WO2024160543A1

WO2024160543A1 - System for assembling boards on joists

Info

Publication number: WO2024160543A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/051022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raphaël PIETERS; Quentin VAN WINCKEL
Original assignee: Sinrj Invest S.À R.L.
Priority date: 2023-02-03
Filing date: 2024-01-17
Publication date: 2024-08-08
Also published as: LU503433B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly device, comprising at least two boards that can be arranged side by side and securing parts for securing the boards to joists. The joists consist of rails which are preferably hollow and which are made, in particular, from aluminium. The securing parts are U shaped with wings that are inserted into a groove provided in the edge of the boards, and they are secured to the joists using nuts. The assembly device can be used to produce flooring or cladding, in particular made from wood. The securing means are not visible, or only slightly visible, once the boards have been assembled.

Description

System for assembling boards on joists

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an assembly device, comprising at least two boards capable of being arranged side by side as well as a system for fixing the boards to joists, for example aluminum rails. The assembly device makes it possible to create floors or cladding.

Introduction

We know from document EP 1 452 665 B1 a floor or cladding system comprising:

- at least two wooden boards capable of being arranged side by side and each having edges which are provided with grooves extending in the direction of the length of the boards;

- at least one part for fixing the boards to a support, each part having a U-shaped profile, forming a base and two branches, at the top of each of the branches there is a wing oriented towards the outside of the U, capable of being inserted in the groove of one of the boards.

Such a system has many advantages. The first lies in the fact that the fixing means are not or barely visible once the floor system is assembled while allowing an arrangement with a small spacing between them of the boards side by side, which constitutes a sought-after aesthetic advantage.

The second advantage lies in the fact that the boards must neither be pierced nor crossed by fixing means such as nails or screws, which prevents any infiltration or rising of water by capillary action which could cause rapid deterioration of the wood and unwanted deterioration of the floor. This second advantage is particularly important in the case of wooden floor systems for outdoor terraces. When the floor assembly operation is completed, each wing of the fixing parts having undergone elastic deformation, having caused it to be oriented at an angle greater than the angle it had at rest, tends to return to the orientation that it had at rest and, in this way, exerts a downward retaining force and pinches the part of the board located under the groove on which said wing rests. In other words, the elasticity of each wing makes it possible to block a board between its support and the fulcrum of said wing without possible play.

This system is generally screwed directly onto wooden joists.

There are floor systems as described in document WO 2015/174835 where boards (200) are fixed on hollow rails (100) using a fixing part (1). The fixing parts include a plate (10) which fits into the grooves (202) of the boards. The fixing part has protuberances (12) which surround the upper part of the rail. A rectangular nut (52) fits into a guide slot (108) in the rail. The width F of the slot (108) being less than the diagonal of the nut (52), the rotation of the nut allows the fixing parts to be held.

This system is not as efficient as the document system

EP 1 452 665 B1. Summary of the invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a system for fixing the floor or cladding system according to EP 1 452 665 B1 on joists made for example of aluminum rails.

The object of the invention is an assembly device comprising at least two boards capable of being arranged side by side (generally parallel) and each having edges which are provided with grooves extending in the direction of the length of the boards ; and at least one part for fixing the boards to a support; each piece having a U-shaped profile, forming a base and two branches; at least one opening being provided in the base allowing the passage of a means of attachment to the support; at the top of each of the branches there is a wing oriented towards the outside of the U and extending from the branch to a distal part of the wing, each wing being able to be inserted into the groove of one of the boards; characterized in that the device comprises a nut having the shape of a prism with a hexagonal base, having two longitudinal faces substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a width Ll, two lateral faces, substantially parallel to each other, and spaced apart a length L2 and two small faces substantially parallel to each other; the support having a longitudinal upper opening Dl, allowing the passage of the nut (Ll <Dl); the support comprising at least two parallel vertical walls spaced from each other by a distance D2; the nut being capable of rotating such that its lateral faces abut on the vertical walls of the support (L2 substantially equal to D2); at least one opening being provided in the nut allowing the passage of a means of attachment to the support. In practice, roundings can be provided between the lateral and longitudinal faces.

Advantageously, the support includes a horizontal retaining slide on which the nut can be placed.

Preferably, the support comprises two fins extending substantially horizontally at the upper part of the vertical walls towards the upper opening.

Advantageously, when tightening the screw, the nut rises slightly and abuts against the wings of the support.

The nut has two additional faces and is in the form of a prism with a hexagonal base.

The nut may have three openings for the passage of screws. In particular, the device will include nuts with a single hole for the passage of a central screw and nuts with two holes allowing the passage of two screws. In practice, three holes are provided and then, depending on the case, the central hole is plugged or the two outer holes are plugged.

The support is generally a hollow aluminum rail. However, other materials can be used, such as polymeric materials or composite material. Depending on the material used, the supports will be hollow or solid, possibly partially hollowed out.

It may include, on its side faces, lugs allowing the attachment of accessories. Accessories may be provided to secure the entire work together. For example, a reinforcement bracket can be fixed between the lugs for fixing elements to secure the joists together.

Other accessories can be finishing pieces (for example finishing plinth) and closing parts (for example at the end of the rail).

In particular, the nut is made of composite material, so as to reduce its manufacturing costs.

In this case, an internal part comprising the threads is made of a hard material, for example stainless steel. And the outer part of the nuts is made by plastic overmolding.

Preferably, the nut has, on its upper face, an elevation. This has an elongated and rounded shape to allow easy removal of the nut from the rail.

Preferably, the nut is capable of rotating between the insertion position in the opening of the support and the tightening position; the angle between the two positions being between 30 and 80 degrees, preferably between 35 and 60 degrees, more preferably between 40 and 50 degrees.

In the tightening position, the base of the fixing part can leave a slight play with the upper part of the nut, which ensures optimum tightening with possible deformation of the upper part of the nut.

The assembly system may include long fixing parts, comprising two openings in the base, each allowing the passage of a means of fixing to the support. These long fixing parts have a length L and a width 1, such that the ratio L/l is between 1.5 and 3.5, preferably between 2 and 3. These pieces are intended to connect two boards placed end to end.

The fixing parts are generally made of stainless steel. Other materials are however possible, as long as they have sufficient strength and flexibility.

Advantageously, the boards are made of wood or based on synthetic composite wood, for example based on polymer or based on wood flour, bamboo, bakelite or fiber cement.

According to a particular mode of execution of the assembly system, the boards have an asymmetrical profile, so that the fixing means is not visible from the top.

With the assembly system according to the invention, the boards can just as easily be positioned horizontally to make floors or vertically to make cladding.

Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

Brief description of the figures

Other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures, in which: Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of two embodiments of the nut; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a fastener mounted with a screw on a nut; Fig. 4 is a similar view of a long fastener mounted with two screws on a nut; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a rail on which are mounted two nuts each carrying a fastener; Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the rail; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a nut inserted in the rail; Figs. 8 and 9 show the assembly of the cover boards.

Detailed description of a particular embodiment of the invention

Example of realization

Figs 1 and 2 show a nut 1 whose general shape is a prism whose two bases are hexagonal. It has six rectangular faces, parallel in pairs:

- longitudinal faces 2, separated by a distance L1;

- side faces 3, separated by a distance L2; And

- the smallest faces 4.

It is pre-drilled with three threaded holes for the passage of fixing screws.

In its simple form, shown in fig. 1, the exterior holes 5 are blocked and only the central hole 6 is completely drilled for the passage of a screw.

In its double form, illustrated in fig. 2, the central hole 6 is blocked and the two outer holes 5 are completely drilled for the passage of one screw each.

Fig. 3 illustrates a fixing part 7a as already described in patent EP 1 452 665 B1 fixed on the nut la using a screw 8. It has a U-shaped profile, forming a base 9 and two branches 10 . The U being directed with its base placed on the nut and its opening opposite the nut. At the top of each of the branches extends a wing 11 oriented towards the outside of the U, capable of being inserted into the groove 12 of one of the covering boards 13 (see fig. 8). The wing 11 extends, substantially horizontally, from the branch 10 towards the distal part 14 of the wing 11. To allow the wing to slide in the groove while guaranteeing good fixation in the groove 12 , it can form a boss 15 downwards over its entire length.

Fig. 4 illustrates a longer fixing part 7b having two holes for the passage of two screws 8. It is fixed on a nut 1b illustrated in fig. 2. These long fixing parts 7b are intended to connect two covering boards 13 placed end to end.

Fig. 5 illustrates an aluminum rail 16 as well as two nuts each carrying a fixing part 7a.

The rail 16 has a hollow profile, seen in section in Fig 6. It has a substantially square lower part, surmounted by two vertical walls 17; the two vertical walls 17 being separated by a distance D2.

The upper part of the hollow square profile, substantially horizontal, forms a retaining slide 18 for the nuts 1a, 1b. The two vertical walls 17 are themselves surmounted by substantially horizontal fins 19. The interior edges of each fin 19 are spaced a distance DI apart and form an upper opening 20 over the entire length of the rail 16.

The substantially square lower part of the rail 16 is made up of two side faces 21, which have lugs 22. These lugs are used to attach additional accessories, such as securing or finishing parts. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the upper part of the rail 16 with its fins 19.

In figs. 5 and 7, a nut 1a is shown in the two extreme positions: 1) for the insertion of the nut 1a into the opening 20 of the rail, the longitudinal faces 2 of the nut are placed parallel to the edge of the fins 19. The nut can be inserted because the distance L1 between the two longitudinal faces 2 is less than the distance DI between the inner edges of the fins 19.

2) Once the nut is inserted, the base 9 of the fixing part rests on the upper part of the rail fins. While screwing in the screw 8, the nut is rotated through an angle of approximately 45° until its side faces 3 abut against the vertical walls 17 of the upper part of the rail 16.

Other nut shapes are possible. In particular, a prismatic shape with a diamond-shaped base. The nut may not be full; it can be partially hollowed out or have an inverted U shape.

In the form illustrated, the upper part of the nut has an elevation 23 of elongated and rounded shape. The elevation makes it easier to remove the nut from the rail. Thanks to the rounded shape of the elevation 23, the nut will move without hanging towards its withdrawal position where its length L1 is in the axis of the opening 20.

Fig. 8 shows the assembly of the floor or cladding. The following steps are carried out:

1) A board 13 is placed on the upper part of the rail 16.

2) A fixing part 7a is partially screwed onto a nut la. 3) The nut 1a is inserted through the opening 20 of the rail, its longitudinal faces 2, parallel to the edge of the fins 19 and the base of the fixing part comes to rest on the upper part of the rail.

4) The wing 11 of the fixing part 7a is inserted into the groove 12 of the covering board 13.

5) The screw 8 not being tightened, the fixing part 7a still shows play and the next board 13 can be approached until the ^2nd wing 11 is inserted to the bottom of the groove 12 of the second board 13. (fig. 9)

6) Tighten by aiming at screw 8; the nut turns it by 45 degrees, its lateral faces 3 abut against the vertical walls 17 of the rail and the nut then raises it against the fins 19 of the rail.

To form a floor or cladding, the operations are repeated over the entire length of the boards and on a set of rails placed in parallel. Brackets can be fixed between the lugs of the rails in order to attach parts to secure the rails to each other, and to maintain squareness.

For connection fixing parts 7b and nuts 1b, the assembly must be slightly adapted because part 7b is held by two screws on nut 1b. After inserting the nut into the opening of the rail, the assembly (la-7b) is rotated before bringing the wing 11 into the groove 12 of the board 13. Subsequent tightening only raises the nut 1b against the fins 19 of the rail.

Variants can be imagined without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the nuts can be rounded, that is to say without a stop between the lateral and longitudinal faces. The joists can be made of different materials. Depending on the material used, they could have a solid (or partially hollowed out) part, topped with an open rail at its upper part.

Claims

1. Assembly device comprising

- at least two boards (13) capable of being arranged side by side and each having edges which are provided with grooves (12) extending in the direction of the length of the boards (13);

- a support (16),

- and at least one fixing part (7a, 7b) of the boards (13) to the support (16); each part (7a, 7b) having a U-shaped profile, forming a base (9) and two branches (10); at least one opening being provided in the base (9) allowing the passage of a fixing means (8) to the support (16); at the top of each of the branches (10) there is a wing (11) oriented towards the outside of the U and extending from the branch (10) to a distal part (14) of the wing (8), each wing (8) being able to be inserted into the groove (12) of one of the boards (13); characterized in that the device comprises a nut (la, 1b) having the shape of a prism with a hexagonal base having two longitudinal faces (2), substantially parallel to each other and two lateral faces (3), substantially parallel to each other; and two small faces (4) substantially parallel to each other; the two longitudinal faces (2) being spaced apart by a distance L1 and the two lateral faces (3) being spaced apart by a distance L2; at least one opening being provided in the nut (la, 1b) allowing the passage of a fixing means (8) to the support (16); the support (16) being a profile having an upper longitudinal opening (20) having a width Dl, allowing the passage of the nut (L1 <Dl); the support comprising at least two vertical walls (17) parallel and spaced from each other by a distance D2; the nut (la, 1b) inserted between the two vertical walls (17) being capable of rotating such that its lateral faces (3) abut on the vertical walls (17) of the support (16).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (16) comprises a horizontal retaining slide (18) on which the nut (1a, 1b) can be placed.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the support (16) comprises two fins (19) extending substantially horizontally at the upper part of the vertical walls (17) towards the upper opening (20).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when tightening the screw (8), the nut (la, 1b) rises slightly and abuts against the fins (19) of the support.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (9) of the fixing part is placed on the upper part of the support (16).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (1a, 1b) has on its upper face a rounded elevation (23) which facilitates the removal of the nut from the rail (16).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (la, 1b) has three openings for the passage of screws (8).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (16) is a hollow aluminum rail.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (16) has on its lateral faces (21), lugs (22) allowing the attachment of accessories.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (la, 1b) is made of composite material.

11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that an internal part of the nuts (la, 1b) comprising the thread, is made of a hard material, for example stainless steel.

12. Device according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the external part of the nuts (1a, 1b) is produced by plastic overmolding.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (la, 1b) is able to rotate between the position of insertion in the opening (20) of the support (16) and the position of Tightening ; the angle between the two positions being between 30 and 80 degrees, preferably between 35 and 60 degrees.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the tightening position, the base (9) of the fixing part (7a, 7b) leaves a slight play with the upper part of the nut ( la, 1b), which ensures optimum tightening with possible deformation of the upper part of the nut (la, 1b).