UNIVERSAL CORNER JOINT

Abstract

 A corner joint (1) comprising a first wing (10) and a second wing (11) suitable for being orthogonally inserted into longitudinal channels (20, 30) of respective sections (2, 3) for connecting said sections (2, 3) to each other; at least one of said two wings (10, 11) being provided with fastening means comprising a fastening plate (10c, 11c) projecting laterally from said at least one wing (10, 11) and comprising a longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) suitable for accommodating a longitudinal rib (25, 35) provided on the respective section (2, 3).

Description

[0001] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a corner joint suitable for being disposed into longitudinal channels of two sections to connect the sections together. The relevant field is the one of window frames, particularly the assembly of window frames made by connecting the sections in the form of a frame.

[0002] The sections of the prior art, which are used to assemble a window frame, usually have a longitudinal channel defined by a base wall, two side walls projecting from the base wall, and two upper walls projecting perpendicularly from the side walls and facing each other, so as to define a longitudinal opening with a reduced width compared to the longitudinal channel.

[0003] The longitudinal channel is opened at the two ends by means of respective axial openings. In this way, the longitudinal channel of the section is accessible from both the axial inlets and from the longitudinal opening defined by the two upper walls.

[0004] Corner joints are known, which comprise a first wing suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel of a first section, and a second wing suitable for being inserted inside the longitudinal channel of a second section in order to connect the two sections. Such corner joints also provide for fastening means, such as, for example, screws, which are suitable for fastening each wing of the corner joint in position inside the longitudinal channel of the relevant section.

[0005] The wings of such corner joints are shaped and sized in such a way that they need to be inserted axially into the longitudinal channels of the respective sections, i.e., through the axial openings of the sections.

[0006] As a matter of fact, the wings of such corner joints have a greater width than the longitudinal opening of the sections and, therefore, such corner joints can only be used if the sections have not yet been installed and their axial openings are accessible.

[0007] However, it should be noted that there is also a type of corner joints with wings having a smaller width than the longitudinal openings that provide access to the longitudinal channels so that they can also be used when the two sections to be connected have already been installed and the relevant axial openings are not accessible.

[0008] In view of the structural and dimensional characteristics of their respective wings, said corner joints obviously require stabilization means suitable for stabilizing each of the wings in position inside the longitudinal channel of the respective section.

[0009] Currently, the most widely used stabilization means are of eccentric type and comprise an eccentric plate that increases and compensates for the width of the wing, as it rotates.

[0010] Attention is drawn to the fact that, although they are sometimes improperly referred to as "corner joints", they are configured as mere alignment corner joints in that, while the eccentric-type stabilization means are capable of stabilizing each wing inside the longitudinal channel of the respective section, such eccentric-type stabilization means are not capable of performing a fastening function; as a confirmation to the above, it must be noted that said alignment corner joints with eccentric-type stabilization means always need to be used in combination with corner joints in charge of fastening the sections.

[0011] In order to better understand the reasons behind the need to use two different joints, i.e. an alignment corner joint and a corner joint, for firmly connecting two sections that are already installed in place, the description of the prior art continues with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 2A, which illustrate an assembly comprising two sections and an alignment corner joint indicated by the referral number (200).

[0012] Specifically:

• Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of an assembly comprising two sections and an alignment corner joint according to the prior art;
• Fig. 2 is a top view of the assembly of Fig. 1; and
• Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig. 2, taken along the sectional plane A-A of Fig. 2.

[0013] The alignment corner joint (200) comprises a first wing (210) suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (20) of a first section (2) according to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first section (2), and a second wing (211) suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (30) of a second section (3) according to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the second section (3). Each wing (210, 211) of the alignment corner joint (200) comprises stabilization means (M) of eccentric type, which are configured in such a way as to allow an increase in the overall width of the wing (210, 211) to a width equal to the width of the longitudinal channel (20, 30) wherein the wing (210, 211) is inserted.

[0014] Each stabilization means (M) comprises:

• a head (M1) arranged at the outer face of the wing (210, 211), preferably flush with said outer face;
• a stem integral with said head (M1) and inserted in idle into a hole machined in the wing (210, 211); said stem comprising a free end opposite the head (M1); and
• an eccentric plate (M2) attached to the free end of said stem and arranged flush with the inner face of the wing (210, 211).

[0015] Such an eccentric plate (M2) can be disposed in an idle position, wherein it does not project laterally from the wing (210, 211), and in an operating position, wherein it projects laterally from the wing (210, 211), as shown in Figs. 2 and 2A.

[0016] In particular, such an eccentric plate (M2) has a knurled free edge that interferes with the walls defining the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the section wherein the wing (210, 211) is arranged.

[0017] Obviously, such stabilization means prevent the wings (210, 211) of the alignment corner joint (200) from moving inside the longitudinal channels (20, 30) of the sections or from backing out of them.

[0018] However, the movement of such stabilization means (M) between the idle position assumed when the wings (210, 211) of the alignment corner joint (200) are inserted into the longitudinal channels (20, 30) of the sections, and the operating position, wherein the stabilization means (M) interfere with the walls of the sections (2, 3) and fasten each wing (210, 211) of the alignment corner joint inside the relative longitudinal channel, results in a great stress for the sections, with the risk of damaging the sections.

[0019] In addition, such stabilization means can loosen after some time, no longer guaranteeing a stable positioning of the wings (210, 211) of the corner joint inside the longitudinal channels (20, 30) of the sections.

[0020] Finally, due to the small contact surface with the walls of the sections, such stabilization means (M) are unable to ensure a stable fastening of the sections, which is why, as mentioned above, such alignment corner joints must always be used in conjunction with corner joints suitable for ensuring the stable fastening of the sections.

[0021] As a result, the use of such alignment corner joints inevitably results in a significant increase in the time and cost required for the assembly of window frames made by connecting sections.

[0022] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a corner joint that is simple and quick to install.

[0023] Another purpose is to provide such a corner joint that is reliable and capable of ensuring a stable fastening of the sections over time.

[0024] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1.

[0025] Advantageous achievements appear from the dependent claims.

[0026] The corner joint according to the invention is defined by the independent claim 1.

[0027] For the sake of explanatory clarity, the description of the corner joint according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, wherein:

• Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of an assembly comprising two sections and an alignment corner joint according to the prior art;
• Fig. 2 is a top view of the assembly of Fig. 1; and
• Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig. 2, taken along the sectional plane A-A of Fig. 2;
• Fig. 3 is an axonometric view of the corner joint according to the invention;
• Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating an assembly comprising two sections and a corner joint according to the invention;
• Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig. 4, taken along the sectional plane A-A of Fig. 2;
• Fig. 5 is an axonometric view illustrating a variant of the corner joint according to the invention;
• Fig. 6 is a top view illustrating an assembly comprising two sections and a corner joint according to the variant of Fig. 5.

[0028] With reference to Figs. 3 to 6, the corner joint according to the invention is described, it being generally indicated by reference numeral 1.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 4, the corner joint (1) according to the invention is suitable for being used to connect two sections (2, 3). Referring to Figs. 4 and 4A, each section (2, 3) comprises a base wall (21, 31), two side walls (22, 32) projecting perpendicularly from the base wall (21, 31), and two upper walls (23, 33) parallel to the base wall (21, 31) and projecting perpendicularly from the side walls (22, 32). The upper walls (23, 33) of each section (2, 3) face each other to define a longitudinal opening (24, 34). The base wall (21, 31), the two side walls (22, 32), and the upper walls (23, 33) of each section (2, 3) define a longitudinal channel (20, 30) accessible through the longitudinal opening (24, 34), having a width (L1) lower than the width (L2) of the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the section. In particular, the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of each section (2, 3) is accessible through the respective longitudinal opening (24, 34) according to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X) of the section (2, 3).

[0030] The corner joint (1) according to the invention comprises a first wing (10) suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (20) of a first section (2), and a second wing (11) suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (30) of a second section (3). Specifically, each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) is suitably configured for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3) through the longitudinal opening (24, 34) of the section. In fact, each wing (10, 11) is shaped like a rectangular plate having a width (L) lower than the width (L1) of the longitudinal opening (24, 34) of the respective section (2, 3), in such a way to be orthogonally inserted into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the section through the longitudinal opening (24, 34) of the section, even after the two sections have already been installed.

[0031] With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) comprises an inner side (10a, 11a) facing the other wing (10, 11), and an outer face (10g, 11g) opposite to said inner side (10a, 11a), as well as an inner face (10f, 11f) suitable for facing the respective section (1, 2), and an outer face (10h, 11h), opposite to said inner face (10f, 11f).

[0032] Each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) also comprises a free end section (10b, 11b) and a connecting section (10e, 11e) which is connected to the connecting section (10e, 11e) of the other wing (10, 11) to form a vertex (V).

[0033] With reference to Fig. 3, each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) according to the invention comprises fastening means for fastening inside the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3). In particular, such fastening means comprise a fastening plate (10c, 11c) advantageously protruding from the inner side (10a, 11a) of the wing.

[0034] With reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 4A, the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of each of the two wings (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) comprises a longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) suitably configured to accommodate a longitudinal rib (25, 35) protruding perpendicularly from one of the two upper walls (23, 33) of the respective section (2, 3) toward the base wall (21, 31) of the section.

[0035] It should be noted that the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of each of the two wings (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) has a height (A) lower than the distance (D) between the longitudinal rib (25, 35) and the base wall (21, 31) of each section (2, 3). Thus, when the wing (10, 11) is orthogonally inserted into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3), said wing (10, 11) is first lowered, so that the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of the wing (10, 11) passes below the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of the section, and is then raised, so that the longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) formed on the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of the wing (10, 11) can accommodate the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of the respective section (2, 3) and thus fasten the wing (10, 11) to the section (2, 3).

[0036] Because of the provision of wings (10, 11) with fastening plates (10c, 11c) provided with longitudinal grooves (10d, 11d) and of sections (2, 3) provided with longitudinal ribs (25, 35), each wing (10, 11) can be quickly fastened to the respective section (2, 3).

[0037] At this regard, it should be pointed out that the corner joint according to the invention can be realized, with the same advantages, by providing a longitudinal rib protruding in upper position from the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of each of the two wings (10, 11) and suitable for being inserted into a longitudinal groove formed on the inner surface of one of the two upper walls (23, 33) of the respective section.

[0038] In addition, in order to ensure a stable fastening between each wing (10, 11) and the respective section (2, 3), the corner joint (1) according to the invention comprises a threaded hole (4) machined at the end section (10b, 11b) of each wing (10, 11), and a screw (5) screwed into the threaded hole (4). Specifically, each screw (5) comprises a stem (50) screwed into said threaded hole (4) and a head (51) suitable for abutting above the upper wall (23, 33) of the section (2, 3), so as to tighten the wing (10, 11) relative to the section (2, 3). With reference to Fig. 4, it should be noted that the screw (5) of the first wing (10) of the corner joint is suitable for being screwed into the respective threaded hole (4) in a counterclockwise direction of rotation, and the screw (5) of the second wing (11) of the corner joint is suitable for being screwed into the respective threaded hole (4) in a clockwise direction of rotation, so that, when tightening the screws (5), the screw (5) of the first wing (10) pushes the first section (2) toward the second section (3), and the screw (5) of the second wing (11) pushes the second section (3) toward the first section (2), thus pushing the two sections (2, 3) close to each other. Precisely in view of the above, the head (51) of each screw (5) has a lower knurling suitable for biting the upper surface of one of the two upper walls (23, 33) of the respective section (2, 3), so as to ensure the above-described arrangement.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 4A, the head (51) of each screw (5) comprises a portion (51a) that surmounts the fastening plate (10c, 11c). As a result, the overall width (L) of each wing (10, 11) at the screw (5) is equal to the sum of the width (L2) of the end section (10b, 11b) and the width (L3) of the fastening plate (10c, 11c), as shown in Fig. 4. The threaded hole (4) is machined in the end section (10b, 11b) of the wing, as close as possible to the inner side (10a, 11a) of the wing.

[0040] The corner joint (1) according to the invention comprises centering and stabilization means (6) projecting inferiorly from the inner face (10f, 11f) of the two wings (10, 11) at the vertex (V) of the corner joint. Said centering and stabilization means (6) are configured so as to cooperate with the upper wall (23, 33) of one of the two sections (2, 3) to stabilize the position of the two wings (10, 11) relative to the sections (10, 11) and avert the risk of accidental displacement of the wings (10, 11) inside the respective longitudinal channels (20, 30) when the corner joint is fastened.

[0041] Fig. 5 illustrates a variant of the corner joint (1) according to the invention, which is suitable for connecting two T-sections, i.e., two sections wherein the end section of one of the two sections is suitable for abutting against the outer lateral surface of the other section.

[0042] In such a case, one of the two wings (10, 11) of the corner joint according to the invention is passed over one of the two upper walls (23, 33) of one of the two sections (2, 3), and is inserted into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the other section and fastened to the other section. Precisely because of this, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the end section (10b, 11b) and the connecting section (10e, 11e) of at least one of said two wings (10, 11) of said variant of the corner joint according to the invention are not coplanar. Moreover, in such a case, the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of said at least one wing (10, 11) of the corner joint protrudes laterally from said at least one wing (10, 11) exclusively at the end section (10b, 11b) of said at least one wing (10, 11). In fact, given the non-coplanarity of the end section (10b, 11b) and of the connecting section (10e, 11e) of said at least one wing (10, 11), obviously the connecting section (10e, 11e) of said at least one wing is not disposed inside the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section, and is disposed substantially above one of the two upper walls (23, 33) of the section, making the presence of the fastening plate (10c, 11c) unnecessary.

[0043] Although, in the attached figures, the corner joint (1) according to the invention is always provided with two identical wings (10, 11), both having a width (L) lower than the width (L1) of the longitudinal opening (24, 34) for access to the longitudinal channel (24, 34) of the respective section (2, 3), it should be noted that, if the corner joint (1) according to the invention is to be used to connect two T-sections, said corner joint (1) can be advantageously made with only one of the two wings (10, 11) having such a dimensional and structural characteristic, whereas the other wing (10, 11) has a width (L) greater than the width (L1) of the longitudinal opening (24, 34) of the respective section (2, 3).

[0044] In fact, in such a case, the wing (10, 11) having a width greater than the longitudinal opening (24, 34) of the sections can be inserted axially into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the section having the respective free end section and suitable for abutting against the outer lateral surface of the other section, and then the other wing of the corner joint can be orthogonally inserted through the longitudinal opening (24, 34) of the other section, passing over one of the two upper walls (23, 33) of said section.

[0045] Although, in the attached Figures, the corner joint (1) according to the invention is always provided with two identical wings (10, 11) having the fastening plate (10c, 11c), it should be noted that said corner joint (1) can be advantageously made with only one of the two wings (10, 11) having said fastening plate (10c, 11c), and therefore with the other wing (10, 11) provided with different fastening means.

[0046] Because of its particular configuration, the corner joint (1) according to the invention is capable of fulfilling both the alignment function and the fastening function of the two sections (2, 3). In fact, thanks to the provision of said fastening plate (10c, 11c) protruding laterally from each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint along the entire length of the wing (10, 11), it is possible to ensure a quick and stable alignment of the two sections (2, 3) at the moment when, on one side, the longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) formed on the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of the wing (10, 11) accommodates the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of the respective section (2, 3), and, on the other side, the screws (5) are tightened.

[0047] Because of the combined action of the fastening plates (10c, 11c) with the longitudinal ribs (25, 35) compressed by means of the screws (5), the alignment and the fastening of the sections (2, 3) are performed by only using the corner joint (1) according to the invention, without the need to use two different joints, namely a joint in charge of aligning the sections and a joint in charge of fastening the sections, as provided in the prior art.
Numerous variations and modifications of detail may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, but within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a first section (2), a second section (3) and a corner joint (1) suitable for connecting the two sections (2, 3) together; wherein each section (2, 3) comprises:

- one base wall (21, 31),

- two side walls (22, 32), projecting perpendicularly from the base wall (21, 31),

- two upper walls (23, 33), parallel to the base wall (21, 31) and projecting perpendicularly from the side walls (22, 32);

- a longitudinal channel (20, 30) defined by said base wall (21, 31), said side walls (22, 32) and said upper walls (23, 33);

- a longitudinal opening (24, 34) for access to the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the section, according to an orthogonal direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the section (2, 3) defined by said upper walls (23, 33) of each section (2, 3);

said corner joint (1) comprising a first wing (10) suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (20) of the first section (2) and a second wing (11) suitable for being inserted into the longitudinal channel (30) of the second section (3); each wing (10, 11) comprising fastening means for fastening the wing (10, 11) inside the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3) wherein at least one of said two wings (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) has a lower width (L) than the width (L1) of the longitudinal opening (24, 34) for access to the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3) wherein it is suitable for being inserted according to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X) of the section (2, 3);

characterized by the fact that

at least one of said two sections (2, 3) comprises a longitudinal rib (25, 35) projecting perpendicularly from one of said two upper walls (23, 33), towards the base wall (21, 31) of said section (2, 3);

said fastening means of said at least one of said at least two wings (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) comprise a fastening plate (10c, 11c) projecting laterally from said at least one wing (10, 11) and comprising a longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) suitable for accommodating the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of the section; and

said corner joint (1) further comprising:

- a threaded hole (4) machined in said at least one wing (10, 11), and

- a screw (5) comprising a stem (50) screwed into said threaded hole (5), and a head (51) engaged above the upper wall (23, 33) of said section (2, 3), so as to tighten said at least one wing (10, 11) with respect to said section (2, 3).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) comprises an inner side (10a, 11a), facing the other wing (10, 11), and said fastening plate (10c, 11c) is disposed on the inner side (10a, 11a) of the wing (10, 11).

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the head (51) of the screw (5) comprises a portion (51a) surmounting the fastening plate (10c, 11c).

4. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded hole (4) is machined as close as possible to the inner side (10a, 11a) of said wing.

5. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

each wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) comprises a free end section (10b, 11b) and a connecting section (10e, 11e) connected to the connecting section (10e, 11e) of the other wing (10, 11), so as to form a vertex (V), and

the end section (10b, 11b) and the connecting section (10e, 11e) of at least one of said two wings (10, 11) are not coplanar.

6. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein

each wing (10, 11) comprises an inner face (10f, 11f) suitable for facing the respective section (1, 2) and

said corner joint (1) comprises stabilization means (6) projecting inferiorly from said inner face (10f, 11f) of said at least one wing (10, 11) and suitable for cooperating with the upper wall (23, 33) of either of said two sections (2, 3) to stabilize the position of said at least one wing (10, 11) relative to said section (10, 11).

7. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

each of said two wings (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) has a lower width (L) than the width (L1) of the longitudinal opening (24, 34) for access to the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3);

each of the two sections (2, 3) comprises a longitudinal rib (25, 35) projecting perpendicularly from one of the two upper walls (23, 33), toward the base wall (21, 31) of the section (2, 3);

the fastening means of each of said two wings (10, 11) comprising a fastening plate (10c, 11c) projecting laterally from said at least one wing (10, 11) and comprising a longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) suitable for accommodating the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of the section (2, 3); and

said corner joint (1) comprising a threaded hole (4) machined on the wing (10, 11) and a screw (5) for each wing (10, 11).

8. Process for installing the assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

- provision of said first section (2) and said second section (3);

- provision of the corner joint (1);

- connection of the first wing (10) of the corner joint (1) with the first section (2) and connection of the second wing (11) of the corner joint (1) with the second section;

wherein the connection of said at least one wing (10, 11) to the respective section (2, 3) provides for:

- insertion of said at least one wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section (2, 3), said at least one wing (10, 11) having a lower width (L) than the width (L1) of the longitudinal opening (24, 34) for access to the longitudinal channel (20, 30); said at least one wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) being inserted into the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the respective section, according to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X) of the section (2, 3);

- lowering of said at least one wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) inside the longitudinal channel (20) of the respective section, so that the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of said at least one wing (10, 11) passes below the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of the respective section (2, 3),

- raising of said at least one wing (10, 11) of the corner joint (1) inside the longitudinal channel (20, 30) of the section (2, 3), so as to enable the longitudinal groove (10d, 11d) machined in the fastening plate (10c, 11c) of said at least one wing (10, 11) to accommodate the longitudinal rib (25, 35) of said section (2, 3) and thus fasten said at least one wing (10, 11) to the section (2, 3);

- screwing of the stem (50) of the screw (5) into the threaded hole (4) machined on said at least one wing (10, 11) fastened to said section (2, 3), until the head (51) of the screw (5) is stopped above the upper wall (23, 33) of said section (2, 3), so as to tighten said at least one wing (10, 11) with respect to said section (2, 3).

Drawing