EP2037431B1 - Data plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The end cap (1) has assembling units comprising a circular-shaped pin (8) and two flat and rectangular-shaped filler strips (12, 13) that are handled at a vicinity of each of two ends. The assembling units cooperate with complementary assembling units e.g. recess (24) and housings, of a large dimension section (18) and a small dimension section, respectively. The recess and the housings are protruded and staggered with respect to one another, and are arranged so as to sandwich a complementary portion presented by one of the sections.

Description

The invention relates to a nameplate, a profile for nameplate, and a device comprising at least one such tip and a pair of such profiles to make a nameplate, in particular door.

In known manner, the nameplates are used to provide a set of information characterizing the objects, persons, parts or other to which they relate. For example, a nameplate is positioned near the door of a room and includes a set of information relating to that room.

In addition, these devices generally have the particular interest of meeting aesthetic criteria.

Traditionally, two types of nameplates are encountered, on the one hand the nameplates having a flat front and on the other hand, the nameplates having a convex frontage. Each type of nameplate is available in different sizes. All of these nameplates for a given type is a range.

• un profilé métallique monobloc, en particulier en aluminium, comprenant un fond présentant deux bords latéraux parallèles l'un par rapport à l'autre et deux bords longitudinaux parallèles,
• deux embouts, chacun étant clipsés sur l'un des bords latéraux du profilé afin d'empêcher l'extraction intempestive des éléments d'identification de la plaque signalétique,
• des moyens d'identification, en particulier une feuille en papier comprenant des informations littérales, disposés par-dessus le profilé,
• une plaque avant transparente plane ou convexe, maintenue au niveau des bords longitudinaux, disposée par-dessus les moyens d'identification et destinée à les protéger de l'extérieur.

A nameplate conventionally comprises:

• a one-piece metal section, in particular aluminum, comprising a bottom having two parallel lateral edges with respect to one another and two parallel longitudinal edges,
• two end pieces, each being clipped on one of the lateral edges of the profile in order to prevent the untimely extraction of the identifying elements of the nameplate,
• identification means, in particular a paper sheet comprising literal information, arranged over the profile,
• a flat or convex transparent front plate, held at the longitudinal edges, disposed over the identification means and intended to protect them from the outside.

The use of a metal profile and more specifically of a metal base, in particular aluminum, has the major disadvantage that it is necessary to use a large amount of metal to make the nameplate. This mode of design therefore involves significant costs of implementation. In addition, the relatively large mass of the device may require the use of oversized fasteners whose cost and size may be detrimental.

The document US 2006/0086025 A is considered the closest state of the art.

The invention aims to solve all or part of these disadvantages by providing a tip and a profile, for nameplate, for producing a nameplate using a reduced amount of metal while increasing the number of possible configurations of nameplates for a profile given.

For this purpose, the invention consists in a nameplate according to claim 1 comprising a first and a second ends, characterized in that assembly means adapted to cooperate with complementary assembly means of a corresponding section are formed near each of the two ends.

Advantageously, the assembly means of the nozzle comprise at least one projecting member.

Preferably, the assembly means of such an endpiece comprise at least two projecting elements and offset relative to each other, and arranged to sandwich a complementary portion presented by at least one profile.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the elements are made in the form of at least one central tongue flanked by at least two end tabs, the two tabs being situated in the same plane, the central tongue being located in a plane offset.

Advantageously, the endpiece comprises fastening means designed to allow the attachment of a nameplate on a support.

The profile for the nameplate, is intended to cooperate with a tip, comprising a first and a second ends characterized in that it comprises, in the vicinity of at least one of its ends, complementary assembly means designed to cooperate with the means for assembling a tip.

While a single metal section with a bottom was used in the past, it is possible, thanks to the provisions of the invention, to associate two identical sections on the same endpiece. More specifically, this particular association of a profile at each end of a tip is remarkable in that it allows to do without a metal background through the two profiles. Thus, the absence of background limits the amount of metal and therefore reduce manufacturing costs.

Another advantage lies in the fact that the external appearance of such a nameplate is substantially comparable to that of a traditional nameplate. Indeed, the mere fact of having a metal border ensures an aesthetic effect.

Advantageously, the complementary assembly means comprise at least one housing of complementary shape to the member, projecting from the endpiece.

The complementary assembly means comprise a staircase wall so as to define at least two housings disposed on either side of the wall each designed to receive at least one element of the assembly means of the endpiece.

The wall of such a profile is declined in two dimensions. Indeed, depending on the length of the nozzle, it is necessary to play on the width of the wall of the profile and therefore on the sizing of the housing. In the case of a wide nameplate, the tip has a significant length. This feature implies that it is necessary to have a profile with a wider wall to provide a high number of contact points between the profile and the tip. In the case of a small nameplate, it is not necessary to have a high number of contact points. Therefore, a smaller wall is sufficient in this case.

The declination of the width of the wall in only two dimensions has the considerable advantage of covering alone a range of nameplates of different widths. This feature significantly reduces the number of profile molds as well as inventory and therefore manufacturers' costs.

Advantageously, the profile comprises guiding means designed to guide the insertion of a support plate for identification means.

This arrangement has the further advantage of maintaining the plate in the flat or convex shape in accordance with the flat or convex front of the nameplate once assembled.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the guiding means comprise a groove whose shape and / or inclination with respect to the wall allow the insertion and guidance of the end of a plate to make it flat or convex.

This feature allows to guide a plate regardless of the type of nameplate used. Thus, the profile is as well adapted to a faceplate of planar shape plate as to a convex shape. Therefore, the range of profiles is detached from the shape of the front of the nameplate, ie flat or convex and varies only according to the length of the profile.

It should be understood that the choice of the shape of the front of the flat or convex nameplate refers to the tip. This arrangement has the advantage of being less expensive to achieve since the tip is generally made of plastic.

• La figure 1 est une vue de la face extérieure d'un embout selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue de la face extérieure d'un embout selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 3 est une vue de profil de l'embout représenté à la figure 1;
• La figure 4 est une vue de la face intérieure de l'embout représenté à la figure 3 ;
• Les figures 5 à 7 sont respectivement des vues de profil de trois embouts de tailles différentes selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un profilé de grande dimension selon l'invention ;
• La figure 9 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne IX-IX de la figure 8 ;
• La figure 10 est une vue similaire à la figure 9 d'un profilé de petite dimension ;
• La figure 11 est une vue éclatée de la plaque signalétique selon l'invention ;
• La figure 12 est une vue en perspective de la plaque signalétique représentée à la figure 11 une fois assemblée.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the appended drawing in which:

• The figure 1 is a view of the outer face of a tip according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 2 is a view of the outer face of a tip according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 3 is a profile view of the tip shown in the figure 1 ;
• The figure 4 is a view of the inside face of the tip shown at figure 3 ;
• The Figures 5 to 7 are respectively side views of three tips of different sizes according to the first embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 8 is a perspective view of a profile of large size according to the invention;
• The figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX of the figure 8 ;
• The figure 10 is a view similar to the figure 9 a small profile;
• The figure 11 is an exploded view of the nameplate according to the invention;
• The figure 12 is a perspective view of the nameplate shown in FIG. figure 11 once assembled.

In the following detailed description of the figures defined above, the same elements or elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references so as to simplify the understanding of the invention.

A tip 1, 2 exists in two forms, as shown more specifically to Figures 1 and 2 .

According to a first embodiment, the tip 1 for nameplate comprises a flat wall 3 of semi-elliptical shape in the direction of its greatest length, as shown in FIG. figure 1 .

According to a second embodiment, the tip 2 comprises a flat wall 3 of substantially trapezoidal shape, as shown in FIG. figure 2 .

It should be understood that the choice of material will preferably relate to plastic which has a weight and cost advantage over other materials and which is further mechanically flexible.

As represented in figure 3 , the plane wall 3 has an inner face 4 and an outer face 5. The outer face 5 has a surface, preferably smooth, which is intended to be seen from the outside. It should be noted that this surface may correspond to a particular wish from an aesthetic point of view of the operator. The inner face 4 comprises a set of elements projecting substantially transversely.

The plane wall 3 has a first and a second end 6, 7. Symmetrical assembly means are arranged at the ends, respectively 6 and 7, of the inner face 4 of the end piece 1.

In the vicinity of each of the two ends 6, 7 is disposed a lug 8 of substantially circular shape. The lug 8 comprises two lugs 9 arranged parallel to one another and separated by a space.

Each lug 9 comprises a chamfered free end. Each tab 9 may further comprise a set of bosses not shown in the drawings. This boss is then intended to create a roughness on part of the outer surface of the tab 9.

The assembly means further comprise two tongues, respectively 12 and 13, projecting and arranged in two planes offset with respect to one another and parallel to the greatest length of the flat wall 3, as shown in FIG. figure 4 . It should be noted that the lug 8 is disposed near the outside while the two tongues 12, 13 are disposed further inward in the longitudinal direction of the endpiece 1.

Each tongue 12, 13 is flat and of substantially rectangular shape. The two tongues 12, 13 are arranged in such a way that the first tongue 12 is interposed between the lug 8 and the second tongue 13 in the longitudinal direction of the end piece 1.

Each of the two second tabs 13 constitutes an extension of a free branch of a central part 14 substantially U-shaped, as shown in FIG. figure 3 . The central piece 14 is disposed in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the two second tongues 13.

The central part 14 comprises fixing means on a support.

According to a variant represented in figure 5 , the fixing means are made using an orifice 16 formed in a central tongue 15 presented by the central piece 14.

According to another variant represented in figure 6 the central piece 14 is of substantially rectangular shape. The central piece 14 has two side edges 17 parallel to each other. Each of the two lateral edges 17 of the central piece 14 is extended along its entire length by the second tongue 13. The first two tongues 12 have a smaller height than the two second tongues 13. The central piece 14 is located in a plane parallel to that in which are disposed the two second tongues 13.

According to another variant as represented on the figure 7 when the tip 1 is small in length, the two second tongues 13 join to merge into one and the same tab 13 central. Even if the space available to have two seconds tabs 13 is limited, it should be borne in mind that in this variant, a large number of tabs is not necessary to ensure mechanical stability between the tip and the profile. Thus, the number of points of contact that this provision offers between the tip and the profile is amply sufficient to ensure proper mechanical stability. The two first tabs 12 and the only second tab 13 have a similar height.

Depending on the size of the tip, there are two types of profiles, the choice of material will refer, in a conventional manner, preferably on aluminum which has a weight and aesthetic appearance advantageous compared to other materials.

Generally, a nozzle 1, 2 of small size will be associated with two small profiles, and a tip 1, 2 of larger size will be associated with two large profiles.

As represented in figure 8 , a profile 18 of large dimension is made in the form of an elongate body 19 extended over its entire length by a wall 21.

As shown on the figure 9 , the elongate body 19, in section, is substantially triangular in shape and has a recess 24 over the entire longitudinal direction of the elongate body 19. This recess 24 has a shape complementary to the lug 8 of the endpiece 1, 2.

The wall 21 has a stepped cross-sectional shape. This staircase shape has a first step 25 and a second step 26, the elongated body 19 being extended by the first step 25.

The particular shape of the wall 21 makes it possible to arrange two housings, respectively 27 and 28, located on either side of the wall 21.

In the interface zone situated between the wall 21 and the elongate body 19, a groove 29 is arranged so as to overhang the stepped wall 21. More specifically, the groove 29 is inclined with respect to the wall 21.

According to the second embodiment, as shown in figure 10 , the profile 22 of small dimension has a wall 21 of small width. It should be noted that in such a configuration, it is not necessary to multiply the contact zones in order to ensure cohesion between the endpiece 1, 2 and the profile 22.

A nameplate is obtained thanks to the specificities presented by such tips 1, 2 and such profiles 18, 22.

Beforehand, an operator selects the type of nameplate he wants. Specifically, he opted for a nameplate frontage that is either flat or convex. An example of a convex-shaped nameplate 31 is given to Figures 11 and 12 .

To produce such a nameplate 31, two identical ends 1 of shape adapted to the type of nameplate 31 desired and as shown in FIGS. figures 1 and 6 are selected. Depending on what the operator wishes to display through the nameplate 31, an adequate length of the tip 1 is chosen.

After having selected two end pieces 1, the operator selects a profile 18 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. figure 11 . The wall 21 of such a profile 18 makes it possible to provide a high number of contacts between the profile 18 and the endpiece 1.

After selecting the two sections 18 and the two end pieces 1, the operator assembles the first section 18 on a first end 6 of the first end piece 1. The assembly means 8, 12, 13 of the end piece 1 according to the example embodiment shown at figure 6 are then intended to cooperate with the complementary assembly means of the selected section 18. Thus, the assembly is carried out by the introduction of the lug 8 of the nozzle 1 in the housing 24 of complementary shape of the profile 18, and by the introduction of the tongues 12, 13 in the housing, respectively 27 and 28 , formed on either side of the wall 21. The offset of the two tongues 12, 13 allows sandwiching of the wall 21 of the profile 18 by the tongues 12, 13 of the nozzle 1. The disengagement of the tip 1 and the profile 18 becomes possible only under the effect of a manual pull.

The second section 18 is assembled on the end 7 opposite to that on which the first profile 18 is assembled. The second profile 18 is assembled in the same manner as the first profile 18. The two sections 18 and the end piece 1 are thus made solidarity.

The second selected nozzle 1 is assembled similarly to the subassembly constituted by the first nozzle 1 and the two sections 18.

When the operator wishes a wall fixing of the nameplate 31, the assembly formed by the two sections 18 and the two end pieces 1 is placed against a wall (not shown). The operator marks on the wall the location of the orifices 16 and then withdraws the assembly in order to drill the marked locations.

The assembly is then positioned on the wall so as to make the holes coincide with the orifices 16. A fastener, of the nail or screw type, is inserted into each orifice 16 in order to allow the assembly of the assembly to the wall. .

Once set on the wall, a plate, not shown in the drawing, is reported. Preferably, the plate is PVC. The PVC plate is manually curved so that its side edges are introduced into the grooves 29 of the profiles 18 of the nameplate 31. It should be noted that the dimensions of such a plate are adapted to that of the nameplate. so as to have a convex appearance once the plate is inserted and released into the grooves 29.

Then, a sheet, not shown in the drawing, of dimension adapted to that of the PVC plate, is arranged on the PVC plate and matches the convex shape. The sheet makes it possible to indicate the desired information elements and to mask the PVC plate.

Finally, a transparent plate 32 of a size substantially adapted to that of the PVC plate is bent manually so that its longitudinal edges are introduced into the grooves 29 of the profiles 18 of the nameplate 31.

According to a variant, the nameplate 31 is fixed to the wall by gluing when it has small dimensions.

Obviously, the approach is completely similar when the operator wishes to make a nameplate having a planar front. In this variant, it will suffice to be equipped with end pieces 2 adequate to the shape of the front and profiles 18, 22 appropriate to the dimensions of the nameplate 31 it wishes to achieve.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, one could imagine that the outer face 3 of the endpiece also comprises connecting means 8, 12, 13 formed in the vicinity of each of its two ends 6, 7. assembly 8, 12, 13 would be intended to cooperate with complementary assembly means 24, 27, 28 of a corresponding section 1, 2. Thus, four profiles 18, 22 could be fixed on one and the same end-piece 1, 2. Such arrangements could be met, for example, in order to have two edge-to-edge nameplates, the two nameplates comprising an end-piece 1, 2 common.

Although the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it comprises all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (6)

1. An identification plate (31), in particular for a door, comprising:

   - at least one end piece (1,2),

   - a pair of profiles (18, 22) which comprise first and second ends (23),

   said end piece (1, 2) comprising a first and a second end (6,7) in the vicinity of which are arranged assembling means which are designed to cooperate with mating assembling means of said pair of profiles (18, 22),
   said at least one end piece (1, 2) ensuring the mechanical connection with said pair of profiles (18, 22),
   characterized in that

   - said assembling means comprise at least two protruding elements (12,13), shifted relatively to each other,

   - said mating assembling means comprise a stepped wall (21) so as to delimit at least two housings (27, 28) positioned on either side of the wall (21) designed in order to each receive at least one said element (12, 13).
2. The identification plate (31) according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembling means comprise at least one protruding member (8) and that the mating assembling means comprise at least one housing (24) with a shape mating said member (8).
3. The identification plate (31) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elements are made in the form of at least one central tab (13) surrounded by at least two end tabs (12), both tabs (12) being located in a same plane, the central tab (13) being located in a shifted plane.
4. The identification plate (31) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end piece (1, 2) comprises attachment means (16) designed to allow the attachment of said identification plate (31) on a support.
5. The identification plate (31) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pair of profiles (18, 22) comprises guiding means (29) designed to guide the insertion of a plate forming a support for identification means.
6. The identification plate (31) according to claim 5, characterized in that the guiding means comprise a groove (29), the shape and/or the tilt of which relatively to the wall (21) allow insertion and guiding of the end of a plate (32) in order to make it planar or convex.

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