EP2273036A2

EP2273036A2 - Modular assembly system for railings and enclosures

Info

Publication number: EP2273036A2
Application number: EP10382109A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jose Manuel Merodio Villegas; Alfonso Sebrango Revuelta
Original assignee: Pladomin SA
Current assignee: Pladomin SA
Priority date: 2009-05-05
Filing date: 2010-05-05
Publication date: 2011-01-12
Also published as: ES2353327B1; EP2273036A3; ES2353327A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular assembly system for railings and enclosures, which system comprises vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) for their vertical arrangement and attached at their ends to at least one longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 1c) for forming railings, gratings, gates and other enclosures in general, the vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) being formed by a strong and rigid metal core (11) on which an outer layer (12) of plastic material which coats it is overinjected, said metal core (11) having at its ends fixing means for fixing it to the adjacent longitudinal element (2a, 2b, 2c).

Description

Object of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular assembly system for railings and enclosures, of the type used in construction for forming gratings, gates, fences, railings and other elements for demarcating areas of passage.

Background of the Invention

Enclosures primarily made of wrought ironwork or by means of hollow pipes made of iron and optionally aluminum, which are custom manufactured and are delivered to the work site virtually assembled or in considerably large sized sections that can be coupled together mainly by means of welding or other means of attachment are well known today.
These sections mainly comprise vertical elements for their vertical arrangement and attached at their ends to at least one longitudinal element, advantageously the upper end, for forming railings, gratings, gates and other enclosures in general.
This manner of construction represents a considerable problem when building railings, gates, gratings and other enclosures in general, because their custom manufacture is practically handcrafted, with a high cost and requiring the intervention of specialized personnel to assemble and install them.
Furthermore, to prevent corrosion these enclosures must be painted and require periodic maintenance. In highly corrosive environments, such as coastal and marine areas, this maintenance problem is considerably greater and corrosion of the material can become a safety issue.
The applicant is currently unaware of any modular product or kit that can be applied to any type of enclosures or railings, regardless of the length or inclination of the area to be demarcated, and which furthermore allows being completely installed by the user or by non-specialized operators.

Description of the Invention

The modular assembly system for railings and enclosures object of this invention has technical particularities intended for providing a product that can be adjusted to the needs of the user, such as a prefabricated product that is easy to install and requires no maintenance due to its constitution.
This system prevents the need for a prior manufacture and the work of ironworking, i.e., the prior assembly of the enclosure or of considerably large sized sections of the enclosure, with specific dimensions for the installation or final need to be covered. Another objective is the standardization of the elements or modules used, such that the need of the user is covered simply by purchasing a variable number of elements and the desired accessories. Furthermore, the use of standardized elements allows a user or a non-specialized operator to be able to assemble the railing or enclosure with simple general knowledge of mechanical assembly, like with the furniture kit products already existing. The present invention is suitable for selling directly to the end user, like a common do-it-yourself kit.
According to the invention the vertical elements are formed by a strong and rigid metal core on which an outer layer of plastic material which coats it is overinjected, said metal core having at its ends fixing means for fixing it to the adjacent longitudinal element.
This configuration of the basic elements of the system involves an enormous advantage because the plastic coating protects the metal core from the outer environment, protecting it from the weather and corrosion. The plastic coating can be of the desired color by the inclusion of pigments in its mass, thus preventing the necessary maintenance operations against corrosion and the aesthetic finish is immediate. Given that the system is formed by modular elements, the application in the installation site is simple and can be done by a do-it-yourselfer with few tools, achieving a solid and long-lasting result.
The plastic materials used in the coating are mainly thermoplastic materials which allow a simpler formation, either by coextrusion or overmolding around the metal part. Furthermore, when these plastic materials are applied in fluid state, they penetrate into the possible recesses of the metal core, preventing areas being exposed to corrosion.
This system allows making enclosures in which the vertical elements configure bars between two longitudinal elements, such as the typical wrought gratings, and in an alternative embodiment the vertical elements serve as a support for intermediate panels which are complemented with a single upper longitudinal element like a conventional railing.
The fixing means for fixing the vertical elements comprise a rod or a thread as a coupling of the end of the metal core to the longitudinal element, using in turn a screw, nut or accessory introduced through a transverse opening existing in said longitudinal element, and being screwed to the end of the vertical element. For example in the construction of a grating, the vertical elements are thus easily secured between two longitudinal elements, the width dimensions being determined by means of the section of the longitudinal element and the height by means of the selection of the vertical elements or bars with suitable length.
Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment suitable for forming a gate or grating with spearheads at its upper end, the accessory that is configured as an adornment, which has the shape of a spearhead. This adornment is made up of a metal core with a screw coupling by a rod or a thread, on which there is an outer plastic body with the mentioned pointed tip shape. In an embodiment of the invention this accessory replaces the conventional nut or screw for the attachment of the vertical element in the form of a bar to the longitudinal element.
It has been provided that the longitudinal element is formed by a strong and rigid metal core on which an outer layer of plastic material which coats it is overinjected. This longitudinal element is especially suited for its outer use, completing the aesthetic appearance of the enclosure and the protection of the metal elements against corrosion.
The vertical elements or bars can have decorative side accessories, such as those used in other traditional enclosures. Thus, the side accessories, which are made up of a metal core with an overinjected plastic coating in a manner similar to the other components.
In an embodiment of the invention the system comprises side couplings for the coupling to a wall or column, made up of a plate with fixing means and a front coupling projection of the longitudinal element. Thus, the anchoring is also simple and robust, without needing to perform construction works, since the fixing means of these side couplings can be simple screws that are screwed on plastic plugs. In an embodiment of the invention the front projection is an emerging male which is introduced either in the hollow interior of the longitudinal element, or in a hollow sleeve receiving the end of said longitudinal element, the fixing being completed by means of side screws.
In an embodiment, the vertical elements comprise at one end, preferably the lower end, an anchoring platform of the metal core for its direct fixing to the ground or flooring, forming a supporting column for the firm support of the railing or enclosure. The use of these columns provides the enclosure with the means for resistance against the transverse stresses to which it may be subjected, as can occur in protective rails.
In an alternative embodiment, the fixing means between the vertical elements and the longitudinal elements comprise a T-shaped end which can transversely have a hollow passage for the internal arrangement of the elongated longitudinal element in a manner that is common for several vertical elements for forming a handrail. Thus, the longitudinal element is a solid or hollow elongated metal bar.
It has been provided that the system serves for both making conventional railings and for making railings of stairways, ramps and other architectural elements, such that the vertical elements are not arranged perpendicular in a fixed manner to the longitudinal element, but rather they acquire a variable angle of inclination for their adaptation to the installation site. To that end, the fixing means have an inclination articulation between the metal core of the vertical element and the longitudinal element. This articulation, mainly made in the fixing means, allows the rotation of the coupling of said fixing means with respect to the longitudinal element, maintaining the strength and safety of the attachment. Thus, the metal core of the vertical elements is still attached in a suitable and strong manner. Once the railing or enclosure made with the system is in place, aesthetic continuity is obtained, using the same constructive elements.
In an alternative embodiment, mainly intended for making railings and handrails, the longitudinal element longitudinally has a C-shaped groove and the fixing means are configured as a thickening with side slots for the fixing thereof by interference in said groove. Thus the coupling of the vertical element to the longitudinal element is simple, simply introducing the thickening in the groove and rotating it, such as in a bayonet coupling. The fixing of the vertical element at the other end, for example by means of screwing to the ground or flooring, prevents it from being able to be accidentally released. The side of the longitudinal element thus formed opposite the groove is completely smooth and continuous, suitable for forming steel or aluminum handrails, for example.
The system comprises the use of caps that can be coupled to an end of the longitudinal element like a closing adornment, whereby preventing seeing the hollow end laterally at the ends of rails, corners and other end areas.
The system also comprises planar or overhanging coupling means for coupling the vertical elements to the ground or flooring.
As has been mentioned, the system provides its use for securing rails and enclosures comprising intermediate panels between the vertical elements, such as glass panels or panels of other materials. Thus, the vertical element longitudinally comprises one or more side grooves for the coupling of intermediate panels. These grooves house the side edge of the panel inserted between two vertical elements, and the arrangement thereof allows the placement of coplanar consecutive panels. The panels can be secured at a certain height of the lower end of the vertical element by means of spacing elements arranged in said side groove, which can be completely covered by means of a cap if it is not used, for example at an end of a railing.
The system also comprises an elongated side support with a longitudinal groove for the fixing of one of the intermediate panels to a column or wall.
The system comprises attachment parts for attaching two consecutive longitudinal elements, which are useful for making corners, the parts being bent in this case, or straight as a splice of two consecutive and aligned longitudinal elements.

Description of the Drawings

To complement the description that is being made and for the purpose of aiding in understanding the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present specification in which the following has been depicted with an illustrative and non-limiting character:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the assembly of a fencing with vertical elements by way of assembled bars screwed between two longitudinal elements, in an embodiment of a bar with a spear accessory and another embodiment of a straight bar recto fixed with screws.
Figures 2a and 2b show two embodiments of the fixing means formed by a thread and by a threaded rod.
Figure 3 shows a longitudinally sectioned profile view of a side coupling on which a hollow longitudinal element is assembled.
Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the side coupling for coupling the longitudinal element to a wall or vertical face.
Figure 5 shows an elevational view of a rail of a stairway made with vertical elements with articulated fixing means.
Figure 6 shows a cross section of the assembly of a vertical element of the previous figure, the articulations being observed.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the attachment of two sections of railing attached by means of bent accessories.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the system in which the fixing means for fixing the vertical element to the longitudinal element is a thickening for the coupling by rotation inside a C-shaped groove in said longitudinal element.
Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the vertical element of the previous figure and the anchoring of panels and the side closure cap.
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the assembly of a rail portion made with the elements depicted in the previous figure.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

As can be observed in the mentioned figures, the system basically comprises a plurality of vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) secured to a longitudinal element (2a, 2b, 2c) at one of their ends, as is depicted in Figure 10, or to two longitudinal elements (2a, 2b, 2c), as depicted in Figures 1 and 4, said association being by means of fixing means allowing their completely modular assembly and sizing.
The vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) are made up of a strong and rigid metal core (11), in this case of iron, and on which an outer layer (12) of plastic material, more specifically a thermoplastic, is overinjected, providing the outer color, texture and shape finish, protecting the metal core (11) from external environmental agents and from corrosion.
In Figures 1, 2a and 2b, the metal core (11) comprises at its ends the fixing means indistinctly made up of a threaded rod (31) or a thread (32), that can be coupled through an opening (21) of the longitudinal element (2a) to an upper accessory (4). Said accessory (4) comprises a screw (33) embedded in an overinjected plastic body (41) defining its outer shape. Figure 1 also shows how it can comprise a simple screw (33) through the mentioned opening (21) of the longitudinal element (2a) as fixing means in the thread (32).
Figure 1 shows how the longitudinal element (2a) is also formed by a metal core (22) comprising an outer layer (23) of plastic coating for protection against the weather and wear, providing the color and texture finish.
In said Figure 1, it can be seen how some vertical elements (1a) have in one embodiment a decorative side accessory (5), this accessory being configured by a metal core (51) with rounded shapes and coated with an overinjected layer (52) of plastic. The side accessory (5) is fixed to the vertical element (1a) by conventional means, the bar-like decorative effect being obtained.
In a second embodiment depicted in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the fixing means at the ends of the vertical elements (1 b) are formed by a T-shaped end (34) transversely having a hollow passage (35) for the internal arrangement of the elongated longitudinal element (2b). Arranged on this longitudinal element (2b) are the ends (34) of several consecutive vertical elements (1b), configuring the outer surface, like a handrail, which protects the inner longitudinal element (2b), the longitudinal element (2b) being configured in this case by a simple metal pipe.
These ends (34) of the fixing means have an intermediate articulation (36) providing the capacity of inclining the longitudinal elements (2b) with respect to the vertical elements (1b), whereby being able to arrange the formed enclosure with an angle, following the inclination of a stairway, as depicted in Figures 5 and 6.
In a third embodiment depicted in Figures 8, 9 and 10 the longitudinal element (2c) longitudinally has a C-shaped groove (24) and the fixing means of the vertical elements are configured as a thickening (13) with side slots (13a) for their fixing by interference in said groove (24) when they are mutually rotated. Figure 9 depicts an exploded view of this vertical element (1c).
It has been provided that at the free ends of the longitudinal element (2c) used like a railing or handrail there are closure caps (25) and adornment.
In turn, Figure 7 shows how there is a bent coupling accessory (26) at the ends of said longitudinal elements (2b) between two concurrent longitudinal elements (2b) at an angle, forming a corner.
Figure 9 shows how two contiguous longitudinal elements (2c) are attached by a splice part (27) housed in the groove (24).
In this embodiment, the vertical element (1c) longitudinally comprises one or more side grooves (16) for the coupling of intermediate panels (6), in this case sheets of glass. Figure 10 shows how the opposite side grooves (16) allow the placement of consecutively arranged panels (6), and the grooves (16) that are not used are concealed with longitudinal caps (16a), as is depicted in Figure 9,
In the embodiment depicted in Figures 7 and 10, the lower end of some vertical elements (1b, 1c) prolongs into a platform (14) of the metal core (11) for their direct fixing to and support on the ground or flooring like a column.
These vertical elements (1b) fixed by the platform (14) allow the formation of support columns between which there are located other vertical elements (1b) having fixing means for fixing two parallel upper and lower longitudinal elements (2b) at both ends, as is depicted in Figure 7.
Figure 9 shows how the system also comprises coupling means, in this case for coupling the vertical elements (1c) by said platform (14) to the overhanging work, configured by a support (15).
Figure 3 depicts a side coupling (7) for coupling to a wall or column of an enclosure formed according to the system. The side coupling (7) comprises a plate (71) with fixing means (72), in this case openings for the placement of screws, and a front coupling projection (73) for coupling the longitudinal element (2a). This projection (73) can be hollow, as is depicted in Figure 1 and receive therein the end of the longitudinal element (2a), secured by means of screws. In an alternative depicted in Figure 3, the projection (73) is solid for its housing inside the end of the hollow longitudinal element (2a).
Figures 9 and 10 show the use of a side support (8) with a longitudinal groove (81) for the fixing of a panel (6) to a column or wall.
Having sufficiently described the nature of the invention as well as a preferred embodiment thereof, it is hereby stated for all suitable purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements described can be modified provided that this does not alter the essential features of the invention that are claimed below.

Claims

Modular assembly system for railings and enclosures, of the type comprising vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) for their vertical arrangement and attached at their ends to at least one longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 1c) for forming railings, gratings, gates and other enclosures in general, characterized in that the vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) are formed by a strong and rigid metal core (11) on which an outer layer (12) of plastic material which coats it is overinjected, said metal core (11) having at its ends fixing means for fixing it to the adjacent longitudinal element (2a, 2b, 2c).
System according to the previous claim, characterized in that the plastic material forming the layer (12) of coating is a thermoplastic material.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the fixing means for fixing the vertical elements (1a) comprise a rod (31) and/or thread (32) of the metal core (11) for the attachment to the longitudinal element (2a) by means of a screw (33) or accessory (4) coupled through an opening (21) of said longitudinal element (2a).
System according to claim 3, characterized in that the accessory (4) is made up of a metal core with a screw coupling (33) by a fixing rod and/or thread for fixing with an outer plastic body (41) configuring its shape.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the longitudinal element (2a) is formed by a strong and rigid metal core (22) on which an outer layer (23) of plastic material which coats it is overinjected.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) comprise decorative side accessories (5) made up of a metal core (51) with an overinjected layer (52) of plastic coating.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises side couplings (7) for coupling to a wall or column, made up of a plate (71) with fixing means (72) and a front coupling projection (73) for coupling the longitudinal element (2a, 2b, 2c).
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) comprise a platform (14) of the metal core (11) at one end for their direct fixing to the ground or flooring, forming a supporting column of the railing or enclosure.
System according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means of the vertical elements (1b) comprise a T-shaped end (34) transversely having a hollow passage (35) for the internal arrangement of the elongated longitudinal element (2b) in a manner that is common for several vertical elements (1b) for forming a handrail.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the fixing means have an inclination articulation (36) between the metal core (11) of the vertical element (1a, 1b, 1c) and the longitudinal element (2a, 2b, 2c).
System according to any of claims 1, 2, 4 to 8 and 10, characterized in that the longitudinal element (2c) longitudinally has a C-shaped groove (24) and the fixing means for fixing the vertical elements (1c) are configured as a thickening (13) with side slots (13a) for their fixing by interference in said groove (24) when they are mutually rotated.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a cap (25) that can be coupled to an end of the longitudinal element (2a, 2b, 2c) like a closing adornment.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises planar or overhanging coupling means for coupling the vertical elements (1a, 1b, 1c) to the ground or flooring.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the vertical element (1a, 1b, 1c) longitudinally comprises one or more side grooves (16) for the coupling of intermediate panels (6).
System according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises an elongated side support (8) with a longitudinal groove (81) for the fixing of an intermediate panel (6) to a column or wall.
System according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises splice parts (27) for the attachment of two consecutive longitudinal elements (2a, 2b, 2c).