EP2848166A1 - Cuff for decorating strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to a cuff for draping, gathering, joining and / or decorating tapes, scarves and / or webs, preferably made of fabric, comprising two separable and joinable profiles, each having a U-shaped cross-section and with one or more interlocking snap-in connections for locking in the assembled state of both profiles.

Description

The invention is directed to a cuff for draping, shirring, bonding and / or decorating ribbons, scarves and / or webs, preferably of fabric.

Draping hooks are known for draping cloth curtains or scarves, which have a helically wound structure in which the fabric to be draped can be threaded with circular movements.

In recent times, decor or decorating cloths, etc. are often used in the context of table or window decorations, etc. for decorating, which depending on the taste with straight or curved course, flat or ruffled, individually or to several behind or next to each other or Crossing each other, are used.

In order to stabilize such a decoration, for example against draft or accidental displacement, there is a desire to complain and / or interconnect such decorative tapes at one or more locations.

Drapery spirals without wall attachment could be used for this purpose, ie simple helical metal spirals in the manner of a helical spring; however, such metal objects are often found annoying. Also, the circular threading of already laid out tapes is often difficult, so that such a method is not practical.

Furthermore, there are still napkin rings or collars in the prior art, with which rolled-up napkins can be kept in shape. One Example of this can be found in the US 6,694,779 B1 , But such rings or cuffs are also not very suitable for the fixation of decorative ribbons, because if necessary, the elongated decorative ribbons laboriously starting threaded from one end and must be pulled through. If it subsequently emerges that, for example, a specially designed sleeve is missing in a central area of a decorative band, sleeves already threaded on the end need to be removed again in order to provide access for threading a middle sleeve.

Furthermore, from the state of the art still the US 2005/0286886 A1 known. There, an annular curtain holder is known, which consists of two parts, which are connected by a hinge and therefore can never be separated from each other. To insert a curtain, a closure can be opened and the two parts are pivoted apart around the joint joint, but remain connected to one another and thus hinder the insertion of the curtain. Furthermore, the two parts are not the same size, so that results in an asymmetric behavior. Furthermore, it is a ring instead of a profile; the longitudinal extent is therefore smaller than the diameter.

From the disadvantages of the prior art described results in the problem initiating the invention, a generic cuff in such a way that it is suitable for draping, shirring, bonding and / or decorating tapes, scarves and / or webs.

The solution to this problem is achieved by two completely separate, joinable body or profiles, each having a U-shaped cross section and having one or two or more interlocking detent connections for locking in the assembled state of both body or profiles.

Such an arrangement has the purpose of providing a cuff which can be separated into two parts for draping, gathering, gathering and / or decorating tapes, scarves and / or webs, each having no self-contained ring structure and therefore can be pushed laterally over the (the) decorative band (s) to be fixed; when these are then joined again, the ring-shaped structure closes around the decorative band (s) and holds it tight. By being completely separated from each other, and thus not joined together by any hinge or hinge, the two parts can be completely pulled apart without sticking together, thus facilitating the insertion of one or more tapes.

Opposite the US 2005/0286886 A1 The two parts are completely separated from each other and can therefore be removed from each other without hanging over a hinge or hinge. To insert a tape two locking connections are opened and the two parts are apart.

Furthermore, the two parts preferably extend over equally large circumferential angles, relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembled profile or part, so that a symmetrical behavior results. In this case, the two parts preferably overlap each other. If two or more locking points are provided, the extensions of the overlapping areas measured in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of the assembled profile or part are preferably the same size. By mating two U-shaped items this equality of the overlapping areas is ensured by the fact that the legs of the U-shaped parts are the same length. It may also be sufficient, if the sum of the leg lengths of each mating two profiles or parts is just as large as the sum of the Schenklellängen the other two, also together mating profiles or parts. Moreover, the invention is preferably a profile and not a ring; the longitudinal extent in the direction of the profile longitudinal axis is greater than the largest diameter.

Furthermore, the parts according to the invention should each have two flat or straight legs, which are preferably parallel to each other and thus favor the overlapping mating. Each part or Profl then has a not only U-shaped cross section, but also each right angle between a leg and the web connecting the two legs. Two such parts or profiles, each with two rectangular edges then joined together form a hollow profile-shaped body with a rectangular or approximately rectangular cross-section.

It is also important to ensure that an overlapping area exists at each contact point between the two separate individual parts, ie, the legs of the two individual parts which come into contact there do not meet in mutual alignment with one another, but run past one another, in particular with an unchanged cross section the non-overlapping sections. In the area of the mutually facing surface regions of the overlapping limbs, there is then a variety of possibilities for creating interlocking structures by means of undercuts or the like.

Preferably, the interlocking structures have the same length as the legs in question, so that therefore a purely profile-like structure with completely uniform cross-sections between two end faces, apart from applied applications or drilled recesses.

Another special feature of the invention is that two diametrically opposite overlapping areas are provided. Thus be the two parts are connected to each other in the region of their two legs.

In the case of two overlapping areas, the invention provides that the two legs of one part are inserted between the two legs of the other part. So it is not a leg of a part outside and the other inside, but either are both legs of a part inside or both legs of the part are outside.

The legs of both parts can have completely identical distances in force-free condition. Then the laterally inner legs of a part must bend inward when mating, the later outer leg of the other part must, however, bend outward. Already this results in an elastic deformation, which would be able to cause a frictional connection or stabilize a Formshcluss by interlocking latching elements.

It has proved favorable that one or both profiles (e) have two limbs approximately parallel to one another which are connected to one another by a central web. Preferably, the legs of a profile parallel to each other in the state completely detached from the other profile, while in mated condition of both profiles at least the legs of a profile can deform, so that they strive for example, like the oblique sides of a trapezium to each other or diverge away. Such a structural change can occur as a result of the latching mechanism and is thereby possible because the material for the profiles according to the invention should at least to a limited extent be reversibly deformable, in particular elastically deformable.

It is within the scope of the invention that one or both legs of a profile have a planar, in particular a rectangular or square shape. In the finished state is in each case a leg of a profile below and is then part of the bottom of the sleeve according to the invention, the other is above and is part of the top of the sleeve. A flat underside has the advantage that the sleeve according to the invention rests flat on a table or the like and rests frictionally so that it can not roll away; the flat top, on the other hand, can serve as a carrier for the application of an ornament. Embellishments can be applied in different ways on the top, for example by gluing, clamping or clipping. To decorate stones, especially rhinestones, but also all other decorative elements such as enamel art objects, flowers or flowers (-imitationen), etc.

One or both legs of a profile should have a flat geometry with a thickness of 5 mm or less, for example with a thickness of 2 mm or less, preferably with a thickness of 1 mm or less, in particular with a thickness of 0.5 mm or fewer. On the one hand, a small thickness increases the flexibility or elasticity of the legs and, on the other hand, results in a particularly filigree and thus aesthetic appearance, whereby a cuff according to the invention hardly appears even in the ideal case and, instead, allows any intended applications to act.

Preferably, the central web also has a flat geometry and preferably the same thickness as one or both legs of the respective profile. This opens up the possibility of producing a profile according to the invention from a single flat body, in particular by bending. For example, one might think of using resilient stainless steel for this, which may have a chrome-like glossy or brushed or matte surface finish.

The length of the two legs of a profile or both profiles should be the same. Such a design helps that when mating the profiles whose legs can overlap each other far as possible. This on the one hand increases the mechanical stability of the composite sleeve; On the other hand, there is a sufficient space available for the locking mechanism where it can be arranged, and finally all legs have about the same elasticity and suspension properties.

A latching mechanism can be accomplished in a simple way that a profile on one or preferably two legs each having at least one elevation, in particular bulge. This can engage on or behind a counterpart on the other profile and thereby stabilize the annular closed structure of the finished cuff. Such a survey may have both an elongated shape, for example in the form of a raised bead, or a rather short geometry, for example round, in particular circular, or angular, for example square. While the former are suitable for connecting with a similar counterpart on the respective other profile, the last-described, more point-like geometry could, for example, engage or snap into a corresponding recess or recess or opening in the other profile. This could even be a fixation or locking in the respective longitudinal direction of the profile. A survey can either be massive, as it results, for example, by injection molding, or hollow, for example, by a deformation, in particular bending, have arisen.

It is within the scope of the invention that the cross section of a bulge has a raised central portion, which tapers at least to an edge region of the respective bulge out, preferably continuously tapers, in particular gently tapers. By such a gradual transition from the surrounding region of the flat leg into the raised bulge, the collapse of the two profiles is facilitated, wherein the abutting legs or projections provide for a possibly temporary deformation of the legs, so that the same Do not oppose the joining, but can be easily pushed together.

The invention preferably has an embodiment in that the cross section of a bulge follows an arcuate course with a convexly curved outside. This is a simple geometric shape that meets all requirements.

The invention can be further developed such that the arcuate cross-sectional profile has an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 90 ° or more, for example, an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 120 ° or more, preferably an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 150 ° or more, in particular an arc length according to a bow angle of 180 °. On the other hand, the arcuate cross-sectional shape should have an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 270 ° or less, for example, an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 240 ° or less, preferably an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 210 ° or less, more preferably an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 180 ° , The ideal cross-sectional shape of a bulge or other survey is thus about a semicircle. This allows start-up while pushing together, has a pronounced locking function, but can also be easily released if necessary. In contrast, an arcuate cross-sectional profile along an arc angle of significantly less than 180 ° have a reduced locking effect result, and in a cross-sectional profile along an arc angle of significantly more than 180 °, it can come to a hook-shaped mesh and thus to a nearly permanent connection.

The latching is preferably due to the fact that an outwardly raised bulge on one leg of a profile with an inwardly raised bulge on one leg of the other profile interacts. These two elevations or bulges can then engage one behind the other and, thanks to an elasticity of the legs, come into positive engagement with one another, which keeps the sleeve according to the invention in shape, as long as only moderate forces act, which are too small to spring apart the two springed legs. For locking it is then only erfoderderlich that the two profiles are inserted so far into each other until at least two mutually corresponding bulges on the profiles in or behind each other.

The latching action is maximum, if not only on each leg of a profile a survey is available, but in each case two inwardly directed bulges are provided on both legs of a profile, respectively outwardly directed bulges on the two legs of the other profile. In this case, both profile legs must deflect in order to release the catch, resulting in a maximum holding force.

The invention recommends that the distance between a bulge on a leg of a profile and its central web together with the distance between the bulge on the corresponding leg of the other profile and the free end of the respective leg corresponds approximately to the length of a leg. In this case, the latching only occurs when both profiles mesh maximally, that is, when the free ends of the legs of the inner profile abut against the middle web of the other, outer profile.

If one or both of the profiles is transparent, the optical impression produced by the band (s) being looped is not disturbed. In the ideal case, the cuff according to the invention is at least not perceived at all at first glance, but nevertheless fulfills its function of fixing or ruffling a decorative band or the connection of several decorative bands to one another.

Finally, it is the teaching of the invention that one or both profiles made of plastic (-en). This is an alternative to elaborate stainless steel brackets, at the same time a desired transparency can be achieved by a suitable choice of material, for example by using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, colloquially referred to as Plexiglas).

Fig. 1

zwei Profile einer erfindungsgemäßen Manschette zum zum Drapieren, Raffen, Verbinden und/oder Dekorieren von Bändern, Schals und/oder Bahnen, in voneinander gelöstem Zustand sowie in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Fig. 2

die aus den Profilen nach Fig. 1 zusammengesetzte Manschette in einem Schnitt quer zur Längsrichtung der Profile.

Further features, details, advantages and effects on the basis of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the drawing. Hereby shows:

Fig. 1

two profiles of a cuff according to the invention for draping, shirring, connecting and / or decorating tapes, scarves and / or webs, in a detached state and in a perspective view;

Fig. 2

from the profiles Fig. 1 composite cuff in a section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the profiles.

It can be seen from the drawing that a cuff 1 according to the invention for draping, shirring, decorating and / or joining of tapes, scarves and / or webs, preferably of fabric, consists of two parts, in particular of two profiles 2, 3 a similar geometry, but also differ in essential characteristics.

Common to both profiles 2, 3 is a basic structure with a constant cross section in the form of a U, ie with two legs 4, 5; 6, 7 and in each case one of these interconnecting middle web 8; 9. Preferably, the legs 4, 5; 6, 7 and the respective central web 8; 9 integral with each other. This can for example be effected by the U-shaped body of a profile 2, 3 of a one-piece Blank by bending the same incurred, but also, for example, by a common injection molding process.

Differences between the two profiles 2, 3 relate to the respective elements of a snap-in connection. In the example shown, these are each two bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13. Although these can be configured similarly on both profiles 2, 3, however, they differ in their mutual position. For example, the bead-like elevations 10, 11 of a profile 2 at the respective, opposite outer sides 14 of the local leg 4, 5, while the bead-like elevations 12, 13 at the other profile 3 on the facing inner sides 15 of the local leg 6, 7 sit.

As Fig. 2 shows, by this measure, the two profiles 2, 3 inserted into each other so that in each case two bead-like elevations 10, 12 different profiles 2, 3 slide over one another and then spring back in succession to effect the locking.

Preferably, the legs 4, 5; 6, 7 and central webs 8; 9 both U-shaped body of the profiles 2, 3 each have a constant and same dimension in the longitudinal direction of the respective profile 2, 3, so that they result in nesting an annular body of constant length.

Furthermore, the central webs 8; 9 of the two profiles 2, 3 preferably also formed as a flat flat body, so that the edges 16, 17; 18, 19 between Mittelsteg 8; 9 and legs 4, 5; 6, 7 are straight lines.

If - as can be seen further in the drawing - the middle webs 8; 9 not only have constant longitudinal extent, but also have a constant width, so for example, a rectangular basic shape, so the two legs 4, 5 extend; 6, 7 of a profile 2, 3 run the edge lines 16, 17; 18, 19 of a profile 2, 3 each approximately parallel to each other.

If - as the invention also provides - the bending angle at the edges 16, 17; 18, 19 are each 90 °, and the two legs 4, 5; 6, 7 of a profile 2, 3 are also flat flat body, so also extend their levels of external forces free state also in each case parallel to each other, such as Fig. 1 lets recognize. Out Fig. 2 - Which shows the composite of the individual parts or profiles 2, 3 cuff - is, however, seen that in the finished composite cuff 1 is no longer all legs 4, 5; 6, 7 run parallel to each other. This discrepancy is due to the operation of the latching mechanism or the bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13.

Preferably, all legs 4, 5; 6, 7 not only equal longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the relevant profile 2, 3, but also also constant and equal widths; Accordingly, they are each quadrangular and are preferably each bounded by four straight stretched border lines, so preferably form a rectangle or square.

Each profile 2, 3 has at least one bead-like elevation 10, 11; 12, 13, preferably in each case two, as from Fig. 1 can be seen. These extend in each case in the longitudinal direction of the relevant profile 2, 3. In this case, this longitudinal direction is defined by the fact that in this same longitudinal direction, the profile cross-sections perpendicularly penetrated therein do not change.

According to the drawing, the bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 each have an approximately semicircular cross section with a flat back and a curved front.

The flat rear side of a bead-like elevation 10, 11; 12, 13 can directly with the respective outer or inner side 14, 15 of the respective leg 4, 5; 6, 7 be integrated, so for example. In the context of an injection molding process or during an extrusion step together with that of the first liquid phase solidifies. On the other hand, the flat back of a bead-like elevation 10, 11; 12, 13 also with the respective outer or inner side 14, 15 of the respective leg 4, 5; 6, 7 be connected, so for example glued.

Preferably, the two bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 of a profile 2, 3 mirror images of each other, with respect to a mirror or plane of symmetry approximately centrally between the two legs 4, 5; 6, 7. Accordingly, each of the two profile bodies 2, 3 in total, i. including the respective bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 a mirror-symmetric geometry with constant cross-section. The profile body 2, 3 are therefore particularly suitable for production by extrusion, wherein an initially endless strand extruded from the flow material and then cut into equal pieces 2, 3. Since the bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 but at each of the profile body 2, 3 are at a different location, two different profiles must be extruded for this purpose.

Preferably, all elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 about equal (bulge) radii. In the case of a semicircular cross section of the bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13, the curvature radius is in each case constant and equal to the radius r of the respective bead, ie equal to half the width of the same at its widest point.

oder, falls die wulstartigen Erhebungen 10, 11; 12, 13 andere Geometrien aufweisen, ist anstelle de Radius r die Höhe h einer wulstartigen Erhebung 10, 11; 12, 13 anzusetzen: $$\mathrm{h}\le \mathrm{½}*\left(\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{d}\right)\mathrm{.}$$

Such a (curvature) radius r of a bead-like elevation 10, 11; 12, 13 should each be greater than the thickness d of a leg 4, 5; 6, 7, but smaller than half the width b of the respective central web 8; 9 less half the thickness d of a leg 4, 5; 6, 7, so that between two mutually facing bead-like elevations 12, 13 still remains a gap, which makes the mating possible in the first place: $$\mathrm{r}\le \mathrm{½}*\left(\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{d}\right).$$

or, if the bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 have other geometries, instead of the radius r, the height h of a bead-like elevation 10, 11; 12, 13 to set: $$\mathrm{H}\le \mathrm{½}*\left(\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{d}\right)\mathrm{,}$$

In this case, the two profiles 2, 3, if necessary, be pushed into each other in the longitudinal direction.

bzw. bei wulstartigen Erhebungen 10, 11; 12, 13 mit halbkreisförmigem Querschnitt, wobei h = r gilt: $$\mathrm{r}\le \mathrm{¼}*\left(\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{d}\right)\mathrm{.}$$

If one wants to push the two profiles 2, 3 also in a direction transverse to their longitudinal direction, the two elevations 11, 12 must be able to pass between the two other elevations 13, 14. This is possible if the height h measured perpendicular to the limb plane in question is a bead-like elevation 10, 11; 12, 13 is equal to or less than ¼ of the width b of the respective central web 8; 9 minus ¼ of the thickness d of a leg 4, 5; 6, 7: $$\mathrm{H}\le \mathrm{¼}*\left(\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{d}\right).$$

or at bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 with a semicircular cross section, where h = r: $$\mathrm{r}\le \mathrm{¼}*\left(\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{d}\right)\mathrm{,}$$

It is crucial in addition to the geometry and size of the bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 but above all their position on the respective leg 4, 5; 6, 7. As already stated above, in each case two bead-like elevations 10, 11; 12, 13 of a profile 2, 3 mirror images of each other, based on a centrally between the respective legs 4, 5; 6, 7 lying mirror or symmetry plane. They also extend over the entire length of the respective profile 2, 3. However can their distances a ₁ , a ₂ to the respective central web 8; 9 be different: a ₁ ≠ a ₂ .

Rather, it is decisive that the sum of the two distances a ₁ , a ₂ to the respective central webs 8; 9 is smaller than the entire width B of the cuff 1 measured in its mating direction: $${\mathrm{a}}_{\mathrm{1}}+{\mathrm{a}}_{\mathrm{2}}<\mathrm{B}\mathrm{,}$$

This means that - as in the present case in the profile body 2 - a pair of beaded elevations 10, 11 is far away from the respective central web 8, the other pair of beaded elevations 12, 13 must be brought close to the local middle web 9, here so in the profile body 3.

In the present example, both profiled bodies 2, 3 consist of a transparent plastic, such as PMMA, so that the finished sleeve 1 is also transparent and allows one or more bands to be grasped, that is, as little as possible optically. Nonetheless, the planar top 20 of the cuff 1 may be decorated with a variety of applications, such as rhinestones, ornaments, art objects, etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

cuff

2

profile

3

profile

4

leg

5

leg

6

leg

7

leg

8th

center web

9

center web

10

survey

11

survey

12

survey

13

survey

14

outside

15

inside

16

edge

17

edge

18

edge

19

edge

20

top

Claims (11)

Cuff (1) for draping, gathering, connecting and / or decorating tapes, scarves and / or webs, preferably of fabric, characterized by two completely separate body or profiles (2,3), each having a U-shaped cross-section, which with Their open jacket areas are plugged together and in this position with one or two or more interlocking locking connections for engagement in the assembled state of both body or profiles (2,3) are connected to one another. Cuff (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one or both profiles (2, 3) have two legs (4, 5, 6, 7) which are parallel to one another and are provided on one side by a central web (8, 9 ), wherein preferably one or both legs (4, 5, 6, 7) of a profile (2, 3) have a rectangular or square shape, and / or wherein the length of the two legs (4, 5; 7) of a profile (2,3) or both profiles (2,3) is the same. Collar (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that one or both legs (4, 5, 6, 7) of a profile (2, 3) have a flat geometry with a thickness of 5 mm or less, for example with a thickness of 2 mm or less, preferably with a thickness of 1 mm or less, in particular with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less. A cuff (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the central web (8; 9) also has a flat geometry and preferably has the same thickness as one or both legs (4,5; 6,7) of the respective profile (2,3). A cuff (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a profile (2,3) on one or preferably two limbs (4,5; 6,7) in each case at least one elevation (10,11; 12,13 ) or bulge. A cuff (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cross-section of an elevation (10, 11; 12, 13) or bulge has a raised center section which extends at least to one edge region of the elevation (10, 11; 12, 13) or bulge tapers, preferably continuously tapered, especially gently rejuvenated. Cuff (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the cross section of a protrusion (10,11; 12,13) or bulge follows an arcuate course, for example with a convexly curved outside, wherein preferably the arcuate cross-sectional profile of an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 90 ° or more, for example, an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 120 ° or more, preferably an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 150 ° or more, in particular an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 180 °, and / or preferably arcuate cross-sectional shape having an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 270 ° or less, for example, an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 240 ° or less, preferably an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 210 ° or less, in particular an arc length corresponding to an arc angle of 180 °. A cuff (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that an outwardly directed elevation (10, 11; 12, 13) or convexity on a leg (4, 5, 6, 7) of a Profile (2,3) with an inwardly directed elevation (10,11; 12,13) or bulge on one leg (4,5; 6,7) of the other profile (2,3) cooperates, preferably at snapping the two profiles (2,3) are plugged into each other so far that at least two mutually corresponding elevations (10,11; 12,13) or bulges on the profiles (2,3) engage in or behind each other. Cuff (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that on both legs (4, 5, 6, 7) of a profile (2, 3) in each case inwardly directed elevations (10, 11, 12, 13) or Bumps are provided, on the two legs (4, 5, 6, 7) of the other profile (2, 3) respectively outwardly directed elevations (10, 11, 12, 13) or bulges. A cuff (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the sum of the distance between a protrusion (10,11; 12,13) or bulge on a leg (4,5; 6,7) of a profile ( 2,3) and the center web (8; 9) on the one hand and the distance between the elevation (10,11; 12,13) or bulge on the corresponding limb (4,5; 6,7) of the other profile (2,3 On the other hand, its center bar (8; 9) is smaller than the width (B) of the cuff (1). Cuff (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a profile (2,3) or both is transparent (are) and / or that one or both profiles (2,3) consists of plastic (-en).

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