitudinal section shape and preferably a rectangular plan section.

It has an apex 21 which forms an enlarged head which then narrows with a constriction 22 before gradually widening again towards the base 23.

The base is connected to a straight line section 24 which ends with a sort of washer 25 integrated in the section 24 (thus formed in a single piece). The washer 25 therefore forms an enlarged head which is slidingly mounted on the rail (4'') exactly as already described in relation to the lower guide (3').

As a whole, these represent the so-called first rapid connecting means applied to the panel and of which Figure 6 shows for greater clarity an overall exploded view with pivoting element and hooking element arranged in front of the relative rail to which they are applied. In Figure 6, for clarity's sake, the panel to which the guides are applied has been omitted.

Figure 7 shows only the fixing anvils 6 in an axonometric view, again for greater structural clarity.

They allow rapid application of the panel to the wall thanks to the second rapid connecting means applied to the wall with which they cooperate, described immediately here below.

SECOND CONNECTING MEANS, PREFERABLY RAPID, RELATING TO THE WALL:

The second connecting means are described with reference to Figure 2 and are applied to the relative wall 10 to which the panel/s is/are to be connected.

Similarly to the case of the first connecting means, they are in the form of bars which form sliding guides. There are at least two, laid on top of each other at a distance corresponding to the distance between hooking element 5 and anvil or pivot element 20 of the panel. Figure 2 therefore shows a succession of sliding guides (11A, 11B, 11C), it being understood that any number can be provided according to how many overlapping panels are to be applied, for example at least two guides or more than two.

Each guide forms at least one rail, preferably two rails superimposed on each other, for example the rail ll'A and II'Ά relating to the guide 11A, the rail ll'B and ll''B relating to the guide 11B and rail ll'C and ll''C relative to guide 11C etc. if there are further guides.

The distance between the lower guides of two superimposed rails (for example the guide ll'A and the guide ll'B) is the same as that existing between hooking element 5 and fixing anvil 20, since one is intended to accommodate the hooking element and the other the fixing anvil.

To complete said second quick connection systems, elastic clips 12 are provided which can be slidingly inserted into the rail in the selected position.

As shown in Figure 8, each elastic clip is basically V-shaped.

Two walls (13, 14) are therefore provided which move away from each other progressively and are elastically deformable in such a way as to be able to snap-lock, each one elastically, a fixing anvil.

In fact, as shown in Figure 7, the fixing anvil ends with an enlarged head 21 and it is clear therefore that, when the fixing anvil is pushed against the elastic clip, it happens that the enlarged head 21 pushes between the two walls 13 and 14, forcing them to move away from each other.

In this way, the space between the two walls 13 and 14 increases due to an elastic deformation of them which move away from each other to allow the enlarged head 21 to enter. Once the walls 13 and 14 have been climbed over, the enlarged head remains constrained since said walls 13 and 14 elastically return to the initial rest condition, locking their ends against the constriction 22, therefore tightening the neck 22 (i.e. the restricted section) of the enlarged head (in short, a sort of snap lock).

Figure 8 shows the preferred shape of this elastic clip or spring.

A wall 17 is therefore provided from the two ends of which two walls 18 and 19 branch off in such a way that, on the whole, there is more or less a V-shape. The two walls diverge from each other.

Both the wall 18 and the wall 19 comprise a central portion of them folded away from the rest of the wall through a notch that partially separates a central flap that can fold back on itself in a U shape and thus form the elastic lock parts 13 and 14 true and proper.

The parts 13 and 14 folded back on themselves in a U shape have in fact a certain degree of elastic compliance, thus closing on themselves to increase the entry passage inside the V and then return elastically to the initial position.

Taking as reference any guide to be applied on a wall, this one, as we have said, preferably comprises two overlapping rails, one of which is intended to house the hooking element and the one below intended to house the clip 12.

For this reason, looking at the side view of Figure 9, preferably the guide that houses the clip has a rectangular shape in cross-section while the other has the shape of a semi-circumference.

The guides are preferably applied to the wall not directly but using a fixing plate 31 which is connected to the wall for example by gluing. Threaded stems 32 branch upwards from it and enter holes provided in a plate 33 integral with the guide.

A spacer 34 interposed between a nut 35 and the plate 33 allows clamping between nut 35 and bolt 36, also allowing adjustment to be made of the distance between guide and surface to which it is applied, for instance by changing the positioning height along the threaded stem 32.

MOUNTING THE PANEL TO THE WALL:

Having described the invention structurally, we now move on to a description of assembly.

Each panel, as shown in Figure 1, is provided with hooking elements 5 and pivot (or anvil) elements 20 arranged at two different heights thanks to the guides 3 and 4 which form the relative sliding and positioning rails.

The hooking elements are slidingly inserted into the relative rails as already described and fixed in the suitable position.

In the same way, the pivoting elements 20 are slidingly applied by inserting them laterally from the rail as already described for the hooking elements and making them slide in the position such as to be in axis with the hooking elements.

The panel is therefore ready.

Going to Figure 2, the wall is prepared by applying the guides at such heights as to be able to engage the hook and pivoting elements of the panel.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the clip element 12 is slidingly inserted into the relative rail in a position which corresponds to the pivoting element 20 during assembly. The clip 20 is therefore blocked by the walls of the rail which are placed partly in front of it and within which it is inserted slidingly so that it can slide but is prevented from being extracted and therefore is prevented from moving in a direction orthogonal to the wall.

The guide in fact forms a front opening which is smaller in width than the overall housing width formed by the guide and this is evident from Figure 2.

At this point, for assembly, it will be sufficient to insert the hook part 5'' of the hooking element 5 for example in the rail ll'A and rotate the panel towards the wall with a rotation around the hook 5'' thus bringing the anvil 20 to be inserted into the respective clip 12 placed in the correct position on the rail relative to the upper guide 11B.

The release takes place with reverse motion.

With reference therefore to Figure 9, for greater clarity, an example is shown of three panels (PI, P2, P3) superimposed on each other that are applied to a vertical wall PA. The number of applicable panels is any.

As shown in Figure 9, for example the panel P2 is fixed in a removable way to the wall PA, by inserting the hook 5'' in the relative rail where it has space to be able to rotate around it thanks also to its hemispherical shape (see semi-spherical external surface SS). In fact, the rail into which it is inserted preferably also has a semi-circular surface to facilitate rotation.

The rotation allows the anvil 20 to insert snap-like into the upper clip 12, fastening the panel quickly and detachably. As evident from the Figure, this system in addition to allowing a quick application/removal of the panels also leaves an air passage gap between the wall and the panel that can be used for cable passage or other. The passage depends on the selected dimensions of the elements which allow rapid application and therefore, in particular, of the hooking element and of the pivot or anvil element 20.

The gap can also be adjusted by positioning the guides at the right distance from the wall and/or the guides from the panel.

It is therefore possible to choose sets of said elements of different dimensions to vary the distance between the panel and the wall as desired and/or to select a distance for fixing the guides to the panel and/or wall.

When the clip grips the anvil 20, the anvil is snap- locked and it is possible, with reverse rotation, to be able to easily release the panel by releasing the anvil 20 from the clip 12 with an opposite rotation.

It is therefore sufficient to mount the relative guides both to the panel and to the wall and apply the clip to the relative rail of the wall. The element bearing the hook and, at the top, the anvil element 20 are fixed to the rails of the panel.

At this point everything is ready for quick fixing and possible quick removal.

As shown in Figure 9 for example with reference to the panel (P2) (this is valid for any panel), the panel P2 is removably connected to the wall, forming a gap.

The separation requires a force to detach the pivoting element from the clip by rotating the panel around the fulcrum formed by the hook (5'').

This is necessary since the hook or catch element (5'') grips with its end or a part of its surface against the wall 50 delimiting access to the rail in which it is inserted. This is shown in the enlarged view of Figure 9A both as an axonometric and sectional view. Therefore it can rotate but cannot be extracted with a simple motion orthogonal to the plane of the panel. In the same way, the pivoting element 20 is constrained snap-like into the clip 12 which is in turn locked against the walls delimiting access to the relative rail in which they are inserted (again, see the enlarged detail of Figure 9A). The pivoting element may, on the other hand, be extracted from the clip since its wings 13 and 14 move away from each other elastically following a motion orthogonal to the plane of the panel while the clip remains constrained in its rail because it is locked by the walls 60 delimiting the rail opening.