Technical field of the invention

The present invention is related to a self-locking lock joint of a supporting profile and a plate element which together form a connecting system where the individual parts of the system enable a demountable joint to be created to be used particularly to attach a plate element of any shape to a supporting profile, e.g. a post. This connection consists of two counterparts of the lock - a matrix and a punch. Their interaction forms a lock joint regardless of their shape. The composition of the elements ensures wide application variability.

The plate element can be fastened in the tangent and tangential arrangement with respect to the supporting part. In both types of arrangement, rotation and arrestment around the axis of the support profile are ensured. The stackability of the individual levels transfers the arrestment to the surrounding levels without the need for fixed joints between the plate element and the supporting profile. Assembly of the joint does not require any additional fasteners or special tools. The self-locking lock joint according to this invention is designed particularly for attaching plate elements as information carriers, e.g., orientation signs, billboards, etc. Because of its extraordinary variability, the system is also designed for use in construction and interior design, for example as fences, screens, partitions, stairs, information pylons, barriers and wherever a tangent or tangential fixation of the plate element and the supporting profile is required. Reductions, shaped connectors and reducers of the system enable joints of supporting profiles and plate elements of any strength and shape to be created. The plate element can be made of any material, typically wood, plastic, metal, composite, etc.

Background of the invention

Standard methods of the state of the art most often include fastening a plate element to a support profile with the aid of strapping machines, special tools and various types of fasteners such as screws, nuts, rivets, welds, adhesives, etc. We classify these machines and tools according to their grades into semiautomatic strapping machines or manual strapping tools, which require to add a strap dispensing frame, and automatic strapping machines with built-in strap dispensing frames.

In our view, the common feature of these applications is insufficient emphasis on design requirements, simple and directionally accurate assembly. This kind of work is almost always carried out at a height of 3 meters above the ground and higher. Using additional components and special tools makes activities carried out at these heights uncomfortable and including risk of injury. It is also almost always a complex assembly that cannot be handled by one person alone.

The manual strapping method consists in a process of fastening by means of passing the strap through a buckle and around both objects to be joined together, then tightening with the help of tensioners and joining the tape with a self-locking or deformation buckle, or welding the tape as the case may be. The strapping cannot be carried out without the tools described.

Therefore, tools or mechanical tools, such as clamping pliers and strap, are always required for mounting to arbitrarily large diameters and profiles. The strap must be tightened to the required tension. The fastening procedure consists in turning the pliers over the buckle and cutting the binding straps, then closing the buckle by deforming it with a hammer, or with pliers that are adapted to perform the deformation. Modification, repair or any other manipulation is thus very difficult to carry out .

Summary of the invention

The essence of the invention is a self-locking lock joint of a supporting profile and a plate element which together form a modular connection system, where the individual elements of the system allow to create a repeatedly removable joint serving primarily for attaching a plate element of any shape to a supporting profile, e. g. a post.

The present invention is not limited in any way by the shape of the profile, and the exemplary embodiment presented herein utilizes a circular profile where the supporting profile is a log post.

Nevertheless, from the description of the invention, those skilled in the art will readily understand the applicability of this solution to other profile shapes, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc., as well as the manner in which the individual elements of the invention are to be adapted to achieve the desired technical effects.

In order to create at least one self-locking lock joint, a pair of locking elements is required which delimits the space for accommodating further elements of the modular system. The arresting element comprises a main opening through which the supporting profile extends, to which it is attached by at least one fixing member, which passes through a hole formed in the side wall of the arresting element and extends into the support profile. The arresting element comprises at least two connecting holes for interconnecting the arresting element with the other locking joint elements according to the invention by means of connecting members, e.g. pins.

Preferably, the number of these connecting holes is increased so that they are formed along the entire circumference of the arresting element so that there is a minimum distance, e.g. corresponding to their diameter, between the individual connection holes, which allows a stepwise rotation of the adjacent locking link element and its subsequent connection with the arresting element. This adjacent element is the base of the locking joint. The angle of rotation of the base is given by the mutual distance of the centres of the individual connecting holes.

In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 1, the fixing member extends through two side holes formed in opposite parts in the arresting element and at the same time it intersects the supporting profile. The fixing member according to this preferred embodiment is further preferably secured in the arresting element by means of at least one pin perpendicularly flush mounted into the fixing member through the connecting hole of the arresting element.

The lock joint base includes a main opening through which the support profile extends, and the base also comprises other connecting holes for connection with the arresting element or with another base. Optionally, the base has the same configuration of connecting holes as the arresting element, however, from the point of view of the strength of the base, it may not always be advantageous to have a high number of connecting holes as the arresting element has. When the arresting element is used as an interlink between two bases, a high number of connecting holes is advantageous due to the possibility of choosing a small angle of rotation of the connected elements, that is, the arresting element and the base placed above it, which allows a very accurate turn of the plate elements seated in the supporting elements connected to the base .

The base comprises at least one recess for embedding other elements of the lock joint, in particular for the supporting element of the plate element. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, which are not limiting in relation to the present invention, the base includes just four recesses at regular intervals for insertion of supporting elements, with an angle of turn of 90 degrees between the adjacent supporting elements.

The supporting element of the plate element comprises a recess the shape of which is complementary to that of the part of the base adjacent to the supporting element, as seen, e.g., in Fig. 1. Therefore, this connection essentially consists of two counterparts of the lock, i.e., a matrix and a punch. Their interaction forms a lock joint regardless of their shape. The composition of the elements ensures a wide application variability. The inner wall of the main opening of the base preferably includes a groove at the recess for embedding a pawl of the supporting element to provide a rigid connection of the supporting element to the base. In an option not shown in the figures, the base also comprises at least one connecting hole in the recess, in which the connecting element of the supporting element formed on the surface adjacent to the recess of the base abuts, or the supporting element also comprises a connecting hole instead of a connecting element and both these elements are joined by additional connecting element.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall of the supporting element adjacent to the supporting profile tightly copies the shape of the supporting profile.

The supporting element further comprises a groove for embedding the plate element. The groove may be formed in the cross- sectional axis of the supporting profile, or in an axis perpendicular to the cross-sectional axis of the supporting profile, i.e., in the axis of the tangent of the supporting profile. These two embodiments of the supporting element allow tangent or tangential connection of the plate element and the supporting profile. To avoid a displacement of the plate element in the groove, the groove of the supporting element may comprise at least one protrusion and / or recess, which is complementary in shape to the protrusion and / or recess in the plate element and forms a locking connection with each other, as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 6. In optional embodiment, the recess may completely replace the groove, see Figs. 4c and 4d, or it may penetrate the entire supporting element to form an opening in the supporting element, see Figs. 4a to 4d.

If the free position in the base is not used by engaging the supporting element, the hollow is preferably filled with a capping. The capping covers the base hollow in its shape and can be secured with a pawl as well as the supporting element can be. The base preferably comprises at least four hollows for engaging the supporting element, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a.

Two bases and two supporting elements are necessary to attach the plate element, which are mounted in mutual positions of mirror images so that they rest on the lower and upper edges of the plate element, as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 6.

As above-mentioned, the plate element can be fixed in both tangent and tangential configuration with respect to the supporting part, i.e. to the supporting profile. In both the types of arrangement, rotation and arrest around the axis of the supporting profile are ensured.

The essential advantage of the present invention is the fact that due to the stacking ability of individual levels; the arrestment is transferred to adjacent levels without any rigid joints between the plate element and the supporting profile. Assembly of the joint does not require any additional fasteners or special tools.

At least two arresting elements are required to secure one or more self-locking joints of the supporting profile and the plate element. The seating of each plate element requires a fit between two supporting elements. The number of supporting elements on one base is given by the number of free positions, i.e. the number of hollows formed in the base. Two bases are needed to close the pair of supporting elements clamping the plate element. These are arranged in a mutual position of mirror images and in fact form a clamp grip on the plate element.

If two levels of self-locking joints are provided, an intermediate hub is placed between such individual levels. This hub connects the adjacent bases by means of connecting elements. The hub comprises at least two connecting holes and differs from the arresting element in that it does not include a hole for the fixing member. It is not necessary for the hub to be firmly connected to the supporting profile, as this function is provided in particular by external locking elements.

In a simple embodiment, the bases can be connected directly without the hub. Nevertheless, this limits the possibility of fine adjustment of the position angle due to the absence of a higher number of connecting holes, as for the rigidity of the structure, it is preferable that connecting holes are provided in the base location with its original height not reduced by a recess. In particular, the hub serves for setting the desired directional angle of one base relative to its adjacent base or to other bases depending on the position of such adjacent base, unless another hub is inserted between them to further correct the set direction angle.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the base and / or the locking element and / or the hub adjacent to the supporting profile may comprise at least one protrusion for a tighter grip on the supporting profile.

The suggested arrangement is based on the use of specifically designed modular parts, ensuring simple, directionally accurate connection without the use of any tools. Such assembly can be easily carried out by one person with minimum installation skills, and moreover, the system allows for stacking and unambiguous directional and height configuration.

This can be defined off-site thanks to the code markings on all modules. This fact is essential and indisputably innovative for building large-scale guidance systems. A configuration using code marks eliminates incorrect assembly. In addition to the functional aspect, i.e. the clearly positive technical effects of the solution according to the invention, the aesthetic value of all the parts used to form the self-locking lock joint of the support profile and the plate element is also important.

It is therefore advantageous if at least the base, the arresting element and the supporting element comprise a code mark corresponding to the configuration to be achieved by their interconnection.

In further preferred embodiment, the individual parts, i.e. the base and / or the arresting element and / or the supporting element and / or the capping and / or the hub, may comprise further recesses to reduce their weight. These recesses are usually on surfaces that are not visible after installation. This can be seen in Figures 2b, 3b, 4b, 4d and 5b.

Preferably, the material used to manufacture the individual parts is designed to be fully recyclable, weather and UV resistant, which ensures its extremely long service life and functionality of the entire system. This solution is not limited to any suitable material providing a self-locking lock connection of the supporting profile and the plate element. Preferably, the material is a thermoplastic, more preferably a polyamide, most preferably a polyamide with glass fibre content of 35 % by volume, e.g., known as PA6-GF35.

Another advantage of the system is the unambiguous and precise setting into directional positions and arrestment of individual parts, i.e. the base and the arresting element around the supporting profile.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded view according to one embodiment of a self-locking lock joint of a supporting profile and a plate element used to install four plate elements in a tangential configuration to a circular cross-sectional supporting profile at two levels using two base pairs, two arresting elements and one hub;

Fig. 2a is an axonometric view of the upper part of the base according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 2b is an axonometric view of the lower part of the base according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 3a is an axonometric view of the upper part of the arresting element according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 3b is an axonometric view of the lower part of the arresting element according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 4a is an axonometric view of the upper part of the supporting element for tangentially attaching the plate element according to one of embodiments; Fig. 4b is an axonometric view of the lower part of the supporting element for tangentially attaching the plate element according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 4c is an axonometric view of the upper portion of the supporting element for tangential mounting of the plate element according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 4d is an axonometric view of the lower portion of the supporting member for tangentially mounting the plate element according to one of embodiments;

Fig. 5a is an axonometric view of the upper part of the capping; Fig. 5b shows an axonometric view of the lower part of the capping;

Fig. 6 is an exploded view according to one of examples a self locking lock joint of the support profile and the plate element used to install one plate element in a tangent configuration on the supporting profile of the circular cross section using one pair of bases and two arresting elements;

Fig. 7 is an axonometric view of the example of installation of both types of self-locking lock joints on the supporting profile .

Examples

Example 1

The self-locking lock joint of the support profile and the plate element as part of the installation according to Fig. 1, consisting of two arresting elements 1, two bases 2_ _r two supporting elements _5 and the plate element 6.

The arresting element 1 comprises a main opening 1_1 for the support profile 8_, and in its side wall it comprises two openings 1_2 for receiving the fixing member 2 passing through the support profile 8 and closed in the arresting element 1 by two pins 22 sunk into the connecting holes _15 of the arresting element 1. The connecting holes _13 of the locking element 1, which serve to receive the connecting members 3, are designed in this embodiment so that the adjacent holes 13 have a spacing of a size corresponding to their diameter and are formed along the entire circumference of the locking element 1.

The arresting element 1 is connected by means of connecting elements 3 to base _4, which for this purpose comprises connecting holes _44_ for receiving the connecting elements 3. The base _4 further comprises four recesses 42: for receiving the supporting elements _5 and on the inner wall adjacent to the supporting profile 8_, it comprises grooves 4_3 for receiving the pawl 54_ of the supporting element _5 ensuring a firm connection of the supporting element _5 to the base _4. The supporting element _5 further comprises groove _51 for embedding the plate element 6. The groove 51. is formed for the tangential attachment of the plate element 6 in the cross-sectional axis of the supporting profile 8_.

In the case of not using the free position in the base 4_ by engaging the supporting element 5, the recess 4_2 is preferably covered with capping 1_. The capping 1_ is complementary in shape with the recess 2_ of the base _4 and is secured by pawl 7JL against falling out.

To prevent a displacement of the plate element 6 in groove 51, and the groove _51_ of the supporting element 5 comprises the hollow 5_3 which is complementary in shape to the protrusion SI in the plate element 6 and they together form the locking connection .

Example 2

In the alternative embodiment shown on Fig. 6, the groove 51 of the supporting element _5 serving for the embedding of the plate element 6 is formed in an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cross-section of the supporting profile 8_, i.e., in the axis of the tangent to the supporting profile 8_. Example 3

In the alternative embodiment, the hollow _53 completely replaces the groove 51, see Figs. 4c and 4d. , or, as the case may be, the hollow _53 may penetrate the entire supporting member _5 to form an opening in the supporting element 5, see Fig. 4a to 4d.

Example 4

In the alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the base _4 further comprises at least one connecting hole at the recess 42 in which the connecting element of the supporting element 5 formed on the surface _52 adjacent to the base recess _42 abuts, or the supporting element 5 also comprises a connecting opening instead of a connecting element and the two elements _4,_5 are connected by the additional connecting element 3.

Example 5

In the preferred embodiment, the wall of the supporting element 5 adjacent to the supporting profile 8_ copies the shape of the supporting profile 8.

Example 6

In case two levels of self-locking connections are provided, the intermediate hub 9 connecting the adjacent bases _4 by means of the connecting elements 3 may be interposed between the individual levels. The hub 9_ comprises at least two connecting holes _92 and differs from the arresting element 1 as it does not include the hole 12_ for receiving the fixing member 2.

Example 7

In the preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the base _4 and / or the arresting element 1 and / or the hub 9 adjacent to the supporting profile £3 may comprise at least one protrusion for firmly gripping on the supporting profile 8_. According to Fig. 3a, the inner wall of the arresting element 1 comprises a protrusion 111. Example 8

In the preferred embodiment, the base A, the locking element 1 and the support element _5 comprise a code mark corresponding to the configuration to be achieved by their interconnection.

Example 9

In another preferred embodiment, the base 4 and / or the arresting element 1 and / or the supporting element 5 and / or the capping 1_ and / or the hub 9 comprise additional hollows to reduce their weight. According to Fig. 2b the base A_ comprises hollows 4_5. According to Fig. 3b, the arresting element 1 comprises the recess 14. According to Fig. 4b and 4d, the supporting element _5 comprises the recess _55. According to Fig. 5b, the capping 1_ contains the recess 72.

Example 10

The material used to manufacture the elements of the selflocking lock joint is a thermoplastic, more preferably a polyamide, most preferably a polyamide with 35 % by volume of glass fibre addition, known, for example, under the designation PA6-GF35.

Industrial usability

This invention is industrially applicable to the connection of a support profile and a plate element. The self-locking lock joint according to this invention is designed in particular for attaching plate elements as information carriers, e.g., orientation signs, advertising banners and the like. Due to its extraordinary variability, the system is also designed for use in construction and interior design, e.g., fences, screens, partitions, stairs, information pylons, barriers and wherever a tangent or tangential arrangement of attachment of a plate element and a supporting profile is required. CLAIMS

1. A self-locking lock joint of a supporting profile (8) and a plate element (6), wherein the connection is composed of at least two arresting elements (1) , two bases (2) and two supporting elements (5), where the arresting element (1) contains a main opening (11) for a supporting profile (8) and in the side wall it contains at least one hole (12) for inserting a fixing member (2) , and the arresting element (1) contains at least two connecting holes (13) for sliding them into the connecting members (3) , and the arresting element (1) is connected by means of the connecting members (3) to the base (4), which for this purpose contains connecting holes (44) to take in connecting members (3), and the base (4) further contains at least one recess (42) for taking in the supporting element (5) , and the supporting element (5) further contains the slot (51) and/or the hollow (53) for inserting the plate element (6)in it.

2. The self-locking lock joint according to claim 1, wherein the arresting element (1) contains two holes (12) and the fixing member (2) passes through both the holes (12) and through the supporting profile (8) and is fixed in the arresting element (1) by means of two pins (22) inserted in the connecting holes (15) of the arresting element (1) .

3. The self-locking lock joint according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the two adjacent connecting holes (13) equals their diameter, and they are located over the entire circumference of the arresting element (1) .

3. The self-locking lock joint according to claim 1, wherein the supporting element (5) contains a pawl (54) to ensure connection with the base (4) and the base (4) in its inner wall adhering to the supporting profile (8) contains grooves (43) into which the pawl (54) of the supporting element (5) is to be inserted.

4. The self-locking lock joint according to claims 1 or 3, wherein the base (4) contains four recesses (42) .