DEFORMABLE GUIDE FOR PARTITIONS IN GENERAL

Abstract

 Deformable guide for partition walls consisting of a strip of sheet metal punched carved formed by a central strip (4) and wings (6) bent in a U along fold lines (8), said guide having portions (10) alternating with portions (12) provided with apertures, characterized in that:
a) each portion (12) has:
- two holes (18,118) with an axis of symmetry place along the bending lines (8),
- the edges of the wings (4) provided with a semicircular seat (10.120) with diameter equal to the diameter of the holes (10,118),
- a hole (22.122) disposed along the longitudinal axis of the guide,
- the remaining surface of the portion provided with a plurality of small holes (24), and

b) each portion (10) presents in correspondence of the central band (4) a hole (4,114) and four cusps (16) pointed facing outwards of the guide.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a deformable guide for partitions in general.

[0002] Currently, to form dividing walls or furnishing walls, metal structures are used, to support panels of plaster board or other similar materials.

[0003] These structures, which are simple and quick to prepare, enable walls of particular or arched shapes to be formed.

[0004] In the case of arched walls, deformable guides are used consisting of a die-cut and bent profile.

[0005] In particular, sheet metal is die-cut and bent to U or C shape to form U-shaped segments joined together by three tabs, one on the base and two on the segment arms.

[0006] To use the tabs, these are bent towards the interior of the U-profile to form a series of elements joined together by portions of lesser area.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide an improved deformable guide which facilitates fixing of the screws.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a flexible guide which enables the guide to be adjusted during its installation.

[0009] These objects and others which will be apparent from the ensuing description are attained according to the invention by a deformable guide for partitions as described in claim 1.

[0010] The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in terms of a preferred embodiment and a modification thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1

shows a strip of die-cut sheet metal in plan view,

Figure 2

shows the guide according to the invention in perspective view ready to be deformed,

Figure 3

shows it in plan view,

Figure 4

shows it in lateral view,

Figure 5

shows it in front view,

Figure 6

shows a modified strip of die-cut sheet metal in plan view,

Figure 7

shows it in perspective view ready to be deformed.

Figure 8

shows it in front view.

[0011] As can be seen from the figures, the deformable guide according to the invention is formed from a die-cut sheet metal strip 2 bent to the shape of a U comprising a central strip 4 and two lateral arms 6 disposed perpendicular to the central band along bending lines 8.

[0012] The strip consists of transverse portions 10 alternating with portions 12.

[0013] In particular each portion 10 presents in the central strip 4 a slotted hole 14 with its major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide, and four raised cusps 16 facing outwards from the guide.

[0014] Each portion 12 presents:

• two circular holes 18 with their axis of symmetry positioned along the bending lines 8,
• in the edges of the arms 6, a semicircular seat 20 of diameter equal to the diameter of the holes 18,
• a slotted hole 22 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the guide,
• in the remaining surface of the portion 12, a plurality of small holes 24.

[0015] Once the guide has been formed, to curve it along its longitudinal axis the arms 6 of the portions 12 are pressed in opposing directions, whereas to arch the guide, the guide is pressed upwards on the central strip 4 of the portion 10.

[0016] When the guide has been shaped, initial resting against the structure is achieved by striking the pointed cusps 16 against the structure.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6-8, the seats 120 are of semi-elliptical pattern, the holes 118 are of slotted shape, the hole 114 is a circular hole and the bending lines 8 are provided with longitudinal slotted holes 126 in the region of the portions 110.

[0018] From the aforegoing it is apparent that the guide according to the invention presents a plurality of advantages, and in particular:

• easy centring both with respect to the floor and to the ceiling by virtue of the slots 14 and the holes 114,
• gripping to the floor and to the ceiling by virtue of the presence of the raised cusps 16,
• the ability to shape it as an arch in both directions (concave, convex),
• easy fixing by screws by virtue of the holes 24 distributed over a large surface,
• easy transportation by virtue of the guide rigidity, due to the ribs.

Claims

1. Deformable guide for partition walls consisting of a strip of sheet metal punched carved formed by a central strip (4) and wings (6) bent in a U along fold lines (8), said guide having portions (10) alternating with portions (12) provided with apertures, characterized in that:

a) each portion (12) has:

- two holes (18,118) with an axis of symmetry place along the bending lines (8),

- the edges of the wings (4) provided with a semicircular seat (10.120) with diameter equal to the diameter of the holes (10,118),

- a hole (22.122) disposed along the longitudinal axis of the guide,

- the remaining surface of the portion provided with a plurality of small holes (24), and

b) each portion (10) presents in correspondence of the central band (4) a hole (4,114) and four cusps (16) pointed facing outwards of the guide.

2. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that the holes are circular holes (18).

3. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that the holes are elliptical holes (118).

4. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that the hole which is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the guide is a slotted hole (14) with a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide.

5. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises longitudinal slotted holes (126) disposed along the fold lines.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A deformable guide for partition walls consisting of a strip of sheet metal punched carved and bent in a U-shape along fold lines (8), the U-shape is formed from a central strip (4) and two wings (6) , said guide having first portions (10) alternating in longitudinal direction of the guide with second portions (12) provided with apertures, characterized in that:

a) each second portion (12) has:

- two holes (18,118) with an axis of symmetry of each hole (18,118) along each of the fold lines (8),

- the edges of the wings (4) provided with a semicircular seat (10.120) with diameter equal to the diameter of the said two holes (10,118),

- a further hole (22.122) disposed along the longitudinal axis of the guide,

- the remaining surface of the second portion (12) provided with a plurality of small holes (24), and

b) each first portion (10) presents in correspondence of the central strip (4) a hole (4,114) and four cusps (16) pointed facing outwards of the guide.

2. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that the holes are circular holes (18).

3. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that the holes are elliptical holes (118).

4. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that the hole which is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the guide is a slotted hole (14) with a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide.

5. Guide according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises longitudinal slotted holes (126) disposed along the fold lines.

Drawing