Method for producing a panel holding cleat and the use of such cleat

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a method for producing a first rail section (10) for a rail unit (1) or holding cleat for fitting of a part (2), such as a glass unit, in a through hole in a construction element (3), such as a door or window. The invention also relates to a rail section and to a structure comprising such a rail section.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a first rail section for a rail unit for fitting of a part, such as a glass unit, in a construction element, such as a door or window. The rail unit comprises the said first rail section and a second rail section, which, for fitting of the part, are placed one against the other from opposite sides of the construction element adjacent to a through hole in the construction element. The present invention also relates to a rail section and to a structure, such as a construction element, comprising such a rail section.

Background of the invention

[0002] Doors, and especially external doors, can be provided with a glass unit. The glass unit is fitted in a through hole in the door and is held in place by a rail unit comprising an outer rail and an inner rail. The glass unit can consist of a pane or an inner and an outer pane. If the glass unit consists of two panes, the outer rail is in contact with the outer pane and the inner rail is in contact with the inner pane in the fitted state. When the glass unit is fitted in the through hole, the outer rail bears against an outer side of the door and the inner rail bears against an inner side of the door. The outer rail is fastened in the inner rail such that the inner and the outer rail are placed against the respective side of the door for fixing of the rail unit. At the same time, the outer and the inner rail are placed against the respective pane and in this way hold the glass unit in place.

[0003] The inner and outer rail can be fastened one into the other in a number of ways. For example, the inner and the outer rail can be fastened by means of continuous self-supporting screws. Alternatively, as shown in US 3,903,669, a plug arranged on one rail is used for securement purposes. The plug has a locking portion having a diameter which is greater than the diameter of a hole in the second rail into which the locking portion is to be inserted. The plug with the locking portion is inserted into the hole, which causes the two rails to be locked to each other.

[0004] An alternative for realizing the securement of the outer rail to the inner rail is to arrange a locking washer in a hole in one or both rails. A pin is fastened in one rail and is then fed into the locking washer. The locking washer engages with the pin and prevents the pin from being withdrawn from engagement, but allows the pin to be fed farther into the hole. In this way, the rails can be snap-fastened one inside the other and pressed against the respective side of the door for fastening of the glass unit in the door, which allows a rational and rapid fitting of the rail unit.

[0005] The locking washer can be arranged in the hole by the making of a slot in the outer side of the rail, so that the locking washer can be inserted into the hole. The slot has then to be replugged in order to give an aesthetically pleasing rail section and prevent moisture from penetrating the rail. Alternatively, the locking washer can be arranged in an adapter, which in turn can be screwed or press-fitted into the rail section. This solution involves an extra stage in the assembly, since the adapter with the locking washer must first be fastened in one rail before the rails can be snapped together.

Summary of the invention

[0006] With regard to the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a rail unit, which method means that a rail unit can be rationally produced.

[0007] More precisely, a method is provided for producing a rail unit for fitting of a part, such as a glass unit, in a through hole in a construction element, such as a door or a window, which rail unit comprises two rail sections which, for fitting of the part, are placed one against the other from opposite sides of the construction element adjacent to the through hole. A first of the rail sections is produced by the releasable fixing of a first and a second sheet element one upon the other in a repeatable mutual position, each sheet element comprising at least one sheet; the realization of at least one securing hole, which extends in the transverse direction of the sheet elements through the second sheet element and at least partially through the first sheet element; the mutual separation of the sheet elements, whereby the mutual positioning is broken; the realization of a first recess for each securing hole in a boundary surface between the first and the second sheet element, which first recess is arranged concentrically with the said securing hole; the arrangement of a first locking element in the said first recess; the placement of the first and the second sheet element back into the said position; and the permanent fixing of the first and the second sheet element in relation to each other.

[0008] One advantage of the present invention is that a rail unit which is produced according to the method in a simple manner can be fitted to a construction element. The locking element engages with a securing pin and locks the securing pin such that this cannot be pulled back out of the locking element. The other end of the securing pin can be fastened to the second rail section. When the rail sections are placed one against the other from their respective side of the outer sides of the construction element, the engagement of the locking element with the securing pin causes the two rail sections to be locked to each other. The locking element allows insertion of the securing pin in a direction in which the rail sections are guided towards each other, but prevents withdrawal of the securing pin in a direction in which the rail sections are guided away from each other. Pressure is applied to the rail sections such that they bear tightly against the outer sides of the construction element. The engagement of the locking element with the securing pin means that the rail sections maintain the pressure against the outer sides of the construction element. Another part of the rail sections can adjoin a part such as a glass unit, so that the glass unit is securely locked in a position between the rail sections bearing against the glass unit. When the rail sections are placed one against the other, they press against the respective side of the glass unit such that it is held in place between the rail sections.

[0009] The rail section, and especially a rail section for a rail unit intended for fitting to external doors, is often composed of a number of layers of sheets of so-called HDF (High Density Fibreboard). These sheets are glued to one another such that a desired thickness is obtained. Since the fitting of the locking element is made in connection with this gluing, a rational production of the rail sections is achieved.

[0010] The method further allows a rational securement of the locking element in the rail section. The locking element does not need to be screwed or plugged into the securing hole, which saves work stages in the assembly since the locking element is embedded in the then permanently fixed sheet elements. Once the sheet elements are fixed permanently to each other, the locking element is held in place. Nor is an extra part required to fasten the locking element in the rail section. Furthermore, there is no need for a slot or the like to be made from the outer side of the rail section in order to guide the locking element in place. Such a slot would then have to be replugged to prevent moisture from penetrating into the rail section. This means that the outer side of the rail section remains unaffected by engagement, which makes it better able to withstand stresses.

[0011] The locking element is thus already fitted and fastened in the rail section when the rail section is produced according to the present invention. In the fitting of the rail section to the construction element, no more stages are required, but rather the rail section can be fastened directly to the construction element.

[0012] Due to the releasable fixing, rail sections can be produced with high accuracy. The fixing allows all securing holes to be arranged at the same position, regardless of the number of different sheet elements of which the rail section is composed, since the securing hole is realized simultaneously through all sheet elements. The releasable and repeatable fixing also allows all the sheet elements to be easily positioned back in the same mutual position.

[0013] By construction element is meant, for example, a door or a window, but it can also be a wall or a floor. As stated above, the part can be a glass unit with panes, but can also be a panel or some other type of sheet element.

[0014] The step of releasably fixing the first and the second sheet element one upon the other in a repeatable mutual position can comprise the placement of a third sheet element in the said position, the step of realizing the said at least one securing hole can comprise the realization of at least one securing hole, which extends in the transverse direction of the sheet elements through the second and the third sheet element and at least partially through the first sheet element. The method can further comprise the realization of a second recess for each securing hole in a boundary surface between the second and the third sheet element, which second recess is arranged concentrically with the said securing hole(s), the arrangement of a second locking element in the said second recess, the placement of the third sheet element back into the said position, and the permanent fixing of the third and the second sheet element in relation to each other.

[0015] The fact that two locking elements are arranged in the rail section gives a more stable and rotationally rigid locking of the two rail sections to each other. The two locking elements cooperate to direct the securing pin such that the two rail sections cannot be slid in relation to each other.

[0016] The method can further comprise the arrangement of a distancing element in the first recess and the arrangement of a second locking element in the first recess, the distancing element being arranged between the first and the second locking element. Hence the production of the rail section is further simplified and the number of necessary production steps is reduced, since just one recess is required to be realized for the two locking elements. As stated above, two locking elements give a more stable and more rotationally rigid locking of the two rail sections.

[0017] The releasable fixing step can comprise the realization of plug holes extending at least partially through the said sheet elements, and the arrangement of plugs in the said plug holes in order to obtain a releasable and repeatable mutual position of the said sheet elements. The use of plugs is a simple way of obtaining a releasable and repeatable fixing of the sheet elements. The sheet elements can in this way be lifted off, so as then to be repositioned in the same place with the aid of the plugs as a guide.

[0018] The method can further comprise, after the permanent fixing, the realization of a desired profile of the first rail section. The desired profile can, for example, be milled out from the rail section. For this purpose, a CNC machine can, for example, be used.

[0019] The step of producing a desired profile can comprise removing the plugs from the rail section. The plugs and plug holes are thereby removed from the finished rail section and thus do not affect the finished product.

[0020] The mutually permanently fixed sheet elements can be shaped such that they form at least one coupling part, the method further being able to comprise the realization of a frame structure of the said first rail section and the fastening of the said at least one coupling part to the frame structure. In this way, the frame structure can be produced separately from the sheet elements which support the locking element. The frame structure can constitute the profiled part, whilst the sheet elements which support the locking element do not need to be profiled.

[0021] The said at least one coupling part can comprise just one coupling part, which is given an extent corresponding to the extent of the frame structure.

[0022] The said at least one coupling part can comprise a plurality of coupling parts distributed along the frame structure. Material savings can thus be made, since the extent of the sheet elements can be less than the extent of the frame structure.

[0023] The part can be supported by the first rail section. The part, such as a glass unit, can be fastened to the rail section before the rail unit is fitted on the construction element.

[0024] The method can further comprise the production of the second rail section in corresponding manner to the first rail section. Alternatively, the second rail section can be produced differently and have a different configuration. For example, the second rail section does not need to be provided with locking elements.

[0025] The method can further comprise the furnishment of the second rail section with a securing pin for each securing hole, which securing pin is intended for insertion into the said locking element. The locking element in the first rail section engages with the securing pin and prevents the securing pin from being withdrawn from the locking element, but allows the securing pin to be fed farther into the locking element. The securing pin can be screwed into the second rail section or can be fastened with a similar locking element also in the second rail section.

[0026] The step of permanent fixing can comprise gluing.

[0027] The method can further comprise lacquering of the first rail section. The lacquering forms a protective surface on the rail section. The lacquering can also be realized with a lacquer which matches the construction element into which the rail element is to be fitted.

[0028] The locking element can comprise an opening and locking members arranged around the opening. The locking members allow the securing pin to be inserted through the opening in a first direction, but prevent the securing pin from being pulled out in a second direction.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention, a rail section and a structure comprising such a rail section are also provided. The above-described advantages are applicable also to the inventive rail section and the structure.

[0030] The said structure can be a construction element such as a door or a window.

Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended drawings.

Figure 1 shows a door in which a rail unit produced according to the present invention is fitted.

Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a rail unit produced according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a rail unit produced according to a second embodiment.

Figure 2c shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a rail unit produced according to a third embodiment.

Figures 3a-e show a schematic illustration of the production of a rail section according to a first embodiment.

Figures 4a-f show a schematic illustration of the production of a rail section according to a second embodiment.

Figures 5a show a schematic illustration of the production of a rail section according to a third embodiment.

Figure 6a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a rail section according to a fourth embodiment.

Figure 6b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a rail section according to a fifth embodiment.

Figure 7a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling together of two components, in which an inventive coupling part is used to couple together the two components.

Figure 7b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling together of two components, in which an inventive coupling part is used to couple together the two components.

Detailed description

[0032] Figure 1, to which reference is now made, shows a rail unit 1 which is fitted on a construction element 3. In Figure 1, the construction element is a door 3, but a rail unit 1 produced according to the present invention can also be fitted on a window, a wall or a floor, etc. If the construction element is a door 3, the door 3 can be an internal door or an external door and can be composed of one or more layers.

[0033] The rail unit 1 secures a glass unit 2 in the door 3. The glass unit 2 is fitted in a through opening in the door 3. The through opening can be made in the door in connection with the fitting of the glass unit or can be configured in connection with production of the door. In Figure 1, the glass unit 2 has a rectangular geometry, but the glass unit 2 can assume any geometry whatsoever. For example, the glass unit 2 can be circular, oval, rhombic, trapezoidal, crescent-shaped, etc. The rail unit 1 has a shape which extends along the periphery of the glass unit 2 and of the through hole. The rail unit 1 can further comprise parts such as a window bar (not shown).

[0034] The glass unit 2 can consist of one or more panes. For example, the glass unit 2 can consist of a first and a second pane 2a, 2b arranged at a distance apart.

[0035] Figure 2, to which reference is now made, shows a cross section along the line A-A in Figure 1 of the rail unit 1 fitted in the door 3. The rail unit 1 comprises a first rail section 10 and a second rail section 20, which both extend along the periphery of the glass unit 2.

[0036] The first rail section 10 is placed against a first side of the door 3 adjacent to the through hole, whereby a surface 11 of the first rail section 10 makes contact with the door 3. The second rail section 20 is placed against a second side of the door 3 adjacent to the through hole, whereby a surface 21 of the second rail section 20 makes contact with the door 3. In addition, the first rail section 10 has a second surface 12, which is placed against the first pane 2a of the glass unit 2. The second rail section 20 has correspondingly a second surface 22, which is placed against the second pane 2b of the glass unit 2. A sealing strip 4 can be arranged between the respective pane 2a, 2b and the rail sections 10, 20. The sealing strip 4 is preferably deformable. In the shown example, the glass unit 2 is drawn in from the outer sides of the door. Alternatively, the panes 2a, 2b of the glass unit lie in line with the first and second sides of the door 3.

[0037] The two rail sections 10, 20 form together with a securing pin 5 a joint which holds the glass unit 2 in place. The rail unit 1 is in turn fixed to the door by the two rail sections 10, 20 being placed and fixed over the door 3 in the through hole.

[0038] The rail sections 10, 20 are fixed in their position by means of the securing pin 5. One end of the securing pin 5 is fastened in a securing hole 23 in the second rail section 20 by means of threading, press-fitting, gluing, or in some other known manner. Alternatively, the securing pin 5 can be fastened by means of an adapter in the second rail section 20. The other end of the securing pin 5 is inserted in a securing hole 13 in the first rail section 10. A locking element 6 is arranged in the securing hole 13 of the first rail section 10. The securing holes 13, 23 extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The securing holes 13, 23 have a geometry which enables reception of the securing pin 5. The securing pin 5 can have a circular or rectangular cross section, but other shapes are also conceivable and will be recognized by the person skilled in the art.

[0039] The locking element 6 is intended to receive the securing pin 5. When the securing pin 5 is accommodated in the locking element 6, the locking element 6 allows the securing pin 5 to be inserted into the locking element 6 in a first direction R1. At the same time, the locking element 6 prevents the securing pin 5 from being withdrawn from the locking element 6 in a second direction R2. The two rail sections 10, 20 can thus be guided one towards the other, but once the securing pin 5 is inserted in the locking element 6 the rail sections 10, 20 cannot be guided in a direction back away from each other.

[0040] When the rail sections 10, 20 are placed against the sides of the door 3 and against the glass unit 2, opposite-acting forces are generated between the rail sections 10, 20 and the door 3, and the rail sections 10, 20 and the glass unit 2 respectively. The locking of the securing pin 5 in the locking element 6 prevents the rail sections 10, 20 from moving away from each other. The opposite-acting forces cause pressure to be generated between the rail sections 10, 20 and the door, and between the rail sections 10, 20 and the glass unit 2 respectively. The pressure produces a sealing effect between the door 3 and the rail sections 10, 20, and also between the glass unit 2 and the rail sections 10, 20.

[0041] In Figure 2b is shown a rail unit 1 similar to the rail unit 1 in Fig. 2a, with the difference that the securing pin 5 is fastened by means of locking elements in both rail sections 10, 20.

[0042] In Figure 2b, furthermore, two locking elements 6 are arranged in the first rail section 10. The locking elements 6 are arranged one after the other such that the securing pin 5 first engages with the first locking element 6 and then with the second one. The fact that the securing pin 5 engages with and is locked in two locking elements 6 gives a more stable and rotationally rigid locking of the rail sections 10, 20 to each other.

[0043] In Figure 2c is shown a rail unit 1 similar to the rail unit 1 in Figure 2a, but with the difference that two locking elements 6 are arranged in the first rail section 10. A distancing element 7 is arranged between the locking elements 6 in the first rail section 10. The distancing element 7 has an opening which allows the securing pin 5 to pass through the distancing element 7 to the second locking element 6. The securing pin 5 is fastened to the second rail section by means of threads or press-fitting.

[0044] The production of a rail unit 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 3a-e, 4a-f, 5a-e and 5a-b. The rail unit 1 preferably consists of a composite material, such as wood laminated with glue. If a rail section is to be used for fitting on an external door, it is advantageous if the composite material has a high density, for example over 750 g/m³. One example of a wood composite material of this type is HDF (High Density Fibreboard). HDF has high density, good surface finish even after machining, and high resistance to external influence such as moisture.

[0045] Since the desired thickness of the rail section often exceeds the thickness of a sheet of HDF, a number of sheets of HDF are glued to form the starting material for a rail section.

[0046] Figures 3a-e show schematically the method for producing a rail unit 1, comprising production of the first rail section 10 by releasably fixing a first and a second sheet element 101, 102 one upon the other in a repeatable mutual position (Figure 3a). Each sheet element can consist of a sheet, preferably a sheet of HDF, or a plurality of sheets which are already glued together to form a sheet element.

[0047] By releasably fixing is meant that the sheet elements 101, 102 are fixed in a position, but that the fixing can be broken. The fixing is also repeatable, by which is meant that the fixing of the mutual position of the sheet elements 101, 102 can be repeated again after separation. This means that the mutual position of the sheet elements 101, 102 can be broken and the sheet elements 101, 102 can be separated from each other, and also that the sheet elements 101, 102 can be positioned back in the same mutual position after separation.

[0048] The releasable and repeatable fixing can be obtained by at least two plug holes 110 being realized in the sheet elements 101, 102, for example by drilling. The plug holes 110 extend at least partially through the sheet elements 101, 102 (see Figure 3a). Plugs 111 are then arranged in the plug holes 110, which fix the sheet elements 101, 102 in a releasable and repeatable mutual position (see Figure 3b). The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of plug holes 110 can be varied in dependence on the size and shape of the rail section 10.

[0049] Alternatively, the releasable and repeatable fixing can be realized by a fixture which holds the sheet elements 101, 102 in a position and which allows the sheet elements 101, 102 to be separated from each other and then positioned back in the same position. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the releasable and repeatable fixing can also be realized differently.

[0050] When the first and the second sheet element 101, 102 are fixed in the said position, at least one securing hole 13 is realized, which extends in the transverse direction of the sheet elements 101, 102 through the second sheet element 102 and at least partially through the first sheet element 101 (see Figure 3c). The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of securing holes 13 can be varied with the size and configuration of the rail section 10. The securing hole 13 can be realized by drilling, for example. The cross section of the securing hole 13 can be circular, oval, rectangular, or can have any other shape. The securing hole 13 is shaped such that it can receive the securing pin 5.

[0051] After this, the sheet elements 101, 102 are separated, whereby the mutual position is broken.

[0052] A first recess 14 for each securing hole 13 is then realized in a boundary surface 15 between the first and the second sheet element 101, 102 (see Figure 3d). The first recess 14 is arranged concentrically with each securing hole 13. By boundary surface 15 is meant a surface of one of the sheet elements 101, 102 which is facing towards a surface of the other sheet element 101, 102. For example, the recess 14 can be realized in the first sheet element 101, in the second sheet element 102 or in both sheet elements 101, 102. Preferably, the recess 14 is arranged in a surface of the first sheet element 101, which surface is intended to be facing towards the second sheet element 102. If two securing holes 13 are realized in the preceding step, a recess 14 is realized concentrically with one securing hole 13, and a recess 14 concentrically with the second securing hole 13. The cross section of the recess 14 can be circular, oval, rectangular, or have another shape which is complementary to the shape of the locking element 6.

[0053] Next a locking element 6 is arranged in the first recess 14 (see Figure 3d). The locking element 6 is arranged to engage and lock the securing pin 5 such that this can only be guided in a direction into the securing hole 13 in accordance with that which has been described above. If a plurality of securing holes 13 have been provided, and thus a plurality of recesses 14, a locking element 6 is preferably arranged in each recess.

[0054] After this, the first and the second sheet elements 101, 102 are placed in the repeatable mutual position (see Figure 3e). Consequently, the securing hole 13 in the second sheet element 102 is arranged concentrically with the securing hole 13 in the first sheet element 101 and the recess 14. The first and the second sheet element 101, 102 are permanently fixed in relation to each other, for example by gluing, plugging, fastening members, etc.

[0055] After this, the rail section 10 can acquire a desired profile and/or shape. For example, the desired profile and shape can be milled out. The rail section 10 can be placed in a CNC machine, which mills out the desired profile.

[0056] The plug holes 110 and the plugs 111 can be arranged in relation to the shape of the finished rail section 10 such that the plugs are milled away in the step in which the desired profile and shape of the rail section 10 are realized. There are thus no traces of the plugs 111 on the finished rail section 10.

[0057] A first rail section 10, such as the first rail section 10 which is shown in Figure 2a, is thereby realized. The locking element 6 is thus secured in the first rail section 10 without visible engagement in the rail section 10.

[0058] According to another embodiment, which is shown in Figures 4a-f, the method comprises the releasable fixing of a third sheet element 103 onto the first and second sheet elements 101, 102 in a repeatable mutual position (see Figure 4a). In the above-described manner, plug holes 110 are realized and plugs 111 are arranged in the plug holes 110 in order to obtain the releasable and repeatable mutual positioning (see Figure 4b). The securing hole 13 is realized such that it extends in the transverse direction of the sheet elements 101, 102, 103 through the second and the third sheet element 102, 103 and at least partially through the first sheet element 101 (see Figure 4c).

[0059] The first, second and third sheet elements 101, 102, 103 are then mutually separated such that the first recess in the boundary surface 15 between the first and the second sheet element 101, 102 can be realized in the above-described manner (see Figure 4d). After this, the first and second sheet elements 101, 102 are refixed to each other.

[0060] In addition to the first recess, in this embodiment a second recess 16 for each securing hole 13 is realized in a boundary surface 17 between the second and the third sheet element 102, 103 (see Figure 4e). The second recess 16 is arranged concentrically with each securing hole 13. By boundary surface 7 between the second and the third sheet element 102, 103 is meant a surface of one of the second and third sheet elements 102, 103 which is facing towards a surface of the third or second sheet element 101, 103. For example, the second recess 16 can be realized in the third sheet element 103, in the second sheet element 102, or in both the second and the third sheet element 102, 103. Preferably, the recess 16 is arranged in a surface of the second sheet element 102, which surface is intended to be facing towards the third sheet element 103.

[0061] In addition to the locking element 6 arranged in the first recess 14, a second locking element 6 is arranged in the second recess 16 (see Figure 4e). After this, the first, second and third sheet elements 101, 102, 103 are permanently fixed to one another (see Figure 4f). A first rail section 10 is thereby obtained, like that which is shown in Figure 2b comprising two locking elements 6 for a stable mutual securement of the rail sections 10, 20.

[0062] In a further embodiment shown in Figures 5a-e, the method comprises the previously described steps of arranging a first and a second sheet element 101, 102 one upon the other, and of releasably fixing the first and the second sheet element 101, 102 in a repeatable mutual position (see Figure 5a and 5b). After this, a securing hole 13 is realized as with previous embodiments (see Figure 5c) and a recess 14 is realized in the boundary surface 15 between the first and the second sheet element 101, 102.

[0063] After the first locking element 6 has been arranged in the first recess 14, a distancing element 17 is arranged in the first recess 14 (see Figure 5d). After this, a second locking element 6 is arranged in the first recess 14, whereby the distancing element 17 is arranged between the first and the second locking element 6. The first and the second sheet element 101, 102 are then permanently fixed to each other. A first rail section 10, like that which is shown in Figure 2c, is thereby obtained, which comprises two locking elements 6 for a stable securement of the rail sections 10, 20 on to the other, but which only requires one recess 14 to be made.

[0064] In another embodiment, the profiled part of the rail section 10 is constituted by a frame structure 18, which is shown in Figures 6a-b. The frame structure 18 is designed to the desired shape and profile. To the frame structure 18 is fastened at least one coupling part 19, which is formed by the above-described at least two sheet elements 101, 102 permanently fixed to each other, which are produced in any one of the described ways. The first rail section 10 can thus be formed by the frame structure 18 and a coupling part 19 arranged on the frame structure. The coupling part 19 supports the locking element 6, alternatively the locking elements 6, whilst the profiled external shape is constituted by the frame structure 18. The coupling part 19 can be fastened to the frame structure by means of gluing, fastening elements, plugs, etc.

[0065] The coupling part 19 can have an extent corresponding to the extent of the frame structure 18. Alternatively, a plurality of coupling parts 19 can be fastened to the frame structure 18, see Figure 6b. Each coupling part 19 can in this case have an extent which is less than the extent of the frame structure 18. If a plurality of coupling parts 19 are used, the coupling parts 19 can be arranged at points along the extent of the frame structure. For example, the coupling parts 19 can be arranged and fastened in a recess in the frame structure 18. The frame structure 18 comprises in this case a number of recesses. In each recess, a coupling part 19 is arranged and fastened. Each coupling part 19 is fastened to the frame structure by means of gluing, fastening elements, plugs, etc.

[0066] Each coupling part 19 can comprise one or more locking elements 6. If each coupling part 19 comprises more than one locking element 6, then an above-described distancing element 7 can be arranged between the locking elements 6.

[0067] The way in which the first rail section 10 is obtained has been described above. The second rail section 20 can be obtained in a similar manner. In this case, locking elements 6 are arranged also in the second rail section 20. Alternatively, the second rail section can 20 can be realized differently. In the second rail section 20, for example, as shown in Figure 2a, a securing hole 23 can be arranged, in which the securing pin 5 is threaded, is press-fitted or is glued in place. In addition, a securing hole 23 can be realized in the second rail section 20 for reception of an adapter in which the securing pin 5 is fixed.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned coupling part 19 can also be used as a coupling part in other applications. For example, the inventive coupling part 19 produced in the above-described manner can be used as coupling part for coupling together of a component, such as a furniture component, a staircase component, a joist, a floorboard, a panel board, etc. with another component. Examples of such an application in which the aforementioned coupling part 19 is used for coupling together two components are shown in Figures 7a and 7b. In Figure 7a are shown two components 40, 50 which have been coupled together with each other. The component 40 comprises an above-described coupling part 19, which is fastened in a recess in the component 40. In the shown example, the recess is sealed with a plug 60. The second component 50 is provided with a securing pin 5, one end of which is fastened in the component 50. The securing pin 5 can be fastened in the second component 50 by means of threading, press-fitting, gluing or in some other known manner. Alternatively, the securing pin 5 can be fastened by means of an adapter in the second component 50. The other end of the securing pin 5 is inserted in a securing hole 13 connecting to the coupling part 19 of the first component 40. A locking element 6 is arranged in the coupling part 19 of the first component 40. The locking element 6 is intended to receive the securing pin 5. When the securing pin 5 is accommodated in the locking element 6, the locking element 6 allows the securing pin 5 to be inserted into the locking element 6 in a first direction. At the same time, the locking element 6 prevents the securing pin 5 from being withdrawn from the locking element 6 in a second direction. The two components 40, 50 can thus be guided towards each other, but once the securing pin 5 is inserted in locking element 6 the components 40, 50 cannot be guided in a direction back away from each other.

[0069] In a similar manner as described above, the securing pin 5 can be fastened by means of a locking element 6 of a coupling part in the second component 50 also, see Figure 7b.

[0070] The coupling part 19 can be fastened to a component by means of gluing, fastening elements, plugs, etc. This is illustrated for the first component 40 in Figure 7b. Alternatively, the coupling part can be fastened to a component by means of a plug 60. This is illustrated for the second component 50 in Figure 7b, and for the first component 40 in Figure 7a.

[0071] Some examples of applications in which the above-described coupling part 19 can be used follow below. The below listing should not be regarded as a restrictive listing, but should only be regarded as examples of possible applications. Construction components of a staircase can be provided with above-described coupling parts 19 for simple fitting of the components to one another. A furniture component is provided with a coupling part 19 for simple assembly of the furniture item.

[0072] It will further be appreciated according to the present invention that components, such as a furniture component, a staircase component, a joist, a panel board, etc., can be produced in a similar manner to the aforementioned rail section 10.

[0073] Hence a number of modifications and variations are possible, so that the scope of the invention is thus exclusively defined by the appended claims.

[0074] It will be appreciated, for example, that the locking element 6 can be variously configured in order to realize the desired locking of the securing pin 5. For example, the locking element 6 can comprise an opening and locking members arranged around the opening. The locking members allow the securing pin to be inserted through the opening in a first direction R1, but prevents the securing pin 5 from being pulled out in a second direction R2. The locking members can be arranged to achieve this prevention by barbing effect.

[0075] Embodiments having two or more sheet elements have been described above. It will be appreciated that the invention is not dependent on the number of sheet elements and that more sheet elements can be incorporated in the respective embodiment.

Claims

1. Method for producing a first rail section (10) for a rail unit (1) for fitting of a part (2), such as a glass unit, in a through hole in a construction element (3), such as a door or window, which rail unit (1) comprises the said first rail section (10) and a second rail section (20), which, for fitting of the part (2), are placed one against the other from opposite sides of the construction element (3) adjacent to the through hole, the first of the rail sections (10) being produced by:

the releasable fixing of a first and a second sheet element (101, 102) one upon the other in a repeatable mutual position, each sheet element (101, 102) comprising at least one sheet;

the realization of at least one securing hole (13) extending in the transverse direction of the sheet elements (101, 102) through the second sheet element (102) and at least partially through the first sheet element (101);

the mutual separating of the sheet elements (101, 102), whereby the mutual positioning is broken;

the realization of a first recess (14) for each securing hole (13) in a boundary surface (15) between the first and the second sheet element (101, 102), which first recess (14) is arranged concentrically with the said securing hole (13);

the arrangement of a first locking element (6) in the said first recess (14);

the placement of the first and the second sheet element (101, 102) back into the said position; and

the permanent fixing of the first and the second sheet element (101, 102) in relation to each other.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step of releasably fixing the first and the second sheet element (101, 102) one upon the other in a repeatable mutual position comprises the placement of a third sheet element (103) in the said position,
wherein the step of realizing the said at least one securing hole (13) comprises the realization of at least one securing hole (13), which extends in the transverse direction of the sheet elements through the second and the third sheet element (102, 103) and at least partially through the first sheet element (101), the method further comprising
the realization of a second recess (16) for each securing hole (13) in a boundary surface (17) between the second and the third sheet element (102, 103), which second recess (16) is arranged concentrically with the said securing hole(s) (13),
the arrangement of a second locking element (6) in the said second recess,
the placement of the third sheet element (103) back into the said position,
and the permanent fixing of the third and the second sheet element (102, 103) in relation to each other.

3. Method according to claim 1, further comprising the arrangement of a distancing element (7) in the first recess (14) and
the arrangement of a second locking element (6) in the first recess (14),
the distancing element (7) being arranged between the first and the second locking element (6).

4. Method according to any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the releasable fixing step comprises the realization of plug holes (110) extending at least partially through the said sheet elements (101, 102, 103), and the arrangement of plugs (111) in the said plug holes (110) in order to obtain a releasable and repeatable mutual position of the said sheet elements (101, 102, 103).

5. Method according to any one of claims 1-4, comprising, after the permanent fixing, the realization of a desired profile of the first rail section (10).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the mutually permanently fixed sheet elements (101, 102, 103) are shaped such that they form at least one coupling part (19), which method further comprises the realization of a frame structure (18) of the said first rail section (10) and the fastening of the said at least one coupling part (19) to the frame structure (18).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the said at least one coupling part (19) comprises just one coupling part (19), which is given an extent corresponding to the extent of the frame structure (18).

8. Method according to claim 6, wherein the said at least one coupling part (19) comprises a plurality of coupling parts (19) distributed along the frame structure (18).

9. Method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the part (2) is supported by the first rail section (10).

10. Method according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising the production of the second rail section in corresponding manner to the first rail section.

11. Method according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising the furnishment of the second rail section (20) with a securing pin (5) for each securing hole (13), which securing pin (5) is intended for insertion into the said locking element (6).

12. Method according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the locking element (6) comprises an opening and locking members arranged around the opening.

13. Rail section (10) comprising:

a first sheet element (101),

a second sheet element (102),

at least one securing hole (13), which extends in the transverse direction of the said first and second sheet elements (101, 102) through the second sheet element (102) and at least partially through the first sheet element (101),

a first recess (14) for each securing hole (13), which first recess (14) is arranged in a boundary surface (15) between the first and the second sheet element (101, 102), which first recess (14) is arranged concentrically with the said securing hole (13), and

a first locking element (6), which is arranged in the said first recess (14).

14. Structure comprising a rail section according to claim 13.

15. Structure according to claim 14, wherein the structure comprises a construction element, such as a door or a window.

Drawing